Digital Media Applications
Creative Computing with Foundation Year
Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology
Full-time
Four year
September 2023
In a nutshell
The world of arts and media is changing at a phenomenal rate, and there has never been a better time to explore your creativity and the ways in which you can apply it to the world around you.
This Foundation Year provides the perfect opportunity for you to explore the key principles of art, design and media. The course is designed to help you develop your creative skills, it gives you a chance to build a larger portfolio, and provides a good transition period to familiarise yourself with the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology and life as a student at Salford. You will then be in a strong position to progress onto your chosen degree pathway.
This is a shared Foundation Year across Art, Design and Media disciplines, and will give you a collaborative environment to explore ideas, take creative risks and become confident independent learners. You will be joining a thriving and creative community.
The Foundation Year of this four-year programme aims to provide you with an understanding of the subject to allow you to progress on to the BSc (Hons) Creative Computing course.
Find out more by signing up to our upcoming Open Day, or if you have any general questions please contact course enquiries.
You can also find helpful FAQs, learn more about student life at Salford or explore all our Creative Digital Media and Gaming courses. Continue reading to understand more about this BSc (Hons) Creative Computing with Foundation Year course.
You will:
- develop your creative skills and academic confidence
- familiarise yourself with student life
- prepare to study on one of our degree programmes
Course accreditations

All about the course
The Foundation Year will provide you with a dynamic, exciting and collaborative environment in which you will become a confident self-learner, with the underpinning skills and knowledge to apply in your studies. You will be taught with students interested in progressing to different art, design and media programmes, and study modules that will help you increase your knowledge and understanding of basic art and design as well as other aspects of creative thinking.
Our strong connections within Greater Manchester’s thriving creative sector mean you will also hear from practitioners working in the industry right now about their practice, journey into the world or art and design.
In the first term you will study modules that introduce the key concepts, skills and knowledge of art and design. Modules will help you to develop your study skills such as note-taking and structuring reports. In the second semester, you will further develop your creative practice and be introduced to the creative industries.
The assignments are flexible enough to allow you to interpret and tailor your submissions to your preferred area of study. Tutors will help and support you, in creating a portfolio of work to progress onto the BSc (Hons) Creative Computing here at the University of Salford. You will be integrated slowly into the degree course with opportunities to meet tutors from the BSc and by using our shared collaborative facilities within our vibrant New Adelphi building.
This programme prepares you to study on the three-year University undergraduate programme, meaning the duration of your degree is four years in total. The Foundation Year is not a standalone qualification.
Following the Foundation Year, the three years of BSc (Hons) Creative Computing:
Over the course of three years, you will develop into a digital maker, equipped with creative problem-solving skills and an in-depth understanding of well-established and emergent technologies.
The Creative Computing degree is designed to progressively build competence across both skill-based technologies and creative problem solving. The modules are intertwined and provide both theoretical and practice-based learning opportunities, building confidence as you progress. Don't worry if some of these concepts are new to you - you will be supported by your tutors along the way, helping to prepare you for rewarding professional employment when you graduate.
This module helps you to become more familiar and confident with technology. As well as learning the creative software and photography skills, it will allow you to explore a creative subject of your choice and give you essential time management and research skills.
Creative Methods
This module will enable you to examine the creative and professional practice of others as a way of reflecting on your own practice. You’ll create a range of outcomes to help you build a dedicated portfolio as well as learning about major influences in art and design.
Introduction to Creative Coding
This module will provide you with a foundation in computer coding within the context of digital art creation.
Creative Practice Major Project
This module is designed to allow you to bring together all your prior learning from the previous modules. It gives you the opportunity to propose and create your own brief based on a theme, topic, or issue that you are passionate about. Within this module you’ll be supported by tutors who will guide you in creating in a meaningful body of work that demonstrates confidence in your chosen area. Your work will be exhibited in school of Arts and Media end of year show.
Introduction to the Creative Industries
This module enables you explore the creative industries and its career opportunities, You’ll learn about a range of subjects including responsible design and future trends within your chosen area of art and design. It will allow you to build on the technical skills that you have gained in the first semester to produce a creative publication.
Creative Coding Foundations
This module is a gentle introduction to computer science from a creative perspective. Coding principles will be conveyed through practical examples in our designated labs, allowing you to develop understanding of programming principles, structures, and patterns through rapid tangible outputs. A great deal of support and guidance will be offered to all students within this module.
