Honours Bachelor of Design in Interactive Media (BDI)

About the Program

Drawing on Seneca’s strength and reputation in digital media education, this program will equip you with in-demand knowledge and skills for the growing field of user experience (UX). The program will focus on business skills along with the technical and design capabilities needed to create dynamic interactive experiences in video games, mobile apps and other online environments. The curriculum will be complemented with courses that address critical thinking, global awareness and research methods to develop evidence-based, rich interactive design.

The Honours Bachelor of Design in Interactive Media program will also equip you with entrepreneurial skills to explore small-business opportunities and, in the fourth year of the program, you will work on a final capstone project about launching an idea from inception.

Computer Requirements

If you plan to use your own device for this program, please ensure it meets the following minimum specifications. Alternatively, you may use on-campus computers during class time or access those available in Seneca’s Computing Commons.

PC requirements:

Intel Core i7
16-32GB of DDR5 memory
NVIDIA GeForce RTX
Windows 11
14" Screen
1TB SSD hard drive

Mac requirements:

M1 Pro 8-Core CPU, 14-Core GPU
16-core Neural Engine
16GB Unified Memory/RAM
14" Screen
1TB SSD hard drive

Credential Awarded

Honours Bachelor Degree

Duration

8 Semesters (4 Years)

Starts

September

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

UX design
digital media production
imaging and graphics
3D modelling and animation
creative coding
scripting techniques
business and entrepreneurial skills

Work Experience

Mandatory Degree Work Term

A work experience that includes at least one term in a formal work environment. The work term(s) may be a paid or unpaid position that is completed between two academic semesters and requires a minimum of 420 hours of work. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. The successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for the mandatory degree work term regardless of success in securing a work position.

The work term can be completed in person, online or in a hybrid format, depending on the hiring organization.

Your Career

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

UI Designer/Artist
Visual Effects Artist
3D Character Texture Artist
Production Designer
Mobile Games Designer
3D Artist
Web Interface Technologies
Mobile App Developer
Interactive Media Business Developer

Program of Study

Course List
Course Code	Course Name	Weekly Hours
Semester 1
BDI105	Influence Through Design	3
BDI106	Design Foundations	3
BDI107	Design Thinking	3
BDI115	Video Production	3
BDI116	Audio Production	3
ENG106	Writing Strategies	3
Semester 2
BDI205	Interactive Narratives	3
BDI206	Interactive Design	3
BDI210	Coding Comprehension and Structure	3
BDI215	Graphics in Motion	3
plus: Liberal Studies Course (2)		6
Semester 3
BDI305	Strategic Communications	3
BDI306	UX Research and Planning	3
BDI310	Creative Coding	3
BDI315	Digital 3D Foundations	3
LSP400	Presentation Skills	3
plus: Liberal Studies Course (1)		3
Semester 4
BDI400	Multi-Channel Marketing	3
BDI406	Design Studio	3
BDI407	Designing for Human Behaviour	3
BDI409	Interactive Play Systems	3
BDI415	Spatial Narratives	3
plus: Liberal Studies Course (1)		3
Semester 5
BDI500	Social Media and Digital Influence	3
BDI506	Portfolio Development	3
BDI507	Designing For Social Good	3
BDI509	Intelligent Experience Design	3
BDI515	Extended Realities	3
plus: Liberal Studies Course (1)		3
Semester 6
BDI600	Project Management in Practice	3
BDI605	Digital Entrepreneurship	3
BDI607	Inclusive Design	3
BDI608	Experience Development Studio	3
WTP200	Work Term Preparation	1
plus: Liberal Studies Course (1)		3
Work-Integrated Learning Term
BDI771	Honours Bachelor of Design in Interactive Media	35
Semester 7
BDI710	Capstone Project: Researching Relevant Technologies	3
BDI711	Capstone Project: Pre-Production and Preparation	3
BDI712	Capstone Project: Prototyping	3
Semester 8
BDI810	Capstone Project: Final Digital Production	3
BDI811	Capstone Project: Communicating and Influencing	3
BDI820	Capstone Project: Showcase	3

Seneca has been granted consent by the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security to offer this degree for a seven-year term starting Apr. 22, 2021. In conformity with the Minister's criteria and requirements, Seneca will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. Seneca shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Program Learning Outcomes

This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

Generate solutions for specific target audiences employing the human-centred design and design thinking processes.
Develop an interactive media experience from inception to completion using research and analysis.
Manipulate image, sound, and text to create meaning in an interactive media experience.
Tell stories using current, industry specific storytelling devices, tools, and resources.
Produce ethically and socially responsible interactive experiences for stakeholders and communities.
Produce an innovative interactive product using industry tools and incorporating the principles of coding, sound, movement, text, and image.
Foster working relationships through effective communication to contribute to a successful/sustainable project.
Deliver projects within accepted industry standards and business practices.
Design marketing collateral for promotion and advancement.
Conduct research to produce creative solutions to meet business and service design challenges

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including six Grade 12 U or M courses with a minimum overall average of 65%, or a mature applicant.
Required courses with minimum final grade of 65% in each:
- English: Grade 12 ENG4U

Learn about Seneca’s free English upgrading course and math upgrading course for applicants who don’t meet the high school requirements, as well as recommended upgrading for applicants who don’t meet their academic subject requirements.

Notes

Although not required for admission, some courses in art, design or computer studies are recommended for success in the program.

Advanced Entry

Advanced entry offers a pathway for graduates from the following Ontario diploma/advanced diploma programs with a GPA of 65% or higher:

Interactive Media Design

Learn more about advanced entry

International Student Information

International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).