Course Structure

Full Time;
Semester One: Three compulsory modules
Semester Two: Two compulsory modules and one optional
Summer: Dissertation

Part Time;
Year One, Semester One: Two compulsory modules
Year One, Semester Two: One module
Year Two, Semester One: One compulsory module
Year Two, Semester Two: Two modules
Year Three, September to May: Dissertation

Course Details

All modules are subject to change and availability. Listings here should be taken as indicative.

Core Modules:

Media and Broadcast Analysis
This module introduces students to the academic analysis of broadcasting and media. In doing so, the aim is to provide students with an understanding of a range of different methods for conducting their own research, and for understanding other academics' research. Through considering these ideas and elements, students should develop their understanding of the media and broadcast environment in ways that aid their practical work as well as allowing them to consider how their own work, as well as that of others, can be interpreted by different audiences. Students should provide their own examples of programming and material, but will also be supplied with examples, including archival material, audience research etc.

Hybrid Storytelling
Hybrid Storytelling studies various creative responses to the rise and development of misinformation, image, and sound manipulation, ‘post-truth’ or ‘alternative reality’ discourse. Students will create their own hybrid story forms that can bolster the factual thrust of projects and serve as an antidote to disinformation, acting as an essential primer for students entering the contemporary broadcast industry. This module is an equally balanced combination of theory and practice which enables students to build on and interrogate broadcast approaches students have a knowledge of through either their own media practice or media consumption.

Broadcast Journalism
This module explores theoretical concepts relating to journalism while developing each student’s own journalistic craft through workshop-based practice. It empowers students to work independently as journalists and produce their own news/feature radio and television outputs. Students will be brought through the process of producing packages from pitch and strong story conceptualisation, effective interviewing, scripting and the final edit. This module also teaches the regulatory and ethical framework surrounding broadcast journalism.

Documentary Practice
This practice-based module combines the skills needed for you to produce a character-driven, narrative and sound-rich long form audio or audiovisual project. Students will learn how to orient their storytelling practice for a conventional documentary slot on radio or TV, incorporating interview clips, soundbites and sound design along the way. The module also examines the ethics and processes involved in producing a documentary. With this background knowledge under your belt, you'll move through the production process of your own project: from the initial idea, through the gathering of material, to scripting and editing. Students will be encouraged to become informed practitioners, aware of the commissioning structures and current industry standards, yet capable of reflecting critically on their own practice.

Broadcasting Genre
This module examines the uses and significance of genre in broadcasting. It covers theories of genre, the relationships between genre in different media (including literature and cinema), and the uses of genre by broadcasters, producers and audiences. Through the module, students will develop their own case studies focusing on a genre of their choice, practicing and enhancing their independent research skills as they build their individual assessed project. They will engage with questions around how genres are formed and used, why people categorise things in genres, how genres interact with policy and taste formations, and how generic descriptions and canons change over time.

Interactive Media
This module introduces the production of interactive and non-linear forms of new media as emergent alternatives to traditional linear forms of media. New media is explored through both a practical exploration of interactive formats; and by considering critical debates around aesthetics, power, force, significance and form in a series of new media texts, artefacts and systems. The module situates practices in an environment that is ceaselessly evolving and explores new technologies such as virtual reality, immersive media and interactive documentary for web/mobile devices. This module offers a practical introduction to software authoring tools and an exploration of disruptive new technologies as they emerge.

Media and Broadcast Production Dissertation
Each student will develop and produce a dissertation based on a topic which they select, in consultation with their supervisor. The Media and Broadcast Production dissertation may take the form of a practice based (TV or radio documentary, podcast, etc.) output with associated reflective statement, or a traditional academic dissertation. Students will undertake their dissertation work independently over the summer, supported by their supervisor.

Contact Teaching Hours

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

0 (hours maximum)
Students are encouraged to consult with their module tutors outside of class time, especially in developing their individual interests and projects, including assessed work.

Medium Group Teaching

3 (hours maximum)
Most modules consist of ten weeks of seminars or workshops, each session lasting two to three hours per module.

Teaching Times

Most teaching will take place Monday to Friday,9am-6pm. Occasional events, usually optional, may take place outside of this. Students will also have to find time for independent study and for undertaking group work, particularly on practical modules.