Maths for Computing
A fundamental knowledge of the mathematical principles required for creative computing is an important part of the journey and development of foundation competence. These sessions are engaging, fast paced and enjoyable, and aim to convey understanding through practical, creative workshops. All of our receive considerable support so you can get the most out of this module.
Introduction to Creative Play
This module encourages you to develop an understanding of playfulness and creative risk taking in broad contexts of digital design. It will aim to show links between risk-taking and innovation and present case studies outlining the value of ‘failure’ in optimising success.
Web Design and Development
An understanding of both historical and contemporary web develop is a critical part of your learning. This module conveys through practice an understanding of web architecture, the core technologies and frameworks, and the pipelines required to go from concept through to prototype, testing and product release. The module looks at cross platform development as well as the integration of emergent technologies in the surfing experience.
Generative Art
This module explores the process of generating artforms using code. From pixel art and interactive painting effects to live interactive video processing. Building upon foundation coding skills this module applies a host of maths algorithms to solve complex visual processes. The module also considers the use of shader technology with GPU rendering for special effects. Following this module, you will have a strong foundation knowledge of how computing can power artist endeavours across varied applications.
Creative Collaboration
The module will develop your awareness of the benefits of collaborative practice between different specialisms and the relationship between design and business. Where possible, the module will allow you to work on an engaging project alongside a live client and/or collaborate with other programmes within the school or wider University.
Backend development
A solid understanding of data, format, processing, and storage is a critical part of designing quality interactive experiences. This module is a general introduction to data science, dealing first with fundamental server technologies and architecture, before exploring emergent cloud-based solutions and services. This module will allow you to develop a practical project which will help you build the competence to design and build efficient backend foundations for your applications.
Artificial Intelligence
This module introduces the concept of artificial intelligence, the history and the future direction. The huge positive impact of the technology is explored as well as the concerns raised by some that caution needs to take precedent as we move forward. The module is more theoretical in nature and considers AI from a both a philosophical as well as a technical prospective. It explores the prospect for advances and the disruptive nature of AI technologies, the opportunities, limitations, and ethics.
Introduction to XR Design and Development
This module explores the background of XR and its emerging application across the broad spectrum of industries. Utilising a range of technologies of emergent and experimental technologies you will learn how to design and build an XR experiences. This module is practice based research culminating that will culminate in a working prototype with self-reflective writing on the XR technology as a whole solution. This module is supported by the purpose build Digital Lab at our MediaCity campus.
Dissertation Preparation
The Creative Computing degree provides you with a strong all-round understanding of the field, but it is recognised that developing a deep level of knowledge and understanding in a certain area of interest provides you with a genuine level of expertise and increases the probability of high-level employment. The Dissertation module in the final year provides this opportunity, but you need to hit the ground running. This module allows you to explore the landscape, identity areas of value and develop preliminary research for your final written or practice-based dissertation.
Physical Computing
This module explores the way computing has now become ubiquitous within the physical world. It explores the phenomenon of mobile computing that now exists within our pockets, it considers the advent of the internet of things, IoT, where not only humans but devices are now connected and feeding the digital network. The module considers how physical computing can augment our world experiences, how advanced interfaces can expand the way humans interact with the network and the possible opportunities of a future interconnected world.
Games and Virtual Worlds
Within this module you will receive a detailed overview of games technologies, production pipelines, and games engines. You will consider the code required to build interactive experiences alongside the required processes for the generation and implementation of 3D environmental assets. This module will look at the ways game technologies are used within augmented experiences, virtual media production, simulation, and serious applications. This module will aim to equip you with both the knowledge and competence to build gaming experiences through hands on workshops and a practice-based project.
Major Project
The major project draws together everything you have learned and experienced during your time at university. With support from academic staff and industry this module allows students to define their own project based on individual interests, aptitude, and trajectory into employment. The project will be practice based and result in a tangible artifact. The project could span from entertainment to the serious application of technology. Expected outputs will include a lightweight creative development document, experimental outputs and a preliminary prototype. Evaluation and testing will be conducted, and communication and marketing materials produced, the flexibility of this project is what makes it so exciting, and students are encouraged to take risks bound in a creative, supportive well-equipped environment.
