BSc (Hons) in Entertainments Systems
Course code: WD168
What is the BSc (Hons) in Entertainment Systems?
Entertainment Systems is the study of content generation for digital multimedia systems, its motivations, qualities and technical frameworks and the presentation of computer-based content to mass audiences in a clear and cohesive manner. The course has two thematic streams in which the student can specialise-Games Development and Audio Technology.
As part of his/her study, the student will be learn core computing concepts and develop a strong foundation of ICT knowledge. This includes software development, computer science, networks, security and other computing skills. WIT has a long-held and well-respected reputation for producing IT graduates with a broad range of skills, with a particular strength in software development. Graduates of Entertainment Systems will also earn this characteristic, but have the added dimension of a deep knowledge in their chosen specialisation.
With respect to the Games option, the student will learn to understand the games development process, games design theory, 2D and 3D games creation and how to exploit the potential of a range of games consoles. In the Audio Technology option, the student will learn about acoustics, psychoacoustics, music theory, audio creation and editing tools, production techniques and programming multimedia systems. All students will be conversant in multimedia trends and be able to apply generic solutions to emerging industry and academic developments.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Employment prospects in computing are extremely healthy at the moment, with demand for skilled graduates far exceeding supply. Couple that with the trend that more and more of people's entertainment is coming from computerised sources: iPods, YouTube, IPTV, MediaCentres, Playstation, X-Box, Wii - and there is a growing need for people with a mix of IT and media creation skills.
Graduates of this course will have the skills necessary to follow opportunities that present themselves in this growing industry as well as having the freedom to choose their own career path.
What area could I expect to work in?
- Audio Production environments
- Broadcasting Studios
- Games design and development
- 3D Design Studios
- Multimedia and software development
- Web design and development
Follow on Study
- MSc Communication Software
- MSc Multimedia Development
Course Outline
BSc Entertainment Systems is a 4 year honours degree course at NQAI Level 8. Each year contains two semesters. All subject modules are common for the first two semesters (Year 1). In Semester 3, students choose whether to opt for the Game Development or Audio Technology streams, with the course becoming increasingly specialised as the student progresses.
Semester 6 in Year 3 is a Flexible Semester. During this time, the student gains real world practical experience in their chosen field. This is usually facilitated through a structured work-placement in a relevant environment, such as a games development studio, audio production suite or software development studio. WIT has a long history of work placement on other IT-related courses and students have found it to be an invaluable experience. Other options for Flexible Semester are available to students, such as Erasmus (studying abroad) or NGO work.
Upon completion of the Flexible Semester, the student returns for the two final semesters. During these semesters, as well as attending classes, the student works on a self-driven project which showcases their talents and demonstrates the skills they have learned. Examples include:
- Developing a console game from conception to playability
- Building a piece of software for audio production
- Creating an integrated multimedia package for a portable device (such as an iPhone)
Subjects
Semester 1 ModulesProgramming Fundamentals 1 Web Development Foundations of Computing Discrete Mathematics The Entertainment Industry Music Skills
|
Semester 2 ModulesProgramming Fundamentals 2 Computing Architecture Operating Systems Applied Calculus High-Level Games Development 2D Narrative Construction |
Semester 3 ModulesAlgorithms Information Modelling Data Communications Audio Technology Stream: Digital Audio Production Music Theory Physics of Sound Game Development Stream: Mathematical Methods Physics for Games High-Level Games Development 3D |
Semester 4 ModulesData Structures Database Design Internetworking Audio Technology Stream: Audio Engineering Applied Music Skills Multimedia Development Game Development Stream: Games Development 1 Console Game Development 1 Digital Graphic Design |
Semester 5 ModulesComponent Development Applied Cryptography Preparation for Flexible Semester Audio Technology Stream: Broadcasting Technology Media Processing Sound Symthesis and Sampling Game Development Stream: Games Development 2 Console Game Development 2 Networking and Multiplayer Games |
Semester 6Flexible Semester |
Semester 7 Modules Enterprise Develpoment Project 1 **Elective 1- choose 1
Audio Technology Stream: Sequencing Tools Software Signal Processing Music Perception and Psychology Game Development Stream: Mathematics for Game Developers Game Engine Development 1 3D Graphics Applications |
Semester 8 Modules Project 2 **Elective 2 - choose 2 Audio Technology Stream: Live Performance Technology Advanced Media Technology Sound Design and Synchronisation Game Development Stream: Game AI Game Engine Development 2 3D Multimedia Applications |
** Elective 1 (choose 1) Rich User Interface Development Security Principals The Economic Environment Critical Theory of Popular Culture |
** Elective 2 (choose 2) Photography and Video IT Security Apple Macintosh Development |
Course Facts
Course Title: BSc (Hons) in Entertainment Systems
Course Code: WD168
Course Level: 8
Duration: 4 years
Entry Requirements
Total number of subjects at grade D or better: 6
Number of subjects at higher level grade C or better: 2
English/Irish: OD3/HD3
Mathematics: OB3/HD3
The course should be particularly attractive to people who have an interest in mathematics, computing, music, video games and art.
Applications
Applications for entry in September 2011 are made through www.cao.ie
For further information
Course leaders:
- Robert O’Connor - Tel. +353 51 302073 or roconnor@wit.ie
- Karl Sandison - ksandison@wit.ie
Recent Entry Points
| Year | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| Minimum Points | NA | NA | NA | 280 | 280 |
But don't just take our word...
Since 2000, the global entertainment industry has grown annually for several reasons, most notably new network-based delivery methods for music, films, book and video games. Worldwide, the industry is set to grow 7.3% annually to an US$1.8 trillion in 2009. In a recent Enterprise Ireland report entitled “Entertainment – Big Business”, it states:
“In EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and at Ireland in particular, the future looks rosy. After several years of sluggish growth, the entertainment and media industry in EMEA is set to grow at a 6.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach $572 billion before the end of the decade. The Irish market alone is projected to grow 5.6% annually to $3.3 billion by 2009.”
