XD5007 - Sound and Motion Principles

What will I learn on this module?

The module encourages you to employ experimental and imaginative approaches to concept, process and final realisation of audio-visual and motion-based projects – skills essential to the creation of digital design and to the creative industries in general. The module also provides you with a greater awareness of the creative context in which to locate your design practice , as well as the time-based media skills that will allow you to work across different mediums in an experimental manner. You will learn to produce work across multiple platforms and formats, including but not limited to sound, video, narrative, music, and motion. You will further develop the ability to successfully meld the concepts and forms of audio, motion and video technology, and you will apply these technological and creative skills in a narrative-driven context.

You will be introduced to a range of cutting-edge audio-visual technologies which are used extensively in the digital design and creative industries. You will be introduced to basic sound editing software, as well as more complex sound design and music applications. You will also be exposed to motion graphics, video editing and projection mapping. You will learn how to integrate all of these technologies to produce a time-based media project.

How will I learn on this module?

The module consists of a number of blended teaching and learning activities. Firstly, the analysis of existing time-based projects provides you with an awareness of the context in which you are working. Secondly, through participation in a series of practical workshops, you will explore the various creative approaches and technical skills necessary for the production of time-based media. Finally, through self-directed practice-based study, you will create both a small group project and your own digital artwork. This is supported throughout by online and live one-to-one tutorial sessions offering guidance and feedback in terms of your creative approach. Seminars will be interspersed with these sessions, which will allow you to develop and present initial ideas that will serve as prototypes for the final submission.

While it is expected that you will have a basic familiarity with key digital design technologies and techniques, it is assumed that you will naturally gravitate to your main areas, technologies, and mediums of interest. You will work in teams to produce a short digital and immersive work that crosses a number of disciplines (interdisciplinarity). You will also work independently across disciplines (transdisciplinarity), which will be a key element of the process as you produce a final work made up of multiple media elements. In both cases you will be expected to develop high-level skills, research strategies and conceptual ideas on your own and in a team.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your module tutors will provide extensive support in various forms, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. Each module kicks off with a comprehensive briefing that outlines the expected learning outcomes, module requirements, and a detailed schedule.

You will be guided by tutors with relevant expertise in the intersecting disciplines of audio, video, motion, and narrative and are either experienced practitioners or practitioner-researchers.

Regular weekly sessions in a studio setting will structure your learning experience. In these sessions, you’ll participate in group discussions to receive feedback from your peers and tutors.

Studio feedback and interim presentations will provide opportunities for tutor and peer feedback on your ideas as you develop your work. You will also be given the opportunity to have feedback on your research and development in short group or individual sessions with your tutors and peers.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• LO1. Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of group and individual audio-visual production with the appropriate integrated selection and skilled use of applications, tools and processes. (KU3)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• LO2. Integrate multi-disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary knowledge and perspectives in the development of design artefacts. (IPSA3)
• LO3. Show self-knowledge and reflection by discussing personal development and critical reflection in relation to design principles and related debates in time-based media production. (IPSA4)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• LO4. Experiment and develop craft and technical skills through storyboarding, prototyping and communication of design concepts. (PVA1)

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed formatively, using verbal feedback during timetabled sessions at key stages of the design development process.

You will be summatively assessed at the end of the module through the submission of:

• Component 1 Individual Project:50%
A (3-5 minute) video which demonstrates audio and visual integration clearly and shows your ability to work across mediums and tell a “story” through creative use of sound, video and motion in a design artefact.
MLOs 1, 2

• Component 2: Design Process Book: 50% A self-reflective document that combines a use of image, moving image, audio and text and establishes the personal development your individual project, in which you critically reflect upon your process and the work produced.
MLOs 3, 4


At this summative stage you will receive initial verbal feedback during your presentation, followed up with additional written feedback on your design process book and final submission.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module will help you to readily understand the relationship between audio and visual materials (e.g. sound, music, video, visual effects) to enable you to create effective time based media content. You will attend module sessions that are a combination of both practical workshops, lectures and seminars about audio-visuals and the communication of ideas. You will familiarise yourself with the relevant audio, video and motion software environments and demonstrate independent learning as you refine your concepts. You will also learn to work in a group combining multiple skills. Continuous feedback will be provided through online and live seminars and tutorials. Final feedback assessment will be delivered on demonstration of your working prototype. Students will research into how to create empathetic connection with their chosen target audience exploring both sound and visual mediums to communicate a powerful message.

Course info

UCAS Code W200

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Northumbria School of Design

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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