Postgraduate Programme Specification
PgDip Media and Broadcast Production
Academic Year 2022/23
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
| Programme Title | PgDip Media and Broadcast Production | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Postgraduate Diploma | |||||||||||
| Programme Code | BCP-PD-MB | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
100444 - Media and communication studie - 100 |
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ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
Please note, applicants for this course are required to submit a piece of recent written work on an academic topic that represents your best work to date (not more than 3000 words). |
Interview Required |
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| Mode of Study | Full Time or Part Time | |||||||||||||
| Type of Programme | Postgraduate | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 1 Academic Year Part Time - 2 Academic Years |
Total Credits for Programme | 120 | |||||||||
| Exit Awards available | No | |||||||||||||
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Arts, English and Languages |
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Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
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Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Communication, media, film and cultural studies (2008) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
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No accreditations (PSRB) found. | |
Regulation Information
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Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations N/A |
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Programme Specific Regulations Students may undertake the dissertation and upgrade to a Masters if they reach the required standard in their taught modules. |
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Students with protected characteristics N/A |
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Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
Within the framework of the University's Mission Statement, the Media and Broadcast Production programme is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the practice and craft of factual media production as well as a deep and robust research-driven awareness of the range of issues that concern factual media production and the larger media industry. This teaching unit harnesses strategic connections with the Broadcast and Media industry and promotes an educational environment of diversity, equality, tolerance, and mutual respect. Broadcast media organisations are key knowledge-producing institutions. This programme’s broad aim is to produce graduates who have an informed, critical, and creative approach to the area of factual media and its production. It does so by developing critical and creative independence, flexibility, and reflexivity across individual and group work, and in critical and production work. The programme also aims to open the door to contemporary and emerging developments in factual media production. Practice-based work accounts for about 60% of this programme and its range includes: audio packages, podcasts, audio documentaries, video packages, video documentaries and contemporary technology outputs like online/web-based storytelling and VR – all produced following the processes and best practice established by the public broadcasting culture and ethos of the BBC system. Complementing this practice-based core is a substantial theory component, which amounts to about 40% of the programme, and consists of a rigorous, academic exploration of the modern discourses and technologies of media and broadcast.
Within this context, this Diploma programme integrates the critical and practice-based study of Media and Broadcast Production, and aims to:
- Deliver an innovative, intellectually robust, and flexible curriculum, in accordance with relevant QAA Benchmark Statements, reflecting the diverse field of scholarship and production practices within Media and Broadcast Production at Queen's. The curriculum is informed by the practice and research interests of staff, as well as promoting new convergences between critical and creative practice in the areas of media studies.
- Facilitate the study of media and broadcast production through an integrated balance of practice and theory whereby practical-based modules are placed within a critical, interrogative framework and where theory-based modules can inform creative practice.
- Provide students with knowledge of, understanding of, and technical competence in the key production processes and professional practices relevant to audio, video and multi-media; cultural and communicative industries; and ways of conceptualising creativity and authorship.
- Enable students to develop advanced knowledge of, understanding of and technical competence in legal, ethical and other regulatory frameworks, including the intellectual property framework, that are relevant to media and cultural production, manipulation, distribution, circulation, and reception
- Provide students with the widest possible opportunity to pursue and extend their knowledge and competence in the narrative processes, generic forms and modes of representation at work in media and cultural texts
- Enable students to acquire the knowledge of, understanding of, and technical competence in the audio, visual and verbal conventions through which sounds, images and words make meaning
- Attract students from regional, national and international environments through an appropriate range of entry routes, and to provide them with the best possible learning and teaching experience
- Provide all students with the widest possible opportunity to pursue and extend their knowledge and understanding of broadcast production and media culture through a variety of learning methods
- Enable students to develop advanced critical, analytical and technical skills, as well as their creative potential; to improve their self-confidence, powers of concentration, understanding of group dynamics, and communication skills through a variety of oral, written, visual and practice-based media
- Facilitate the students’ acquisition of knowledge and understanding of particular media forms and genres, and the way in which they organise understandings, meanings and affects the role of changing technology in media production, content manipulation, distribution, access and participation
- Enable students to develop an understanding of the ways in which forms of media and cultural consumption are embedded in everyday life, and serve as ways of claiming and understanding identities; understand the dynamics of public and everyday discourses in the shaping of culture and society
- Introduce new areas of teaching and implement innovative pedagogical techniques and technologies in response to advances in scholarship, technology, and educational research, student feedback, as well as the interests and aptitudes of staff members
- Provide a supportive and stimulating learning environment that enables learners with a variety of entrance qualifications to fulfil their potential and develop their capacity for motivated independent learning
- Provide appropriate learning resources, including suitable production facilities and to supplement library provision by effectively utilising modes of online learning
- Foster mutually beneficial partnerships with the Media and Broadcast industry and training programmes to facilitate applied learning
- Enrich students' learning experience by exploring possible interdisciplinary linkages /collaborations with other subject areas within the School
