Film, Media, Theatre & Performance Foundation Year
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
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Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Would you like to develop the practical, intellectual and creative skills required to become critical and reflective arts practitioner?
Acting as a gateway to degree-level study, the Film, Media, Theatre and Performance Foundation Year course allows you to study a broad range of creative arts disciplines across all aspects of film, media and theatre.
You will work practically and intellectually to acquire key transferable skills such as effective communication, teamwork, time and project management, research and digital literacy, all of which can prove vital to achieving at university and gaining employment after graduation.
But more than this, you will learn from leading academics to develop the practical and theoretical grounding needed to become a future cultural industries leader, with particular focus on Film, Media and Performance. The degree is dynamic, interdisciplinary, and addresses real world challenges, ensuring you will have the best possible foundation for future study and continued success.
Top University: Northumbria is ranked 2nd in the UK for Film, Production & Photography (Guardian University League Table, 2024).
Research Powerhouse: Art and Design at Northumbria is ranked 4th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 6 places compared to 2014.
Experts in the Field: You will be taught by a team of world-leading artists and academics who will equip you with the skills needed to successfully take your learning to the next level.
Industry Connections: Northumbria recently teamed up with the British Film Institute to provide live-brief and projects for students. We also have connections with performance venues, such as Northern Stage and Alphabetti Theatre.
Graduate Prospects: Communication & Media Studies at Northumbria is ranked 9th in the UK for overall Student Experience (Times Good University Guide, 2024).
Upon successful completion of the foundation year, you will be able to progress into any of the following undergraduate programmes.
Would you like to develop the practical, intellectual and creative skills required to become critical and reflective arts practitioner?
Acting as a gateway to degree-level study, the Film, Media, Theatre and Performance Foundation Year course allows you to study a broad range of creative arts disciplines across all aspects of film, media and theatre.
You will work practically and intellectually to acquire key transferable skills such as effective communication, teamwork, time and project management, research and digital literacy, all of which can prove vital to achieving at university and gaining employment after graduation.
But more than this, you will learn from leading academics to develop the practical and theoretical grounding needed to become a future cultural industries leader, with particular focus on Film, Media and Performance. The degree is dynamic, interdisciplinary, and addresses real world challenges, ensuring you will have the best possible foundation for future study and continued success.
Top University: Northumbria is ranked 2nd in the UK for Film, Production & Photography (Guardian University League Table, 2024).
Research Powerhouse: Art and Design at Northumbria is ranked 4th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 6 places compared to 2014.
Experts in the Field: You will be taught by a team of world-leading artists and academics who will equip you with the skills needed to successfully take your learning to the next level.
Industry Connections: Northumbria recently teamed up with the British Film Institute to provide live-brief and projects for students. We also have connections with performance venues, such as Northern Stage and Alphabetti Theatre.
Graduate Prospects: Communication & Media Studies at Northumbria is ranked 9th in the UK for overall Student Experience (Times Good University Guide, 2024).
Upon successful completion of the foundation year, you will be able to progress into any of the following undergraduate programmes.
UCAS Code
P325
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department
Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2024 or September 2025
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
Find out what are students and staff are getting involved in.
This Film, Media, Theatre and Performance Foundation Year offers a wide range of learning opportunities in challenging, stimulating and dynamic studio learning environments.
Taking place over two semesters, the course modules cover fundamental skills needed in performance practice, communication, film practice, project planning and management, media theory, and cultural studies.
Teaching is delivered through a mix of studio and workshop activity, lectures, seminars and the practical use of technology and equipment. This course is assessed through a range of methods including practice-based submissions, essays and presentations.
You will also complete an assessed portfolio that can include various features such as performance, short films, artwork and live practice.
Find out more about what you will be studying on your course.
You will learn from award winning filmmakers, performers, media specialists and well-published lecturers who have established a high quality, research-led approach to teaching, combined with first class support. The academic team includes practising researchers and leaders in their field, many of whom are actively involved, through their research, with real issues that face the community.
The teaching team will further support your personal development, practice-based skills, intellectual growth and transferable skills such as effective communication, teamwork, time and project management, research and digital literacy; all of which are essential in the 21st century workplace.
You will work in our dedicated art, performance and media spaces featuring state-of-the-art facilities. Our learning environment includes specialist areas for performance, sound technology, film production, print, dark room photography, and radio broadcasting. Our onsite theatres and studios are kitted out with high quality technology where you can test your ideas and host your own events, performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
The 24/7 University Library achieves some of the highest levels of student satisfaction in the UK and has held the Cabinet Office accreditation for Customer Service Excellence since 2010.
Technology enhanced learning is embedded throughout this course and materials such as module handbooks, assessment information, lecture presentation slides and reading lists will be available via our innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard.
