Integrated Foundation Year BA/BSc(Hons)

Course Overview

The Integrated Foundation Year degree is designed to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in the creative industries. This four-year course includes an introductory year to help students build the core skills required for specialist degree-level study.

Key Details

• Location: Falmouth Campus
• Course duration: 4 years
• Attendance: Full-time
• Subject to validation during this academic year: Yes

Course Details

In the foundation year, students will study five core modules: three short modules in the first study block and two in the second (one short, one long). These modules are designed to help students explore the foundational elements of both creative practice and their chosen specialism.

Modules (Foundation Year)

• Explore: Students will work collaboratively with others to explore themes of the future, taking risks, experimenting through play, and being supported to break through barriers.
• Technique: Students will take subject-specific workshops and develop essential technical and practical skills in their area of study, enhancing their analytical and organisational abilities.
• Apply: Students will work with their peer group to think beyond discipline by addressing a societal or global issue, showcasing their work to their peers, and delivering an accompanying evaluation of their process.
• Industry: Students will enhance their creative and practical skills in their subject specialism by responding to typical industry briefs, underpinned by focused research and experiments, and gaining industry insights through guest lectures and workshops.
• Launch: Students will develop their unique identity in their specialism through the production of a self-initiated body of work, with their final project serving as a bridge to their next year, fully supported by evaluative reviews and critical analysis of the work they have created.

Choosing Your Specialism

When choosing to study an Integrated Foundation Year degree, students will need to choose the subject they wish to specialise in before applying. For instance, they might want to study Computing for Games BSc(Hons), and they'll be able to choose the Integrated Foundation Year route.

Integrated Foundation Year Specialisms

• Animation BA(Hons)
• Commercial Photography BA(Hons)
• Computer Science BSc(Hons)
• Computing for Games BSc(Hons)
• Costume Design for Film & Television BA(Hons)
• Creative Advertising BA(Hons)
• Documentary & Editorial Photography BA(Hons)
• Drawing BA(Hons)
• Fashion Design BA(Hons)
• Fashion Marketing BA(Hons)
• Fashion Photography BA(Hons)
• Fashion Styling & Art Direction BA(Hons)
• Film BA(Hons)
• Fine Art BA(Hons)
• Game Animation BA(Hons)
• Game Art BA(Hons)
• Game Development BA(Hons)
• Graphic Design BA(Hons)
• Illustration BA(Hons)
• Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons)
• Marketing Communications BA(Hons)
• Media BA(Hons)
• Photography BA(Hons)
• Post Production & Visual Effects BA(Hons)
• Software Engineering BSc(Hons)
• Television & Film Production BA(Hons)
• Textile Design BA(Hons)

How You'll Learn

• Our Integrated Foundation Year degrees are designed to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the creative industries.
• At Falmouth, we use a 'digitally enhanced learning & teaching' approach.
• Students' experience will always be predominantly in-person, including seminars, tutorials, and studio teaching, with some targeted elements being online either live (synchronous) or pre-recorded (asynchronous).

Assessment Methods

• Foundation year assessments are 100% coursework-based.
• Assessment will take place at the end of each module, and students will get feedback and evaluation throughout the year.
• Students will be assessed through visual, verbal, and written assignments, including their portfolio and a reflective journal.
• In the foundation year, all assessments are pass/fail to encourage students to take risks and engage with the feedback provided.

Facilities

• Our industry-standard facilities, spread across two campuses, are carefully designed and developed to ensure students are more than equipped to succeed in their chosen specialism.
• Explore all our facilities:
  • Media
  • Fashion & textile
  • Performance
  • Photography
  • Art & design
  • Games academy
  • Printmaking
  • Library
  • Sports centre

Staff

• Specialist staff from the course discipline will contribute to the learning and teaching on the Integrated Foundation Year degree.
• Our lecturers are often practising professionals and academic researchers who can give students first-hand knowledge of the creative industries.

Staff Members

• Duncan Cameron: Senior Lecturer & Course Leader for the Falmouth Integrated Foundation Year
• Adam Blackmore: Lecturer, Game Art & Animation (Integrated Foundation Year)
• Gina Burney: Lecturer: Illustration & Graphic Design (Integrated Foundation Year)
• Kate Lowe: Lecturer Photography Integrated Foundation Year Degree
• Roger Troup: Lecturer Integrated Foundation Year Film and Television
• Cassie Henderson: Fashion and Textiles IFY Lecturer and Module Leader
• Lucy Stent: Game Programming and Game Development Foundation Lecturer

Careers

• From exhibitions to award wins, positions in leading creative businesses to launching their own ventures, our graduates are blazing a trail.
• Read about our graduates from across the course specialisms.

