Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architectural Design Technology

at Wrexham Glyndwr University - Wrexham Campus United Kingdom

This course offers a practical programme of study, enabling you to bring characters to life. This specialised Animation programme will transform you into a versatile creative in the art of the moving image. Designed and developed from the ground up with employability as the core aim, you will develop skills in 2D, 3D and stop motion animation.

You will finish your studies with the professional skills and creative thinking strategies to pursue a career within animation studios, work as a freelance artist, or start your own studio.

Students will

• Learn the principles of visual communication and drawing and apply them to character design, background design, storyboarding and scene layout.
• Explore the principles of animation with a focus on 2D digital techniques.
• Work in teams on a short film to be submitted to film festivals, both nationally and internationally.
• Practice character animation using 3D techniques to build up a professional show reel.
• Specialise and develop a final degree project that will push on the boundaries of your skills to ensure you stand out from the crowd in the job market.

You can also choose to study this course as a three year degree (without the foundation year) BA (Hons) Animation or as a four-year integrated masters option MDes Animation

Key course features

• Official partnership with http://TechUpandGo.com. With direct links to live 3D Animation projects.
• Latest industry standard software used such as Autodesk Maya, Toon Boom Harmony, Dragon Frame and the Creative Cloud suite.
• Access to Wacom Cintiq tablets and a purpose built stop motion studio.
• Industry-focused visits to gain first hand insight into how creative media companies function and the variety of employment opportunities that are available in the development of your career aspirations. There are also other study trips to festivals and expos.
• Opportunities to enter competitions.
• There is strong pastoral care within a friendly creative community with an emphasis on team building and collaborative work. Contact hours with tutors is high with enthusiastic and supportive sta? who are knowledgeable, research-active practitioners.

Join a UK leading course designed to develop strong technical game design, business and production skills so you can be a future industry leader.

The team work closely with organisations such as UK Games Fund, Games Wales, BAFTA Cymru and the British Computing Society to ensure that our students always have access to cutting-edge industry related training and knowledge.

We are home to the innovative Games Talent Wales programme and a UK regional Tranzfuser hub that is sponsored and supported by the UK Games Fund and UK Games Talent. Our business incubation centre is home to several award-winning student owned game studios.

Students on this course will

• Develop essential game design and business start-up and management skills
• Learn about the workings of the games industry and the tools and platforms that are critical to success
• Gain valuable experience and insight into the game development process and the management of an independent game studio
• Enjoys the benefits of close industry engagement with regular visits, guest speakers, presentations, discussion groups and social events
• Work with a personal mentor with games development experience to help develop your skills and knowledge
• Have access to our in-house business incubation centre and the latest tools and technology in a specialist game development studio
• Develop a professional game development portfolio and critical employability skills

Key Course Features

• Regular contact with games and media industry professionals through guest lectures, seminars and local & national events
• You will be taught by an award-winning teaching team with professional industry backgrounds and experience
• Engage with an active indie game development community and national talent development programme
• Learn how to manage a professional game development team using industry standard methodologies and practice
• The course is an official BAFTA Cymru Games Awards partner and sponsor
• Access to our in-house games business incubation centre
• Work with the latest tools and technology in two specialist game development studios dedicated to designing, production, motion capture and VR
• The optional Industrial Placement Year gives students the opportunity to experience the workplace first-hand and gain valuable employment experience for the future.

This course is also available to study with a foundation year BSc (Hons) Computer Game Design and Enterprise (four years including foundation year) 

This popular degree is ideal for those interested in working with children and young people in informal and formal education settings. You'll learn the statutory requirements of curricula for primary education in both England and Wales, explore learning dispositions, and discover how to support pupils both academically and pastorally.

The course:

• Has a long history of providing a well-respected, successful and alternative pathway into mainstream primary teaching via a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE – Primary Education) or Post-compulsory qualification (PcET – Adult and Further Education ).
• Keeps options open for a range of other career opportunities that involve work with children and young people.
• Is predominantly geared towards working with children between the ages of 3-13 years of age.
• Combines academic study and work experience.
• Draws upon theoretical perspectives from a wide range of disciplines including education, sociology, psychology, philosophy, health and social welfare/justice.
• Considers educational policies, processes and perspectives relating to the statutory requirements of early years’ curricula and Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum in both England and Wales.
• Covers factors that impact the wellbeing and learning dispositions of children and young people.

