Creative Technology and Robotics BSc (Hons)

The first year of the course has a shared curriculum with BSc (Hons) Creative Computing. This first unit focuses on developing a solid base of technical and creative skills that will serve as a springboard for your learning across the rest of the course. You will explore computing foundations and the fundamentals of coding in the context of the creative web. Starting with the computational thinking that underpins algorithmic structures, your coding skills will develop through a series of practical projects that simulate industry briefs. You will learn about programming styles, data structures and algorithms, as well as industry best practices. Learning by responding to a series of creative challenges, your technical knowledge will develop alongside your creative approach.

40 credits

In this unit, you will explore and experiment with a range of creative computing and technology applications to further develop your programming skills, as well as introducing you to a greater range of creative possibilities. You will learn about programming principles and mathematics applicable to 2D solutions, exploring how to resolve problems common to 2D environments. From 2D, you will progress to working with 3D, on the way expanding your knowledge of relevant principles and processes. You will explore XR programming, such as AR and VR, be introduced to the fundamentals of machine learning as well as exploring physical computing. You will also engage with a range of contemporary topics such as AI ethics, sustainability for the tech sector and toxic digital culture.

80 credits

The first week of each academic year is called Wayfinding week. It’s an opportunity get your bearings, establish new connections and, after your first year at Norwich, re-establish old ones. Your course team will talk you through the year ahead and explain the expectations for the year. We’ll help you navigate new encounters and identify areas to focus on as you progress through your course.

An important element of Wayfinding Week is taking part in our annual ‘Make it Manifest(o)’ project. Your course team will introduce the project in which we’ll ask you to consider your hopes and vision of the year ahead at Norwich and work with students in other year groups to bring your ideas to life. The project culminates in a celebratory display of work across the campus. The project will help you to develop your critical creativity through different approaches, concepts, and mediums. You’ll encounter diverse perspectives and build friendships and networks within our university community.

Interchange weeks are opportunities to step away from your disciplinary studies and engage in projects, workshops, visits and talks that extend your knowledge and understanding of the world. Whether you learn a new skill or take part in a global challenge project with students from other courses, you will come away with new insights to take back to your course. Interchange is part of the schedule for all Norwich students with sessions held across and beyond the campus led by university staff, visiting lecturers and students.

As you progress to Year 2, you will consolidate and apply the core technical knowledge developed in the previous year as you encounter subjects more specific to creative technology and robotics. You will be introduced to the theory and practice of creative mechanics, for example investigating the translation of linear and circular motion as well as exploring common fabrication techniques using equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters. You will learn how to solder professionally, develop your knowledge of circuit design as well as gain familiarity with powerful small computers and microcontrollers, exploring how they can be used to create embedded applications, e.g. suited to the Internet of Things. You will also explore the construction and programming of robots in order to perform creative tasks such as solving mazes and making music.

80 credits

This unit focusses on how collaborative work can help you channel and enhance your creative thinking, exposing you to new processes and approaches. Students work in multidisciplinary groups, typically responding to an industry brief, and produce significant outcomes suited to inclusion in an employer-facing portfolio. You’ll be introduced to a range of theoretical and practical approaches to managing collaboration, both in lectures and workshops, developing a practical command of suitable tools and platforms as well as applying this knowledge to evaluate your group’s performance. Your understanding of related industries will develop, and you will work on a professional career development plan to help you on your journey towards future employment and business ventures.

40 credits

The first week of each academic year is called Wayfinding week. It’s an opportunity get your bearings, establish new connections and, after your first year at Norwich, re-establish old ones. Your course team will talk you through the year ahead and explain the expectations for the year. We’ll help you navigate new encounters and identify areas to focus on as you progress through your course.

An important element of Wayfinding Week is taking part in our annual ‘Make it Manifest(o)’ project. Your course team will introduce the project in which we’ll ask you to consider your hopes and vision of the year ahead at Norwich and work with students in other year groups to bring your ideas to life. The project culminates in a celebratory display of work across the campus. The project will help you to develop your critical creativity through different approaches, concepts, and mediums. You’ll encounter diverse perspectives and build friendships and networks within our university community.

Interchange weeks are opportunities to step away from your disciplinary studies and engage in projects, workshops, visits and talks that extend your knowledge and understanding of the world. Whether you learn a new skill or take part in a global challenge project with students from other courses, you will come away with new insights to take back to your course. Interchange is part of the schedule for all Norwich students with sessions held across and beyond the campus led by university staff, visiting lecturers and students.

This is the first and shorter of the two units that make up your final year of undergraduate study. The primary focus of this unit is the research report, a deep investigation into an area of interest to you and of relevance to the subject of creative technology and robotics. Through a structured research process, you will develop and document cutting edge knowledge that will provide you with a greater contextual understanding of your subject as well as inform future practical projects. You will also be introduced to a series of more advanced theoretical and practical topics such as AI and robotics, for example by prototyping a driverless car, and emerging technologies, for example exploring how haptic gloves can be combined with gestural interaction to provide physical feedback.

40 credits

Your final unit allows you to research, conceptualise and create a self-determined final-year project(s), building on the skills and knowledge you have gathered throughout the programme. You’ll explore your technical, mechanical and creative skill set, how to manage workflows, work to a brief, and success metrics. You’ll be able to participate in competitions, attend conferences, and meet visiting professionals. You’ll have the opportunity to display your final year work as part of our degree show, Grad Fest, showcasing your projects to a network of industry professionals and prospective employers. Additionally, you will be supported in developing a career pack consisting of elements such as a CV and portfolio website, all critical to helping you move forward at the end of your course.

80 credits

The first week of each academic year is called Wayfinding week. It’s an opportunity get your bearings, establish new connections and, after your first year at Norwich, re-establish old ones. Your course team will talk you through the year ahead and explain the expectations for the year. We’ll help you navigate new encounters and identify areas to focus on as you progress through your course.

An important element of Wayfinding Week is taking part in our annual ‘Make it Manifest(o)’ project. Your course team will introduce the project in which we’ll ask you to consider your hopes and vision of the year ahead at Norwich and work with students in other year groups to bring your ideas to life. The project culminates in a celebratory display of work across the campus. The project will help you to develop your critical creativity through different approaches, concepts, and mediums. You’ll encounter diverse perspectives and build friendships and networks within our university community.

Interchange weeks are opportunities to step away from your disciplinary studies and engage in projects, workshops, visits and talks that extend your knowledge and understanding of the world. Whether you learn a new skill or take part in a global challenge project with students from other courses, you will come away with new insights to take back to your course. Interchange is part of the schedule for all Norwich students with sessions held across and beyond the campus led by university staff, visiting lecturers and students.