TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BA (Hons)

Creative Media with Foundation

This foundation pathway offers non-standard entry into BA (Hons) Creative Media, helping you build creative skills across media like illustration, animation and fine art. Explore visual design and best practice in a vibrant, studio-based environment.

Our typical offer

32 UCAS points

Produce bold, impactful work with industry experts

Find your creative voice across photography, video, sound, animation, and digital media – supported by award-winning tutors and working on real projects with names like the BBC and ITV.

Bring ideas to life with world-class facilities

Work with outstanding  equipment in state-of-the-art spaces – including green screen studios, animation rostrums, a cinema, sound suites, and an Immersive Media Lab.

Shape the future of media

Future-proof your career with industry-led and tech-focused training where innovation, entrepreneurship and ethical practice prepare you to thrive and make a difference.
BA (Hons) Creative Media with Foundation
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About

BA (Hons) Creative Media launches you on a journey to make media that shapes, reflects and changes the world we live in. Our industry-facing course develops your creative voice, engages with communities on social issues and provides a practical grounding in professional media practices. Learn from experts skilled in narrative, documentary and artistic media practices – from film, photography and animation to interactive and immersive media, projection mapping and online media production.

Hannah WoodDr Hannah Wood
Lecturer in Creative Media

Projection Mapping at Devonport Market Hall

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
 
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?                          
  • To build your confidence to study at university level.
  • To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
 

This course is for you if...

you want to explore video, photography, animation, sound and digital media – and discover your creative voice
Head with jigsaw pieces inside
you love experimenting and want the freedom to specialise or combine different media in your own way
Hand holding two cogs
you're keen to build a professional portfolio, work on real-world projects, and get your work seen
Lights on a stage
you’re excited to learn from industry experts and use top-notch studios, kit and creative spaces
Clapperboard

Details

Foundation year

The foundation pathway provides students with non-standard entry points to progress onto the BA (Hons) course. 
The foundation year allows you to develop skills across a range of media and introduces creative best practice in preparation for the first year of the undergraduate programme. During the foundation year, you will have the opportunity to explore creative processes relevant to visual design, animation, illustration, print-making, fine art and photography. The course is designed to encourage visual exploration and creative discovery within an engaging and vibrant studio setting. Upon successful completion of the foundation course, you will join the undergraduate BA (Hons) programme equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete an undergraduate degree.
Animation suite

Core modules

ADA001
Materials, Methods and Media 30 credits

This module will introduce students to various techniques, materials and mediums through practise-based experiments, play and problem solving. You will be introduced to different creative processes and methods of working that will help you to develop your ideas and engage in critical and reflective practice.

100% Coursework

ADA002
Image, Type and Narrative 30 credits

Students will experiment with media, photography and typography to explore the relationship between image and word. This module enables students to gain knowledge within subject areas and explore the importance of developing an independent voice. Projects will become increasingly student driven as they develop their ability to propose ideas and solutions through self-directed inquiry, discovery and production.

100% Coursework

ADA003
Risk and Resolution 30 credits

Students will consolidate their skills, knowledge and understanding in initiating, researching, developing and presenting a final project and exhibition. This module will also enable students to continue to research and develop their strengths as an independent art and design practitioner and prepare them for their next stage of study.

100% Coursework

ADA004
Critical Themes in Art & Design 20 credits

This module introduces students to transformative phases within the historical and contemporary context of art, design, photography and media. Students will learn to ask critical questions and find answers through information gathering, reading and research. Through articulating responses, students will be introduced to academic conventions in preparation for progression to further Higher Education.

100% Coursework

Year 1

You will explore what creative media means to you by making a series of short, critically framed, practical projects. You will investigate narrative expression and cultural context in disciplines including still and moving image, sound, interaction and animation. You will also work beyond the University on a live industry brief and public exhibition or screening that will introduce professional working methods and audience reception. 
Student with 360 dome

Core modules

MEDI414
Situating Practice 40 credits

In this module students will be required to critically evaluate the skills and experience gained in previous modules and develop strategies for the future. They will be introduced to key critical approaches to presenting work to the public and engage in practice which explores the dialogue between their work and wider contexts. group working.