Key Course Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for university-level study.
• Study contemporary topics which are directly related to the education of children.
• Experience extended placements within the children’s workforce.
• Engage in research whilst out on placement, guided by experienced practitioners.
• Use your current relevant employment as your placement or seek exciting new experiences.
• Receive support from an experienced staff team and academic tutorial system.

Studying Social and Cultural History at Wrexham Glyndwr University will introduce you to themes such as family, fashion, crime, art, politics and propaganda – from the Roman era through to the modern age. 

Alongside regular class-based teaching, there are also visits to country houses, historical archives, and sites of historical importance.  These provide a strong practical element to the degree and encourage engagement with a wide range of sources and experiences. We also offer a work placement module in a historical setting of your choice. 

Our degree is designed to be diverse and enjoyable, with a focus on the investigative and analytical elements of historical study.  This focus opens up a wide range of careers.  Our students have gone on to work as teachers, writers, researchers, financial analysts and members of the legal profession. 

*Our history subject area has been rated first in Wales and in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction, Complete University Guide 2021. 

The Foundation Year in Humanities will introduce students to a diverse range of themes and activities from the disciplines of History, English Literature, Creative Writing, Theatre and Media.

Key Course Features

• Wide-ranging degree – from Ancient Rome to Modern Britain - connected by important social and cultural themes
• Work experience opportunities - Placements are available in archives, libraries and heritage centres
• A blend of theory and practice -  Visits to aristocratic homes and other sites compliment class-based learning
• Develop your research, analysis, interpretation, communication and presentation skills
• Analyse primary documents from the past
• Study local, national and international history
• *Our history subject area has been rated first in Wales and in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction, Complete University Guide 2021. 

Cyber security plays an increasingly important role in our world of ever-evolving technology. This course will help you deepen your understanding of network security, penetration testing and computer forensics, whilst also adopting a systematic approach to information security management-from the varied perspectives to the technical elements.

You will explore several specialist technical disciplines. These will focus on areas such as developing secure software platforms and protecting against complex attack processes used to breach system security and create deficits in normal functionality.

To enhance your learning, the programme integrates professional skills which relate to audit, management and risk. These will address both cyber security and data protection regulations within institutions and organisations.

Topics you will cover include cryptography, ethical hacking and penetration testing, information security management, information risk management, software security and implementing secure systems.

Key Course Features

• This course offers you the opportunity to study Cyber Security in-depth.
• Lectures, tutorials and practical sessions are enhanced with additional, resource-rich online materials to support your independent learning.
• You will explore information assurance methodologies and testing operational security management, incident management, audit, assurance and review, business continuity management, and more.
• Our staff undertake leading research into several areas of Cyber Security which will give you the latest insight as you develop your own specialism.
• The research activities you undertake will be associated with the University’s thriving and, often collaborative, research centre.

Photography and Film is an innovative multi-genre programme that combines practice, theory and professionalism, encouraging you to acquire unique approaches to these disciplines. It has been developed for students with a passion for independent photography, film and cinema – poetic, narrative, conceptual and documentary - with an emphasis on digital and analogue imagery.

Whether you prefer to work with the still or moving image, you can creatively and conceptually explore film and photography on our inspiring, challenging and rewarding degree. You’ll discover a range of skills such as how the lens can be used creatively as a tool for storytelling and non-linear poetics, specialist and experimental camera techniques, lighting for studio and location work, editing and post-production, to support you on your career path in the creative industries.

Led by professionals bridging fine art, documentary and commercial practice you will develop and research your own ideas in relation to project briefs, learning transferable skills needed to work as an imaginative professional. You will generate and produce ideas through location and studio work and be guided in making submissions for international galleries, expositions, festivals, drama, documentary, advertising, music media and other forms of digital imagery and visual effects. There is also the opportunity to study abroad through the Erasmus Scheme in order to secure work and sustain your career.