- Embed a diverse range of generic and transferable skills in our pathways, and thus prepare students for a variety of academic and professional careers
- Provide a range of opportunities to apply theory in the context of audio, screen and lens-based production
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate a keen critical awareness of the main research methods used to collect and analyse data |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Specific teaching methods include tutor-led, student-led, self-directed study; resource-based learning, including library work and attendance at screenings, production workshops, filming and editing skill labs and research seminars. Methods of Assessment Key assessment methods focus on project work and essays submitted to a deadline |
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Understand the relations between practice and theory in the discipline |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Tutor and self-directed study, tutorial/workshop discussion, resource-based learning, attendance at production workshops, post-screening discussions, meetings with industry professionals/industry workshops Methods of Assessment Individual and group tutorial presentations, learning journals, reflective essays, practice-based outputs |
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Analyse and engage critically with diverse forms of discourse and their effects on representation within the field of Media and Broadcast; engage critically with major thinkers and debates within the field |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Specific teaching methods include tutor-led, student-led, self-directed study. Skills are nurtured through class debate and discussion, through the keeping of reflective journals that accompany practical work and through the practice of writing Methods of Assessment Independent thought expressed through individual essays, written assignments and exercises or through practice project-based outputs |
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Think reflexively and independently |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Classroom discussion and online interactions, practice-based production sessions Methods of Assessment Edited commentaries on learning journals, story proposals or practice outputs |
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Understand group dynamics and implement them in practical contexts |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Group work in film production and classroom presentations Methods of Assessment Assessed group presentations and group practical project works |
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Make critical judgements in the understanding and evaluation of communication, media, and culture |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Specific teaching methods include tutor-led, student-led, self-directed study; resource-based learning, including library work and attendance at screenings, production workshops, filming and editing skill labs and research seminars. Methods of Assessment Assessed through individual essays or practice-based audio-visual or text/online outputs |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate critical, analytical skills in the field of media and broadcast production both for textual and practice-based outputs |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Specific teaching methods include tutor-led, student-led, self-directed study; resource-based learning, including library and production studio work and attendance at screenings and relevant public events; on-line teaching methods Methods of Assessment Key assessment methods include practice-based projects and essays and exercises submitted to a deadline |
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Demonstrate creative, ethical and imaginative skills as shown through the realisation of practical projects; display a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in theory and practical projects |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Resource-based learning, including library work and attendance at screenings Methods of Assessment Continuously assessed individual and group presentations |
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Communicate in a variety of oral, written and audio-visual media |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Online and face-to-face teaching methods, participation in pitching sessions and story idea discussions Methods of Assessment Summative group presentations |
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Develop ideas, construct arguments, and present them in appropriate ways |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Filming and editing workshops, production meetings/audio recordings Methods of Assessment Individual presentations, essays or story pitches |
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Handle creative, personal, and interpersonal issues |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Group work in the story / documentary production process and in classroom presentations Methods of Assessment Participation and engagement |
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Negotiate and pursue goals with others |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Group work in the story / documentary production process and in classroom presentations Methods of Assessment Assessed group presentations and story / documentary productions and other group-project type of practice outputs |
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Manage personal workloads and meet deadlines |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Assigned essays, exercises and presentations with hard deadlines Methods of Assessment Assigned essays, exercises and presentations with deadlines |
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Produce written work with appropriate conventions |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Essays marked for grammar, presentation, and content Methods of Assessment Essays submitted to a deadline |
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Demonstrate information retrieval skills, involving the ability to gather, sift, synthesise and organise material independently and critically evaluate its significance |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Assigned essays, presentations, factual story or documentary production Methods of Assessment Assigned essays, presentations and factual story productions submitted for assessment |
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Demonstrate information technology skills such as word processing, electronic mail, accessing electronic data, as well as video and audio editing software, and website design skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Assigned essays and presentations, communication with lecturer and other students during class or skill labs Methods of Assessment Assigned essays, presentations and factual story productions submitted for assessment |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of broadcast and media theory and practice; historical evolution of particular genres, aesthetic traditions and forms, and of their current characteristics and possible future developments |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies This is an integrated programme, with a close inter-relationship between theory and practice. The statement of teaching and assessment methods indicates a broad correlation with different learning outcomes, but there is necessary overlap between different areas of learning Methods of Assessment Essays/exercises submitted to a deadline |
