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MA|Postgraduate Taught

Media and Broadcast Production

Entry year
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.1
Duration
3 years (Part-time)
1 year (Full-time)
Places available
na (Part Time)
na (Full Time)

This MA is an intensive programme providing you with a solid foundation in media-based storytelling by combining in-depth research methods with a practical, hands-on approach to learning. It will teach you how to record and edit in audio and video formats; how to research, produce, script and edit your own material, whether it is short features or long-form documentary; and how to produce stories for radio, TV and interactive online platforms. To do this, you’ll also learn effective interviewing techniques. This MA will teach you how to identify a good story and then how to research and pitch it for a successful commissioning outcome.

Whether you want to be a broadcast journalist, a radio or podcast producer, a videographer, a documentary filmmaker, a media production/communications specialist, a post-production editor or immersive media practitioner, our practice-centred approach will strategically position you to work for any aspect of radio or podcasting; factual TV; documentary and informational production. On completing this MA, you will have numerous factual media outputs under your belt in radio/podcast, TV, documentary, interactive and experimental hybrid formats. This will be the basis of a robust work portfolio with which you can then enter the work market.

The programme is designed to appeal to graduate students in the Humanities and Social Sciences, particularly those with backgrounds in English, politics, history, journalism, cultural studies, and creative writing. Previous academic study of or practical experience in areas of the media is beneficial but not essential. This would also interest those from other disciplines who want to retrain and have already had some relevant media industry experience.

Media and Broadcast Production highlights

Industry Links

We have strong links to the BBC and relationships with local and global media organisations. We have industry professionals as guest speakers, both from Northern Ireland as well as internationally: foreign correspondents, award-winning directors and producers, photographers, editors or script writers. Students can take part in a range of talks, events and have regular opportunities to engage with the vibrant media scene in Northern Ireland and the international media landscape.

World Class Facilities

Based in the School of Arts, English and Languages, the MA in Media and Broadcast Production offers a robust, hands-on production experience combined with rigorous academic research, enabling students to leave with a rich portfolio of self-produced, shot and edited factual stories in audio and video formats; radio and TV documentaries; and thorough understanding of modern media and broadcast landscapes.

Student Experience

Students are encouraged to develop their own interests throughout the degree, guided by the staff, whose expertise is wide-ranging, covering broadcast journalism, factual (audio and video) documentary production, hybrid storytelling, interactive media, virtual reality, media research & analysis and communications.

Career Development

Students will use equipment and facilities acquired and designed in collaboration with BBC NI and other industry representatives. The Media and Broadcast MA is taught from the Sonic Arts Research Centre, the home of the world-renowned Sonic Lab. Students have opportunities to explore hybrid forms of storytelling using industry-level cameras, editing software and facilities.

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.

People teaching you

Lecturer in Broadcast

SAEL
Email: derek.johnston@qub.ac.uk

Lecturer in Broadcast Journalism

SAEL
Email: don.duncan@qub.ac.uk

Lecturer in Media Analysis

SAEL
Email: elena.caoduro@qub.ac.uk

Lecturer in Digital Media

SAEL
Email: j.darcy@qub.ac.uk

Subject Lead Broadcast Production

SAEL
Email: f.delaney@qub.ac.uk

Senior Lecturer in Broadcast Journalism

SAEL
Email: g.matthews@qub.ac.uk

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 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 Queen's. VR and AR cameras and equipment are also available for students to experiment with.

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Broadcasting Genre (20 credits)
    Hybrid Storytelling (20 credits)

    Optional Modules

    Interactive Media (20 credits)

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.

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.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

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Careers

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 do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

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

Apply now

When to Apply

The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.

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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