Interactive Media and Web Technologies BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: Undergraduate
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This course is designed to prepare the next generation of immersive app developers, web programmers, digital media experts and code-savvy user interface designers.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

IMDF

Start date

September 2025
November 2025

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Register for updates

The information on this page is for 2024-25 entry and should be used as guidance for 2025-26 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year

This course covers a range of digital technology content including fundamental software engineering and data storage concepts, the theory behind how networks operate, devices communicate and how such networks should be designed. It also covers information technology in business and the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills required to solve relevant problems.

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Why you should study this course

Foundation year

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
  • Provides a grounding in key areas of digital technologies.

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first-year courses:

  • Computer Science MSci/BSc (Hons)
  • Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence MSci/BSc (Hons)
  • Information Technology Management BSc (Hons)
  • Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

  • In this module, you’ll be introduced to these programming fundamentals through an accessible and industry-favoured programming language. You’ll explore algorithms – what they are, why they’re important and how to use them – and you’ll combine this with your programming skills to write your own programs.

    Compulsory

  • Any developer needs a fundamental understanding of the machine, with all its complex, moving parts. This module introduces you to these concepts, taking them from the concept of computation to the twitching transistors which drive its implementation. The concept of the Operating System (OS) is introduced which will empower you to begin your journey as a developer.

    Compulsory

  • The technologies, ethics and laws behind database processes are a fascinating and fundamental element of software development in the twenty-first century.

    In this module, you’ll explore all these concepts, mastering the elements of data handling, storage, and management which you’ll have to apply in later study.

    Compulsory

  • Whenever we write software, we are writing algorithms and algebra – and to write them correctly, we need a firm grip of the maths which underpins them. In this module, you’ll gain that understanding, exploring subjects like set theory, algorithms and complexity, and logical arithmetic.

    Compulsory

  • This module builds upon the skills you developed in 'Concepts and Algorithms'. You will be introduced to new ideas such as object-orientation, and designing reusable code, and you’ll explore them using another industry-favoured programming language. You’ll be taught to structure your code in a way which makes it easy to follow, maintain, and extend, equipping you for the next stage of your software development studies.

    Compulsory

  • The Integrative Project module adopts an activity-led approach to learning, where you’ll work in a team to plan and execute a project related to your course. The project provides you a vital opportunity to consolidate and apply what you’ve learned during your first year of study, as well as develop new technical and team-working skills.

    Compulsory

In your second year, you will develop more advanced knowledge and creative skills, related to interactive media technologies and techniques, and the fundamentals of effective design for a range of platforms.

Modules

  • With an ever-growing availability of complex digital devices and interfaces, designers have a responsibility to ensure that their products are usable and provide a positive user experience (UX) to a range of different users. This module looks at the design theory that guides modern Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), and the application of the UX design process. You’ll learn to identify shortcomings in a user interface and how to address those problem areas using industry-standard techniques.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of networked application development, as well as a range of key, contemporary web technologies. You’ll be given a strong grounding in web implementation, empowering you to deliver interactive, dynamic websites, and enabling you to progress onto more advanced topics in the domain, such as web Application Programming Interface (API) development.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to simulate some of the pressures associated with modern digital content creation through a client-led, group project approach. You’ll implement team building, communication and project management strategies that the module will introduce, as you undertake a project which will draw on all the skills you’ve gained in your course so far. As well as learning how to bring a product through the core stages of the art pipeline, including concept, design, pre-production and post-production, you’ll learn what it means to undertake agile, iterative development as part of a team.

    Compulsory

  • In this module you’ll be introduced to a wide range of technologies and concepts which enable the creation of engaging digital media. You’ll explore applications for the development of sound, video, and animation assets, and how to export and distribute these assets. Emphasising the practical and production-driven nature of digital media creation, you’ll ultimately produce a portfolio of work demonstrating your skills with a wealth of relevant technologies.

    Compulsory

  • Starting with the principles of animation, this module looks at the underpinning techniques for portraying both artificial and natural movement of animated objects and characters. You'll explore the basic properties of movement, before being introduced to a range of animation software, techniques, and approaches commonly employed in industry.

    Compulsory

  • In this module you'll explore the key principles of typography and layout, empowering you to create intelligible and visually pleasing graphic designs. With a heavy focus on clarity of communication and the visual language of user interfaces, you'll construct a portfolio of work demonstrating your skills as a designer, as well as your understanding of concepts such as proximity, similarity, contrast, repetition and alignment.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

The final year of your studies aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from previous years. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor.

Modules

  • Modern interactive media is driven by stories, whether it be a company trying to tell you about their product, a budding artist trying to share a life experience or a charity reaching out for help. Consumers of these stories generally have an expectation of narrative when interacting with media and this module covers the principles of how to forge effective stories.

    Initially looking at the creative process in general, this module looks at how this can be applied to the development of narrative through typical storytelling methods and delivered through a range of media. You'll implement your learning by developing a short story of your own and delivering this through a form of interactive media of your choice.

    Compulsory

  • Web APIs empower websites to access the data and services needed to deliver on modern user demands in terms of connectedness and accuracy. From weather patterns to GPS traffic data, APIs underpin it all. In this module, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to create your own API for use in web applications, using the latest, industry-standard technologies and featuring an interactive web client.

