Computational Creativity

Module code: CO3104 (double module)

Computational Creativity introduces the theory and practice of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for creative applications. Focusing on Machine Learning (ML) and Large Language Models (LLMs), this module explores the development of systems capable of generating novel and creative outputs in literature, music, and visual arts. You will learn practical skills working with tools such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for image generation, and Transformers for text generation. Emphasising application over theory, the module covers best practices in prompt engineering, including zero, few, and many-shot prompting, to generate and evaluate creative outputs like poetry, jokes, and stories. A group project with defined roles such as Prompt Engineer, Data Analyst, and UI Designer fosters collaborative development of a full prototype in the creative domain. By the end of the module, you will understand computational creativity concepts, apply ML and LLM techniques to creative projects, and evaluate the novelty and value of creative outputs. Topics include Exploratory, Combinational, and Transformational Creativity, Creativity Evaluation, Machine Learning and LLMs for Creativity, Story and Poetry Generation, Co-Creativity, and Generative Agents.