Come and explore our outstanding facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
All the teaching on this Foundation Year is underpinned by research.
By using a range of theoretical and practical approaches across the programme, you will be fully equipped to identify problems within the field of Film, Media and Performance. You will also have the opportunity to work collaboratively to find solutions to those real-world challenges and respond to contemporary ideas.
At the end of this course, you will have developed your own knowledge and critical evaluation skills, allowing you to understand the most effective ways to gather information related to your upcoming undergraduate degree.
This course has been specifically designed to develop your skills and prepare you for one of our exciting undergraduate degrees in Film and Television, Media and Communications, or Theatre and Performance. You will focus on subject-specific modules that will ensure optimal preparation for your upcoming course.
When you begin your chosen undergraduate degree, the skills acquired on this Foundation Year course should assist in your understanding of your chosen subject. Your newly developed research skills will also prove invaluable for assignments and projects, and your budding portfolio will have chance to grow and develop further.
Completion of your subsequent undergraduate degree will help to prepare you for future employment or the progression to further education or Master’s level courses.
You can boost your CV and develop your experience whilst studying at Northumbria.
From first year through to final year and beyond graduation, we are here to help.
We have a fantastic service for students' to use to gain advice and tips on furthering careers and enhancing their employability.
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80 UCAS Tariff points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
80 UCAS Tariff points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250
* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.
EU Fee in Year 1: £18,250
International Fee in Year 1:
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There are no Additional Costs
UK Fee in Year 1*: TBC
* Government has yet to announce 25/26 tuition fee levels. As a guide, 24/25 fees were £9,250 per year.
EU Fee in Year 1: **TBC
International Fee in Year 1:
TBC
ADDITIONAL COSTS
TBC
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
AD3042 -
Critical Cultural Encounters (Core,40 Credits)
This interdisciplinary module will enable you to synthesise learning from across the programme locating practices of film, media, theatre and performance, and fine art within wider artistic, cultural, and geopolitical contexts and current debates. On this module, you will develop and utilise a broad range of key skills for university. These will include demonstrations of cogent academic prose, accurate academic citation, research skills, independent learning, oral presentation, and teamwork. The module fosters employability through enabling you to develop foundational knowledge in transferable skills such as time management, IT skills, critical thinking, and evaluation.
More informationAD3043 -
Culture and Society (Core,20 Credits)
This module will develop your core knowledge and understanding of the connections between culture and contemporary society. You will explore those ideas at the intimate personal and local level by reflecting on, for examples, your own cultural engagements and how said engagements are facilitated (e.g. through various media platforms). Equally, you will connect said engagements to broader debates, spanning out to the international context. The module will introduce you to major concepts and approaches in cultural studies, supplemented with examples from the contemporary mediasphere. You will explore, for example, how media representations are influenced by external factors such as regulation, ownership, and audience behaviours, but also how media has transformed our social relations, altered our understandings of world events, and impacted on what matters to us (our cultural and societal values). You will also examine how culture and the study of which has developed over time and how technology has altered how social subjects communicate with each other. You will also develop your skills in critical thinking by analysing examples taken from the contemporary world, and by discussing ideas with your tutors and your peers.
More informationAD3044 -
Film Foundations (Core,20 Credits)
The module introduces you to a range of core practical film production and creative skills, as well as developing transferable personal skills to support your future study and employability. You will also build your knowledge and understanding of the processes, trends and issues in the contemporary media landscape.
You will be introduced to practical and creative skills including pitching, writing, production research, production logistics, scheduling, storyboarding and directing, in addition to the creative and technical fundamentals of camera, sound and editing operations. You will learn essential softer skills such as time management, interpersonal skills, risk assessment, presentation and negotiation skills – all of which help to prepare you for your choice of degree path. You will also acquire critical and reflective skills, as you respond to your own work and that of others, reflect on your own personal development, and set yourself goals for improvement.
Your knowledge will grow to include an understanding of different styles and approaches to storytelling and film content, across a range of film activities, sitting your work alongside that of other filmmakers and increasing your awareness of the range of formal approaches across a wide range of media production. You’ll also progress with a solid grounding in principles of risk assessment, to ensure safe filming practice.
AD3045 -
Media Genres (Core,20 Credits)
The module develops your understanding of the significance of genre within the production, reception and analysis of screen media. It explores what we understand by the term genre through an analysis of the codes and conventions of major screen types and how said codes and conventions are conveyed through promotional discourse and received by media audiences. It considers how genres change over time according to evolving aesthetic, social, technological and industrial contexts. You will learn about key developments in genre scholarship, and how critical and theoretical approaches can be applied to specific examples. In so doing, you will gain an appreciation of the importance of textual, contextual and critical analysis to an appreciation of screen media production and culture.
