Course description
The MA/MSc in Digital Performance is taught jointly with the Department of Computer Science and is designed to combine expertise in digital media, interaction design and performance theory and practice. The full potential of emerging technologies has yet to be fully realised in the field of performance, and this programme seeks to attract students keen to explore and develop innovation and creative research in this rapidly developing area.
The MA programme is for arts graduates who wish to gain additional skills in computer mediated communication, interaction design, multimedia and associated technologies. The MSc programme is for technically literate graduates who wish to be trained in performance theory and practice. Both will exploit the world-class resources of London as a venue and laboratory for live performance and interactive art.
Among the specialist areas for study and research on these two programmes, students may engage both practically and theoretically with interaction, improvisation and immersion, engage in social and cultural activism, multi-media and internet-based performances.
The MA strand involves specialist project supervision from within Drama; this is appropriate to the outcomes frequently sought by the students following this track (which are likely to be performative in nature).
Students will develop practical and theoretical expertise in performance forms that involve the use of computer technologies, acquire a knowledge of the social science underpinning theories of humanhuman interaction and the basic concepts and theories of performance. They will learn relevant principles of design for computer-mediated communication (Human – Computer Interaction, Computer Supported Collaborative Work) and performance spaces (scenography). They will also be exposed to a range of novel performance technologies (3D prototyping, computer vision and augmented reality techniques). They will carry out project-work using a modelling application to construct a performance environment. They will also have the option of learning object oriented programming (Java).
Programm outline
Core modules include:
* Design for Human Interaction (semester 1)
* Performance Theory (semester 1)
* Interaction Design (semester 2)
* Group Performance Project semester 2)
* Live Performance (semester 2)
* Extended Research Project (MSc)/Dissertation (MA)
Optional modules include:
* Performance Research (semester 1)
* Information Technology Programming (introductory programming module) (semester1)
* Multimedia (semester 1)
* Multimedia Systems (semester 1)
* C++ for Image Processing (semester 1)
* Techniques in Computer Vision (semester 1)
* Interactive Systems Design (semester 2)
* Contemporary Performance (semester 2)
Assessment
The programme uses a variety of assessment methods depending on the requirements of each module including: essays, group practical projects, portfolio submissions, software reports, multiple choice assignments, examinations, and a dissertation or extended research project.
