• Course Overview

  • About the International Foundation Programme

  • Key entry requirements

  • Tuition fees

  • Apply online

Course overview

Want to explore the underlying principles and skills in media, art, and design? Studied at High School level overseas and ready to take the next step towards your creative industries career?

The International Foundation Programme at Solent University has been designed for students who have already completed their High School education overseas meet the demands of undergraduate study in the UK. As such, substantial support is given for language development as well as building your confidence and independence to learn effectively within this academic culture.

The Creative Industries Pathway introduces you to the key principles and skills in media, art, and design. You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge in an area of which you have a particular interest within the Creative Industries. The aim is to develop your creative capacity and to develop your confidence and skills so that you are able to communicate your ideas effectively. The course involves a Creative Project which allows you to build upon your ideas, well-preparing you to progress on to creative industries or media-related programme at undergraduate level.

About the course

This Pathway introduces students to fundamental principles and skills in media, art and design. Through a focus on practical teaching, this Pathway gives students the opportunity to develop the appropriate knowledge in an area of particular interest in the Creative Industries.

There is a specific aim to develop students’ creative capacity and so guidance will be given to develop the confidence and skills to communicate ideas. Students will study either an arts-focused or digital media-focused module depending on their target progression course. Furthermore, the Pathway includes a Creative Project module, allowing students to develop their ideas through the initial research stage to the final piece of completed work, providing excellent preparation for undergraduate studies in Creative Industries.

Course progression

To progress on to your chosen undergraduate programme at Solent University, you will need to achieve at least 40% in every module in your International Foundation Programme – Creative Industries Pathway.

Subject to meeting the above, you will be able to progress on to the following programmes from the International Foundation Programme – Creative Industries Pathway:

 

Ready to go?

Apply today

Want to find out more?

Add to My Prospectus Download brochure

What is an international foundation programme?

An International Foundation Programme is a subject-specific course which prepares you for university study in the UK by developing your academic skills and your ability to use English in an academic context, together with helping to develop your subject knowledge.

Who’s the programme for?

If you are a recent high school graduate, who would like to study an undergraduate degree in the UK, but you do not fully meet the entry criteria (academic and/or linguistic), this programme is for you.

It is specifically designed to support your transition from high school to the UK higher education system if you are an international student who:

  • Needs to improve your English language and academic skills in the context of the UK higher education system
  • Prefers to adapt to the British culture in an academic context before starting an undergraduate degree.

Where will this programme lead you?

Once you successfully complete the International Foundation Programme you will be able to meet the entry requirements and be well equipped to progress to undergraduate study at Solent University.

What benefit will you ger from the programme?

Specifically, the International Foundation Programme has a number of objectives:

  • Equip you with appropriate learning and study skills to support your study experience, academically and personally, at an undergraduate level and above
  • Develop and ensure you have the required level of English ability to engage successfully with undergraduate study at a UK University
  • Enhance your ability to work with academic subjects at undergraduate level.
  • Develop your confidence and independence and your ability to learn effectively within the UK’s academic culture.
  • Introduce you to the learning, teaching and assessment regimes adopted at undergraduate level and above at UK universities
  • Learn specific knowledge relevant to your chosen degree and future career

Teaching and assessment

All of our pathway programmes are fully embedded so you will be studying your course on-campus in Southampton, with access to all of the university facilities that you can expect for your undergraduate studies at Solent.

Throughout your studies, you will be taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their experience to develop your English and academic skills in preparation for progression on to your chosen undergraduate course.

Course contact time: 16-20 hours/week

Additional study time: 15-20 hours/week for self-study and individual learning

You will be taught through a mix of teaching methods which may include: lectures, seminars, and workshops.
You will also meet with your tutors individually for additional academic support.

Assessment for this programme is through a mix of coursework, presentations, portfolios, projects and in-class tests.

These programmes are delivered as part of a partnership between Solent University and QA Higher Education. The programmes are validated by the University and delivered by QA Higher Education staff.

Course modules

If you are studying the 2 Term programme, you will study Terms One and Two.

