Program Overview

Creative Expressive Arts, Health, and Wellbeing with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Course Description

This innovative four-year course includes a Foundation Year, providing a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge needed to achieve an honours degree. The course focuses on using the arts in a positive and therapeutic way with others, enabling students to harness their creativity to make a difference in people's lives.

Study Options

• Full-time: 4 years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 72 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: W192
• Start date: September
• Location: Kedleston Road and Britannia Mill, Derby Campus

What You Will Study

• Foundation Year
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Core modules:

• Study Skills
• Health, Wellbeing and Creativity
• Introduction to a Recovery Model for Mental Health
• Preparation for Professional Practice
• Communication Skills
• Promoting Equality in Human Professions
• Public Health Principles
• Skills for Interprofessional Practice

How You Will Learn

The course balances classroom-based theory sessions with practical sessions involving studio, performance, and exhibition work. Work-based learning and placements are a key part of the learning experience, allowing students to develop skills in working with people of differing ages, identities, backgrounds, and abilities.

How You Are Assessed

During the foundation year, students are assessed mainly by coursework, with some in-class tests. For the remainder of the studies, assessments include academic papers, reflective essays, exhibitions, performances, reflective journals and diaries, videos, and production projects.

Who You Will Meet

Students will learn from highly experienced academics who are committed to supporting their success. The team includes active researchers, authors, Arts and Health Practitioners, and Community Artists, qualified Arts Therapists, Musicians, Composers, Performers, and professional artists.

Careers

Graduates will develop transferable skills to work creatively with people in a range of different settings, drawing on their knowledge of art, dance, drama, or music. Career opportunities include community arts, voluntary organisations, health, education, and the corporate sector.

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 72
• A Level: DDD
• T Level: Pass
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: Maths and English are preferred, but students can undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of their course of study.
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 24, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• Additional costs and optional extras:
  • Essential equipment for all practical workshops
  • DBS Check approx £50
  • Adobe Creative Suite subscription
  • LinkedIn Learning subscription
  • Mandatory costs not included in fees:
    • Students may purchase additional resources for placement activities
    • Students will need their own waterproofs, wellies, etc. for the environmental sculpture event
    • Students may wish to purchase specific props and/or outfits for performances
    • Art materials beyond those supplied for specialist teaching
    • Students are expected to fund-raise to finance the production of the booklet supporting their final exhibition or performance, and refreshments for the opening evening
    • Students with specialist musical instruments beyond those available in the University will need to bring their own instruments
  • Optional costs not included in fees:
    • Option to purchase personal copies of textbooks
    • Students may opt to engage in international trips and activities that are not fully funded, though bursaries may be available
    • Optional outings and trips will also require self-funding

How to Apply

• UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University
• International students: Apply through the online application portal or contact a trusted local representative
• Additional information about studies:
  • Teaching hours: Extended teaching hours, with contact time with lecturers and tutors between 9am and 9pm
  • Course updates: The University of Derby reserves the right to change course content, costs, and other individual course details
  • Discover Uni: View course data and statistics on the Discover Uni website

Other Courses You Might Like

• Creative Expressive Arts, Health, and Wellbeing BA (Hons)
• Psychology BSc (Hons)
• Dance Movement Psychotherapy MA
• Dramatherapy MA
• Art Therapy MA