University of Sunderland

Media Production (Television and Radio)

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

BA (Hons) Media Production (Television and Radio) is structured around core modules in media studies and media production, allowing you to study and practise radio and TV production alongside theoretical subjects. You can study both TV and radio production or choose to specialise after the second year.

Practical elements include video production, television studio production, radio production and live radio. These can lead to specialist study in the final year - for example, drama production or a practical dissertation in either video or radio production.

Media and cultural theory elements include the history of the mass media, cultural theory and popular culture, popular TV genres, cultural representation of women, American film, and images of European film.
As well as offering students clear pathways through the Media Production degree, through a combination of core and designated options, you can choose from a wide range of modules offered by the Media and Cultural Studies department. These include modules in journalism, photography, language studies, cultural studies, film studies and media theory.

There is also the opportunity to study a limited number of modules from other areas of the university. For example, you could choose to study a foreign language.

Teaching takes place in the Media Centre, giving access to a television studio, four editing suites, the Sunderland Echo journalism suite, four radio studios, a radio edit suite, a computer suite, a surround sound cinema, and a learning resource centre. The Media Centre has new digital production facilities for TV and radio, featuring state-of-the-art production and post-production facilities for both TV and Radio, including a fully equipped television studio, broadcast standard digital edit stations, broadcast-quality digital cameras and digital audio acquisition and editing equipment centre.

To go to the TV, video and new media web pages, part of the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media website, click here or view the radio pages here.

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Course Content

Level 1

Core Modules:

• Introduction to Media and Cultural Studies
• History of Broadcasting
• Introduction to Radio Production & Broadcasting
• Introduction to Video Production
• Introduction to Academic Research Skills
• Designated options:
• Introduction to Cultural Representation of Women
• Popular TV Genres
• Introduction to Film Studies
• History of Cinema

Other typical options include*:

• Film Analysis
• Introduction to Print Journalism
• Introduction to the Television Studio
• Introduction to Photography
• Introduction to Screenwriting
• Introduction to New Media Production
• Introduction to Cyberculture
• Introduction to Digital Video Effects
• Introduction to Sound
• Introduction to New Media Production
• Language and Culture

Level 2
Core Modules:

• Media Studies 1
• Professional Practice for Broadcasters

Designated options include:

• 'TV Documentary Production 1
• Radio Production 1
• Television Studio Operations 1
• Live Radio and Commercial Production
• Screenwriting for TV & Film
• Writing Factual Television
• Cultural Theory and Popular Culture
• Radio Studies
• History of the Mass Media 2
• American Film & Society
• Film Theory and Criticism
• Academic Research Skills
• The Making of Popular Culture
• Sexual Cultures
• Culture & Consumption
• European Film & Society
• Cybercultures
• British Cinema

Other typical options include*:

• Placement
• Media Law
• Language and Power
• Radio Journalism 1
• Website Production with Video
• Print Journalism 1
• Documentary Photography
• Digital Video Effects
• DVD Production

and certain Language, Sociology or Psychology options.

Level 3
Core Modules:

• Media Studies 2
• Practical Project in EITHER Video or Radio

Designated options include:

• TV Documentary Production 2
• TV Studio Operations 2
• Radio Documentary & Feature Production
• Cultural Theory and Popular Culture 2
• Women and Radio
• Screenwriting
• Live Radio 2
• Digital Video Effects
• Radio Drama
• Web Radio
• Website Production with Video 2

Other typical options include*:

• DVD Surround Sound
• Film Studies Special Topic
• Asian Cinema
• Film, Horror and the Body
• Media Studies Special Topic
• Popular Culture Special Topic
• Radio Journalism 2
• Print Journalism 2
• Body Media and Culture
• Popular Fiction for Young People
• Arts & Entertainment Journalism
• Race Identity and Culture
• certain other Language, Sociology or Psychology options

*Options and option titles may vary from year to year.

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Entry Requirements

The normal standard entry requirements for the media degrees are detailed below:

A typical offer will be in the region of 260 points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent (e.g. 1 x AVCE double award).

We accept a maximum of 20 points from Level 3 Key Skills qualifications.

We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.

BTEC National: 260 points from a BTEC Certificate or Diploma.

Access Courses: We would require successful completion of a Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Access programme and that you would have a minimum of grade C in GCSE in Mathematics and English Language or have obtained the equivalent as part of your course.

All non-standard mature applicants will be offered an interview.

Scottish Highers: Our typical offer is for 260 points.

Irish Leaving Certificate: Our typical offer is for 260 points.

Direct Entry to Level 2/3: Candidates wishing to be considered for direct entry to Level 2/3 of a programme should contact the Helpline on tel: (0191) 515 3000.

International Applicants: Tel: +44 191 515 3000.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Teaching and Assessment

Teaching methods include lectures, demonstrations, seminars, workshops, group work and practical skills work.

Assessment is split between writing essays and/or reports, practical production, portfolio submission, seminars and group presentations - and yes, a small number of examinations.

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Work Experience

If you are taking media production modules you will work closely with professionals from the media industry. At Level 2, you may take a work placement module, which will involve working within one of the many media and cultural organisations, including several radio stations in the region and Tyne Tees Television. Production work in video can include working for local and corporate clients.

107 Spark FM, is our own 24/7 award winning community radio station. It is the largest university based station in the UK. Working here you can gain real-life work experience in our radio studios and be heard across Sunderland on FM and worldwide on the internet. Students run Spark FM themselves with tutor support, and they are responsible for all news-gathering, programme production and advertising.

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Career Opportunities

This degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in the radio, TV and video and new media industries, as well as other professional and administrative positions in industry, commerce and the civil service, and many different jobs in the arts and the voluntary sector.

Recent graduates have gained employment in the BBC, Channel 4, Sky TV, MTV, Radio 1, local newspapers and radio stations, The Guardian and The Melody Maker.

There is also the opportunity to continue your studies with an MA in Media Production (Television), in Radio or in Film and Cultural Studies.

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Supplemental Information

We don't require an A-level pass in Media Studies but this makes it even more important that you find out what the subject involves before you make your application.

You must show an enthusiasm for current media and cultural studies theory and understand what that entails. You will be interested in developing your analytical skills when discussing all forms of media.

The production elements of this degree mean students work together on a number of projects. Our modules reflect professional practices in the media industry, where working as part of a team is vital to success. You must be able to display good communication skills, diplomacy and dedication to both your team and your production.

Theory elements to this degree also require teamwork via group presentations and seminar work.

Media production is a compulsory element of this degree and previous experience of these activities via work experience, or as a hobby, or on a formal course would be advantageous. A desire to acquire a wide range of media related skills - both technical and creative - is essential.

These skills include: editing audio and video, scriptwriting, camera and lighting techniques, production management, IT competency, time management and presentation skills.

It would help for you to know in advance whether you enjoy and are able to do this type of work because it forms a compulsory element of the degree.

Study Abroad

You can choose to study the second year of your degree at a university in Europe, North America or Australia, or spend a semester in a university in France, Germany, Holland or the Republic of Ireland at Level 2. The chosen university will offer a similar degree content and assessment will count towards your final degree classification.

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Facilities

 *World Class Web/Design Tools*
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.

Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.

CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.

Further information is available from:

http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/
For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

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Related Courses

• Media, Culture and Communication
• Media Production (Television and Video)
• Media Studies - Combined Subjects (Major, Dual and Minor)
• Media and Cultural Studies
• Media Production (Video and New Media)
• Media and Cultural Studies
• Media Production - (Televison and Video)

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