BA (Hons) Media Production with Foundation Year

Why study this subject?

Whether it’s TV, film, video, journalism or social media content, the media industry has evolved with a focus on digital formats. Today media is expected to be 'on-demand' and media organisations need agile and flexible people with the expertise to produce high quality media content in a range of forms and across different platforms.

From podcasting to sound design, screenwriting to content creation – the on-going changes in technology, regulation and societal uses of media will mean that you will need to be equipped with the skills to turn your passion into a rewarding and successful career. On this course we aim to do just that.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Buckinghamshire New University is a great place to start. When you’re surrounded by so many creative students and lecturers, you can’t help but be inspired to dream big. You will get the chance to collaborate with other BNU courses that make up the team that sit behind creating media.

During your time with us you’ll learn hands-on practical skills to help you stand out to potential employers. You’ll get to grips with industry-standard equipment including cameras, lighting and sound, ensuring upon graduation you are prepared for your first role.

During your time with us you’ll engage with our dynamic programme of visiting lectures and can benefit from live project briefs, master classes, and plenty of networking opportunities. You’ll also benefit from our expert-lecturers who have a wealth of knowledge and experience within the industry.

Media organisations are increasingly reliant on higher education to produce graduates who are agile, flexible and resourceful. On this course you will gain the experience and expertise to produce high quality media content in a range of forms and across different platforms, responding to the on-going changes in technology, regulation and societal uses of media.

What facilities can I use?

Whilst studying with us you will create Film & TV content in our industry-standard studios where we use professional Panasonic and Canon cameras. Furthermore, in our private and communal editing suites, you will get the chance to become skilled with all our post-production software including:

• Final Cut Pro X
• Avid Media Composer
• Adobe Creative Cloud.

You'll also learn in our state-of-the-art recording studios, from individual edit rooms up to large Pro Tools HD studios with attached live rooms and vocal booths.

• Studios 1 and 2 boast Avid D-Command control surfaces and 24 channels of Focusrite ISA828 microphone preamps
• Studios three and four (Edit 6) are based around Digidesign C|24 surfaces
• The edit booths are equipped with microphone preamps from Digidesign (HD Omni).
• Our microphone stock includes Sennheiser, Neumann, AKG, Shure, Rode and Electrovoice
• Studio monitoring includes 5.1 systems by Genelec and stereo systems by KRK
• All studios feature a full range of plug-ins including RX3, Ozone6, Komplete and Speakerphone.

You'll also have access to industry-standard photography facilities, to build your confidence in using professional equipment.

What will I study?

On our programme you will develop a range of media production techniques that can be used for online and offline media. We cover a broad range of media which you’ll combine theory and practice in.  Some of these areas include:

• Recording techniques
• Photography
• Journalism
• Sound design
• Podcasting
• Video
• Screenwriting.

Your modules offer plenty of options, so you can begin to specialise in the areas which interest you most or which might prove valuable for your chosen career. Depending which modules you choose, you will also spend time studying at our teaching base at Pinewood Studios, putting you right at the heart of the UK Film and TV industry.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This course is offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

On our course the teaching will feature a variety of approaches and technology, blended together to engage your learning in class and beyond, and to encourage your full participation. The teaching and learning strategies have been designed to ensure that there is progression from formal teaching through to independent learning as you progress through the levels of the programme. Guided independent study will include activities such as reading and research, planning for productions, and self-guided production activity on location.

A variety of assessment vehicles will be used as appropriate to the modules you take, including assignments carried out in your own time, in-class assignments, workshops and presentations. Assessments will be appropriate to the task, achievable, motivating and vocationally focussed, forming a constructive part of your learning process.

Assessment approaches include:

• group and individual portfolios of written work and media content that will include research, pre-production, production and post-production work submissions
• critical self-evaluation and role analysis in the form of individual reflective written evaluations
• peer evaluation in the form of discussion of work in groups
• opportunity for external placement and work-based learning reports that will enhance each student’s capacity to adopt professional working practices
• tasks aimed at the assessment of specific production skills which will target each individual’s career aspirations.
• Independent work at the culmination of the degree comprising a short media production.

Placements Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.