International Foundation Certificate - Media

This course introduces you to a wide spectrum of topics. From politics to production, you will study everything you need to get a solid foundation in media and progress to your media-related degree.

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Course Overview

Whether you aspire to a career in the high-pressure world of journalism, want to create films or need the skills to develop, design or operate the latest broadcasting technology systems, the International Foundation Certificate (IFC): Media is the perfect start.

Media covers a huge range of subjects, from the highly practical to the theoretical. The IFC gives you an excellent grounding in all aspects of Media and Communications study before you continue at DMU’s Leicester Media School, one of the UK’s leading centres for the creative industries.

You’ll build your own digital portfolio working on industry-standard equipment at DMU and gain a solid understanding of how the technology underpinning media production and broadcast works.

As well as the technical knowledge you will develop transferable skills such as project management, team working and problem solving. You can further develop your media experience by joining DMU’s award-winning student media team, DEMON Media which is open to all students.

Topics covered:

  • Create a digital portfolio to showcase your own work and ideas
  • Learn on industry-standard equipment
  • Develop new skills such as basic computing, animation and photography

To join this course you will need to have successfully completed high school or equivalent and meet the English language requirements. We offer Pre-sessional English which is a 6 or 12-week extension course for those who may not yet meet the required English language standards for direct entry to our pathways.

  • Direct Entry – IELTS 5.0 (with no skill below 4.5)

Key Information

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Duration

9 months:

Start Dates

January | November | September

Pathway Tuition Fee

£16,195.00

Course English Language Requirement
One Term IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all components
Two Terms IELTS 5.5 overall with 5.5 minimum in all components

What you will study

Alongside core modules, you will study subject-specific modules that will equip you with a foundation of knowledge for your chosen field of study.

Modules you will study

This module aims to introduce you to the key concepts in print and web-based media including; newspapers (both online and traditional), advertising, magazines, music (videos, CD/Covers, advertising), social media, online gaming and film advertising or promotion. You will explore through textual analysis and evaluation how the media functions in the world today and how media affects people on both a local and global scale. You will also write a case study in an area that relates to your specific continuation route in media.

This module aims to show you both the theoretical and practical aspects of film making. You will learn critical theoretical aspects including: the theory of film, key concepts in film, media production techniques such as camera angles, cinematography, camera functions, script writing and film analysis. You will also apply these skills to create a film where you will be taught how to storyboard, present a script with camera direction, direct actors, use locations, use different camera angles and techniques and edit the film on digital software to present your film for assessment.

This module helps you to develop an on-going critical understanding of contemporary, historical and cultural influences in which to inspire and inform your own practice. You also use this module to reflect and inform your choice of degree and continuation onto the next stage of your undergraduate degree programme. You will study other artists’, designers’ and media producers’ work and examine contextual links to your own work which will form the major element in assessing the module.

This module will teach students to create a series of media projects of visual, audio or written form in response to set media briefs which could contribute towards a larger portfolio appropriate for progression to a degree programme at undergraduate level. The tasks will be approached through a structured process allowing for strong tutor direction. Students will develop a range of basic skills including, film, photography, audio production, digital arts, music technology or production, journalism and creative writing.

Students will develop their ideas using a blog and which will be used to record and evaluate their own practice.

This module is designed to build upon the skills acquired in Creative Media Production and to allow students to create a project of visual, audio or written work. This will be a project of lower intermediate level that contributes towards a larger portfolio appropriate to a degree programme at undergraduate level. Students will develop ideas, concepts and solutions, manage and negotiate their own projects under the guidance and support of the tutor. Collaborative working is encouraged and supported.

