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Undergraduate Programme Specification

BA Broadcast Production

Academic Year 2021/22

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 BA Broadcast Production Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Bachelor of Arts
Programme Code BCP-BA-S UCAS Code P310 HECoS Code 100923 - Television production - 50
100924 - Radio production - 50
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Single Honours Length of Programme Full Time - 3 Academic Year(s) Total Credits for Programme 360
Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Arts, English and Languages

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 6

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Communication, media, film and cultural studies (2008)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

None

Programme Specific Regulations

There is some flexibility for students to take modules from outside the Programme.
At Level 2 a student may substitute up to 20 CATS of optional modules with the equivalent number of CATS from a list of approved modules beyond those listed.

Students will be notified each academic year of the optional modules being offered in the following academic year. Students are advised that not all optional modules will necessarily be offered in each academic year. Also, the delivery of a module may be subject to a minimum number of enrolments as well as unforeseen circumstances (eg illness of a member of staff). The range and content of optional modules will change over time as degree programmes develop and students' choice of optional modules may also be limited due to timetabling constraints.

Students with protected characteristics

Not applicable

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

The BA in Broadcast Production is designed to provide students with:

• A strong understanding of the skills, practices, processes, and demands of producing professional work for television, radio and online media.
• Detailed practical training in core craft skills needed for broadcast and media production.
• An intellectual training in the disciplines of television, radio, pordcast and broadcast journalism. Whilst discrete subjects, these are also complementary and mutually enriching in the broadcast sector;
• A discipline-specific perspective enabling the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of the inter-relationship between texts and contexts, a familiarity with debates surrounding culture and identity, both individual and communal, and skills in synthesising and developing ideas and arguments from diverse literary, performative, contemporary sources and visual literacy;
• A range of skills, which together foster the ability to practise self-motivated learning and increase the capacity to undertake independent learning in a progressive way.
• Exposure to, contact with and relationships with (and tutelage from) industry professionals across the fields of television, radio, journalism and interactive media.
• To provide students an opportunity to develop core production skills in the creation of the moving image and audio recording.

This degree will equip individuals with the ability to:

• Think critically, process and understand complex information and to present it in a variety of written and oral forms, particularly through production;
• Understand the different ways in which radio, television and media production practice and theory is structured and conveys meaning, as well as ways in which they work similarly;
• Evaluate primary and secondary sources;
• Interpret a variety of types of data and information;
• Pursue independent learning;
• Work well in groups and formulate arguments.

Students in the pathway benefit from a multi-disciplinary education, which gives them a large skill set and opens a wide range of career options following graduation. This degree aims to develop students' critical skills, to broaden their intellectual horizons, enhance their visual literacy and to develop an appreciation of core technical skills and to create enthusiasm for the subject.

The curricula will be delivered in accordance with the national Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies benchmarking statements, which reflect the chronological, cultural, and generic diversity of relevant critical theory, drawing, where applicable, on the unique character of Northern Ireland, and taking advantage of a variety of critical and pedagogical approaches.

More generally, the Broadcast Production degree aims to:

• Attract students from local, national, and international contexts, through a variety of entry routes, and deliver the best possible learning and teaching experience in an environment of equality, tolerance, and mutual respect;
• Provide students with the necessary intellectual, practical, and key skills to enable them to develop as independent, reflective lifelong learners and able employees;

The programme will thereby foster an atmosphere of intellectual inquiry in each discipline, by offering modules which encourage a stimulating interchange of ideas.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Contextualise from a variety of perspectives

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Screenings of television work and independent research on film history.

Methods of Assessment

Written exercises, both formative and summative, such as long and short essays, segmental analysis, log-books and/or other exercises test the students’ ability to engage with, interpret, and contextualise image making strategies and critical content.

Demonstrate a capacity for critical reflection and judgment in the light of evidence and argument

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In many modules, students give informal presentations on specific television and radio programmes, and on key concepts within Broadcast culture. Moreover, they are encouraged to refer to media scholarship in order to form their own judgment and evaluation of the work or critical concept in question.

