UCAS code
W950, W951Mode of Study
Full-timeDuration
4 years full-time, 5 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023, September 2024Overview
Our Creative Computing with Foundation Year degree course will help you fulfil your dream of doing something creative with computing, even if you don't meet the required grades for our Creative Computing degree course, don't know what your speciality is, or are a novice.
You’ll get a theoretical and practical introduction to creative computing by studying three unique modules. You’ll foster necessary study skills and develop programming experience to create artistic works, such as audio production and 3D graphic design in Photoshop.
By the end of this one-year course, you'll possess the knowledge and abilities to progress to degree level – either on BA/BSc (Hons) Creative Computing or a related course.
Course highlights
- Get a flexible grounding in creative computing to cement your interests, learning programming skills in diverse creative fields
- Advance your learning by moving onto our full Creative Computing degree course or a related degree once you complete this course
- Use innovative industry-standard equipment and facilities during your studies – some of which are only available at Portsmouth
- Be taught by subject specialists from various areas of creative technology, including music engineering, computer games programming and internet architecture
After your foundation year
Once you’ve successfully completed your foundation year, the topics and modules you go on to study will depend on the degree course you choose to take.
You can go on to the following courses:
Entry requirements
BA/BSc (Hons) Creative Computing with Foundation Year
Typical offers
- A levels – EEE
- UCAS points – 48 points to include 1 A Level. Other qualifications such as vocational A levels (AVCE), BTEC’s and Access courses will also be considered. (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Pass (D or E in the core)
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – PPP
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – DEE–EEE
- UCAS points – 48–56 points to include 1 A level, or equivalent Other qualifications such as vocational A levels (AVCE), BTEC’s and Access courses will also be considered (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Pass (D or E in the core)–Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – MPP–PPP
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Facilities
Careers and opportunities
No matter what you plan to study or do after your foundation year, you'll graduate with fundamental design, technical, interpersonal, and management skills that will boost your educational and professional pursuits.
Graduate areas
Areas you could work in include:
- Film/TV special effects and post-production
- Visual interface design
- Computer graphics design
- Video game development
- Music production
- Multimedia systems analysis
- Mobile app development
- Web development
- Computer music/sound engineering
- Interface design
- Database management
Graduate roles
You could work in a variety of design, development and administrative roles, including:
- Visual interface designer
- Computer graphics designer
- Video game developer
- Multimedia systems analyst
- Mobile app developer
- Web developer
- Sound engineer
- Interface designer
- Database manager
Ongoing careers support
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience. You can also venture into freelancing, or set up and run your own business with help from the University Startup Team.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
What you'll study
Each module in your Foundation year is worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules
- Applied Human Experience Design – 20 credits
- Code and Create – 20 credits
- Fundamentals of Sound and Vision – 20 credits
- Introduction to Human Experience Design – 20 credits
- Play and Code – 20 credits
- Sound and Vision in Practice – 20 credits
The modules you study in years 2, 3 and 4 will depend on which degree you choose at the end of your Foundation year.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course includes:
- Lectures
- Group and individual practical experimentation
- One-to-one tuition with project supervisors
You'll be taught by staff who have professional experience in the industry, who demonstrate concepts using practical examples.
Many teaching staff are engaged in research, which means you learn about the latest theories and concepts.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a web connection.
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through:
- Practical output, including interactive digital installations, creative software projects, and web and mobile apps
- Video and in-person presentations
- Written report
- Exhibition
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree. In your Foundation year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes and workshops for about 8–10 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in following years, but this depends on which modules you choose and the degree you go onto.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.
You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.
Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 per year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £17,900 per year (subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (2024 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 per year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £18,800 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You'll need to pay additional costs anywhere between £50–£1000 to cover travel, accommodation or subsistence if you take a placement abroad.
The amount you'll pay will vary, depending on the location and length of your stay. It will also depend on additional funding the UK Government makes available after Brexit and if the UK remains part of the Erasmus+ student mobility programme or not.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
How to apply
When you apply for this course, you can apply for either the BA or BSc version. Whether you graduate with a BA or BSc depends on which optional modules you choose throughout the course.
You can also switch a related degree after your Foundation year.
Applying through UCAS
To apply through UCAS, you'll need:
- the UCAS course code – W950 (BA) or W951 (BSc)
- our institution code – P80
Enter '0' in the 'Point of entry' field when you make your choice.
Applying directly
If you'd prefer to apply to us directly, use our online application form:
- BA (Hons) Creative Computing with Foundation year
- BSc (Hons) Creative Computing with Foundation year
You need to tell us you're applying for the Foundation year on the Qualifications tab on the application form.
Open Days and application guidance
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
When you apply for this course, you can apply for either the BA or BSc version. Whether you graduate with a BA or BSc depends on which optional modules you choose throughout the course.
You can also switch a related degree after your Foundation year.
Applying through UCAS
To apply through UCAS, you'll need:
- the UCAS course code – W950 (BA) or W951 (BSc)
- our institution code – P80
Enter '0' in the 'Point of entry' field when you make your choice.
Applying directly
If you'd prefer to apply to us directly, use our online application form:
- BA (Hons) Creative Computing with Foundation year
- BSc (Hons) Creative Computing with Foundation year
You need to tell us you're applying for the Foundation year on the Qualifications tab on the application form.
Open Days and application guidance
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.