Terms one and two

All units are 20 credits, unless otherwise stated.


The module has been designed to help you develop the type of language skills used in an academic context and help you engage effectively with the teaching environments you will experience at undergraduate level. You will develop your academic English reading, writing, listening & speaking skills and explore the types of materials and sources you will be expected to use on your degree course.

During the module, you will listen to lectures and practice note-taking, learn how to read critically, develop your writing skills through the production of a variety of writing genres, and participate in different types of speaking tasks. You will also enrich and improve your academic vocabulary and grammatical accuracy.

In this module, you will explore and develop the academic skills and language which are specifically related to your area of study at degree level.

The aim of the module is to prepare you for the linguistic challenges of your chosen area of study at undergraduate level. Therefore, the resources you will be exposed to during the module will be related to some of the topics covered in your pathway subject modules.

You will develop your teamwork skills in this module as the assessment is based on collaborative tasks. You will also be encouraged to research your future progression degree further and connect with relevant University departments.

This module is designed to help you develop your English language skills to the level required to begin the International Foundation Programme. As such, the course focusses on the development of the core linguistic skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening, the development of vocabulary, grammatical accuracy and oral fluency.

This module has been designed to support you in your preparation for undergraduate level study by developing your independent study skills.

The module covers a diverse range of academic skills and takes a practical approach to learning. You will be required to participate in interactive classroom sessions and complete independent study tasks. Combined, these will help you improve your skills in the following areas:

  • Digital literacy (including basic IT skills and effective email communication)
  • Referencing
  • Seminar discussions & debates
  • Study skills (such as time management and planning assignments)

On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate your readiness for study at undergraduate level by developing the key academic skills that will enhance your success on the degree course

In this module, you will learn how to write an academic essay using a structure and style which is appropriate for undergraduate level study.

You will have the opportunity to select a topic related to your progression degree course which particularly interests you and then explores this further through the development of your essay. You will be guided through the process of essay writing, from the development of your title to the planning and research stages and the correct structure and style.

Part of your assessment for this module involves the delivery of an academic presentation, based on your chosen essay topic. The module gives you, therefore, an opportunity to practise your academic communication skills in both a written and verbal format.

This module will introduce you to a range of underpinning creative techniques and practical skills. It is designed to help you develop your contextual awareness and utilise research to support your creative practice.

This module takes a very practical approach to the subject area. This will help you develop the appropriate skills and knowledge to be able to translate your concepts and ideas into tangible pieces of work through the exploration of a range of creative techniques.

You will apply creative problem solving to identify the most suitable methods for visually communicating your ideas.

In this module, you will explore the principles guiding the effective use of different forms of media. This is backed up by a series of practical exercises that give you hands-on experience of creating different types of media output. Exercises will range across photography, use of video, audio, written media and on-line. You will also have the opportunity to critique pre-existing media – this is to help you develop your understanding of good practice and the effective use of different forms of media.

Finally, you will consider the development of on-line and digital media and how this has challenged existing media formats as well as creating new opportunities to use traditional formats.

This module will build on the core of knowledge and skills that you have already developed in the ‘Introduction to Creative Practice’ and the ‘Introduction to Media’ modules.

The Creative Project module starts by helping you to decide on an area of art and design that is of interest to you and that is relevant to your progression degree programme.

This module then explores how to undertake effective research around your area of interest and you will engage with a range of research sources, as well as possibly undertaking additional independent field visits.

*Please note you will need to be on a 4-year CAS to study the Introduction to Media module. All students on a 1-year CAS will study the Foundations for the Creative Industries module.

The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.

 

To study the International Foundation Programme – Creative Industries Pathway you will need to meet the following entry requirements.

Academic requirements

  • 12 or 13 years of schooling dependent on the education system in your country.

Country specific entry requirements

To find out more information on the specific entry requirements for your country please click below

View country-specific entry requirements here

English language requirements

  • 2 term programme: IELTS 5.0 overall (with no single element below 4.5) from a UKVI Approved Centre.
  • 3 term programme: IELTS 4.5 overall (with no single element below 4.0) from a UKVI Approved Centre.