Methods of Assessment

Written exercises, both formative and summative, such as long and short essays, segmental analysis, log-books and/or other exercises test the students’ ability to engage with, interpret, and contextualise image making strategies and critical content.

Work autonomously, manifested in self-direction, objective-setting, prioritising, self-discipline and time management

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are given a number of deadlines to which they are expected to work; thereby, they learn to prioritise assignments and projects, objectives, and activities generally.

Methods of Assessment

Working to deadlines to produce new written and practical creative media outputs.

Understand complex tasks and present appropriate solutions in written, oral and visual form

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

These skills are introduced in the first year of study, nurtured and commented upon at meetings with the students’ tutor, with guidance as to the direction of their studies and with a view to increasing the amount of autonomous learning, which the student undertakes. Advisers of Studies also contribute to this process, though in a more general fashion, in the wider context of the subject and in the sense in which it forms a component of the degree pathways followed by the student.

Methods of Assessment

In class presentation; production of creative media Work in various forms; in class critiques and formative feedback sessions.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Understand the aesthetic and formal qualities of television and radio and their relation to meanings in particular cultural forms and contexts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, screenings, seminars, practical workshops; tutorials, group and individual project work, open and resource-based learning, multi-media and new media learning.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods in the programme aim to encourage the following:

(a) subject knowledge and awareness of the contexts of that knowledge
(b) critical analysis of programme making structures and an ability to engage in relevant critical debates through discursive argument
(c) skills of written and oral presentation and critical enquiry
(d) the use of technological systems for accessing relevant resources, and media production skills and creativity
(e) an ability to respond productively to self-assessment and tutorial feedback

Assessment strategies are drawn from amongst the following: essays and exercises; examinations; individual presentations (both oral and technology-based); logbooks and/or portfolios, research exercises; critical self-evaluation; creative practice within both an individual and group context; tasks aimed at the assessment of film making skills.

Demonstrate an insight into the cultural and social ways in which aesthetic judgements are constructed and aesthetic processes experienced

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Large and small group and individual learning and teaching situations; tutor-led, student-led and independent learning sessions.

Methods of Assessment

Practical group work in the technical realisation of broadcast journalism related moving image work online or in a linear format.

Show an awareness of a wide range of visual techniques, cultures and modes of reception

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The programme’s learning and teaching strategies are designed to consolidate and enhance the following skills; subject-knowledge acquisition, analysis and critical evaluation; use of a range of technology systems for accessing resources, literature, and for the acquisition of production skills.

Methods of Assessment

Practice classes use a range of assessments which include but are not limited to short documentary production, documentary radio, experimental film, video essays, editing projects, screenwriting, cinematography exercises and other forms of moving image and audio based media outputs.

Understand the visual, verbal and audio conventions through which images, words and sounds make meaning in the broadcast media

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge and understanding are developed through lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars (many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as handouts, and key readings available online through Queen’s Online) and through the assessment and feedback process.
Lectures and tutorials together provide knowledge and the opportunity to discuss, evaluate and apply that knowledge to texts.
Seminars offer the more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.
Extensive background reading is required throughout the pathway, developing students’ specialist knowledge of particular genres, broadcasting history and critical literature, in addition to a broad base of knowledge about technology.

Workshops are led by both specialist practice staff and industry tutors to explore best practice in broadcast production, in a connected and integrated way to the rest of the programme.

Methods of Assessment

A range of assessment methods ensures that these skills are evaluated in different ways.
Formative written work assists the development of understanding, critical judgment, and independent thought, both through the feedback given, and through the process of writing itself.
Examinations, essays, seminar presentations and project work require that students demonstrate technical skills appropriate to level, coverage of material, appropriate methods of textual and critical analysis, the ability to discriminate between arguments, and the ability to form an independent argument. The ability also to create original creative outputs is assessed and informed by historical and critical understandings of the discipline.