Learning and Teaching

As a combined practical and analytical degree, students will engage with several different types of learning and teaching through this programme.

• Independent learning

  Core to the Masters programme is the development of skills of independent learning, picking up from those acquired at undergraduate level. Students are expected to guide their own studies based on their own interests, in consultation with the academic staff. This includes self-directed research, development of individual research projects and responsibility for reading and acquiring knowledge around the subject, in addition to set research tasks and academic reading.

• Online learning

  Learning is supported by a range of online resources and tasks, organised through our Virtual Learning Environment, Canvas. This can include provision of guidance on tasks, supplementary information and reference material, quizzes and self-tests, as well as formative and summative assessments.

• Practice

  Practical work involves engaging with a range of tasks outside of scheduled class time, including setting up and conducting interviews, recording material, planning and developing projects. Much of this work will be conducted in small groups

• Seminars

  Some sessions will be taught as seminars, working in small groups to discuss particular topics.

• Skill Labs

  Skill labs will be available weekly for students to deepen their practice skills, whether in camera work, sound harvesting for Radio, or editing.

• Workshops

  The practical aspects of the degree are largely taught through workshops, combining hands-on practice with discussion of the underlying concepts and appropriate techniques. These are typically taught in our audio studio, television studio or edit suite.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

• Written assignments
• Practical assignments, accompanied by a reflective essay

Facilities

Students on the MA Media and Broadcast Production have access to a range of facilities to support their practice work and their academic learning. These include the University’s famous McClay Library for research resources and the Graduate School, for its opportunities to engage with a range of fellow graduate students or to receive research training and support. Specific facilities to support practice work include a Computer Lab, the Sonic Lab and Edit Suite, with 24-hour access and use of industry-standard editing software for audio and video. Students have at their disposal the newly constructed audio and television studios, utilising high-end industry-standard cameras. Industry-standard camera kits for mobile journalism or advanced video-journalism kits are available for students to use throughout their time at Queens. VR and AR cameras and equipment are also available for students to experiment with.

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Documentary Practice (20 credits)

  ×

  Documentary Practice

  Overview

  This module develops the skills needed for students to produce a character-focussed, narrative-driven, industry-standard documentary or series of mini-documentaries suitable for broadcast. The work will draw on documentary and story theory to incorporate narration, interviews, natural sound, sequence and scene building, and sound design. The module takes students through the production process from the initial idea to pitch to project design, material gathering, scripting, editing and final export. Media ethics and regulation is a core part of documentary practice as it is learned on this module. Keen attention is given to various administrative processes associated with documentary production. The module also examines the history of the documentary form and analyses various evolutions and developments in the form.

  Learning Outcomes

  On completing this module, students should be able to:
  Understand the nature of long form, documentary storytelling
  Turn an idea into an effective piece longer form narrative storytelling that adheres to broadcast documentary conventions
  Record and edit a documentary that adheres to current broadcast documentary conventions
  Write, communicate and edit in a team environment
  Understand and adhere to the ethical and regulatory frameworks circumscribing factual broadcasting

  Skills

  This module will help develop the following skills:
  Story ideation
  Project Pitching
  Teamwork on media projects
  Longer form broadcast storytelling
  Broadcast writing
  Story structuring
  Audio and/or video editing conventions

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  BCP7012

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Hybrid Storytelling (20 credits)

  ×

  Hybrid Storytelling

  Overview

  Misinformation, image and sound manipulation and “post-truth” discourses all pose increasingly significant threats to the status of fact and factual media and the democratic culture it underpins in Western societies.
  The development of these practices have bred deep suspicion and a burgeoning rejection of the observational mode of storytelling, a staple of conventional audio and audio-visual factual media.
  This module is intended to do two things:
  1) Study the rise and development of misinformation, image and sound manipulation and “post-truth” discourses and act as an essential primer on these developments for students entering the contemporary broadcast industry
  2) Study various creative responses – primarily hybrid story forms – that can serve as antidotes to the above threats by bolstering the factual thrust of projects they are working on
  This module is intended as an equally balanced hybrid of theory and practice, which enables students to build on and interrogate broadcast skills they know well through either media practice or media consumption Students will engage with theory in the following area: documentary studies, postmodernism semiotics, post-structuralism, post-truth discourse, narratology and genre experimentation, among others.
  They will be exposed to examples of audio and audio-visual work which exemplifies creative responses to misinformation, notably hybrid forms where fiction (or fictive strategies) is commandeered in the service of strengthening of the veracity of factual information for audiences living in our “post-truth” era.
  Students will have the opportunity to develop and apply some of these strategies in their own factual broadcast practical work on the module. They will also have the opportunity, through written work, to demonstrate their ability to critically analyse concepts covered during the course of the module.

