Art, Media & Architecture
About this route
The International Foundation Year in Art, Media & Architecture will prepare you for an undergraduate degree in a range of fields such as media, design journalism and fashion design.
You will study core modules, which are general skills subjects, and optional modules such as media campaigns tailored to your chosen area of study, all of which are important for your academic development.
Why study Art, Media & Architecture at Huddersfield?
- The University of Huddersfield’s School of Arts and Humanities is one of the largest of its kind in the UK, which is driven by a collaborative approach that takes place through initiatives such as the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and the Huddersfield Literature Festival developing outcomes of a regional, national and global scale.
- You will benefit from top facilities in a modern campus, such as the £30 million Barbara Hepworth Building – the home of all things: art, design and architecture, the Create Lab to develop and prototype 3D models in an immersive VR environment, and the Stewart Film Studios with industry-leading equipment and facilities to meet the diverse creative and craft development.
- Starting your journey at the International Study Centre, you will have opportunity to build your own portfolio of creative work ready for your undergraduate degree.
Subject pathways
Choosing a subject pathway allows you to study a selection of modules more closely aligned to your chosen progression degree at the University. You can choose to focus on:
- Architecture
- Art
- Film Studies
- Journalism
- Media
Ranked top 30 in the UK for:
- Fashion and Textiles
- Interior Design
- Journalism
- Product Design
(Guardian University Guide 2025)
Academic: Good high school graduation grades or equivalent
English language: Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 (minimum of 4.0 in writing), or equivalent*
Age on entry: 17+ (students must turn 18 years old before commencing undergraduate study at the University of Huddersfield)
Visit our entry requirements page for a complete list of country-specific requirements.
*If you do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English.
Course length: 2 semesters
Entry points: September, November (Enhanced Induction) and January
To learn more about course costs visit our fees page.
Modules
You will develop your skills through a range of core and subject- specific modules, carefully selected to ensure you progress to the University with all you need to succeed. Please note that you are expected to attend 100% of your classes at the International Study Centre or you are at risk of losing your Student visa.
Architecture pathway
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at The University of Huddersfield.
The specific aims are:
- To develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related skills required for successful study at Higher Education level. These include the processes and conventions of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures.
- To develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language so as to enable students to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
- To support students in reflecting on their learning and identifying how to improve their skills and language.
To ensure students are able to meet the requirements of the UKVI and The University of Huddersfield through demonstrating an English language level of CEFR B2 in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Art and Design History
As artists and designers have always looked to the past for inspiration and innovation, this module will introduce the study of art and design history. In order to learn from the past and build on others’ creativity, it is essential to practitioners’ professional development that they understand the importance of historical influences on art and design and how artists have always been early adopters of emerging visual technologies.
This module will develop knowledge and understanding of key movements within an historical context, providing a framework for their understanding of works of art and design. It will also develop research and skills in identifying, selecting and recording appropriate references for study. The module will also cover how to research and record information from primary and secondary contextual sources.
Drawing
In this module, a series of exercises will be introduced each week in order to familiarise students with a wide range of 2D and 3D materials. The module will develop student confidence in drawing techniques and processes through a variety of visual materials. Students will consider and evaluate the work of artists and designers. Emphasis will be placed on developing ability to record what is seen.
Pure Maths
In this module students will focus on basic topics and methods in Numerical Techniques, Algebra, Calculus, Statistics and Probability with a view to strengthening their background knowledge and improving their skills in handling and presenting data. The skills students will develop during the course will equip them with the skills needed to enable them to gather and analyse data, interpret and present findings.
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at The University of Huddersfield.
The specific aims are:
- To develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related skills required for successful study at Higher Education level. These include the processes and conventions of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures.
- To develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language so as to enable students to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
- To support students in reflecting on their learning and identifying how to improve their skills and language.
To ensure students are able to meet the requirements of the UKVI and The University of Huddersfield through demonstrating an English language level of CEFR B2 in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Global Skills for Success – Art
Global Skills are essential skills for progression to further study and future careers. The content covers knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes relevant to both higher education and employment. These are developed by students undertaking tasks relevant to their area of study, which encourage the development of appropriate transferable global skills. Transferable skills are those such as independent enquiry, creative thinking, reflective learning, team working, self-management and effective participation. This will be achieved by the students working in teams to complete a project relevant to their subject area. Each student must have a clearly distinguished role within their team. They will contribute to a group project as well as producing evidence of the development of their skills as part of a reflective log.
