Film, Media, Theatre & Performance Foundation Year

How will I learn on this Foundation Year course?

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.

Who will teach me during my 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.

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Where will I study during my time at Northumbria?

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.

How is research applied to the teaching on this course?

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.

What can I move on to after my foundation course?

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.