  Learning Outcomes

  By the end of this module, students should be able to:
  Identify, understand and critique misinformation, image and sound manipulation, and “post-truth” discourse and techniques; their effect on factual media and society; and the larger societal stakes that surround its emergence.
  Analyse media texts in relation to their attributes that are clearly fact-based and those which are fiction-based.
  Analyse fiction-based attributes embedded within larger factual outputs and discern if specific fiction-based attributes are beneficial or detrimental to the veracity of the output and, by extension, in the public interest.
  Create a hybrid output that draws on learning from the module

  Skills

  By the end of this module, students should be able to:
  Develop and activate both academic and practical skills
  Acquire, deepen and implement media literacy, particularly with regards to fact, fiction, misinformation and dissimulation
  Develop and activate core academic skills such as research, analysis and communication through class work, independent research and assessed work
  Develop and activate core practice-based skills such as: devising and producing creative hybrids that strengthen the factual thrust of a project Advance their academic research skills

  Coursework

  50%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  50%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  BCP7011

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Media & Broadcast Production Dissertation (60 credits)

  ×

  Media & Broadcast Production Dissertation

  Overview

  This module comprises independent research on a topic that develops from the taught modular coursework. The dissertation will reflect the background of work conducted across the first two semesters. To that extent, the topic of the dissertation may range from, for example, a more theoretically-based exploration of broadcast literacy, to a more practice-based broadcast output, or it may inhere in a synthesis of both approaches.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the module students will:
  • have a developed critical understanding of the study of Broadcast Literacy;
  • have developed the skills needed to conduct an independent line of research;
  • be able to organise and develop a complex argument into which detailed points are judiciously integrated;
  • be able to write a cogent, well-illustrated dissertation, which displays originality in terms of consistent thinking and application of ideas, concepts and theories;
  • be able to use appropriate resources to investigate research questions or support findings;
  • be able to write a dissertation which adheres to scholarly norms of presentation and reference.

  Skills

  On successful completion of the module students will:
  • have had the opportunity to explore, to investigate and to identify themes for research within the field of Broadcast Literacy.
  • be able to draw from a variety of analytical and production techniques
  • be able to make use of theoretical, historical, and intellectual contexts
  • be able to examine and evaluate a given research problem.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  BCP7006

  Teaching Period

  Summer

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Broadcast Journalism (20 credits)

  ×

  Broadcast Journalism

  Overview

  This module introduces students to the skills required to produce broadcast material. Using practical sessions, it teaches industry standard broadcast gathering skills. Students will learn the technological skills needed to operate digital recorders and edit sound, as well as the practical skills required to carry out effective interviews and perform pieces to camera. The module also covers the ethical frameworks around producing and broadcasting broadcast material and relates that to the UK regulatory framework. Throughout the module the students will gain an understanding of how the process of newsgathering impacts on broadcast outputs. The module also utilises BBC staff and facilities, giving students a valuable insight into the industry.

  Learning Outcomes

  On completing this module, students should have acquired and be able to demonstrate:
  
  • A solid understanding of the production process of making a piece of broadcast
  
  • A solid understanding of the skills required to carry out an effective digital recording.
  
  • Strong story ideation and pitching skills
  Development of specific writing skills for broadcast.
  
  • Development of editing conventions and aesthetics for broadcast
  
  • Development of interview skills

  Skills

  This module will develop the specific skill in written and oral communication and presentation needed for broadcast. Students will develop skills in identifying story ideas for possible production and in planning and completing reporting project(s).

