Film, TV and Stage Design with Foundation Year
Full-time
Four year
September 2024
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.
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 BA (Hons) Film, TV and Stage Design course.
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 Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, and life as a student at the University of 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 introduce you to a collaborative environment where you can explore ideas, take creative risks and become a confident independent learner. You will be joining a thriving and creative community.
Open Days
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You can also find helpful FAQs and learn more about student life at Salford by exploring all of our Art and Design courses or, if you have any general questions, please contact course enquiries.
Continue reading to learn more about this BA (Hons) Film, TV and Stage Design course.
You will:
- develop your creative skills and academic confidence
- familiarise yourself with student life
- prepare to study on one of our degree programmes
This is for you if...
You are enthusiastic and interested in art, design, film, TV, theatre and the creative industries in general
You are intrigued by the process of designing for production
You have studied art and design and have built up a portfolio of work
All about the course
The Foundation Year will provide you with a dynamic, exciting and collaborative environment in which to become a confident self-learner, with the underpinning skills and knowledge to apply to 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 journey into the world of art and design.
In the first term you will study modules that introduce the key concepts, skills and knowledge of art and design, and 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 BA (Hons) Film, TV and Stage Design course here at the University of Salford. You will be integrated slowly into the degree course with opportunities to meet tutors from the BA and by using shared collaborative facilities within our vibrant New Adelphi building.
This Foundation Year prepares you to study on the three-year undergraduate programme here at Salford meaning the duration of your degree is four years in total. The Foundation Year is not a standalone qualification.
Following the Foundation Year, you would progress onto BA (Hons) Film, TV and Stage Design:
The first year of the BA (Hons) Film, TV and Stage Design course is designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed on the course and which underpin film and TV set design.
A challenging series of projects introduce you to the many processes involved with scenic design, including how to interpret scripts, come up with initial ideas, develop those ideas, develop visual presentation and construction techniques, use materials and work on location.
The second year introduces you to working more closely with industry through modules which offer live projects and work placement opportunities. This means that, in addition to developing your practical skills and understanding, you are also gaining valuable first-hand industry experience and making contact with industry professionals.
The final year starts with a 20 credit project module which is designed to get you up-to-speed swiftly, before embarking on an extended design project spanning two modules. Within the Research Methods for Film and TV Design module you are able to develop a personal design brief which forms the basis of your final Negotiated Major Project module. This allows you to produce a detailed, industry-standard project which reflects your strengths, interests and career ambitions, forming a key element of your portfolio when you graduate from the University of Salford.
Digital Media Applications
This module helps you to become more familiar and confident with technology. As well as learning 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.
Creative Risk Taking
This module is all about challenging your creative thought and highlighting the importance of creative risk taking. The briefs allow you to produce a range of outcomes that underpin all of the main art and design disciplines as well as giving you the flexibility to interpret the brief to your area of interest.
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 a meaningful body of work that demonstrates confidence in your chosen area. Your work will be exhibited in the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology's end of year Degree Show.
Introduction to the Creative Industries
This module allows you to 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 gained in the first semester to produce a creative publication.
3D Design Principles
This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of 3D design and builds your awareness of the vocabulary used within the scenic design industry. A design project will allow you to develop your understanding of form, space, colour and materials - the four key elements which make a successful costume.
3D Design Procedures and Practice
Design is a creative tool that is employed widely by a number of industries. This module aims to provide you with an understanding of design procedures and ways of working within the context of Film and TV Set Design, helping you generate, develop and realise your design solutions.
Establishing Professional Practice for 3D Design
Developing your understanding of professional practice is a core theme which runs throughout the course at Salford. This module encourages you to start aligning your skills with the identified requirements of industry and includes an emphasis on design communication including traditional and digital skills.
Exploring Creative Contexts: Film, TV and Stage Design
This module encourages you to explore, consider and reflect on a range of perspectives in the wider field of creative practice, particularly in the context of your own practice. By introducing key debates in visual culture, this module aims to increase your visual and critical awareness and demonstrate ways in which varied frameworks can inform contemporary practice in Film and TV design.
Design for Script
This module is designed to introduce you to the framework and working methodologies which art departments employ when visualising a script. You will gain a valuable understanding of current industry practice as you develop your design from an initial idea through to reality.
Design for Location
Scenic design does not always stay in the studio and this module is aimed at both the practical and aesthetic considerations art departments need to consider when using locations. Locations often have to be altered to suit the narrative and this module aims to equip you with the specific skills required to find the appropriate site and then to adapt accordingly.
Design for Studio Set
Designing for a studio show or ‘Entertainment’ brings with it considerations of a different set of technical and visual requirements. The aim of this module is to understand and explore these requirements through a practical design project.
Design for Drama Set
Expanding upon the skills acquired in the first year, this module aims to explore the production design considerations needed when designing for drama. Working from a design brief, emphasis is placed on visualizing the script, collaboration, camera and lighting.
Developing Professional Practice for 3D Design
Building upon the professional practice skills introduced in Year One, this module looks at business, employability and enterprise issues, encouraging you to reflect upon your own work and ongoing development. This module is also used to identify and pursue placement opportunities for the final module of the year.
