International Foundation Programme - Creative Industries Pathway

Program Overview

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The Creative Industries Pathway at Solent University is a preparatory program designed for international students seeking to pursue creative industries degrees in the UK. It enhances English language and academic skills, introduces key principles in media, art, and design, and prepares students for the learning and assessment methods used in UK universities. The program culminates in a Creative Project, allowing students to develop their creative capacity and prepare for undergraduate studies.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objective:

• Prepares students for university study in the UK by improving their English language and academic skills.
• Develops knowledge and skills in media, art, and design.
• Enhances confidence and independence in learning within the UK's academic culture.
• Introduces learning, teaching, and assessment methods used in UK universities.
• Provides specific knowledge relevant to chosen degree and future career.

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Description:

• Designed for students who have completed high school overseas and want to pursue a creative industries degree in the UK.
• Develops academic and English skills through practical teaching and substantial language support.
• Introduces students to key principles and skills in media, art, and design.
• Allows students to develop their knowledge in an area of particular interest within the Creative Industries.
• Aims to develop students' creative capacity and communication skills.
• Involves a Creative Project, allowing students to build upon their ideas and prepare for undergraduate studies.

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Outline:

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Content:

• Academic English
• Academic Language in Context
• Applied Academic Skills
• Research Project
• Introduction to Creative Practice (for students progressing onto art-based courses)
• Introduction to Media (for students progressing onto digital media based courses)
• Creative Project

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Structure:

• 2-term or 3-term program
• 16-20 contact hours per week
• Additional 15-20 hours per week for independent study

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Course Schedule:

• Terms one and two (all units are 20 credits unless otherwise stated):
• Academic English
• Academic Language in Context
• Applied Academic Skills
• Research Project
• Introduction to Creative Practice (for students progressing onto art-based courses)
• Introduction to Media (for students progressing onto digital media based courses)
• Term three (20 credits):
• Creative Project

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Individual Modules:

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Academic English:

• Develops academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
• Explores materials and sources used in undergraduate studies.
• Practises note-taking, critical reading, writing essays, and participating in discussions.
• Improves vocabulary and grammar.

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Academic Language in Context:

• Explores and develops academic language and skills relevant to the chosen degree area.
• Connects with relevant university departments and conducts research.
• Assessed through collaborative tasks.

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Applied Academic Skills:

• Develops independent study skills through interactive classes and independent study tasks.
• Covers digital literacy, referencing, seminar discussions, and time management.
• Prepares students for undergraduate level studies.

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Research Project:

• Develops essay writing skills for undergraduate studies.
• Explores a chosen topic related to the progression degree course.
• Guides students through the research process, writing, and presentation.

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Introduction to Creative Practice:

• Introduces underpinning creative techniques and practical skills.
• Develops contextual awareness and research skills for creative practice.
• Explores a range of creative techniques to translate ideas into tangible work.
• Applies creative problem-solving to communicate ideas visually.

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Introduction to Media:

• Explores principles guiding the effective use of different media forms.
• Provides hands-on experience creating various media outputs (photography, video, audio, written media, online).
• Critiques pre-existing media to understand good practice and effective use of different formats.
• Considers the development of online and digital media and its impact on traditional formats.

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Creative Project:

• Builds upon the knowledge and skills from previous modules.
• Allows students to choose an area of art and design relevant to their progression degree program.
• Explores research methods and engages with various research sources, including field visits.
• Develops a creative project based on the chosen area of interest.

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Assessment:

• Coursework
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Projects
• In-class tests

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Teaching:

• Experienced lecturers and academics
• Embedded program with access to all university facilities
• Small class sizes (maximum 18 students)
• Focus on practical teaching and skills development
• Individual academic support and guidance
• Blend of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, and workshops

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Careers:

• Opens doors to undergraduate studies in various creative industries fields:
• Acting and Performance
• Animation
• Architectural Design and Technology
• CGI and Visual Effects
• Computer Games (Art)
• Fashion
• Fashion and Beauty Media
• Fashion Photography
• Fashion Styling and Creative Direction
• Film and Television
• Film Production
• Fine Art
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Interior Design
• Interior Design Decoration
• Make Up and Hair Design
• Media Production
• Photography
• Popular Music Production
• Post Production for Film and Television
• Prosthetics and Special Effects Design
• Television Production
• Prepares students for careers in:
• Creative arts
• Media
• Design
• Communication
• Education
• Research

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Other:

• Students with IELTS 5.0 (no single element below 4.5) can benefit from an integrated CAS for a 2-term program.
• Students with IELTS 5.5 (no single element below 5.5) can pursue a 3-term program.
• Minimum age is 17 years old.