Visual and Perceptual Studies
This module will focus on student-led work and gaining an ability to undertake research and reflection.
The emphasis in this module is on the development of creativity and visual perception through exploration. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with some of the media, processes and visual language associated with visual communication. The module encourages the development of personal strengths and interests and introduces concept development through a range of media and processes.
Students will need to demonstrate the ability to move through initial research to development of ideas and refine a final outcome. They will reflect upon research and development stages of the project in order to inform independent choices for a final outcome.
Art pathway
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at The University of Huddersfield.
The specific aims are:
- To develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related skills required for successful study at Higher Education level. These include the processes and conventions of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures.
- To develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language so as to enable students to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
- To support students in reflecting on their learning and identifying how to improve their skills and language.
To ensure students are able to meet the requirements of the UKVI and The University of Huddersfield through demonstrating an English language level of CEFR B2 in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Art and Design History
As artists and designers have always looked to the past for inspiration and innovation, this module will introduce the study of art and design history. In order to learn from the past and build on others’ creativity, it is essential to practitioners’ professional development that they understand the importance of historical influences on art and design and how artists have always been early adopters of emerging visual technologies.
This module will develop knowledge and understanding of key movements within an historical context, providing a framework for their understanding of works of art and
Core Maths
In this module students will focus on basic topics and methods in Numerical Techniques, Algebra, Calculus, Statistics and Probability with a view to strengthening their background knowledge and improving their skills in handling and presenting data. Most of the students taking this module will have decided to study a Business or Arts related degree and the skills they will develop during the course will equip them with the skills needed to enable them to gather and analyse data, interpret and present findings.
Drawing
In this module, a series of exercises will be introduced each week in order to familiarise students with a wide range of 2D and 3D materials. The module will develop student confidence in drawing techniques and processes through a variety of visual materials. Students will consider and evaluate the work of artists and designers. Emphasis will be placed on developing ability to record what is seen.
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at The University of Huddersfield.
The specific aims are:
- To develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related skills required for successful study at Higher Education level. These include the processes and conventions of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures.
- To develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language so as to enable students to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
- To support students in reflecting on their learning and identifying how to improve their skills and language.
To ensure students are able to meet the requirements of the UKVI and The University of Huddersfield through demonstrating an English language level of CEFR B2 in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Global Skills for Success – Art
Global Skills are essential skills for progression to further study and future careers. The content covers knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes relevant to both higher education and employment. These are developed by students undertaking tasks relevant to their area of study, which encourage the development of appropriate transferable global skills. Transferable skills are those such as independent enquiry, creative thinking, reflective learning, team working, self-management and effective participation. This will be achieved by the students working in teams to complete a project relevant to their subject area. Each student must have a clearly distinguished role within their team. They will contribute to a group project as well as producing evidence of the development of their skills as part of a reflective log.
Visual and Perceptual Studies
This module will focus on student-led work and gaining an ability to undertake research and reflection.
The emphasis in this module is on the development of creativity and visual perception through exploration. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with some of the media, processes and visual language associated with visual communication. The module encourages the development of personal strengths and interests and introduces concept development through a range of media and processes.
Students will need to demonstrate the ability to move through initial research to development of ideas and refine a final outcome. They will reflect upon research and development stages of the project in order to inform independent choices for a final outcome.
Film Studies pathway
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at The University of Huddersfield.
The specific aims are:
- To develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related skills required for successful study at Higher Education level. These include the processes and conventions of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures.
- To develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language so as to enable students to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
- To support students in reflecting on their learning and identifying how to improve their skills and language.
To ensure students are able to meet the requirements of the UKVI and The University of Huddersfield through demonstrating an English language level of CEFR B2 in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Art and Design History
As artists and designers have always looked to the past for inspiration and innovation, this module will introduce the study of art and design history. In order to learn from the past and build on others’ creativity, it is essential to practitioners’ professional development that they understand the importance of historical influences on art and design and how artists have always been early adopters of emerging visual technologies.
This module will develop knowledge and understanding of key movements within an historical context, providing a framework for their understanding of works of art and design. It will also develop research and skills in identifying, selecting and recording appropriate references for study. The module will also cover how to research and record information from primary and secondary contextual sources.