More informationAD3046 -
Performance Practices (Core,20 Credits)
Performed representations are everywhere. Whether you are interested in making plays and performances for the stage, creating film or TV dramas or documentaries, or more broadly in understanding the importance of mediated representations, ‘performance’ is a critical aspect of the contemporary world. This module will introduce you to a range of performance practices, both as a maker of performance and from critical perspectives. Exploring (indicatively) ‘theatre sports’, improvisation, play, contemporary performance techniques, staging of scenes from plays, the module will help you to understand why performed representations matter in the world, and how you might go about making them. Designed to be an active, fun, dynamic and engaging learning experience, through the module you will not only develop an enhanced understanding of performance practice but will also acquire enhanced communication, team work, and problem-solving skills that will be relevant to all aspects of your studies.
More informationModule information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
AD3042 -
Critical Cultural Encounters (Core,40 Credits)
This interdisciplinary module will enable you to synthesise learning from across the programme locating practices of film, media, theatre and performance, and fine art within wider artistic, cultural, and geopolitical contexts and current debates. On this module, you will develop and utilise a broad range of key skills for university. These will include demonstrations of cogent academic prose, accurate academic citation, research skills, independent learning, oral presentation, and teamwork. The module fosters employability through enabling you to develop foundational knowledge in transferable skills such as time management, IT skills, critical thinking, and evaluation.
More informationAD3043 -
Culture and Society (Core,20 Credits)
This module will develop your core knowledge and understanding of the connections between culture and contemporary society. You will explore those ideas at the intimate personal and local level by reflecting on, for examples, your own cultural engagements and how said engagements are facilitated (e.g. through various media platforms). Equally, you will connect said engagements to broader debates, spanning out to the international context. The module will introduce you to major concepts and approaches in cultural studies, supplemented with examples from the contemporary mediasphere. You will explore, for example, how media representations are influenced by external factors such as regulation, ownership, and audience behaviours, but also how media has transformed our social relations, altered our understandings of world events, and impacted on what matters to us (our cultural and societal values). You will also examine how culture and the study of which has developed over time and how technology has altered how social subjects communicate with each other. You will also develop your skills in critical thinking by analysing examples taken from the contemporary world, and by discussing ideas with your tutors and your peers.
More informationAD3044 -
Film Foundations (Core,20 Credits)
The module introduces you to a range of core practical film production and creative skills, as well as developing transferable personal skills to support your future study and employability. You will also build your knowledge and understanding of the processes, trends and issues in the contemporary media landscape.
You will be introduced to practical and creative skills including pitching, writing, production research, production logistics, scheduling, storyboarding and directing, in addition to the creative and technical fundamentals of camera, sound and editing operations. You will learn essential softer skills such as time management, interpersonal skills, risk assessment, presentation and negotiation skills – all of which help to prepare you for your choice of degree path. You will also acquire critical and reflective skills, as you respond to your own work and that of others, reflect on your own personal development, and set yourself goals for improvement.
Your knowledge will grow to include an understanding of different styles and approaches to storytelling and film content, across a range of film activities, sitting your work alongside that of other filmmakers and increasing your awareness of the range of formal approaches across a wide range of media production. You’ll also progress with a solid grounding in principles of risk assessment, to ensure safe filming practice.
AD3045 -
Media Genres (Core,20 Credits)
The module develops your understanding of the significance of genre within the production, reception and analysis of screen media. It explores what we understand by the term genre through an analysis of the codes and conventions of major screen types and how said codes and conventions are conveyed through promotional discourse and received by media audiences. It considers how genres change over time according to evolving aesthetic, social, technological and industrial contexts. You will learn about key developments in genre scholarship, and how critical and theoretical approaches can be applied to specific examples. In so doing, you will gain an appreciation of the importance of textual, contextual and critical analysis to an appreciation of screen media production and culture.
More informationAD3046 -
Performance Practices (Core,20 Credits)
Performed representations are everywhere. Whether you are interested in making plays and performances for the stage, creating film or TV dramas or documentaries, or more broadly in understanding the importance of mediated representations, ‘performance’ is a critical aspect of the contemporary world. This module will introduce you to a range of performance practices, both as a maker of performance and from critical perspectives. Exploring (indicatively) ‘theatre sports’, improvisation, play, contemporary performance techniques, staging of scenes from plays, the module will help you to understand why performed representations matter in the world, and how you might go about making them. Designed to be an active, fun, dynamic and engaging learning experience, through the module you will not only develop an enhanced understanding of performance practice but will also acquire enhanced communication, team work, and problem-solving skills that will be relevant to all aspects of your studies.
More informationTo start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
Home or EU applicants please apply through UCAS
International applicants please apply using the links below
Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.
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* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
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