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  BCP7005

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Broadcasting Genre (20 credits)

  ×

  Broadcasting Genre

  Overview

  This module examines the uses and significance of genre in broadcasting. It covers theories of genre, the relationships between genre in different media (including literature and cinema), and the uses of genre by broadcasters, producers and audiences. Through the module, students will develop their own case studies focusing on a genre of their choice. They will engage with questions around how genres are formed and used, why people categorise things in genres, how genres interact with policy and taste formations and how generic descriptions and canons change over time.

  Learning Outcomes

  On completing this module students should have acquired and be able to demonstrate:
  - a solid understanding of theories of genre in relation to broadcasting;
  - an ability to engage with critical debates around broadcasting and genre;
  - appropriate research and analysis skills relating to broadcasting and genre;
  - development of their scholarly writing and communication skills.

  Skills

  This module will refine and develop students’ skills in analysing texts within various cultural, historical and industrial contexts, as well as in their written communication skills. Students will develop skills in identifying topics for further research and in planning and completing an independent research project.

  Coursework

  90%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  10%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  BCP7003

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Media & Broadcast Analysis (20 credits)

  ×

  Media & Broadcast Analysis

  Overview

  This module introduces students to the academic analysis of broadcasting. In doing so, the aim is to provide students with an understanding of a range of different methods for conducting their own research, and for understanding other academics’ research. Students will be introduced to the analysis of audience and of broadcast brand. The historical development of broadcasting in Britain will be covered, including consideration of the idea of public service broadcasting, and how it has changed in response to commercial pressures, and the development of on-demand broadcasting. Students should provide their own examples of programming and material, but will also be supplied with examples, including archival material, audience research, etc..Assessment is based upon an essay, with the subject determined by the student in consultation with the supervisor.

  Learning Outcomes

  On completing this module, students should have acquired and be able to demonstrate:
  A solid understanding of methods of analysing broadcast texts and the structures surrounding them, including audience response.
  A solid understanding of the context of British broadcasting in particular, and how this can be related to other national and international broadcasting systems.

  Skills

  This module will refine and develop students’ skills in analysing texts within various cultural, historical and industrial contexts, as well as in their written and oral communication and presentation skills. Students will develop skills in identifying topics for further research and in planning and completing an independent research project.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  BCP7004

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Optional Modules

  Interactive Media (20 credits)

  ×

  Interactive Media

  Overview

  This module introduces the production of interactive and non-linear forms of new media as emergent alternatives to traditional linear forms of media.
  
  New media is explored through both a practical exploration of interactive formats; and by considering critical debates around aesthetics, power, force, significance and form in a series of new media texts, artefacts and systems.
  
  The module situates practices in an environment that is ceaselessly evolving and explores new technologies such as virtual reality, immersive media and interactive documentary for web/mobile devices.
  
  This module offers a practical introduction to software authoring tools and an exploration of disruptive new technologies as they emerge.

  Learning Outcomes

  1. Critical awareness of digital media systems as innovative cultural forms and contemporary debates around technology and culture
  
  2. Understanding of new media aesthetics, use, medium theory and form through practice
  
  3. Engagement with non-linear storytelling devices
  
  4. Awareness of emerging tools and platforms for creation of interactive content
  
  5. Applied experience and engagement through practice in the production of interactive media projects.

  Skills

  The module will equip students with the necessary production skills and theoretical frameworks to explore and deliver projects that move away from linear production processes. This grounding will provide students with basic authoring skills, will give them the capacity to develop their skills further through individual study, and will also equip them to think critically about the forms and contents of contemporary media systems that originate online and reside naively on the web.

  Coursework

  70%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  30%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  BCP7007

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in an Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences subject.

Applicants with qualifications below 2.1 Honours degree standard may be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate relevant experience.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 16th August 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

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English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Career Prospects

Introduction

This programme is designed to offer a range of highly useful skills, experience and understanding regarding broadcasting and contemporary media, which are useful in a range of careers, including broadcasting, journalism, marketing, press and public relations, advertising and teaching. Some students choose to continue their studies to PhD level on a chosen specialised topic in Media and Broadcast Production.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Employment Links

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£7,300
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£7,300
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£9,250
EU Other 3	£21,500
International	£21,500

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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