University of Dundee

Recognised by the 2004 Times Higher Education Supplement review at 'Scottish University of the Year' and generally acknowledged as one of the UK's top universities, the University of Dundee has approximately 13,000 students.

The School of Media Arts and Imaging is a research-led unit cutting across art and design, reflecting and leading significant changes in the way artists and designers use and interact with contemporary media as a means of cultural expression.

As part of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, the school offers BA (Hons) pathways in Animation, Illustration and Time Based Art.  The new MSc Media Arts & Imaging offers students the opportunity to select from a portfolio of modules and to negotiate the content of their degree, building on distinct stranded pathway options including: 3D Computer Animation, Animation & Visualisation, Electronic Imaging, Screendance and Sound Art & Design.

At the heart of a vibrant contemporary culture are rapidly developing audio visual and interactive technologies and the School strives to keep an ongoing investigation into knowledge and the orientation of the field of Media Arts and Imaging.  Within the staff and student body there is a lively debate on the future of technology, its relationship to society and the opportunities to develop a coherent understanding of the new visual language of contemporary art.  The convergance of communication and audio-visual technologies is shaping how we understand the world around us.  It is this ethos of convergance that continues to focus the development and grouping of research, production and programmes within the School.

Research underpins all the visual disciplines throughout the college and staff from the School are involved in individual practice led research, collaborative research in teams and the supervision of graduate research by PhD students.  The vast dynamic of specialism found within the School's teaching programmes can often be attributed to the diversity of staff research and practice that defines the pedagogical goal of research led teaching.

The School maintains a balance between art, design and production, supported by the theoretical and critical aspects that inform practical study.  Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning, to explore the potential of inter-disciplinary projects and where appropriate, to liaise with professional bodies and make contact with industry.

The Department of Applied Computing is situated within the Faculty of Engineering and offers a range of computing courses that focuses on user-centred design and software engineering rather than mathematical computing, based on the concept that software should be imaginative and satisfy the needs of people.  the course is relevant to the real world and is modelled on good practice in industry.  the Department is also very active in research in such areas as a Space Systems Group, Multi-Modal and Ordinary and Extra-Ordinary HCI, Telecommunications and Computer-Based Learning, Computer Based Interviewing and Knowledge Elicitation, Interactive Communication Systems for Disabled people, Healthcare Computing and Computer Vision and Imaging.      

Visual Research Centre (VRC) is situated at the heart of Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA).  The production facilities of the VRC inclue computer-aided design, rapid prototyping and a digital video and sound system.  The VRC aims to facilitate the existing, collaborative and individual projects with UK and international visiting artists and designers.