Students with IELTS 5.5 (with no single element below 5.5) can benefit from an integrated CAS to study this IFP, meaning you only make one visa application for the duration of your studies.

Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.

Age requirements

Minimum age: 17 years old – you must turn 18 within the first 6 months of your undergraduate programme

Tuition fees 2025/26

  • 3 term programme: £16,000
  • 2 term programme: £13,500

Your course fees cover registration costs, teaching for the course and access to the learning resources at the University and Student Support Services. They do not include the cost of course books, stationery and photocopying/printing costs, accommodation, living costs, travel, hobbies, sports or other leisure activities.

Additional costs

You will need a laptop or PC (with the Microsoft Office package installed) to prepare your assignments.

You should be prepared to buy any stationery (pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, etc.) you need for your classes as well as specialist materials you may need for your pathway projects. This figure is very dependent on the type of project you decide to complete.

There may occasionally be trips organised, which may form part of your course requirements.

We would suggest allowing an additional £250 to cover these costs.

You can now apply for this course online

Click the buttons below for your preferred start date below which will take you to our online application form.

Apply for October 2025

You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.

2-Term 3-Term
Apply for October Apply for October

 

Wants to ask a question?

If you have any questions regarding the International Foundation Programme – Creative Industries Pathway, entry requirements, or studying in the UK at Solent, contact us using the form below or visit our Enquire Now page.

Key Information

Level

Foundation - NQF Level 3

Entry Requirements

12 or 13 years of schooling dependent on the education system in your country

Tuition Fees

2025/26: 2 term: £13,500, 3 term: £16,000.

Contact Hours

16-20

Duration

2 or 3 term

Assessment Methods

Coursework, presentations, portfolios, projects and in-class tests

Scholarships or Bursaries

Available

Payment Plans

Available

Minimum Age

17 years old - you must turn 18 within the first 6 months of your undergraduate programme

Maximum Class Size

18

Start Date

October and January

Next Application Deadline

TBC

Location

Southampton

Course Overview
  • Course Overview
  • About the International Foundation Programme
  • Key entry requirements
  • Tuition fees
  • Apply online

Course overview

Want to explore the underlying principles and skills in media, art, and design? Studied at High School level overseas and ready to take the next step towards your creative industries career?

The International Foundation Programme at Solent University has been designed for students who have already completed their High School education overseas meet the demands of undergraduate study in the UK. As such, substantial support is given for language development as well as building your confidence and independence to learn effectively within this academic culture.

The Creative Industries Pathway introduces you to the key principles and skills in media, art, and design. You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge in an area of which you have a particular interest within the Creative Industries. The aim is to develop your creative capacity and to develop your confidence and skills so that you are able to communicate your ideas effectively. The course involves a Creative Project which allows you to build upon your ideas, well-preparing you to progress on to creative industries or media-related programme at undergraduate level.

About the course

This Pathway introduces students to fundamental principles and skills in media, art and design. Through a focus on practical teaching, this Pathway gives students the opportunity to develop the appropriate knowledge in an area of particular interest in the Creative Industries.

There is a specific aim to develop students’ creative capacity and so guidance will be given to develop the confidence and skills to communicate ideas. Students will study either an arts-focused or digital media-focused module depending on their target progression course. Furthermore, the Pathway includes a Creative Project module, allowing students to develop their ideas through the initial research stage to the final piece of completed work, providing excellent preparation for undergraduate studies in Creative Industries.

Course progression

To progress on to your chosen undergraduate programme at Solent University, you will need to achieve at least 40% in every module in your International Foundation Programme – Creative Industries Pathway.

Subject to meeting the above, you will be able to progress on to the following programmes from the International Foundation Programme – Creative Industries Pathway:

 

Key information

Level

Foundation - NQF Level 3

Entry Requirements

12 or 13 years of schooling dependent on the education system in your country

Tuition Fees

2025/26: 2 term: £13,500, 3 term: £16,000.

