HND Media Communication & Production by Mark Knight

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION HND Media Communication and Production NOTE: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detail on the specific learning outcomes, indicative content and the teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found (1) at [Faculty web site address], (2) in the Module Specification Handbook, and (3) in the Student Handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the University and may be checked within independent review processes undertaken by the Quality Assurance Agency. The information from this specification may be selectively extracted and included in documents that are more appropriate for students, intending students and employers. 1 2 3 4

Awarding Institution / Body: Teaching Institution: Programme accredited by: Final Awards:

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Programme Title: HND Media Communication & Production UCAS Code: 39PP QAA Benchmarking Group: Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies

University of Central England South Birmingham College UCE HND Media Communication & Production

Aims of the programme

The programme aims to provide learners with: a range of skills including organisational, research, technical and creative skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in further study and in professional working life; skills of independent learning; teamwork; problem-solving and critical reflection. an interest and understanding of the contextual nature of Media Studies through an awareness of historical, cultural and contextual perspectives. an educational foundation for a range of careers in Media. specialised studies directly relevant to areas of media work in which students intend to seek employment. a sense of flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development.

Skills and other attributes 2

Intellectual / cognitive skills:

2.1 Production-focused skills 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.1.3

be adaptable, creative and self-reflexive in producing output for a variety of audiences, institutionalised channels, and in a variety of media forms; explore and experiment in, as appropriate, forms, conventions, languages, techniques and practices; consider and evaluate own work;

2.2 Theoretically-focused skills 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 2.2.4 2.2.5 2.2.6

interpret historical sources and evaluate their importance for our understanding of the development of media texts and their institutional and cultural context; study media institutions, the organization of their workers and their production processes; develop an understanding of how media and cultural policies and regulations are devised and implemented, and the ways in which citizens can play a part in shaping them; be introduced to the works of major thinkers, debates, and intellectual and professional paradigms within the field; examine and discuss media and cultural forms with reference to their meanings and cultural contexts; develop an awaeness of some of the widespread common sense perceptions and debates around communications, media and culture, and evaluate the contested nature of some objects of study within the field.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used: Typically an integrated learning experience comprising: § staff presentations which introduce topics; § staff demonstrations of equipment, processes or techniques; § staff-produced guides, study support information, or networked learning packages; § directed study tasks involving academic or production activities; § set readings that allow students to explore subject matter further and aid their preparation for seminar discussions; § seminars where lecturers provide the direction for students’ debate and engagement with issues; § task-centred workshops and presentations where students are encouraged to work in small groups and to take on role responsibilities; § simulated professional production practice; § work-based experience; § individual tutorial sessions; § independent research and production work Assessment takes a variety of forms including: § presentations; § proposal documents; § production tasks; § portfolios of work; § evaluation reports; § essays; § research reports; § short answer and essay papers under exam conditions; § production projects.

Practical, research and independent learning skills:

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used: Typically an integrated learning experience comprising:

3.1 Production-focused skills 3.1.1 use a range of research skills in the gathering of information for practical media production; 3.1.2 initiate, develop and realise creative work within various forms of media; 3.1.3 produce work which demonstrates the effective and technically accurate manipulation of image and/or the written word within a range of activities; 3.1.4 produce work showing competence in operational aspects of media production technologies, systems, techniques and professional practices; 3.1.5 manage time and resources effectively, by drawing on planning and organisational skills; 3.1.6 produce work which demonstrates an understanding of media and a variety of audiences; 3.2 Theory-focused skills 3.2.1 research media institutions, texts, audiences and consumption contexts, explore new ideas, develop a variety of personal skills; 3.2.2 research secondary sources for essays and projects; 3.2.3 be aware of a range of sources appropriate to research in the chosen area; 3.2.4 be introduced to relevant technical concepts and theories;

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staff presentations which introduce topics; staff demonstrations of equipment, processes or techniques; staff-produced guides, study support information, or networked learning packages; directed study tasks involving academic or production activities; set readings that allow students to explore subject matter further and aid their preparation for seminar discussions; seminars where lecturers provide the direction for students’ debate and engagement with issues; task-centred workshops and presentations where students are encouraged to work in small groups and to take on role responsibilities; simulated professional production practice; work based or simulated work experience; individual tutorial sessions; independent research and production work

Assessment takes a variety of forms including: § presentations; § proposal documents; § production tasks; § portfolios of work; § evaluation reports; § essays; § research reports; § short answer and essay papers under exam conditions; § production projects.

4 Transferable / key skills:

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used:

4.1 Personal and organisational skills § work in flexible, creative and independent ways, showing self-discipline, selfdirection and reflexivity; § organise and manage supervised and self-directed projects; § work productively in a group or team, showing abilities at different times to listen, contribute and lead effectively;

Typically an integrated learning experience comprising:

4.2 Information management skills § retrieve and generate information, and evaluate sources, in carrying out independent research; § gather, organise and use ideas and information in order to formulate arguments and express them effectively in written, oral or in other forms; 4.3 Communication skills § communicate effectively , with technical accuracy and in appropriate registers, in inter-personal settings, in writing, and in a variety of media, to a range of audiences; § deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline, properly referencing sources and ideas and making use, as appropriate, of a problem-solving approach; 4.4 Technological skills § put to use a range of information, communication and media technology for research, and in-person, written and electronic media communication; 4.5 Skills of cultural awareness § contribute to society, both within work, and as a citizen, with an awareness of the range of attitudes and values arising from the complexity and diversity of contemporary communications, media, culture and society;

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Assessment takes a variety of forms including: § § § § § § § §

presentations; production tasks; portfolios of work; evaluation reports; essays; research reports; short answer and essay papers under exam conditions; production projects.