The programme provides excellent professional grounding for future careers in the arts and media, academia or working within a broad range of professional contexts within the creative industries.

You can also choose to study this course as a three year programme (without a foundation year) BA (Hons) Photography & Film

Key Course Features

• Includes a foundation year to help prepare you for further years of study.
• Students have access to an on-site cutting-edge high definition TV studio with green screen, photographic studio as well as analogue facilities with a dedicated dark room. Small group sizes allow for individual support and experimentation with ideas in a creative environment.
• Post-production, 3D workshops, media training and computer editing facilities utilising the latest in HD technology and non-linear editing.
• Well-equipped computer labs with both Apple and PC based systems loaded with a wide selection of industry-related software.
• Teaching team are research-active practitioners enthusiastic about their subject areas. They exhibit their own work both nationally and internationally as well as writing about art and design practice in books and journals.
• Opportunities to study abroad or take part in projects with an international dimension.
• Be part of our vibrant community of artists and designers where students are encouraged to exhibit their work and to gain knowledge from high profile visiting artists and designers.
• 1st in Wales and 10th in the UK for overall satisfaction in the area of Cinematics & Photography. (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data).

Today’s businesses demand the ability to have computer systems and networks, which operate on a global scale – so there is a high demand for people with the skills to make this happen.

This is a technology-infused course that includes a mix of technology, security and networking modules with many hands-on practical opportunities.

Developing critical skills that are looked for in this industry is an emphasis throughout the course and is put to the test through practical hand-on projects. These help to ensure that your thinking remains cutting edge and gives you the confidence that you are going to be able to keep up with the fast pace of change in this field.

As well as developing technical knowledge our computer network and security course also develops key skills, which are critical in this industry such as team working, communication and business skills. These are developed through opportunities to work on real life projects.

There is an emphasis on the installation, operation security, and maintenance of computer systems and networks used in business and industry and you will learn the fundamentals of data communications and how to apply your knowledge to manage, design, implement, configure and operate secure networks on a professional footing as well as how to identify a range of significant threats to network security and formulate and implement defence strategies.

You will have the opportunity to complete the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) qualification whilst studying for your degree and Cisco Systems state-of-the-art equipment is used in practical sessions.

Key Career Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
• Extensive PC and networked computer facilities with Internet access.
• A specialist computer laboratory dedicated to computer networking.
• The computing subject area is a recognised Cisco Academy. You have the opportunity to complete the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) qualification whilst studying for your degree.
• Accreditation is being sought for the honours degree from the British Computer Society (BCS), which would mean that you would gain exemption from part 1 and part 2 of the Society’s Professional Examinations.
• This course responds to identified skills gaps and you will develop the critical understanding, knowledge and skills needed for successful employment.
• The University is home to ARCLab, which specializes in research in the field of Computing and Computer Science.

You can also choose to study this course as a three year programme (without the foundation year) BSc Computer Networks and Security

This degree in Illustration will help you develop both your illustrative style and flair for creative image-making. The course covers the practical, professional and artistic sides of working as an illustrator with an individual artistic voice. The programme will equip you for a successful career in the creative industries.

You will

• learn how to create compelling images, work to professional standards and understand how your work fits into the industry
• be introduced to a broad range of creative skills, from the generation of ideas to their technical production through printmaking, bookbinding, 3D materials, life drawing, traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on drawing and the development of a unique personal style
• be introduced to professional creative processes and encouraged to expand your abilities through workshops and practical projects
• learn how to interpret a brief, identify and solve problems, develop creative individuality and produce a professional portfolio
• gain personal, professional and entrepreneurial skills including working as a freelance artist: from marketing and self-promotion to contracts, invoices and working with clients
• be encouraged to work on live briefs and competitions

Key Course Features

• You will be part of a vibrant and creative community of commercial artists including children’s book artists, illustrators, animators, game artists and designers.
• You will be taught by a teaching team with a broad range of experience working professionally in the illustration and creative industries.
• We encourage our students to self-publish and learn how to produce high-quality production prototypes to pitch to the publishing industry through the use of our in-house Bindery.
• Our students have won illustration prizes and awards such as the Oxford University Press Illustration competition, the Macmillan Children’s Book competition, the Caldecott Society and D&AD awards and been nominated for prestigious Eisner and Silver Reuben Awards.