Contact Hours

16-20

Duration

2 or 3 term

Assessment Methods

Coursework, presentations, portfolios, projects and in-class tests

Scholarships or Bursaries

Available

Payment Plans

Available

Minimum Age

17 years old - you must turn 18 within the first 6 months of your undergraduate programme

Maximum Class Size

18

Start Date

October and January

Next Application Deadline

TBC

Location

Southampton

Ready to go?

Apply today

Want to find out more?

Add to My Prospectus Download brochure

What is an international foundation programme?

An International Foundation Programme is a subject-specific course which prepares you for university study in the UK by developing your academic skills and your ability to use English in an academic context, together with helping to develop your subject knowledge.

Who’s the programme for?

If you are a recent high school graduate, who would like to study an undergraduate degree in the UK, but you do not fully meet the entry criteria (academic and/or linguistic), this programme is for you.

It is specifically designed to support your transition from high school to the UK higher education system if you are an international student who:

  • Needs to improve your English language and academic skills in the context of the UK higher education system
  • Prefers to adapt to the British culture in an academic context before starting an undergraduate degree.

Where will this programme lead you?

Once you successfully complete the International Foundation Programme you will be able to meet the entry requirements and be well equipped to progress to undergraduate study at Solent University.

What benefit will you ger from the programme?

Specifically, the International Foundation Programme has a number of objectives:

  • Equip you with appropriate learning and study skills to support your study experience, academically and personally, at an undergraduate level and above
  • Develop and ensure you have the required level of English ability to engage successfully with undergraduate study at a UK University
  • Enhance your ability to work with academic subjects at undergraduate level.
  • Develop your confidence and independence and your ability to learn effectively within the UK’s academic culture.
  • Introduce you to the learning, teaching and assessment regimes adopted at undergraduate level and above at UK universities
  • Learn specific knowledge relevant to your chosen degree and future career

Teaching and assessment

All of our pathway programmes are fully embedded so you will be studying your course on-campus in Southampton, with access to all of the university facilities that you can expect for your undergraduate studies at Solent.

Throughout your studies, you will be taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their experience to develop your English and academic skills in preparation for progression on to your chosen undergraduate course.

Course contact time: 16-20 hours/week

Additional study time: 15-20 hours/week for self-study and individual learning

You will be taught through a mix of teaching methods which may include: lectures, seminars, and workshops.
You will also meet with your tutors individually for additional academic support.

Assessment for this programme is through a mix of coursework, presentations, portfolios, projects and in-class tests.

These programmes are delivered as part of a partnership between Solent University and QA Higher Education. The programmes are validated by the University and delivered by QA Higher Education staff.

Course modules

If you are studying the 2 Term programme, you will study Terms One and Two.

Terms one and two

All units are 20 credits, unless otherwise stated.


The module has been designed to help you develop the type of language skills used in an academic context and help you engage effectively with the teaching environments you will experience at undergraduate level. You will develop your academic English reading, writing, listening & speaking skills and explore the types of materials and sources you will be expected to use on your degree course.

During the module, you will listen to lectures and practice note-taking, learn how to read critically, develop your writing skills through the production of a variety of writing genres, and participate in different types of speaking tasks. You will also enrich and improve your academic vocabulary and grammatical accuracy.

In this module, you will explore and develop the academic skills and language which are specifically related to your area of study at degree level.

The aim of the module is to prepare you for the linguistic challenges of your chosen area of study at undergraduate level. Therefore, the resources you will be exposed to during the module will be related to some of the topics covered in your pathway subject modules.

You will develop your teamwork skills in this module as the assessment is based on collaborative tasks. You will also be encouraged to research your future progression degree further and connect with relevant University departments.

This module is designed to help you develop your English language skills to the level required to begin the International Foundation Programme. As such, the course focusses on the development of the core linguistic skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening, the development of vocabulary, grammatical accuracy and oral fluency.

This module has been designed to support you in your preparation for undergraduate level study by developing your independent study skills.