Graduate Stories

• "Creative autonomy is worth more than fleeting validation": Meet Pete Jordi Wood
• From the Royal Opera House to Broadway: an interview with textile designer Sara Lowes
• Q&A with Graphic Designer, George Sutton
• Graduate Spotlight: Textile Designer Lucy Martin
• From CHANEL to Queen Camilla: a catch-up with Textile Design graduate Beth Somerville
• Aimee Shardlow: Fine Art Graduate starts her own business
• Fine Art graduate joins The Great Women Artists Residency in Italy
• More Rookies recognition for animation alumni
• From Sustainable Product Design student to inspiring sustainability leader
• Sustainable Product Design student bags multiple industry awards
• Games Academy alumni release their latest game on Nintendo Switch
• From a BA and MA to LGBTQ+ fairytales and a PhD: meet Pete Jordi Wood
• Falmouth artists feature in Royal Academy of Arts exhibition on art, colonialism and change
• Falmouth graduate’s vodka brand design wins Bulletproof 100%Proof competition
• Falmouth duo launch dynamic new publication BLEACH Magazine
• Knights of Borria set to launch new game ‘Leximan’ with major European publisher
• Textile Design graduate launches collection with Oasis
• Alice Moore on starting her own handwoven textile business
• Graduate shares her experience as an international student at Falmouth University

How to Apply

• Apply via UCAS.
• You'll need to reference the course and University code (F33).
• You can find your Integrated Foundation Year course code on the individual course page.
• Select your course to retrieve your course code and read more about what you'll study in the remaining three years of your degree after your Integrated Foundation Year.

Deadlines

• For starting your studies in 2025:
  • UK applications: 29 January 2025 (for equal consideration)
  • Applications after the 31 January will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as there are places available.
• International fee payers can apply throughout the year, but we recommend applying as early as possible to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

Entry Requirements

• We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential.
• We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field.
• Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course.
• We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you've specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.

Course Routes & Entry Requirements

• Integrated Foundation Year BA/BSc(Hons) four-year degree: 80 – 120 UCAS Tariff points
• Check how many points your qualifications are worth.

Language Requirements

• For applicants whose first language is English, we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
• If English is not your first language, you will need to meet the same standard, which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
• We accept a range of in-country equivalencies and approved tests.

Fees, Costs & Funding

Tuition Fees

• Tuition fees for students starting the course in September 2025:
  • Annual tuition fee: £9,535 per year (Full-time UK)
  • Annual tuition fee: £17,950 per year (Full-time EU/international)
• Tuition fees for students starting the course in September 2024:
  • Annual tuition fee: £9,250 per year (Full-time UK)
  • Annual tuition fee: £17,950 per year (Full-time EU/international)
• The below courses have a lower tuition fee of £5,760 during the Integrated Foundation Year, starting in September 2025:
  • Fashion Marketing BA
  • Creative Advertising BA
  • Marketing Communications BA

Additional Typical Course Costs for Integrated Foundation Year Pathway

• £250 for materials
• A laptop/desktop computer
• Adobe Creative Suite

Funding

• For information about funding available, please visit our student funding pages.

Ask a Student

• What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?
• From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have.
• Simply set up your account, send them a question, and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

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Integrated Foundation Year BA/BSc(Hons)

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Degree Overview

This integrated foundation year course is designed for individuals who want to enter the creative industries, but lack the necessary background or qualifications. This four-year program includes an introductory year to equip students with the essential skills in a chosen specialization before progressing to the remaining three years of their chosen degree. This extra year provides an opportunity:

• To develop essential technical and practical skills
• To gain a deeper understanding of the subject you choose to specialize in
• To build confidence and prepare for further studies in your chosen field
The program will help students develop expertise in problem-solving, risk-taking, designing, and making, enhancing their abilities through five core modules in the foundation year. By the end of the year, students will be prepared to begin their chosen BA/BSc degree with a solid foundation and greater confidence.

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Outline

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Foundation Year Modules

• Technique: Subject-specific workshops and development of essential technical and practical skills in chosen specialization.
• Apply: Collaborative work to address a societal or global issue.
• Industry: Responding to industry briefs and gaining insights through guest lectures and workshops.
• Launch: Self-initiated project development with evaluation and analysis of created work.

