Media Production Module Details

First year

Block 1: Film and Photography Capture

Introduces you to the basics of image capture using stills and video production technologies. You will learn filmmaking and photographic techniques, from recording initial assets to editing, digitisation, compression and storage.

Block 2: Radio and TV Studio Production

This module will teach the principles of sound recording, radio studio usage and radio content production. Students will also learn television studio technology operations and the roles within a live TV studio environment covering running orders, scripting and content researching. Learn a broad base of technical skills and editorial understanding, from TV studio gallery, floor, and sound booth, through to radio studio desks and digital playout systems.

Lecture: 18 hours
Tutorial: 30 hours
Studio/lab: 60 hours
Self-directed study: 130 hours
Assessment: 62 hours

Block 3: Introduction to Digital Design

This module will introduce students to digital media design and production. This will include the first steps in visual communication as applied to interfaces by using interactive prototyping and design tools such as Adobe XD. Students will explore issues of design, user intent, affordance, and design thinking.

The module is block taught over 7 weeks, delivered by a mixture of lectures, seminars and computer labs.

Lecture: 18 hours 
Tutorial: 30 hours 
Studio/lab: 60 hours 
Self-directed study: 130 hours 
Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 4: Commercial Content Production

Introduces the practices of the media industry by presenting students with a practical creative brief to which they must respond with a commercial content idea. By looking at processes such as industry research, consumer insight and the work of media agencies, students will gain an understanding of industry practice and see how ideas are taking from initial responses through to campaign design, content production and/or creative execution.

Second year

Block 1: Film and Photography Techniques

Introduction to studio techniques, post-production and after effects, as well as advanced techniques in narrative for the still and moving image. Designed to provide students with the opportunity to further develop skills and learn new techniques and practices associated with lens-based media and motion graphics.

Block 2: Live Digital Broadcast

The module builds on the introductory experience around radio and television production delivered during first year/Level 4. Learners are expected to integrate studio-based production with remote, location-based content incorporated into their production work. Additionally, learners will explore key distribution methods, including live-streaming to internet locations, and on-demand distribution of assets via digital means.

The module is block taught over 7 weeks, delivered by a mixture of lectures, seminars and computer labs.

Lecture: 18 hours 
Tutorial: 30 hours 
Studio/lab: 60 hours 
Self-directed study: 130 hours 
Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 3: Immersive and Experiential Design

This module will build on the foundations of Interactive Media to consider the production of a more immersive environment. This will include the development of a deeper understanding of user interface design and interaction, expanding to a range of screen sizes and formats such as tablets, desktops, and wearable devices.

The module is block taught over 7 weeks, delivered by a mixture of lectures, seminars and computer labs.

Lecture: 18 hours 
Tutorial: 30 hours 
Studio/lab: 60 hours 
Self-directed study: 130 hours 
Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 4: Creative Enterprise

Learn how to develop your own creative business from how to pitch for funding to how to produce mock-ups and sizzle reels for clients. Students will have the opportunity to develop business and management skills and learn how to be entrepreneurial in the working world, the changing media economies, and its impact on the job market.

Third year

Block 1: Creative Image Production

Will introduce you to applied imaging technologies, such as time lapse, high speed photography, and High Dynamic Range imaging. Case studies of famous photographers and their work will inform your understanding of the relevance of historical techniques through to contemporary digital imaging.

The module is delivered in a 7 week block with the following delivery pattern:

Lecture: 18 hours 
Tutorial: 30 hours 
Studio/lab: 60 hours 
Self-directed study: 130 hours 
Assessment: 62 hours 

Short Film Production

The module focuses on the creative challenge of making interesting and effective short films, covering the process and creation of the short fiction film format. It serves to solidify technical knowledge from previous modules into establishing a filmmaking practice. Students will take part in the production of a short film project that they research, pitch, develop and execute individually or in a small production team whilst being encouraged to assist each other in the creation of their short film to mimic industry working practices.

Block 2: Creative Content Programming

This module places the individual student at the heart of a 360-degree production project, to incorporate both video and audio production, and supported by an ecosystem of complementary and promotional materials designed to engage an audience and derive an understanding of consumption of media forms and formats in the digital era.

The module is block taught over 7 weeks, delivered by a mixture of lectures, seminars and computer labs.

Lecture: 18 hours 
Tutorial: 30 hours 
Studio/lab: 60 hours 
Self-directed study: 130 hours 
Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 3/4: Portfolio Project

As well as freelancing and portfolio working skills, this final project includes building your portfolio and how to develop a final practice-based major project that will appeal to external partners balancing contemporary industry research with creative media production.

Block 3/4: UX and Interactive Media

This module will build on introductory and intermediate technical and design skills, such as those acquired on the levels 4 and 5 modules in this strand. Students will work towards a brief in designing and developing a public-facing immersive media project. This module will see students engage in a very practical way with a given problem or opportunity, working towards and developing an experience that meets a brief.

The module is block taught over 7 weeks, delivered by a mixture of lectures, seminars and computer labs.

Lecture: 18 hours 
Tutorial: 30 hours 
Studio/lab: 60 hours 
Self-directed study: 130 hours 
Assessment: 62 hours

Post-Production and Editing

Post-production forms an increasingly large part of modern video and film production. This module will examine a range of techniques and issues associated with post-production including digital compositing, special effects, motion graphics and titling. The module will also focus on finishing skills used in post-production such as colourisation, lighting, and grading. Practical work will typically be based on video production assignments, supported by a series of laboratory workshops, and technical lectures and demonstrations.