Demonstrate an understanding of professional practices and traditions, and of the possibilities and constraints involved broadcast media productions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

A substantial aspect of the learning in Broadcast Media is through practical work. The experiential learning involved with media production has a number of core benefits. These include the development of realistic and pragmatic understandings of the challenges involved with media production. The ability to develop crucial technical skills to empower creativity; a profound and thorough understanding of the parlance of production, which leads to greater insight and ability to articulate craft processes and action in close analysis and lastly these skills enhance employability.

Methods of Assessment

Screening and exhibition of media outputs. The production of factual based film and radio documentary to a high level. Completion of technical training in non-linear editing. Screenwriting and project development skills. Pitching and conveying creative projects to assessed panels and in presentations.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Engage critically with creative practitioners, theorists, and be able to debate and apply these strategies within a subject discourse

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, screenings, seminars, practical workshops; tutorials, group and individual project work, open and resource-based learning, multi-media and new media learning.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods in the programme aim to encourage the following:

(a) high quality of subject knowledge and awareness of the contexts of that knowledge
(b) critical analysis of image making structures and an ability to engage in relevant critical debates through discursive argument
(c) skills of written and oral investigation and enquiry, the use of technological systems for accessing relevant resources, and media production skills and creativity
(d) critical reflection on issues of practice and the ability to respond productively to self-assessment and tutorial feedback

Assessment strategies are drawn from amongst the following: essays and exercises; examinations; individual presentations (both oral and technology-based); logbooks and/or portfolios; research exercises; critical self-evaluation; creative practice within both an individual and group context; tasks aimed at the assessment of film making skills.

Understand broadcasting forms and their historical precedents

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Large and small group and individual learning and teaching situations; tutor-led, student-led and independent learning sessions.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment is by a variety of traditional and innovative methods, including timed unseen written examinations, data analysis, essays, critical article reviews, portfolios, individual and group presentations, and seminar and tutorial reports and contributions.

Analyse, interpret, and exercise critical judgement in the understanding of the subject area studied

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The programme’s learning and teaching strategies are designed to consolidate and enhance the following skills; subject-knowledge acquisition, analysis and critical evaluation; use of a range of technology systems for accessing resources, literature, and for the acquisition of production skills.

Methods of Assessment

Essays and exercises; examinations; individual presentations (both oral and technology-based); logbooks and/or portfolios; research exercises; critical self-evaluation; creative practice within both an individual and group context; tasks aimed at the assessment of film making skills.

Put to use a range of IT skills from basic competences such as word processing to more complex skills using multimedia, and develop proficiencies in utilising a range of image and audio making technologies

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Industry standard software instruction is embedding in coursework. This empowers students to take external examinations in video and audio editing to an advanced level in radio and television.

Methods of Assessment

Video essay and editing exams, Editing of film projects, documentaries, Advanced post production techniques such as picture grading and colour management software.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Present knowledge and demonstrate expertise in a coherent, effective and meaningful form

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Individual and group presentations; seminars offer a variety of tutor-led and student-led learning opportunities as well as a more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.

Methods of Assessment

Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests and develop their understanding of a topic.

Use libraries and online resources

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In the first year, students are introduced to the Main Library and its extensive film (DVD & VHS) collection and given a tour of the stacks. There are introductory sessions on how to use the Library’s online catalogues. Students’ use of online resources is currently being developed, as are the resources themselves.

Methods of Assessment

Writing skills tutorials and lectures develop essay-writing on stylistic, rhetorical and bibliographical levels. The ability to source and collate information is assessed through the marking system for essays written as coursework.

Write and think effectively under pressure and meet deadlines

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The modules are in general demanding, and students learn early on how to write and think under pressure, as well as how to meet deadlines. Guidance is given in the form of advice in tutorial meetings, and also on an ad hoc basis in the classes, where the tutor responds to individual as well as collective requests for guidance and advice

Methods of Assessment

Assessment is by a variety of traditional and innovative methods, including timed unseen written examinations, data analysis, essays, critical book/article reviews, portfolios, individual and group presentations, and seminar and tutorial reports and contributions. Assessment methods vary in accordance with the specific learning outcomes of particular modules as detailed below and as set out in the individual module descriptions.

