Overview
The University of Sussex now offers a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Creative Systems. Students initially follow taught courses, in preparation for an individual research project leading to a Masters thesis. The degree can be taken in one year full time, or part time over two years. This MSc has EPSRC funding which provides a number of studentships which cover fees and living expenses.
The role of the computer in creative work is evolving rapidly. Once just a substitute for traditional tools (e.g., the software paintbox), the computer is now seen more as a programmable 'sounding board', an active assistant capable of making its own contribution to the creative process. Artists, musicians and theorists are just beginning to explore the exciting possibilities of this new approach.
Research in creative systems combines ideas from theories of creativity as well as leading-edge techniques in artificial intelligence (AI), artificial life (ALife), human-centred computing and multimedia systems. The University of Sussex is internationally renowned for interdisciplinary research in these areas. The new MSc in Creative Systems provides the opportunity to get up to speed in the skills and knowledge relevant for researching and developing creative systems.
Students have access to specialist facilities including multimedia labs. During the summer term a dissertation project is undertaken under the supervision of a member of faculty; this gives students the opportunity to further develop what they have learnt in the context of a piece of research.
Programme structure
The MSc consists of a programme of full-time study running from October in one year to the following September, or part-time study over two years. This course is also offered as a Postgraduate Diploma.
Assessment
Each course on the degree is assessed by either a short term-paper (a 3,500 word essay), an unseen examination paper (duration varies), a programming project with a 3,500 word report, or coursework and unseen examination. Each of the eight courses taken is equally weighted, and the MSc thesis (maximum of 12,000 words) will be equivalent to four courses. To be awarded the degree, students must gain an overall pass of 50, including a pass mark in the dissertation, and have obtained no more than two marks below 40 on coursework.