Dissertation
Within this module you will have the opportunity to develop a purely written or practice-based dissertation. This process has proved invaluable in supporting students to find their first employment opportunities, as it allows you to build a contemporary area of expertise. The module also equips students with the necessary academic skills required to progress to master's degree or PhD. The module is supported through a network of passionate academics. Elements typically covered within the module include practise-based research, qualitative and quantitative research, critical evaluation, advanced academic writing, research strategies and reflective practice.
Creative Industry Challenge
This module is all about live briefs from industry. The University sources projects from industry partners that explores innovative challenges. The module presents the opportunity for you to demonstrate and develop your visionary creative capacity and this module will again form an excellent showcase piece within your professional development.
Digital Project Management
Developing contemporary digital products can be challenging, the management of multidisciplinary teams, utilisation and development of emergent technologies, creative software development, governance, legislation, adoption, and ongoing support are but some of the considerations required through the life cycle of a product. This module will help you explore the bigger picture and equip you with a perspective and management methodologies employed by today's software development teams. The module will be project based and deliver a valuable showcase for your professional development.
Professional Development
Within this module you will initially focus on the realities of the digital jobs market and creative industries. You will be encouraged to investigate the personas of practicing professionals and the structure of the companies you identify as relevant to your career progression. Subsequent sessions will ask challenging questions of your capability through a positive lens. This process is intended to identify strengths and possible short falls before building a structured plan to develop capabilities and address any gaps. You will be asked to develop a professional persona based on where you would like to be positioned in the coming years. All other learning and project elements will then be built around a persona statement. You will learn how to best communicate your persona and how to align work examples to support your persona statement, and you will learn how to strategically plan a pathway into employment, which will include contingency. This module is designed to build awareness, a focused personal vision, capability, and a road map into employment.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY
All our Creative Digital Media and Gaming courses are delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology.
Our School and University have strong and long-lasting relationships with local and national industry.
Once you graduate with us, you’ll join a thriving alumni community in Greater Manchester and beyond.
Facilities
Our MediaCity and Peel Park facilities are industry-standard, so much so that they are used by our industry partners themselves.
When you study with us, you’ll learn from our experienced tutors and demonstrators, who’ll teach you how to use our facilities. These include:
- Digital labs – use the latest XR equipment in an space especially designed for virtual and augmented reality development.
- Fabrication labs - bring your designs to life using 3D scanners and printers, power tools and a range of art and craft materials.
- Computer Suites and Editing Studios – our computer suites are equipped with the latest industry-standard software. You’ll learn from our experienced demonstrators, who’ll teach you the skills needed to turn your concepts into a reality.
- Green screen facilities - these allow you to create effects such as those you see on weather reports and incorporates a camera system and 3D graphics software.
- Equipment stores - we have a fully equipped equipment store available for you to use in your projects.
What about after uni?
Upon graduation from the degree, students will apply their skills into a range of existent as well as emerging roles, including but not limited to Web development (Front/Backend), App development, Game Development, Multimedia, Interface Design, XR, VR, AR, and Digital Project Management.
You might choose to pursue Master's or PhD level study.
Career Links
Our Creative Computing degree course benefits from established partnerships with creative companies in the UK. These industry relationships work on different levels ranging from guest lecturers, live briefs, placement opportunities and extra-curricular activities. These include the BBC, Matmi New Media, Trunk Manchester, Yippee Entertainment and Carbon Digital, among others.
What you need to know
This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.
By applying to this Foundation Year you are applying to a four year programme - the shared Foundation Year, followed by a three year art, design or media degree here at University of Salford. The Foundation Year is not a standalone qualification.
APPLICATION PROCESS
As part of the selection process, you may be invited to submit an online portfolio of your work. You may then be invited for an interview with our tutors. If you are called for interview we will send you further guidance well in advance.
GCSE
English Language and Maths at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent).
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
A levels
64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art & Design qualification preferred
T Levels
Pass: D or E in core subject.
This should be in a relevant subject.
UCAS tariff points
64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Arts & Design qualification preferred
BTEC National Diploma
MPP
Access to HE
Pass Level 3 Access to HE Diploma with 64 points (relevant subject)
Scottish Highers
64 points including a relevant subject
Irish Leaving Certificate
64 points including a relevant subject
International Baccalaureate
24 points including a relevant subject
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How much?
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2023/24 | £8,250 for Foundation Year and £9,250 for subsequent years. |
Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,250 for Foundation Year and £9,250 for subsequent years. |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.