The module covers a diverse range of academic skills and takes a practical approach to learning. You will be required to participate in interactive classroom sessions and complete independent study tasks. Combined, these will help you improve your skills in the following areas:

  • Digital literacy (including basic IT skills and effective email communication)
  • Referencing
  • Seminar discussions & debates
  • Study skills (such as time management and planning assignments)

On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate your readiness for study at undergraduate level by developing the key academic skills that will enhance your success on the degree course

In this module, you will learn how to write an academic essay using a structure and style which is appropriate for undergraduate level study.

You will have the opportunity to select a topic related to your progression degree course which particularly interests you and then explores this further through the development of your essay. You will be guided through the process of essay writing, from the development of your title to the planning and research stages and the correct structure and style.

Part of your assessment for this module involves the delivery of an academic presentation, based on your chosen essay topic. The module gives you, therefore, an opportunity to practise your academic communication skills in both a written and verbal format.

This module will introduce you to a range of underpinning creative techniques and practical skills. It is designed to help you develop your contextual awareness and utilise research to support your creative practice.

This module takes a very practical approach to the subject area. This will help you develop the appropriate skills and knowledge to be able to translate your concepts and ideas into tangible pieces of work through the exploration of a range of creative techniques.

You will apply creative problem solving to identify the most suitable methods for visually communicating your ideas.

In this module, you will explore the principles guiding the effective use of different forms of media. This is backed up by a series of practical exercises that give you hands-on experience of creating different types of media output. Exercises will range across photography, use of video, audio, written media and on-line. You will also have the opportunity to critique pre-existing media – this is to help you develop your understanding of good practice and the effective use of different forms of media.

Finally, you will consider the development of on-line and digital media and how this has challenged existing media formats as well as creating new opportunities to use traditional formats.

This module will build on the core of knowledge and skills that you have already developed in the ‘Introduction to Creative Practice’ and the ‘Introduction to Media’ modules.

The Creative Project module starts by helping you to decide on an area of art and design that is of interest to you and that is relevant to your progression degree programme.

This module then explores how to undertake effective research around your area of interest and you will engage with a range of research sources, as well as possibly undertaking additional independent field visits.

*Please note you will need to be on a 4-year CAS to study the Introduction to Media module. All students on a 1-year CAS will study the Foundations for the Creative Industries module.

The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.

 

To study the International Foundation Programme – Creative Industries Pathway you will need to meet the following entry requirements.

Academic requirements

  • 12 or 13 years of schooling dependent on the education system in your country.

Country specific entry requirements

To find out more information on the specific entry requirements for your country please click below

View country-specific entry requirements here

English language requirements

  • 2 term programme: IELTS 5.0 overall (with no single element below 4.5) from a UKVI Approved Centre.
  • 3 term programme: IELTS 4.5 overall (with no single element below 4.0) from a UKVI Approved Centre.

Students with IELTS 5.5 (with no single element below 5.5) can benefit from an integrated CAS to study this IFP, meaning you only make one visa application for the duration of your studies.

Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.

Age requirements

Minimum age: 17 years old – you must turn 18 within the first 6 months of your undergraduate programme

Tuition fees 2025/26

  • 3 term programme: £16,000
  • 2 term programme: £13,500

Your course fees cover registration costs, teaching for the course and access to the learning resources at the University and Student Support Services. They do not include the cost of course books, stationery and photocopying/printing costs, accommodation, living costs, travel, hobbies, sports or other leisure activities.

Additional costs

You will need a laptop or PC (with the Microsoft Office package installed) to prepare your assignments.

You should be prepared to buy any stationery (pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, etc.) you need for your classes as well as specialist materials you may need for your pathway projects. This figure is very dependent on the type of project you decide to complete.

There may occasionally be trips organised, which may form part of your course requirements.

We would suggest allowing an additional £250 to cover these costs.

You can now apply for this course online

Click the buttons below for your preferred start date below which will take you to our online application form.

Apply for October 2025

You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.

2-Term 3-Term
Apply for October Apply for October

 

Wants to ask a question?

If you have any questions regarding the International Foundation Programme – Creative Industries Pathway, entry requirements, or studying in the UK at Solent, contact us using the form below or visit our Enquire Now page.