What to study? This is a question that thousands of high school graduates face daily. Choosing a study program is a challenging task, as the opportunities to pursue higher education have long since extended beyond the borders of Lithuania. Every year, many Lithuanians leave to study in other EU countries or around the world, seeking better-quality education and career prospects. This is quite an expensive investment, which not all families can afford. A great alternative is the new dual-degree program in Multimedia Design offered by VILNIUS TECH and Goldsmiths, University of London. This program allows students to gain international experience at a prestigious university and receive diplomas from both institutions in just four years.

Dual degree – double the opportunities

The dual-degree program in Multimedia Design (Interactive Digital Media and Networked Arts) offered by Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) and Goldsmiths, University of London, is an excellent choice for creative individuals interested in computer science and multimedia technologies.

In the first two years, students will study at VILNIUS TECH, where they will build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills required for successful further studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. While living and studying in the UK, they will deepen their understanding of contemporary digital art, learn how to apply multimedia technologies for creative tasks, and work on final projects. Upon returning to Vilnius for their fourth year and successfully completing their studies, they will receive diplomas from both universities.

"The ability to combine theoretical and practical knowledge of multimedia, technology, and art is particularly important in the rapidly developing fields of information technology, creative industries, and game development. This can be seen in the final exhibitions of the 'Digital Art Computing' program at Goldsmiths, where students from the Multimedia Design dual-degree program will also present their projects. These works demonstrate their creative potential and are evaluated both technologically and artistically," says Dr. Ingrida Lescauskiene, Associate Professor at the Department of Graphic Systems at VILNIUS TECH.

Competitive advantage in the international market

This study program, however, is aimed at students who want much more than just creating interesting multimedia projects. Compared to regular Multimedia and Computer Design studies, students in the dual-degree program will focus more on the impact of contemporary multimedia products on society, the technological and cultural value of digital art, and the ability to present their ideas to an international audience, says Dr. Lescauskiene.

"They will study more than just 3D virtual environments, physical multimedia solutions, game design, and the integration of audio and video signals into contemporary art installations. Special attention will be paid to the interactivity of these projects," adds the VILNIUS TECH researcher. "Studying at two universities will not only allow students to improve their skills as multimedia specialists and gain knowledge, abilities in high demand in today's job market but also offer international experience that will undoubtedly strengthen graduates' competitive advantage."

Graduates of the Multimedia Design bachelor's program will be able to work in fields such as virtual and augmented reality solutions, video game development, interactive digital products and mobile apps creation, UI/UX design, front-end and back-end programming, web page design, and the application of digital art.

An investment in an international career

The UK is renowned for having one of the highest standards of higher education worldwide. The dual-degree program is a great alternative for graduates who may not have the financial means to study in the UK but still wish to gain experience at one of the best academic institutions: according to QS rankings, Goldsmiths University is ranked 16th in the world in multimedia studies. As the program is taught in English, it is suitable for Lithuanian and international students.

For Lithuanian students accepted into state-funded places, the first two years and the final year of studies in Vilnius will be covered by the state, so they will only need to pay for the third year spent in London. One year of study will cost £15,000, but the final price will depend on the amount that exceeds the study funding limit. For international students, the payment conditions will remain the same, and they will pay an equal share annually for the dual-degree program.

"Although this may seem like a large sum, it is much lower than the cost of studying the Digital Art Computing program for three years. Moreover, this investment pays off handsomely. After completing the dual-degree program, graduates will not only receive diplomas from both VILNIUS TECH and Goldsmiths University in Interactive Digital Media and Networked Arts but also invaluable experience and important connections that can serve as a springboard to success on the international stage," says Dr. Lescauskiene.

More information about the dual-degree study program can be found here and here.