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Foundation Degree Visual Media Arts - (Validated by The Open University)

Level 5
Full-Time/Part-Time
24/25
OUVISUALARTSFD
Open university logo

Overview

The Foundation Degree in Visual Media Arts has been designed to allow students to embrace their creativity while learning industry standard processes relevant to the creation of content for the film and game industries. Course design has been informed by extensive consultation with industry experts to ensure that all our graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in the competitive world of visual media.

The course offers a unique fusion of technical knowledge with core artistic principles with a strong emphasis on the practical skills sought after by industry employers. Modules will provide students with an understanding of core creative concepts, extensive training in the use of industry standard software tools and ultimately the ability to become fluent in the creation of content for video games or films.

Students can choose to specialise in one of two key areas:

  • Film production
  • Game development

The programme offers a range of specialised modules that will empower students to exit the course with a very robust and employable portfolio.

South West College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards. The Open University regulations can be found here

Download the full programme specification here

Download the Open University Student Guide

  • Visual Aesthetics
  • Specialist Media Studies
  • Pre-production for Visual Media Arts
  • Sound Design for Visual Media Arts
  • Post-Production Techniques for Visual Media Arts
  • Writing Narrative
  • Professional Development & Practice
  • Work Based Learning
  • Film Pathway:
  • Camera & Lighting Techniques (L4)
  • Film Production
  • Documentary Production
  • Radio Production
  • Photography and Animation
  • Games Pathway:
  • 3D Modelling Fundamentals (L4)
  • Advanced 3D Modelling & Digital Sculpting
  • Lighting & Rendering for Games

School/College leavers must have reached the age of 18 years on admission. All applications will be individually considered. Successful applicants must have normally reached their 18th birthday by 31 August in the year of entry and have studied at level 3 or above for a minimum of two years.

Applicants should possess a minimum of five GCSEs grades A, B, C that should include English and Maths or other equivalent qualifications in addition to one of the following*:

  • a UCAS tariff score of 32 or above is desired for entry to this program entry can also be made from national certificate/diploma, HE access, NVQ’s or by the colleges policy relating to APEL.  

For admission to this course the following qualifications are accepted.

 ·        Two A ‘levels (grades A-E) and three passes at GCSE (Grades A-C/4-9)

·         BTEC National Qualifications Awarded by Pearson

·         Cambridge International Pre-U Diploma

·         Relevant Level 3 National Vocational Qualifications with Substantive Experiential Learning

·         European, International or Welsh Baccalaureate

·         Higher or Advances Highers of the Scottish Qualification Authority

·         Irish Leaving Certificate with a combination of Ordinary and Higher levels

·         Successful completion of an access course or relevant foundation Course

·         A relevant BTEC Higher National Certificate Awarded by Pearson

Where an applicant does not hold the formal academic requirements for entry to the programme but can demonstrate relevant experiential learning across a range of industries, they may apply for admission through the College Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process. In such cases, contact the Course Director for the programme who will advise further.

Due to the highly creative nature of the discipline, students with exceptional portfolios of work that demonstrate competency and natural creativity will also be considered on individual merit.

Individuals with a relevant HNC qualification may be considered for direct entry to Year 2

*In the event of over subscription entry criteria may be enhanced. Refer to general entry requirements.


Course International Entry Requirements:

  • International students must meet the general entrance requirements for admission to any College First Degree, Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma.
  • English language requirements for international applicants is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE – Pass at Level 3 also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Assessment will consist of portfolio-based development projects with a significant emphasis made on practical skills and creating digital assets. Associated documentation and understanding of core visual media practices will also be assessed through written reports, audio visual commentaries, presentations etc., including placement as part of the Work Based Learning module in Year 2

Successful Learners may progress to Top Up Year 3 of the BA (Hons) Degree in Visual Media Arts - (1 year Top-up) (Validated by The Open University) at South West College (Enniskillen). Successful learners may also transfer to other universities* to complete a degree in a similar subject.

Alternatively, upon completion learners may enter full time employment in the creative industries.

*Entry requirements and conditions vary according to each institution.

Please see link to OU Regulations for validated awards of the Open University hereDownload the full programme specification here
Teaching Delivery Statement
The teaching and learning strategy within this programme will comprise of a range of delivery methods such as face to face, online and blended. All methods used have the full agreement of students, external examiners and awarding body partners *The fees quoted are payable for each year.

Tuition Fees:

2024/25 fees

Full Time: £2,700 (payable on an annual basis)

Part Time: £265 per 20 credit module

£530 for 40-credit Work Based Learning Module

International tuition fee (Full-time): £6,500 (payable on an annual basis)

For 2025/26 fees, please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy on the College website.

Other fees associated with the course:

During your course you may be required to purchase course textbooks and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. The overall costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £100 or more per year.

5 Available Sessions

*The fees quoted are per annum and are payable for each year of the course’s duration.

Enniskillen

Part-Time
The Open University Foundation Degree Visual Media Arts Film

P5034EP10A

Session Code

3 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

11

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

24/25

Academic Year

09/09/2024

Start Date

09:00-21:00

Time

Monday

Day/s

Kevin.Mulveen@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £1,060.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Omagh

Part-Time
The Open University Foundation Degree Visual Media Arts Film

P5034OP10A

Session Code

3 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

11

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

24/25

Academic Year

09/09/2024

Start Date

09:00-21:00

Time

Monday

Day/s

Kirk.Gilmore@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £1,060.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Enniskillen

Full-Time
The Open University Foundation Degree Visual Media Arts Game Development

P5035EF10A

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

18

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

24/25

Academic Year

09/09/2024

Start Date

09:00-17:00

Time

Monday

Day/s

Paul.McGovern@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £2,700.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Enniskillen

Part-Time
The Open University Foundation Degree Visual Media Arts Game Development

P5035EP10A

Session Code

3 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

11

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

24/25

Academic Year

09/09/2024

Start Date

09:00-21:00

Time

Monday

Day/s

Paul.McGovern@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £1,060.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Omagh

Full-Time
The Open University Foundation Degree Visual Media Arts Game Development

P5035OF10A

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

18

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

24/25

Academic Year

09/09/2024

Start Date

Subject to Timetable

Day/s

Paul.McGovern@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £2,700.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

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