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Demonstrate an understanding of how to analyse and discuss the conventions and practices involved in producing a short radio or television story, longform documentary and other media formats |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Attendance at workshops, screenings, pitching sessions, story critiquing and tutor & peer feedback sessions Methods of Assessment Individual Interviews, marked essays, pitches and written feedback |
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Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of contemporary technologies and their relationship to broadcast and media production and scholarship |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Resource-based learning, including library work, practice-based learning through skills labs, DVD and other recordings and online resources Methods of Assessment Individual presentations, marked essays or assessed practice-based projects |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate a high level of specific skills including the reading, analysis, documenting and/or interpreting of media and broadcast audio, images and text; a wide range of processes in the creation of original work |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Specific teaching methods include tutor-led, student-led, self-directed study. Also included: interviewing (audio & visual), practice-based individual and group projects Methods of Assessment Key assessment methods focus on project work and essays submitted to a deadline |
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Demonstrate a wide knowledge and understanding of regional, national and international broadcast and media production landscape, the historical evolution of particular genres, aesthetic traditions and forms, and of their current characteristics and possible future representations. Demonstrate knowledge of the ways in which forms of media and cultural consumption are embedded in everyday life and serve as ways of claiming and understanding identities |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars, tutorials, classroom debates Methods of Assessment Essays submitted to a deadline |
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Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of contemporary technologies and their relationship to media and broadcast production, including emerging technologies and future screens |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Resource-based learning, including library work, DVD and other recordings, skills labs and specialist practice workshops in filming, editing, website design Methods of Assessment Individual presentations, marked essays, assessed practical projects |
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Demonstrate an understanding of how to analyse and discuss the conventions and practices involved in producing different forms and genres of film; demonstrate a high level of understanding and technical competence in legal, ethical and other regulatory frameworks, including the intellectual property framework, that are relevant to media and cultural production, manipulation, distribution, circulation, and reception. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars, tutorials, classroom debates Attendance at seminars/workshops Methods of Assessment Individual Interviews, marked essays and through assessed practice-based individual and group project work |
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Initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative work within various forms of aural, visual, audio-visual, sound, or other electronic and digital media; produce work that uses the effective manipulation of one or more of sound, images, and the written word, including understanding relevant industry standards and how they are defined and achieved |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Tutor-led, student-led, self-directed study, practice-based productions, pitches, tutor and peer feedback sessions. Practice-based workshops and demonstrations exploring the creative processes behind real broadcast texts Methods of Assessment Individual essays, assessments, exercises, and presentations; group practice projects |
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Understand, evaluate, document and/or interpret |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Face-to-face and online teaching methods Methods of Assessment Practice-based exercises, assignments/exercises |
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Demonstrate the media and broadcast production skills necessary to communicate to an audience |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Workshops, lectures, tutorials and seminars Methods of Assessment Participation and engagement |
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Participate in processes in the creation of original work; employ production skills and practices to challenge or advance existing forms and conventions and to innovate; experiment, as appropriate, with forms, conventions, languages, techniques and practices |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Contact with industry professionals in all relevant specialisms (eg editors, camera operators, directors) Methods of Assessment Individual essays, practice-based exercises; group practice projects |
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Understand the importance of the commissioning and funding structures of the creative industries and work within the constraints imposed by them |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminar discussion and industry workshops Methods of Assessment Contributions to learning logs and online forums; assessed essays |
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Understand production and postproduction filmmaking processes and forms (eg. studio-based, location, documentary, fictional, etc.) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Workshops and screenings Methods of Assessment Assessed group/individual production work |
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Demonstrate knowledge of, understanding of, and technical competence the narrative processes, generic forms and modes of representation at work in media and cultural texts |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Tutor led, student-led, self-directed study, Practice-based workshops and demonstrations exploring the creative processes behind real broadcast texts Methods of Assessment Assessed individual essays, assessed individual and group practice-based projects |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
| Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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| S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
| Broadcast Journalism | BCP7005 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Broadcasting Genre | BCP7003 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Documentary Practice | BCP7012 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 60% | 0% |
| Hybrid Storytelling | BCP7011 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| Media & Broadcast Analysis | BCP7004 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Interactive Media | BCP7007 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 30% | 70% | 0% |
Notes
Students will be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Media and Broadcast Production if they pass all the taught modules - 120 CATS points. Students who fail one or more taught modules are permitted one further attempt to pass the module at the next available opportunity for a maximum mark of 50%.
BCP7007 is an optional module when there are other optional modules to take in its place.
Students may exit with a 60 credit Postgraduate Certificate if they fail to achieve a pass mark in 6 taught modules, based on the successful completion of three compulsory modules.