This is an exciting course, specially designed for those wanting to work positively with children, young people, marginalised groups and communities. *It has been ranked first in Wales for learning community in the National Student Survey 2019 (WGU analysis of National Survey of Students 2019).

Successful completion of the Foundation Year will also lead to an Agored Cymru Level 2 & Level 3 Youth Work accreditation.

Through this course, you can gain a professional youth work qualification endorsed by Education Training Standards Wales with over a third of your time in placement activities.  Successful completion of the course will allow you to register with the Education Workforce Council in Wales as a Youth Worker. There is also the option to study a faith-based route in the first year and exit with a Certificate in Higher Education Youth and Community Work (faith-based), or to top up the full degree and JNC Qualification*.

As well as placement opportunities in Wales and the UK, there are also opportunities for a part-funded placement through the Erasmus programme with a university in Europe.
The youth and community department at Wrexham Glyndwr University is regarded as the “home of youth work in Wales”, having offered education and training to the youth and community sector for more than 43 years. As such the department has excellent links with employers across North Wales, North West England, and the Midlands, and it works in partnership with organisations across the statutory, voluntary and third sector.
Please be aware it may be necessary to work outside of normal working hours, e.g. during evenings or over weekends, whilst on placement due to the nature of this profession.

You can also choose to study this course as a three-year degree (without a foundation year) BA (Hons) Youth and Community Work (JNC)

Key Career Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
• A degree programme with professional endorsement, and course content aligned with National Occupational and Professional Standards in the sector.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development through additional training opportunities and professional networking on a course with strong links with employers and local training providers.
• Learn and gain experience with 800 hours of supervised fieldwork practice, with a placement in each year of study. This can be in a variety of settings either in the UK or internationally.
• Start the academic year with a learning experience with a partner project to see youth work skills in action.
• Develop skills in teamwork, positive communication, working with groups and individuals, reflective practice and leading others.
• Develop knowledge and core skills for youth work practice and informal education that are transferable to work with children, young people and adults in a range of different settings.
• *1st in Wales for learning community in the National Student Survey 2019 (WGU analysis of National Survey of Students 2019).

This degree in Illustration will help you develop both your illustrative style and flair for creative image-making. The course covers the practical, professional and artistic sides of working as an illustrator with an individual artistic voice. The programme will equip you for a successful career in the creative industries.

Working with experienced and industry active staff, you will learn how to create compelling images, work to professional standards and understand how your work fits into the industry.

You will be introduced to professional creative processes and encouraged to expand your abilities through workshops and practical projects. You will learn how to interpret a brief, identify and solve problems, develop creative individuality and produce a professional portfolio.

As well as gaining personal, professional and entrepreneurial skills, our programmes introduce a broad range of creative skills, from the generation of ideas to their technical production through printmaking, bookbinding, 3D materials, life drawing, traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on drawing and the development of a unique personal style.

High-quality artwork and a unique illustrative voice are at the heart of the course. Opportunities to explore your style, the applications of your work, your use of media and technology are consistent throughout the programmes.

The business of working as a freelance artist is an important aspect of the course, covering practical advice from marketing and self-promotion to contracts, invoices and working with clients. Working on live briefs and competitions are available and encouraged.

Key Course Features

• The School of Creative Arts at Wrexham Glynd?r University was named as the best place in Wales to study Art in the 2017 Guardian University League Table.
• You will be part of a vibrant and creative community of commercial artists including children’s book artists, illustrators, animators, game artists and designers.
• You will be taught by a teaching team with a broad range of experience working professionally in the illustration and creative industries.
• We encourage our students to self-publish and learn how to produce high-quality production prototypes to pitch to the publishing industry through the use of our in-house Bindery.
• Our students have won illustration prizes and awards such as the Oxford University Press Illustration competition, the Macmillan Children’s Book competition, the Caldecott Society and D&AD awards and been nominated for prestigious Eisner and Silver Reuben Awards.