100% Coursework

MEDI415
Industry Brief

Students collaborate in this module to produce a creative response to an industry brief. They are introduced to the roles and responsibilities associated with group working and delivering projects for industry clients. They critically engage with theory, practice and various technical approaches to produce creative assets for the appropriate media context.

MEDI416
Narratives: Still

This module will introduce to students the creative possibilities of working with ideas of still image narrative and meaning construction in creative media. This is a practice-led module which integrates and examines various theories of and approaches to narrative, storytelling and meaning construction.

MEDI417
Narratives: Moving

This module will introduce students to a range of theories and approaches to narrative and meaning construction in moving image and sound, and then apply these to an individual moving image and sound project to be developed during the module. Key to this module is the exploration of how moving image and sound can articulate meaning to an audience. This module will also provide students with an opportunity to develop and extend their technical skills and practical production experience.

MEDI418
Narratives: Experiential

This practice-led module builds on the Still and Moving Image Narrative modules and introduces students to the creative possibilities of Experiential Narratives. Students explore and experiment with various theories and approaches to creating collaborative experiential narrative projects. Having learnt how to document the research and production of their own creative projects, students are now introduced to how to critically evaluate and reflect on their projects.

Year 2

You will study advanced media practice and explore critical frameworks for your work. Experimentation and developing your creative voice are at the heart of this part of the course. You will collaborate with industry partners on a socially-engaged media project and gain professional confidence. Study of media theory will enhance your academic skills and media creation process. There is also opportunity to study abroad in stage 2. 
Students exhibiting at Devonport Dome

Core modules

MEDI514
Experiment 40 credits

The module provides the frameworkk for a student lo take creative risks, broaden their practical skills, enhance their confidence and to develop their own creative voice. It provides a framework in which to research and develop one or more large-scale projects built on a sense of personal practice by means of practical experiments, underpinned by workshops, contextual research and ongoing reflection.

100% Coursework

MEDI516
Common Challenge: Social Context 20 credits

This module offers an opportunity for students to work collaboratively on projects that will develop and enhance their professional and creative skills in working towards a collective outcome. It places creativity at the core of collaboration alongside the facilitation of new ideas and practices.

100% Coursework

MEDI517
Critical Dialogues

Critical Dialogues mixes contemporary debates and media histories in a lively lecture/seminar programme. The module provides exposure to seminal media theory / practice and facilitates students to engage critically with their own work, situated in the context of established practitioners.

MEDI518
Immersive Storytelling

Students experiment with interactive and immersive media to create multimodal storytelling experiences. Iterative project development and playtesting are means to explore theoretical approaches, concepts and practices central to interactive and immersive storytelling.

Final year

The final year is about your passions, interests and ambitions. You complete two major self-directed projects in independent practice and collaborative practice. Hone your research skills in a dissertation and prepare for your future career in our professional module. You have the opportunity to showcase your achievements in a substantial public exhibition. We also provide one-to-one mentoring by industry professionals and the opportunity to meet and network with potential employers. 
Illuminate Festival

Core modules

ADA600
Common Dissertation: Critical Practices 20 credits

The module engages students in situating practice through research, contextualisation and critical reflection, in relation to their final stage study and post University aspirations. Programmes can offer: a traditional dissertation; preparation for an extended dissertation; situating existing practice; or the construction of a new body of work as practice-based research.

100% Coursework

MEDI611
Independent Practice 40 credits

Drawing on a growing sense of practice, underpinned by tutorial support, students will develop a large scale project through an application of practical and critical skills.

100% Coursework

MEDI612
Media Futures 20 credits

This module will support students in their aspirations beyond graduation. Students will identify career/ postgraduate aims and further develop their portfolios and professional profiles to effectively promote themselves and their practice in appropriate contexts.