Design in Practice
In this module you will have the opportunity to undertake a period of work placement, which enables you to demonstrate and develop your skills while gaining a thorough understanding of working procedures in a professional context.
Responding to Creative Contexts: Film, TV and Stage Design
Further developing your visual and critical awareness of the varied contexts of set design, this module will enhance your understanding of how cultural, commercial and/or historical issues influence current practice. In addition, you will develop an informed view of the disciplines, the relationships between these disciplines and the wider relationships that can be made to other forms of visual, creative and cultural expression.
Design for Short Film Project
This module requires you to make a short film or promo with the emphasis upon design. It will provide you with as close to an industry experience as possible and will encourage you to reflect upon your current skillset, helping you to recognise your strengths and areas of interest, with a view to developing your major project and future career options.
Applied Professional Practice for 3D Design
This module supports you in your final year whilst also encouraging you to consider your career options and define your personal objectives. You will take the first critical steps in pursuing your career aspirations by producing a self-directed portfolio of work, which demonstrates your skills, knowledge and understanding via the use of appropriate professional methods and techniques.
Research Methods for Film, Television and Stage Design
The main purpose of this module is for you to undertake the research and develop a design brief for your major project. You will be required to identify and interpret a script or programme/film type, research different approaches, undertake historical and cultural research and explore the visual metaphor.
Negotiated Major Project
Building upon the work you produced in the previous Research Methods module, this final self-directed project acts as a conclusion to the course. As such, it enables you to continue in the development of a personalised programme of study, supporting and enhancing your career aspirations. The module also provides a platform for you to initiate engagement with industry over an extended period, providing valuable experience for your potential career direction.
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.
BE A PART OF A CREATIVE, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
All our Art, Design and Fashion courses are delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology. We are a creative community with a focus on creating a collaborative environment where you can thrive and gain the skills needed to pursue your dreams.
Our Engagement Team coordinated school-wide events such as the Create Student Awards, academic conferences, networking and volunteering opportunities, welcoming and wellbeing fairs and exhibitions like our annual Degree Show.
For non-course matters, you will have access to our university-wide support service askUS, who will support and guide you to be successful in all aspects of your life.
Throughout your time at Salford, you’ll be mentored and supported by experts. And once you graduate, it won’t end there. You’ll join a thriving alumni network across Greater Manchester and beyond, meaning you’ll be supported professionally and personally whenever you need it.
ART AND DESIGN FACILITIES
This Film, TV and Stage Design degree is based at our £55 million New Adelphi building, the home of design and creativity on campus.
When you study with us, you’ll learn from our experienced tutors and demonstrators, who’ll teach you how to use our art and design facilities. These include:
Studio space – dedicated areas for each course, giving you room to think and create.
Maker Space workshop - create digital rapid prototypes using 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters and more.
Photography studios - industry-standard photographic studios, which you can use in conjunction with darkrooms and digital printing facilities.
Workshops – from print to textiles, wood to metal, our range of workshops allow you to take your ideas from page to reality and work in a variety of media.
Mac suites - equipped with the industry-standard software you’ll need during your studies and in the world of work.
To see for yourself, take a 360 tour of our New Adelphi building.
You’ll also be able to make use of our New Adelphi Theatre. The industry-standard live 350-seat theatre is located in our New Adelphi building. It’s also open to the public, and with its three floors of tiered seating, it’s the largest of our performing spaces.
What about after uni?
When you graduate you will have the skills to enter a range of careers in the field of film, TV and theatre design. These include scenic design, stage management, prop making and location sourcing. In addition, the skills you acquire will be appropriate if you want to work in related areas such as retail design, exhibition design, museum design, merchandising and styling.
Career Links
This programme has been developed with industry in response to the increasing local, national and international demand for graduates in film and TV set design.
A key feature of the course is the location of the University of Salford, which offers you the opportunity to seek employment with local and national companies, to undertake periods of placements/work experience and benefit from visiting specialist lecturers and professionals. In addition the course will include visits to companies to engage and meet with professional TV and film designers.
The course is supported by the following companies and individuals:
- Nicola Shindler: Founder of Red Productions
- Rebecca Hodgson Head of Drama, Lime Pictures
- Nic Wareham: Managing Director, Take 1 Scenic Services
- Paul Danson: Managing Director and Founder, Paul Danson Imagineering
- Rosie Mullins-Hoyle: Production Designer, ITV Coronation Street
- Gillian Slight: Head of Design, Emmerdale
- Julian Perkins: Head of Design, Lime Pictures
- Phil Chalk: Managing Director, Factory Transmedia
- John Collins: Production Designer
- Emma Dibb: Production Designer
- Josh Dynevor: Producer / Line Producer
- Gavin Lewis: Production Designer
- Dominique Molloy: Line Producer
- Anthea Nelson: Production Designer
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.
In your personal statement (up to 4,000 characters) we would like to know more about why you are interested in the area of Film, TV and Stage Design; what inspires you in film, theatre and media; what you hope to gain from the Foundation Year.
GCSE
English and maths GCSE grade C/grade 4 or above
UCAS tariff points
64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art & Design qualification preferred
T Levels
Pass: D or E in core subject.
Access to HE
Pass
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?
Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2025/26 | £8,505.00 for Foundation Year and £9,535.00 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.