    Compulsory

  • As audience expectations of the visual effects (VFX) we see in the cinema and on TV have increased, so has industry's need for skilled professionals capable of generating believable visual spectacles. This module uses industry-favoured tools and techniques, teaching you how to develop a range of VFX, implement them and integrate them into motion media.

    Compulsory

  • One of the most demanding industries when it comes to technical art assets is the games industry. In this module, you'll explore the use of procedural techniques across the digital content creation pipeline to accelerate and enhance the creative process. You'll become familiar with the challenges and constraints you'll face when developing assets for real-time rendering, and the techniques you can use to overcome those limitations while maintaining the fidelity of your creative vision.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you'll bring together the skills you have developed over the duration of your studies and apply them to the completion of a large development project related to the course. This might involve design principles, animation, film, or something else entirely which requires application of those skills. Supported throughout by an academic supervisor, this gives you the opportunity to explore something meaningful to you, and to build an impressive centrepiece for your portfolio.

    Compulsory

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

  • This module aims to provide you with the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills required to solve relevant problems while developing analytical and problem-solving skills. You should also be equipped to turn real-world problems into mathematical problems and present mathematical and logical arguments.

    Concepts covered include basic algebraic properties, trigonometry, computation of areas and volumes of basic shapes, an introduction to calculus including computation of limits derivatives and integrals. Upon successful completion of the module, you will have an awareness of many of the mathematical techniques required to tackle everyday problems in related disciplines.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with an understanding of fundamental software engineering and data storage concepts. Upon successful completion of the module you will leave with experience of working with interconnected software systems and sufficient knowledge of databases and a programming language.

    During the module assessment you will be required to create an application to meet a specified brief, as a result you will develop skills in requirements elicitation, documentation, and software and database design. You will also be assessed on your ability to read and understand code and recall programming principles from their body of knowledge.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the theory behind how networks operate and devices communicate across a range of media and how such networks should be designed. Upon successful completion, you should have developed a greater understanding and appreciation of the complexities of one of the most common systems in the modern connected world. Teaching and learning is structured around industry-standard qualifications such as CompTIA Network+ and entry-level networking certification such as those offered by Cisco Systems Inc.

    Compulsory

  • This module seeks to provide you with an introduction to business needs and how these are supported by information technologies. You will explore how businesses can embark on transformation projects to best-use supporting technologies and services, to provide better value to customers and a greater return on investment. In doing so, you will perform objective analysis using recognised techniques to support a proposed transformation project while respecting relevant legislation and regulation, presenting research and conclusions in a variety of academic formats.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

You can expect to learn about how to develop flat media (commonly used in advertising and print media), film and animation techniques (typically used in film and cinema) and web-based design practices that inform modern user interface and UX design of web services and mobile applications.

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Teaching contact hours

You can expect up 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions or orders, and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

The foundation year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include:

  • formal examinations
  • phase tests
  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • projects
  • coursework
  • exams
  • individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of Year 1, you will progress onto Year 2 in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

  • formal examinations
  • phase tests
  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • projects
  • coursework
  • exams
  • individual assignments
  • laboratories.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

72 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C/4-9 including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

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Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £7,950 		Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year		 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

Applies to degree only:

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University4. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites4. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

A student working in a booth in The Hub.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office and a fantastic food court.

External view of the Lanchester Library.

Lanchester Library

You will have full reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library. The library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has many study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers touchdown computers and free-to-loan laptops.

Your studies will be centred in high-specification learning environments that benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, industry-standard equipment, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of courses4.

  • Interactive Media Lab – dedicated lab facility with high-end PCs which empower your software development and your digital creativity. You can access these machines outside of class to undertake portfolio work.
  • Motion-Capture Studio – a bespoke facility complete with green-screen, control room and lighting rig, enabling you to explore advanced human-computer interaction and cutting-edge concepts such as digital twins.

Careers and opportunities

During the course, we aim to offer you opportunities to experience working on collaborative projects as part of a diverse team2.Upon successful completion of the course, you should have gained practical knowledge of a range of industry standard content creation tools4.

Graduates should be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively work within the creative industry, pursuing careers across areas including digital media, animation, user interface and UX design, game design and full-stack web development and mobile application development.

As a multi-disciplinary subject, the Interactive Media and Web Technologies course is designed to produce design-conscious graduates that have a wealth of technical skills and knowledge of implementation. As the creative industry keeps growing, it relies increasingly on designers and content creators that have a fundamental knowledge of computer systems, their requirements and their limitations.

Learning to produce efficient digital media content, engage with collaborative design practices and understand the technical aspects of design, helps graduates become informed, socially responsible content creators and design practitioners.

Where our graduates work

The forerunner to this course was our Multimedia Computing course, graduates of that course have gone on to work at:

  • Jaguar Land Rover - CGI Artist
  • The AA – Learning Designer
  • AIA – Associate, UX Research
  • BlackRock – Senior Software Engineer
  • Semcon – CGI Artist
  • HedgedInterest – Lead Graphic Designer
  • MOTIX Connected – Development Coordinator
  • Blink Image Limited – Motion Graphics Designer
  • TopCon Positioning Systems – UX Supervisor

How to apply

  • Study location

    The Foundation Year study route will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University.

    If you choose to study at CU Coventry for your Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU Coventry. Mile Lane, Coventry. Subject to meeting requirements you will then transition to the relevant Coventry University subject faculty building for your progression degree.

    Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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