Core Maths
In this module students will focus on basic topics and methods in Numerical Techniques, Algebra, Calculus, Statistics and Probability with a view to strengthening their background knowledge and improving their skills in handling and presenting data. Most of the students taking this module will have decided to study a Business or Arts related degree and the skills they will develop during the course will equip them with the skills needed to enable them to gather and analyse data, interpret and present findings.
Media Campaign
This has been designed to incorporate a strong element of vocational learning to provide students with the understanding, skills and knowledge, underpinned by transferable skills such as adaptability, self-reliance, collaboration, imagination and creativity, to produce promotional videos. There is a strong emphasis on working in a professional manner whilst creating a live project for internal or external clients.
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at The University of Huddersfield.
The specific aims are:
- To develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related skills required for successful study at Higher Education level. These include the processes and conventions of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures.
- To develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language so as to enable students to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
- To support students in reflecting on their learning and identifying how to improve their skills and language.
To ensure students are able to meet the requirements of the UKVI and The University of Huddersfield through demonstrating an English language level of CEFR B2 in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Global Skills for Success – Art
Global Skills are essential skills for progression to further study and future careers. The content covers knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes relevant to both higher education and employment. These are developed by students undertaking tasks relevant to their area of study, which encourage the development of appropriate transferable global skills. Transferable skills are those such as independent enquiry, creative thinking, reflective learning, team working, self-management and effective participation. This will be achieved by the students working in teams to complete a project relevant to their subject area. Each student must have a clearly distinguished role within their team. They will contribute to a group project as well as producing evidence of the development of their skills as part of a reflective log.
Social Sciences in Action
Social sciences in action introduces students to psychology and sociology. The emphasis is on two key areas in psychology- social psychology and individual differences. In sociology the focus is on two important concepts – culture and identity. Both social sciences are investigated through examining classic research in these areas. Research methods used in both fields are used to carry out a practical investigation into a theme covered in the specification.
Students will be provided with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the world around them and the minds and behaviour of the people in it. They can acquire a broad set of desirable skills including the ability to describe and critically evaluate a range of research, to plan and carry out their own investigation and to interpret and critically assess their findings.
Journalism pathway
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at The University of Huddersfield.
The specific aims are:
- To develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related skills required for successful study at Higher Education level. These include the processes and conventions of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures.
- To develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language so as to enable students to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
- To support students in reflecting on their learning and identifying how to improve their skills and language.
To ensure students are able to meet the requirements of the UKVI and The University of Huddersfield through demonstrating an English language level of CEFR B2 in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Core Maths
In this module students will focus on basic topics and methods in Numerical Techniques, Algebra, Calculus, Statistics and Probability with a view to strengthening their background knowledge and improving their skills in handling and presenting data. Most of the students taking this module will have decided to study a Business or Arts related degree and the skills they will develop during the course will equip them with the skills needed to enable them to gather and analyse data, interpret and present findings.
Media Campaigns
This has been designed to incorporate a strong element of vocational learning to provide students with the understanding, skills and knowledge, underpinned by transferable skills such as adaptability, self-reliance, collaboration, imagination and creativity, to produce promotional videos. There is a strong emphasis on working in a professional manner whilst creating a live project for internal or external clients.
Introduction to Humanities
The overall aim of the module is to develop the academic language, subject-specific and academic study skills of international students from a wide range of countries and educational systems. This will enable them to acquire the appropriate subject background skills and cultural awareness to progress with confidence onto their chosen undergraduate programme at the University of Huddersfield. This module will give students the opportunity to explore people and culture from different perspectives
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at The University of Huddersfield.
The specific aims are:
- To develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related skills required for successful study at Higher Education level. These include the processes and conventions of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures.
- To develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language so as to enable students to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
- To support students in reflecting on their learning and identifying how to improve their skills and language.
To ensure students are able to meet the requirements of the UKVI and The University of Huddersfield through demonstrating an English language level of CEFR B2 in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Global Skills for Success – Art
Global Skills are essential skills for progression to further study and future careers. The content covers knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes relevant to both higher education and employment. These are developed by students undertaking tasks relevant to their area of study, which encourage the development of appropriate transferable global skills. Transferable skills are those such as independent enquiry, creative thinking, reflective learning, team working, self-management and effective participation. This will be achieved by the students working in teams to complete a project relevant to their subject area. Each student must have a clearly distinguished role within their team. They will contribute to a group project as well as producing evidence of the development of their skills as part of a reflective log.