9 Intended learning outcomes and the means by which they are achieved and demonstrated. The programme provides learners with opportunities to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and other attributes as follows: Knowledge and understanding 1. Knowledge and understanding of:

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used:

1.1 Production Processes and Practices § the media workers, technologies, techniques and production processes, and professional culture through which media products are created, and the senses of professionalism, creativity and authorship, and the legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks which influence that production; 1.2 Media Texts § the conventions, including narrative, generic and representation, through which images and words make meaning, the ways in which specific media and their attendant technologies make different forms possible, and the key analytical approaches used in their study; § a range of works, in at least one medium, which generates different kinds of meanings and aesthetic pleasure for their consumers; 1.3 Cultural Contexts § the key theories of the relationship between power, language, culture and identity, the way media meanings order societies, and how social divisions play key roles in access to the media and representation in media texts; § the ways in which forms of media and cultural consumption are embedded in everyday life, and used in cultures and subcultures.

Typically a learning experience comprising: § staff presentations which introduce topics; § staff demonstrations of equipment, processes or techniques; § staff-produced guides, study support information; § directed study tasks involving academic or production activities; § set readings that allow students to explore subject matter further and aid their preparation for group discussions; § classes where lecturers lead and facilitate students’ discussion of issues; § task-centred workshops and presentations where students are encouraged to work in small groups and to take on role responsibilities; § simulated professional production practice; § work-based experience; § individual tutorial sessions; § independent research and production work. Assessment takes a variety of forms including: § presentations; § production tasks; § portfolios of work; § evaluation reports; § essays; § research reports; § short answer and essay papers under exam conditions; § production projects.

Programme structure, levels, modules, credits and awards

The Media Communication and Production programme is a modular system. It has eight core Level 1 modules for first year students and six core Level 2 modules for second year students. In their second year students will select a further two modules from a range of options, according to their specialisms. Option modules provide a wide range of choice within the programme for broad course students and specialists. Students may decide to combine their two option modules with the Final Major Project, in consultation with their course director and module tutors. The structure for year one Module name Contextual Studies Media Project Communication and Research Digital Imaging Video Production Radio Production Film and TV Studies New Media The structure for year two Module name Semiology Media and Culture Media Industries Journalism in Practice (magazine) TV Studio Production Optional Module 1 Optional Module 2 Final Major Project Optional Modules Still Images • Location Photography

Moving Images • Director

Audio and Radio • Radio Station management

• Visual Language in

• Producer

• Multi-track recording

• Drama Production

• Music Sequencing

Photography • New Media Studies

Techniques • Camera Lighting Techniques

• Magazine Programming • Radio Journalism

• Editing

• Demo Tape Production

• Reading TV

• Audio Drama

• Reality Media • Placement

• News and Current Affairs

Support for learning

Students are encouraged to identify and, with guidance, to reflect on their own learning needs and are offered support as appropriate to those needs.

Criteria for admission

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the programme, which are as follows:

At least one of the following: • • • • •

120 tariff points BTEC National Diploma with 2 merits or distinctions Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) An International Baccalaureate with 24 points

Advanced GNVQ/VCE

Applicants over 19 years will be interviewed and should have one of the following: • •

City & Guilds qualifications in Media related subjects Relevant experience in the Media industry and a good portfolio Evaluation and improvement of quality and standards

Committees:

Mechanisms for review and evaluation:

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Course committee Board of Studies Examination Board UCE Faculty academic planning

development sub-committee Faculty Board

Regulation of Assessment

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Review and validation events Accreditation by professional bodies Annual monitoring report Student feedback questionnaires Annual teaching appraisal External examiners report Course team meetings Quality Monitoring liaison tutors

Details of the mechanisms and criteria for assessment in individual units and the means of determining Higher National classifications, are published widely. Students are issued with copies of the University’s Standard Higher National Assessment Regulations on commencing the course, and individual and collective guidance is given by academic staff on their operation at appropriate times throughout the course. To qualify for a Higher National Diploma a student must successfully complete all required assessments and obtain 240H credits, achieve at least a pass grade in each of the common skills and successfully complete any work experience forming part of the programme.

There is no differentiation of Higher National Awards. Module marks are graded as Distinction Merit Pass

Overall weighted average of 70% or above Overall weighted average of 50% or above Overall weighted average of 40% or above

External Examiners are appointed. Their work includes: • • • • •

approving coursework assignments and assessment criteria approving examination papers monitoring standards through moderation of completed assessments attending Examination Boards participating in the review and validation processes.