100% Coursework

MEDI613
Collaborative and Contextual Practice

In this module you will undertake a collaborative project, emphasis will be placed on working processes and methodologies, group interaction, the planning and completion of the project within a defined context. This module provides an important critical context arising from issues relating to collaborative practice, working from a research and development stage through to realisation in order to contribute new objects or forms of cultural production.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

Learn work-ready skills sought by employers

Creative media news - bradley wye
Experience real-life projects beyond the classroom
Our strong industry links with organisations such as the BBC and ITV give you the opportunity to work on real-life creative collaborations.
Immersive Media Lab
Achieve your creative goals with our excellent facilities and resources
From green screens and broadcast studios to animation suites and darkrooms, you'll have access to a wide range of specialist facilities.
Media Arts Berlin Trip
We love Plymouth, but we also love to explore
We're part of the ISEP international exchange programme with bespoke exchange agreements across Europe and the USA.
Creative media project lonely not alone - campaign image for news page.

Make a real impact with your creativity

In your second year, as part of the ‘social context’ module, you'll work with a charity, social enterprise or community group to create media that matters. 
Past projects include – a national campaign tackling youth loneliness, reaching almost seven million people. Students worked with specialist co-production agency Effervescent and a group of vulnerable young people to explore ways to beat the stigma of youth loneliness, gaining industry experience and even securing paid roles.

Create work that inspires change

Our strong industry links with organisations such as the BBC, ITV and Royal Television Society, as well as regional arts and community groups, give you the opportunity to work on real life creative collaborations.
Second-year students teamed up with local organisation Fotonow to produce Cure The Climate – an interactive event helping to spread awareness of issues relating to our planet such as climate change and ocean pollution. 
Through workshops, exhibitions and multimedia, they engaged the public with hopeful, action-focused stories about our planet’s future, so people can feel more positive about what they can do to make a difference.
Mattie Stainton Cure the Climate project 2022 in the Roland Levinsky Building Immersive Media Lab. Image credit: Ryan Cheetham Fotonow CIC
Mattie Stainton, Cure the Climate project in the Immersive Media Lab. Image credit: Ryan Cheetham, Fotonow CIC

Build your portfolio with real-world projects

“The Careers Service came and pitched making an animation for the new AI they were launching and that sounded interesting to me. I thought it would be something I could use to improve my skills as an animator. It was a collaborative process between myself and the Careers Service.”
Final-year student Alex Jones was commissioned to create a promo video for the University’s new AI Careers Service chatbot. Supported by the careers team, Alex used his creative skills on a professional brief – expanding his portfolio and gaining real experience for an employer.
WAVE careers chatbot
 
 
 

Meet our experts

Dr Hannah Wood Lecturer in Creative Media


Lecturer in Creative Media

Professor Chris Bennewith Executive Dean


Executive Dean

Ms Inés Rae Lecturer in Media Arts


Lecturer in Media Arts

Show all
 
 
 
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

Where can this course take you?

Our graduates go on to work in TV, film, radio, advertising and design – as directors, producers, editors, photographers and more. Some start their own creative businesses or become independent artists, curators or educators. They’ve worked with the BBC, Disney and Radio 1, had work shown in the National Portrait Gallery, and even featured on the cover of Vogue. 
You'll graduate with strong creative and technical skills – and the confidence to make your mark in the media and arts industries.

The course encourages you to take your work beyond the University and I engaged in a number of professional film projects during my time at Plymouth. In my second year I was Editor and Director of Photography on the documentary Ray: A Life Underwater. This documentary has had amazing success internationally and has been screened on Channel 4.

Danny Cooke

Never give up and work as hard as you can. Creating your own unique style will help you with getting more confident, getting more clients and with expanding your skills.

Graduate Anna Luiza Golebiewska: Photographer
Anna Luiza Golebiewska
 
 
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
 
 
 
 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about  fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
32 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.

A levels
32 UCAS tariff points.

BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
PPP.

T level
Pass in any subject.

International Baccalaureate
24 points. English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 
We are looking for applicants with good potential, including with non-standard qualifications and backgrounds, so will consider every application on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions or concerns about meeting the entry requirements listed above, we encourage you to contact the Admissions team on +44 1752 585858 or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk, and a member of the team will be able to offer you further advice.

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
W619
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years

Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    32 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    W619
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    4 years

    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth
     
     
     

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    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
     
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    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.