Creative Futures Academy

The aim of this course is to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively communicate information through a graphical means. This course aims to provide an understanding of the theory underpinning the field of data visualisation, and to provide an introduction to the practicalities of creating effective graphical representations of data.

Course Code: DL103

Level + ECTS: Level 8 | 10 credits

Duration: 4 full days. (Fri 5th + Sat 6th November & Fri 3rd + Sat 4th December 2021)

Time: 10am to 4.30pm

Delivery mode: Online.

Places: 20

Entry requirements: Leaving Certificate Examination or equivalent (NFQ Level 5).

Fees: No fees will be charged to successful applicants.

Course details:
This course combines a mix of lectures, practical work, and informal discussions around important topics in data visualisation. You will be required to critique existing visualisations, find interesting data sets, and create your own visualisations.

The course is suitable for individuals involved in the collection, analysis or interpretation of data, as well as for those responsible for the communication of data to a range of audiences. It is not necessary to have a technical background in data analysis to benefit from this course.

You will be required to complete two assignments, but there are no written examinations.

Explore how the core elements of user experience (UX) design can be used to create more effective, engaging and enjoyable digital interactions.

UX design uses research, design skills and usability testing to enhance the ways in which a user can interact with a digital product. It involves varied activities, including user research, requirements analysis, user interface and interaction design, prototyping, and user testing.

Course Code: DL122

Level + ECTS: Level 9 | 10 credits

Duration: 4 full days. (Saturdays: 30th October 2021, 20th November, 11th December, 15th January 2022)

Time: 10am to 4.30pm

Delivery mode: Online.

Places: 25

Entry requirements: Undergraduate qualification of 2nd Class Honours or higher at Honours Degree level. Some prior experience in a related discipline is required.

Fees: No fees will be charged to successful applicants.

Course details:
The course is for anyone with an interest in providing better experiences for people as they interact with digital products and services. Learners typically come from backgrounds related to digital product design, development, and management, but it also appeals to those in customer facing roles such as research and support, and graphic designers looking to transition into the field.

Topics covered include core UX concepts and theory; key UX activities, including user research, prototyping and testing; various typical UX methodologies.

You will be required to complete two assignments, but there are no written examinations.

Learn valuable design methodologies and strategies that will transform your approach to problem solving and innovation.

Design thinking can transform the way organisations develop products, services, processes and strategy. Many companies now deploy design thinking methodologies to help them overcome key business challenges ever present in today’s fast-paced technology and data driven environment. Design thinking combines what is desirable from a human point of view with what is technologically feasible and economically viable.

Course Code: DL125

Level + ECTS: Level 9 | 10 credits

Duration: 4 full days (24th September 2021, 15th October, 10th December, 21st January 2022)

Day + Time:  Fridays, 9.30am – 5pm

Delivery mode: Blended learning – 4 days of classes on campus supplemented with online elements.

Places: 18

Entry requirements: Undergraduate qualification of 2nd Class Honours or higher at Honours Degree level. Some prior experience in a related discipline is required.

Fees:  No fees will be charged to successful applicants.

Course details:
The skills learnt on the course are applicable to product/service ideation, development or improvement, or for start-ups and R&D teams who may be developing new and innovative offerings.

Topics covered include Origins of Design Thinking; Writing a design brief; Competitor Analysis; Creative Leadership, Vision + Values; Brainstorming + Ideation; etc.

For recent graduates, this course will provide a competitive edge for entering the workplace. For professionals, the course is ideal for anyone working in a team or project-driven environment that is customer-focused.

You will be required to complete two assignments, but there are no written examinations.

This course will introduce you to new technologies and ways of telling stories. Using a variety of technologies such as motion-capture, AR and VR you will have an opportunity to experiment and learn about the possibilities for creating different kinds of narrative. You can be a complete novice or already have some experience with these technologies; all you need is an interest in experimenting and learning.

Course Code: DL140

Level + ECTS: Level 8 | 10 credits

Duration: 5 weeks

Dates + Times:

Week 1: 10^th November (6pm – 9pm; On Campus) +  11^th November (6pm – 9pm; Online)

Week 2:  18^th, 19^th + 20^th November: 10am – 5pm | On Campus

Week 3: 24^th + 25^th November: 6pm – 9pm | Online

Week 4: 2^nd, 3^rd + 4^th  December: 10am – 5pm | On Campus

Week 5: 8^th December: 6pm – 9pm | Online

Delivery mode: Blended learning

Places: 15

Entry requirements: Leaving Certificate Examination or equivalent (NFQ Level 5). Some prior experience in a related discipline is required.

Fees: No fees will be charged to successful applicants.

 Course details:
You will learn about the variety and scope of innovative or emerging digital audio-visual practices in contemporary culture, such as online media forms and genres, games, VR, AR, motion capture, multiplatform storytelling, or interactive media.

You will also research, propose and develop your own self-directed project in an area of digital audio-visual practice.

The course will allow you to identify and devise an appropriate strategy, and a work schedule for bringing your project to a realisation stage using digital media techniques.

You will be assessed on your project management, research and skills related to your own project. There are no written examinations in this course.

This course will provide you with the skills and competencies you need to act in the leadership role of a senior project manager, senior producer, series producer/director. You may already be working within an industry where you are interested in progressing professionally, e.g. in areas such as editorial leadership or senior project management. The course will provide you with an understanding of commissioning, budget and timeline management, HR, financial and legal issues within a professional creative media industry.

Course Code: DL141

Level + ECTS: Level 9 | 10 credits

Duration: 10 weeks from 13th October 2021 to 8th January 2022

Day + Time: Wednesdays online (6pm – 9pm) + every other Saturday in studio (10am – 1pm)

Delivery mode: Blended learning

Places: 20

Entry requirements: Undergraduate qualification of 2nd Class Honours or higher at Honours Degree level. Some prior experience in a related discipline is required.

Fees: No fees will be charged to successful applicants.

Course details:
Learn about the role and responsibilities of producers within an industry setting; and how to devise a detailed financial plan for a project in order to maximise its potential.

You will develop a detailed business plan and learn how to scope out and manage projects to a professional standard.

You will be introduced to relevant entertainment media law in order to anticipate and assess relevant legal issues.

You will also evaluate management structures within production companies, study industry codes of ethics, and understand best practice in legal and professional undertakings.

There are no written examinations in this course. Your final assessment will be based on how you have integrated and developed your learning within your own creative project.

Building on existing skills and competencies you have learned through working or studying in a creative environment, this course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the practical management and process for creative production. You might be working in live action, music, film, television, animation, immersive technology, theatre or live events. The focus of this course will be on film, television and live action.

Course Code: DL142

Level + ECTS: Level 9 | 10 credits

Duration: 10 weeks from 13th October 2021 to 8th January 2022

Day + Time: Wednesdays online (6pm – 9pm) + every other Saturday in studio (10am – 1pm)

Delivery mode: Blended learning

Places: 20

Entry requirements: Undergraduate qualification of 2nd Class Honours or higher at Honours Degree level. Some prior experience in a related discipline is required.

Fees: No fees will be charged to successful applicants.

Course details:
Learn about the roles and functions of individual crewmembers, particularly heads of department, during pre-production, production and post-production.

You will learn how to appraise studio practices, pipelines and processes.

You will also acquire skills for managing a production and crew towards completion, including preparing a production schedule and budget from initial concept through to final delivery.

There are no written examinations in this course. You will be assessed on your project management, research and skills related to your own project.