About the course
This specialist course is suitable for anyone who aspires to work in broadcasting and digital media production in areas such as TV, radio and online media.
You will be provided with the knowledge and experience to undertake a range of technical production roles including producer, self-shooting, TV editor, online editor, camera operator, audio technician, floor manager, studio, live and outside broadcasting, news/sports reporting and TV/Radio presenter.
To underpin the technical roles, and provide material for broadcast, you will develop multi-media journalism skills in research, newsgathering, interviewing, writing and presenting.
Working on real life commissions, you will produce a showreel to support further study or employment.
Entry requirements
Entry is by interview (informal). Candidates will need either a minimum of five GCSE's Grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification. One of these must be in English.
You will have the opportunity to discuss the course content and requirements during your interview, which will also look in to your long-term aspirations. We specifically look for applicants who can demonstrate that they are motivated, who manage their own time well and can work within a team and have the flexibility to work on projects out of normal college hours.
Qualifications
You will complete this course with a UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology (equivalent to 3 A Levels at A* for a distinction overall)
Year one is graded as a Level 3 Diploma and year two as an Extended Diploma. Your final grade for year one will be pass, merit or distinction.
What you'll learn (core modules)
This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to explore dynamic disciplines through learning and practice, industry briefs and competitions. You will work with industry standard equipment, software and practises throughout the duration of the course.
The multi-camera studio replicates the most common setup for TV studios and enables you to practice techniques covering all of the areas of studio work including presenting, camera work, direction, lighting, sound, single and multi-camera projects, studio, live and outside broadcast. You will develop fundamental skills in journalism and scriptwriting for news, documentaries and TV production in addition to motion graphic overlays for news, sports and chat show environments.
Benefits, skills and character strengths
All courses require resilience, determination to succeed and professional conduct, in line with our push for outstanding aspirations. Full attendance and meeting assignment deadlines is critical to success. We are preparing individuals for university education and employment. Building character strengths and ambition underpins everything we do which will ensure you stand out from the competition.
How will I be assessed?
There are no 'exams' for any of our qualifications. Assessment is primarily through a portfolio of work comprising of TV broadcasts, live streaming footage, presentations, short films, audio content, research documents and evaluative reports. We do not ask you to do anything which isn't going to further your skills in a particular area. One-to-one recorded feedback and targets are given at key milestones to support continuous improvement. All portfolio work is assessed and verified internally, however the Final Major Project is moderated externally. Final qualifications are awarded at either a Pass, Merit or Distinction level.
Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
West Suffolk College's Main Campus in Bury St Edmunds. Lessons are within specialist studio environments and workshops and include the use of Apple iMac suites using the latest Adobe Production Suites and relative industry standard software. In addition, specialist broadcast cameras and lighting form part of the course, enabling you to work on projects using industry equipment.
Where will the course take me?
This course will help you to progress on to University or enable you to start working freelance within the industry. We will work with you throughout the two years to ensure you have as clear pathway for further study or work.
I'm interested. What should I do now?
If you would like to find out more, please come along to one of our open events published on the college website or call the main college line.
Click on the link below to watch some of our live event broadcast footage, produced by students on the course:
Days & times
Starting September 2021