Media Production – Foundation Degree (Level 5)

Outline

• Media Theory and Film Form 

   

  This module will introduce and develop your knowledge and understanding of the evolution of the Media Industry and it’s audiences, together with core media theory and film grammar. This module is fundamental to enable you to be able to be able to read media and analyse texts, so you can plan and produce video content with purpose and convey meaning. 

   

  Introduction to TV and Broadcast Techniques 

   

  This module will provide you with the basic skills training that you need to begin creating broadcast content.   

  You will develop an understanding across a variety of disciplines which includes the basic principles of camera setup and operation, three-point lighting setups, audio recording, self-directing for factual documentary and broadcast editing.  

  You will acquire these skills via project-based learning, practical demonstrations, workshops and lectures. Tutors will ensure you develop a competent understanding of broadcasting equipment technical roles within television, technologies in use in television and broadcasting and the fundamental principles of factual content creation. 

   

  Introduction to Audio and Video Editing 

   

  This module will set the editing foundations and will introduce you to DaVinci Resolve. This will allow you to perform and produce a short form edit which will encompass a range of post-production workflows. You will forge an understanding of media formats, media management, assembly editing, colour grading, audio mixing and encoding for delivery. 

  As part of your film making education, post-production is a vital component you must learn to be able to fully produce content.  

   

  Introduction to Audio Production 

   

  This module will act as the foundation for audio production which will be utilized in other modules and built upon in later years. Audio production will allow for an introduction to radio, podcasting, experimentation of Foley and sound effects/designs. A variety of theory and practical teaching, as well as different environments will allow you to fully immerse in audio production.  

  The module is taught by a very experienced industry expert who will project supervise and also introduce other guest lecturers to discuss their experiences in this sector. One-to-one support will be available to help you enrich ideas generation, assist with research, scripting and troubleshooting using audio software packages. 

   

  Content Creation 

   

  This module will allow you to develop a broad understanding of the contemporary media sector’s products and platforms and how a multitude of factors inform the creation and sustainability of a product. The aim is to build your awareness and knowledge of the requirements and processes in this competitive industry.  

  Lectures will be didactive in nature due to the level of information and expertise but also supported by seminars which will allow you time to digest and explore new content. Implementation of research skills, working with your peers to conduct presentations, as well as proposal writing will be taught.  

   

   

   

   

   

  Multi-Media Advertising Campaign 

   

  This module will be your chance to experience how an integrated advertising campaign is created. On the first day you will receive a brief from a marketing agency asking you to design and art direct a concept presentation for Film, Radio and Graphic Design. 

  Taught through lectures, practical exercises and group work you will learn how a creative team in an advertising agency works with clients, to create and communicate a concept brand to a product. At the end of the module you will go head-to-head to pitch your ideas to the client who will choose their favourite concept. 

  You will be working with some of the world leading marketing agencies, Oliver, Sachi and Sachi and other blue-chip agencies on real live briefs for national and international brands.  

   

  Media Ecologies 

   

  As the sole theoretical module on 2nd year, you will be once again introduced to research, academic writing and Harvard referencing as a core fundamental to help refresh and build upon your skills from 1st year. In this analytical module you will gain a broad understanding of the complexities of the news industry culminating in a critical essay. 

  Taught through in-depth interactive lectures to build an array of knowledge supported by seminars to reflect and discuss with your peers to solidify learning. You will examine the construction of news, regulation and ownership influences to be able to deconstruct news stories. You will also explore a range of case studies, scandals and debates to develop deep thinking and critical approaches.  

   

  TV Drama Production 

   

  The module will introduce you to TV Drama arguably one of the most popular TV genres, developing and enriching your knowledge to effectively execute a conventional TV drama sequence.   

  The module is diverse and mixes theory and practice where you will fully experiment and learn a range of production roles, as well as filming, sound, lighting, audio and editing techniques under the guidance of expert workshop-based tuition and demonstrations. 

  You will also be required to understand how theory informs practice, the technical differences working with fictional content over previously taught factual production and how to effectively work with scripted media whilst ensuring a balance of convention and creativity is demonstrated. There will be both individual and group work involved. Visiting industry experts who have worked in drama, will conduct talks to help develop and enhance your knowledge and understanding. 

   

  Media Employability and Industry placement 

   

  This module may be your first exploration into media employability, work experience and industry placements. This will offer you the core foundations and guidance for working with clients and building your own website, brand identity and networks. 

  The tutor will equip you with a simple yet essential toolbox that will develop throughout this module to enrich knowledge and understanding the UK creative sectors, to compete, create content and complete a placement for a company.  

  There will be a variety of lectures, tutorials and project supervision. Once the brief is set this module will be largely student led. Progress will then be monitored through project supervision, planning meetings and liaison with clients. 

   

   

   

   

   

  Film Cinematography and Sound Design 

   

  Specialising in cinematography opens up a world of visual exploration within both the camera and lighting departments. In this module you will learn how to communicate audio-visual ideas, create a narrative voice using visual tools and develop craft skills in camera and lighting. 

  This practical, in-depth module will be demonstration led and give you the opportunity to serve as Director of Photography (DOP), camera operator, focus puller and clapper loader on a series of short films in an industry setting, offering hands-on insights into the world of super 8mm film cinematography. 

  At the start of the module you will learn the key principles of 35mm monochrome film still photography and navigate development, this will demonstrate the basic photography techniques.   

  Once the film stock has been filmed, processed and transferred to a digital format, you will then edit the rushes in DaVinci Resolve and then design a creative sound design in DaVinci Resolve Fairlight application to match their picture lock. This module is also designed to critically evaluate camera acquisition workflow.  

   

  Multi-Camera TV production 

   

  The module will introduce you to multi-camera studio production instead of single camera techniques learnt in the first year and as such broadens your skillset. The module also allows you to fully experiment and learn a range of different production roles under the guidance of expert workshop-based tuition and demonstrations.  

  You are given autonomy to work in teams to produce pre-recorded content as well as being able to carry out a live programme recording in the studio. 

  This module will be very practical primarily taught in the TV studio to learn a wide variety of production skills, as well as creating VT content to combine to make a factual TV programme. Seminars will teach codes and conventions of a TV news-based programmes and conduct small group analysis tasks to ensure students have theoretical core understanding before proceeding into production planning. As with any production project, you will be actively encouraged to conduct fieldwork and shoot on-location as part of the TV programme.  

   

   

  Managing a Media Event 

   

  The module will act as a showcase for your final year of the foundation degree. Together with your peers, you will plan and organise an end of year event sharing your best work. The event will be a prime opportunity for you to network with industry contacts. The module will build teamworking, event planning and management, networking, interpersonal and self-promotional skills, all essential for pursuing employment opportunities in the sector.  

Progression

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements GCSEs English & Maths Grade C or Grade 4 and above. UCAS tariff:80 GCE A level CCD BTEC National Diploma Pass Foundation Degree-Scottish Highers -Irish Leaving Certificate -International Baccalaureate – Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES) We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate. There are two different routes through the?Salford Alternative Entry Scheme?and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

* Fees

Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.

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