Continuation degrees

This study route offers you a pathway to the following degree courses

BSc (Hons)
Music Production
If you dream of a career in music production, audio engineering, programming, mastering or mixing, DMU’s course in Music Production is designed specifically for you.
BA (Hons)
English Literature with Mandarin
Study an exciting range of English literature from writers across the globe and from different eras or movements, such as Victorian literature and Romanticism, as well as classic and renowned authors including William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe. Learn how texts work, and debate literature’s role in society both now and throughout the course of history. You’ll be taught by internationally renowned academics and experts who will encourage and support you to articulate your ideas with confidence while writing with fluency and flair.  We produce world-leading research in areas ranging from medieval to contemporary literature, language, creative writing and digital humanities.
BA (Hons)
Photography
On this course, you’ll discover the full breath of the field of photography. Explore areas such as the history of photographic images, moving image, contextual studies and digital media, with professional practice at the heart of your learning.
BSc (Hons)
Media Production
Gain and develop the technical foundations and practical skills needed for a role in digital broadcasting or social media production across a range of video, image-making, photography, audio and web formats.
BA (Hons)
Music Technology
Carefully designed to expand your creative vision and develop a deep technical understanding by blending half of your modules from arts-oriented BA options and half from technology and science-oriented BSc options, to hone your expertise in the full spectrum of Music Technology.
BSc (Hons)
Visual Effects
A highly industry-focused course that will provide you with the skills needed to gain a leading role in visual effects for video and film.
BA (Hons)
Media and Communication
Dynamically and carefully designed course that will provide you with practical research skills and critical perspectives in media, television and cultural studies to set you up for a career in the industry.
BA (Hons)
Media and Communication with Modern Languages
Gain knowledge and skills that will prepare you for a successful career in media with key practical research and critical perspectives combined with the study of a language. Taught by DMU's experts in media, television and cultural studies as well as experienced practitioners in the field of public relations and new media.
BA (Hons)
Acting
Mostly practical, this carefully designed course immerses you in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary practice, preparing you to enter the 21st-century performing arts industry.
BA (Hons)
English Literature
DMU English Literature course combines classic and contemporary literature, from Chaucer and Shakespeare to 21st century fiction and film adaptations
BA (Hons)
Film Studies
Gain the skills to become a professional film-maker, critic, event organiser, writer or industry analyst through the academic study of cinema, and prepare yourself for a career in the creative industries.
BA (Hons)
Creative Writing
DMU's innovative creative writing course will challenge you to write using new forms and ideas in a wide range of genres, while being pushed to experiment with new creative outlets.
BA (Hons)
Drama and Theatre Arts
Gain the chance to engage creatively and critically with drama, theatre, acting and performance and adopt contemporary methods, develop collaborative skills and be supported to find your own artistic vision.
BA (Hons)
Fashion Buying with Marketing
This versatile degree course, with its emphasis on buying, business and marketing, prepares studnets for a range of careers in the fast-paced fashion industry.
BA (Hons)
Arts and Festivals Management
A visionary and contemporary course designed to prepare students for employment in the quickly expanding and dynamic markets of the cultural industries.

Supporting students to success

Learn more about what our students have to say when studying across our education network.

As DMUIC is situated in England’s most vibrant and multicultural city, I had the opportunity to make friends from different countries. The most amazing thing was that the DMUIC staff including all teachers and the office persons were very motivational and welcoming. They provide the best routes for study to every individual.”

Syed Asim Pakistan , DMUIC / IFC / Media

I’ve enjoyed studying at DMUIC, the tutors are excellent and have helped me settle into life as a university student. They are also really supportive and have helped myself and other students with other issues outside of the classroom such as accommodation.

Nafisa Bangladesh , DMUIC / IFC / Media

I have successfully progressed onto my degree course at the University of Bradford because of UBIC's reliable policies and teaching programme. To the new students, those who just started their foundation at Bradford International College, I must say you are going to pass the class, the only thing required is your attention and leave the rest on UBIC's staff because they are the one that are going to lead you to a brilliant future as it is a pathway to success.

Shoaib Pakistan , University of Bradford International College

I have a lot of international friends here at BUIC, and I’ve learnt so much from them. There is always a lot to do together both on and off-campus.

Sagar Nepal , DMUIC / IFC / Media

I would recommend UGIC because it is based on the main University of Greenwich campus, a cosmopolitan university. At UGIC, there are students from all around the world, and I've made a lot of friends from exciting places."

Gozel Turkmenistan , University of Greenwich International College

I think one of the main reasons the IIM (pre-masters) has been so helpful is because the staff are so supportive and are always able to help me. Whether it is understanding a module or finding out how to sort accommodation, they will help you with everything. I’ve enjoyed studying at Bangor, the people are friendly, and the environment is also really peaceful and safe. It’s given me the best opportunity to succeed in my studies here in the UK.

Tong Tong China , DMUIC / IFC / Media