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Specializations

This program allows students to choose a specialization before applying. The available specializations are:

• Animation
• Commercial Photography
• Computer Science
• Computing for Games
• Costume Design for Film & Television
• Creative Advertising
• Data Science
• Drawing
• Esports & Livestreaming
• Fashion Design
• Fashion Marketing
• Fashion Photography
• Fashion Styling & Art Direction
• Film
• Fine Art
• Game Animation
• Game Art
• Game Development
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Immersive Computing
• Marine & Natural History Photography
• Marketing Communications
• Media Production
• Photography
• Post Production & Visual Effects
• Robotics
• Sound Design
• Sustainable Design
• Textile Design

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Remaining Degree Structure

Once the foundation year is completed, students will move to the main BA/BSc program of their chosen specialization. The structure and course schedule within these programs will vary depending on the chosen specialization.

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Assessment

Assessments for the foundation year modules are 100% coursework based. Assessments will be conducted at the end of each module, with continuous feedback and evaluation throughout the year. Assessments include visuals, verbal, and written assignments, including portfolio presentations and reflective journals. In the foundation year, all assessments are pass/fail to encourage risk-taking and focus on feedback implementation.

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Teaching

The program utilizes a digitally enhanced learning and teaching approach. While predominantly in-person (seminars, tutorials, studio teaching), some elements will be online (synchronous or asynchronous). The foundation year curriculum involves specialist staff from various disciplines who contribute to teaching and learning. Lecturers often include practicing professionals and academic researchers offering practical knowledge of the creative industries. Specific staff members involved may vary depending on your chosen specialization.

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Careers

Graduates of the program have pursued diverse careers with examples such as:

• Launching vodka brand with award-winning design
• Starting new publication and achieving high readership within the first month
• Establishing successful textile businesses
• Exhibiting work at the Tate Britain
• Directing award-winning animated film
• Creating award-winning advertising campaigns
• Winning international design awards
• Landing positions at cutting-edge fashion and film production companies
• Launching sustainable clothing businesses
• Securing roles with animation studios like Aardman
These examples showcase the wide range of career opportunities available in the creative industries following completion of this program.

Falmouth University

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Overview:

Falmouth University is a public university located in Cornwall, England, renowned for its creative arts and design programs. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as online study options. The university is known for its strong industry connections, professional-grade facilities, and inspiring location.

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Services Offered:

Falmouth University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available, offering modern and well-equipped spaces.

Student Support:

The university offers a variety of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Employability Service:

Falmouth University has a dedicated Employability Service that helps students develop their career skills and find employment opportunities.

Student Voice:

The university encourages student feedback and participation through its Student Voice program.

Study Abroad Exchanges:

Students have the opportunity to study abroad at partner institutions around the world.

Virtual Experience:

Falmouth University offers a virtual experience platform for prospective students to explore the campus and learn more about the university.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Falmouth University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with:

Accommodation:

Modern and well-equipped accommodation options on and off-campus.

Open Days:

Open Days are held regularly, allowing prospective students to experience campus life and meet staff and current students.

Freshers' Week:

A dedicated week of events and activities designed to help new students settle in and make friends.

Student Clubs and Societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for students to connect with like-minded individuals.

Location:

Falmouth is situated in a beautiful and inspiring location, with easy access to the coast and surrounding countryside.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Industry Connections:

Falmouth University has strong industry connections, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Professional-Grade Facilities:

The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, and labs, designed to support creative learning and practice.

Inspiring Location:

Falmouth's location in Cornwall offers a unique and inspiring environment for creative study, with access to stunning beaches, coastal landscapes, and a vibrant arts scene.

Focus on Employability:

Falmouth University is committed to preparing students for successful careers, with a dedicated Employability Service and a strong focus on practical skills development.

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Academic Programs:

Falmouth University offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in:

Art & Design:

The university is renowned for its art and design programs, including animation, film, photography, graphic design, fashion, and textiles.

Games:

Falmouth University has a dedicated Games Academy, offering programs in game design, development, and production.

Business & Marketing:

The university offers programs in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on creativity and innovation.

Computing:

Falmouth University offers programs in computing, including data science, robotics, and software development.

English, Journalism & Writing:

The university offers programs in English, journalism, and creative writing, with a focus on practical skills and industry connections.

Performance, Theatre & Music:

Falmouth University offers programs in performance, theatre, and music, with a focus on practical training and professional development.