The M-DAT programme is modular, therefore available in part-time and full-time modes, allowing students to share ideas through interactions across phases and modules.
Part-time students take phase one in the first year and phase two in the second, working on the project over two summers. Full-time students take phases 1 and 2 simultaneously and work on the project over the summer (making the course 12 months from October to October).
Modules:
- IDAT502 - Invisible Architecture + IDAT511 - Generative Media
- IDAT514 - Synthesis
- IDAT510 - MRes Project (Production & Dissertation)
Structure:
Phase 1 modules lay the foundations for the themes encountered in the programme as a whole and equip students with critical and practical skills and strategies for producing innovative work. Modules in Phase 2 provide students with the opportunity to extend their knowledge, understanding and production skills in order that they may better explore transformative aspects of digital media.
Part-time mode normally allows a student to take 60 credits in the first year (Phase 1), 120 credits across the summer and second year (Phase 2). If a student is taking the full-time mode, Phases 1 and Phase 2 run concurrently. The MRes Project is worth 120 credits.
More details on modules:
IDAT502 - Invisible Architecture (Credits 20, Coursework 100%) - Using a variety of development tools, diverse models of space are investigated in order to generate work that explores new digital architectures. Issues surrounding virtual’, ‘networked’ and ‘augmented’ environments are placed within a critical context.
IDAT511 - Generative Media (Credits 10, Coursework 100%) - Explores the generative properties of digital media and opportunities for their application within the wider contexts of artificial intelligence, artificial life, neural networks, autonomous systems, multimedia products and systems.
IDAT514 - Synthesis (Credits 30, Coursework 100%) - Continues the principle of critical practice, the module forms part of the research and development stage for the final project, in preparation for the choice of the arts or science route.Project: MRes in Digital Art & Technology
IDAT510 Project (Credits 120, Coursework 100%) - Negotiated through close liaison with two allocated supervisors and developed from a student’s particular concerns towards the MRes award, the project combines an ambitious creative and experimental production alongside a dissertation/report.
At the Project stage, students can choose different proportions of practical and written work:
25% written report or dissertation with 75% production project
50% written report or dissertation with 50% production project
75% written report or dissertation with 25% production project
These proportions are in recognition that production work as well as written forms can constitute research activity. The MRes in particular recognises the likelihood of students wishing to engage in practice-based research at a higher level (MPhil/PhD).