Whether you want to be behind the camera or its focus, writing the script or bringing it to life - find your place among the action.

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.

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.

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.

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