Social Sciences in Action
Social sciences in action introduces students to psychology and sociology. The emphasis is on two key areas in psychology- social psychology and individual differences. In sociology the focus is on two important concepts – culture and identity. Both social sciences are investigated through examining classic research in these areas. Research methods used in both fields are used to carry out a practical investigation into a theme covered in the specification.
Students will be provided with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the world around them and the minds and behaviour of the people in it. They can acquire a broad set of desirable skills including the ability to describe and critically evaluate a range of research, to plan and carry out their own investigation and to interpret and critically assess their findings.
Media pathway
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at The University of Huddersfield.
The specific aims are:
- To develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related skills required for successful study at Higher Education level. These include the processes and conventions of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures.
- To develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language so as to enable students to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
- To support students in reflecting on their learning and identifying how to improve their skills and language.
Core Maths
In this module students will focus on basic topics and methods in Numerical Techniques, Algebra, Calculus, Statistics and Probability with a view to strengthening their background knowledge and improving their skills in handling and presenting data. Most of the students taking this module will have decided to study a Business or Arts related degree and the skills they will develop during the course will equip them with the skills needed to enable them to gather and analyse data, interpret and present findings.
Introduction to Humanities
The overall aim of the module is to develop the academic language, subject-specific and academic study skills of international students from a wide range of countries and educational systems. This will enable them to acquire the appropriate subject background skills and cultural awareness to progress with confidence onto their chosen undergraduate programme at the University of Huddersfield. This module will give students the opportunity to explore people and culture from different perspectives
Media Campaigns
This has been designed to incorporate a strong element of vocational learning to provide students with the understanding, skills and knowledge, underpinned by transferable skills such as adaptability, self-reliance, collaboration, imagination and creativity, to produce promotional videos. There is a strong emphasis on working in a professional manner whilst creating a live project for internal or external clients.
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at The University of Huddersfield.
The specific aims are:
- To develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related skills required for successful study at Higher Education level. These include the processes and conventions of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures.
- To develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language so as to enable students to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
- To support students in reflecting on their learning and identifying how to improve their skills and language.
Global Skills for Success – Art
Global Skills are essential skills for progression to further study and future careers. The content covers knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes relevant to both higher education and employment. These are developed by students undertaking tasks relevant to their area of study, which encourage the development of appropriate transferable global skills. Transferable skills are those such as independent enquiry, creative thinking, reflective learning, team working, self-management and effective participation. This will be achieved by the students working in teams to complete a project relevant to their subject area. Each student must have a clearly distinguished role within their team. They will contribute to a group project as well as producing evidence of the development of their skills as part of a reflective log.
Visual and Perceptual Studies
This module will focus on student-led work and gaining an ability to undertake research and reflection.
The emphasis in this module is on the development of creativity and visual perception through exploration. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with some of the media, processes and visual language associated with visual communication. The module encourages the development of personal strengths and interests and introduces concept development through a range of media and processes.
Students will need to demonstrate the ability to move through initial research to development of ideas and refine a final outcome. They will reflect upon research and development stages of the project in order to inform independent choices for a final outcome.
Please note
Portfolio required at end of course for progression
- Architectural Technology BA (Hons)
- Architecture/Architecture (International) (RIBA Part 1) BA (Hons)
- Costume with Textiles BA (Hons)
- Fashion Design BA (Hons)
- Graphic Design BA (Hons)
- Graphic Design and Animation BA (Hons)
- Illustration BA (Hons)
- Interior Design BA (Hons)
- Photography BA (Hons)
Audition mid or post International Foundation Year with School required for progression
- Music BMus (Hons)
- Music Performance BMus (Hons)
- Popular Music BMus (Hons)
How to apply
Ready to apply? Discover how to submit an application and learn more about fees, term dates and entry requirements.
University of Huddersfield International Study Centre
Begin your UK education journey at the University of Huddersfield International Study Centre. Improve your English, academic knowledge and grow the confidence you need to succeed in your degree.
English Language Preparation
Our online English Language preparation courses will help you develop your English language skills to the level required to begin your chosen pathway programme.