Use IT, multimedia, practical skills for audio visual acquisition in film making and post production skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

At Levels 1, 2 and 3, students are involved in a substantial amount of production activity. Employing industry based techniques students are required to screen/exhibit work developed through the acquisition of new production and postproduction skills embedded in their coursework. This experience both enhances their media production skills and heightens their awareness of the challenges associated with producing output for a variety of audiences and in a variety of forms. This aspect of the programme also enhances their research, management, communication skills and employability.

Methods of Assessment

Production of high-level media outputs. These can take the form of fiction, experimental and non-fiction outputs.

Communicate and interact effectively

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The core activity of media production in all its forms requires teamwork and good communication skills.

Methods of Assessment

Working in groups and following the production cycle of television programme or radio broadcast.

Work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Practice work in particular promotes good communication and team building skills. Working creativity, students have to create new and original creative practice work aligned to best practice in industry.

Methods of Assessment

Creative outputs take the form of, but are not limited too; short film, documentary, experimental film, installation, radio inserts, blogs, vlogs, other audio work. Students work in teams and are assessed for individual role and contributions with the team or through a group project mark.

Use IT, multimedia, practical skills for audio visual acquisition in film making and post production skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

At Levels 1, 2 and 3, students are involved in a substantial amount of production activity. Employing industry based techniques students are required to screen/exhibit work developed through the acquisition of new production and postproduction skills embedded in their coursework. This experience both enhances their media production skills and heightens their awareness of the challenges associated with producing output for a variety of audiences and in a variety of forms. This aspect of the programme also enhances their research, management, communication skills and employability.

Methods of Assessment

Production of high-level media outputs. These take the form of fiction, experimental and non-fiction outputs.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Editing for Film and Television FLM1007 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 30% 70% 0%
Broadcast Analysis 1 BCP1001 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Broadcast Analysis 2 BCP1003 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 80% 20% 0%
Broadcast Production Skills BCP1002 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 100% 0%
Broadcast Storytelling BCP1004 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Sound Recording and Production 1 MUS1038 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 40% 0%
Sonic Arts MUS2004 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 80% 20% 0%
Film and Sound: History and Theory FLM2014 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
British Cinema: Nation, Identity and Industry FLM2026 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Broadcast Journalism BCP2001 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 30% 70% 0%
Interactive Media and Future Broadcasting BCP2005 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Popular Genres BCP2004 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Radio and Podcast Production BCP2002 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
The Television Programme BCP2003 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 20% 80% 0%
Radio Drama DRA2014 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Creative Enterprise in Film and Digital Media FLM2031 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Sound Design for Screen MUS2036 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 100% 0%
Gender, Culture, and Representation – Backwards & in Heels AEL2001 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 40% 0%
Adaptation as Interdisciplinary Practice AEL2002 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Language in the Media ENL3004 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 70% 30% 0%
British Film: Mainstream and Fringe FLM3032 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 90% 10% 0%
Gender and Media BCP3004 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 50% 50% 0%
Broadcast Media Project: Development BCP3001 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 40% 0%
Broadcast Media Project: Production BCP3005 3 40 YES 12 weeks N YES 40% 60% 0%
Independent Study BCP3002 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Work-based Learning AEL3001 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Immersive Media MUS3007 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Media and Time BCP3003 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Rehabilitating Reality: studies and strategies of the use of fiction to strengthen fact BCP3006 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 50% 50% 0%

Notes

Stage 1: Students must take the all the core modules listed.

Stage 2: Students must take the core modules BCP2001 and BCP2002 in Autumn, and BCP2003 and BCP2004 in Spring, and two other optional modules from the optional modules listed.

Stage 3: Students must take the two core modules BCP3001 and BCP3005 plus three modules from the Stage 3 optional modules listed. * Students will be notified each academic year of the optional modules being offered in the following academic year. Students are advised that not all optional modules will necessarily be offered in each academic year. Also, the delivery of a module may be subject to a minimum number of enrolments as well as unforeseen circumstances (e.g. illness of a member of staff). The range and content of optional modules will change over time as degree programmes develop and students’ choice of optional modules may also be limited due to timetabling constraints.