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The Foundation Degree in Media Production focuses on the expertise of the local college in specific areas of the media. You will gain practical experience from working in the college's own facilities and on work-related projects. You will also have access to the University's facilities and resources.
The course will enable you to focus on your ideas and creativity and teaches you the technical expertise to enable you to realise your ideas. You may continue your studies for a further year at the University to gain a BA (Hons) degree in Media Production.
In this 'top-up' year you will improve your skills in research methods and in a relevant area of production, for example in photography, video, or journalism, before devoting your final semester to a major project.
Media Production is a well-established and successful course - many of our graduates have progressed to successful careers in the UK and international media. The course covers both theory and practice, and you will learn to combine these elements to communicate effectively. All students learn to make dramas and documentaries, and you can also specialise in an area such as the moving image, radio, new media or scriptwriting.
The emphasis of this course is on the production process. Media production is influenced by many cultural, economic and political factors - you will study these factors, together with the history of the media, so that you can make really effective, powerful media products that connect with their target audience.
Media production is a broad area of study, and the design of the Media Production courses recognises that you may wish to be a generalist, or you may wish to develop a particular specialism. Here at the University of Bedfordshire students have the opportunity to develop their expertise in Moving Image, New Media, Radio or Scriptwriting. These courses enable you to achieve a specialist Media degree.
The Foundation Degree in Media Production offers learners an opportunity to gain a qualification in media production, through practical video assignments, analysis of current media practices and work placements / simulations.
We look to recruit about 20 students a year, so learners and staff develop a strong working relationship based around seminars, workshops and location shoots. We aim to have 35-40 students at any given time on Fda Media.
The aim of this course is to provide learners with a supportive learning environment in which they can develop personal skills, investigate employment opportunities and explore their creative abilities.
Completion of the Foundation Degree will allow learners to progress onto a BA (Hons) degree at The University of Bedfordshire. A graduate with a degree in Media Production will have the opportunity to explore a career in any industry that requires excellent communications and team-working skills. Media Production graduates often go on to work in television and radio production, digital media production, journalism, teaching, advertising, media and PR.
During the course you will:
Areas of study you may cover on this course include:
Unit Structure and Assessment
The Programme is assessed using a range of methods including assignments, group and individual presentations, simulation, case studies and evidence drawn from practical production work (videos, websites and production management logs). These methods are designed to test learners academic and vocational abilities. Through the use of a variety of assessment methods learners will be able to demonstrate a wide range of key skills for both academic and practice competence.
Essential Information
Three terms consisting of two eleven week teaching terms and one eight week production term.
Three assessment points in November, February and May. You will be given a course handbook with the exact dates when you start the course.
No exams.
Continual course work.
12 assessed projects over the course of a year (24 in total for Fda Media)
Assessments a mixture of Short films, Presentations, Scripts and Written Essays.
Graded on a 16 point grade scale A+ - G (see course handbook for a more detailed break down)
Pass grade D- (This is the minimum grade to gain a pass in a project)
Non submission of work / Grades below D-. Students will have a chance to gain a pass grade (D-) by submitting the referral assessment (see course handbook for details)
You will need to generate 240 credits to complete the course (30 credits per unit).
All work must be handed in at the school office Southbank Arts Centre, Bedford College and must be signed for by a member of staff.
Extensions can be given (see handbook for details)
Foundation Degree does not have classifications; it is simply pass or fail.
Educational Aims
The very nature of this course requires learners to work in small groups to realise the production of documentaries, drama pieces and experimental film. The production of short films, corporate video or TV programming does not happen in isolation, as a vocational course we aim to mirror the practices in operation in the industry proper.
To this end learners are expected to adopt a role in each production and to carry out this production role within the parameters set by the industry e.g. Directing, Producer DP etc. Learners should rtake there role seriously and not see it as just a classroom exercise.
MED1003-SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
The second assessment requires students to give a presentation about their plans for WEP (Work Experience Action Plan) and should be seen as reflective as well as active learning. Assessment one requires students to work in small groups in order to develop a production plan for a short fictional film.
Assessments 1 & 2 should be seen as challenging for all students in this cohort as it requires careful planning, the application of research methodology and liaisons with outside organisations. The WEP created by students should not be seen as just evidence for assessment but should be implemented during the summer break.
MED2001-MEDIA EMPLOYMENT
This unit has been designed to give students a meaningful insight into creating an Individual Employment Action Plan (IEAP) and to think about in what particular area they wish to find employment.
Assessment one will require students to create for themselves an action plan. This action plan should not be seen as simply a classroom exercise but should be the basis for students first serious steps into finding media employment. It is essential that students not only look at national organisations such as Skillset but should also contact and make links with local employers. Students should be active in their research and pursuit of potential employers.
Career:
Further study:
You could also look at the following
Destinations of students post Fda Media
Teaching (3 Students)
Standard:
Standard entry requirements for UK students - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/ukugentryreqs
Students from the European Union - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/eu/guides
International students - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/international/apply
Additional:
A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.
Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.
Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.
We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
The general requirement is one of the following:
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.
(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)
We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.
Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.
Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section
APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.
Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `
The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.
We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.
Return your completed application to:
University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk
Communication:
A good level of communication is vital to media production. Communication skills are essential for the successful completion of both practical and theoretical assessments. The encoding and decoding of messages can be taught in media production. In this context communication can be seen to relate directly to vocational development both in terms of interpersonal and intrapersonal modes of address.
Assessments have been designed to include essential skills for video producers e.g. group dynamics, production skills and issues related to legislation and the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by video producers, such as copyright, libel / slander and regulation relating to codes of practice. Learners will be given more details about mapping skills at induction. Communication is a vital part of all units.
Information Literacy:
A good level of Information technology is vital media production. Learners will be expected to use IT skills in the research and production of written assignments. This will include word processed assignments and demonstrations of information selection and retrieval (net based research). In addition learners will be required to edit production material on non-linear packages (Final Cut Pro) and complete production logs in a word processed form with the exception of material which needs to be signed. Information Technology is a vital component in all units.
Research and Evaluation:
The development of generic and subject - specific skills is a major feature of Foundation Degrees. On completion of the Foundation Degree, learners should be working towards a higher level in skills of communication, working with others, problem solving and improving own learning and performance.
The programme aims to provide learners with skills as identified by The University of
Bedfordshire (see course handbook).
These skills are recognised by academic institutions and increasingly so by employers.
Learners are required to develop and demonstrate a level of competence which can be related directly to career development. Competence will be reflected in the grading process.
Creativity and Critical Thinking:
This course has been designed to provide learners with an opportunity to simulate working practices in relevant areas of the media industry (Video Production). It enables learners to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding in a realistic environment as they will be working for clients. It enables learners to develop both transferable and vocational skills within a practical industrial context. Learners are encouraged to be creative in the execution of all assessment points especially in the production of video projects in which a certain amount of lateral thinking is required and self reflection.
Learners are encouraged to comment on feedback from lecturers and will be given a chance to do this in one to one tutorials and with assessment feedback sheets attached to grade sheets.
Learners are also encouraged to manage their own time and learning. Each UIF (Unit Information Form) contains approaches to learning for individual units. Learners will be given UIFs in the course handbook. These documents will contain all assessment points and assessment briefs. Learners should use these to plan for assessment deadlines, research and the logistics of video production.
Information on study skills and resources
Library inductions (Bedford, Pole Hill and Luton) assess to learning resources.
Each UIF contains information on how to approach units.
Taught sessions especially in Skills Development (PAD) on referencing and essay structure.
Presentations, delivery and structure.
Video Production Workshops-learners will be given a series of workshops throughout the year on sound, lighting, camera and editing. Additional workshops can be arranged with the course technician (pre arranged).
Studio booking system in place.
Equipment can be booked out for up to three days, this can be extended as long as we are told in advance.
Fine system in place for the return of late equipment (50p per item per day).
Room booking system in place for editing time.
Personal Tutor
The role of your personal tutor is to help you plan your evidence for assessment, provide feedback on your progress and generally create an environment which fosters education and learning. Tutorials are on going you should have a one to one tutorial at least three times a year (one each term).
This may mean at times discussing personal problems or issues. The tutorials are confidential in this respect and your tutor will act only on your say so e.g. arrange an appointment with CAS or Student Services. Personal Tutors however do not make decisions on your course fees or accommodation.
Your tutor holds a Individual Learner Pack in which information about your grades and progress is stored. This will form the basis of tutorials and can be seen as a reference point.
Students will gain knowledge of the legal, moral and ethical practices that concern this type of media production. Key areas here are Copyright material, Release forms for cast, crew and locations and developing an ethical policy when dealing with clients.
Students will be encouraged to collaborate with clients and staff in order to complete all assessments. In addition students will need to develop a sense of reflective practice, as it will be expected that students will meet with clients more than once and will need to change and develop ideas as the project unfolds. All forms of promotional and corporate productions should be considered but your final choice must be cleared with your lecturer.
Learners are required as individuals to make decisions that will affect the group and how the clients will view the on going project. It is essential that all learners maintain an ethical approach to projects especially when dealing with members of the public. You will need to take account of diversity in local and national populations and respect this. A professional standard is required at all times.
The course will be very challenging for staff and students as it requires a great deal of input from everyone. Students should be prepared to attend college on days when they are not in seminars, lectures or workshops in order to finish sets, hold casting sessions and prepare for shooting. In this sense students can be seen as active learners.
Collaboration between students is essential and compromises must be reached when differences of opinions arise. This is an important part of film-making, the important thing here is finishing the film on time and on budget.
Ethical and moral positions must be considered clearly by students especially in areas such as copyright, filming or dealing with minors, health and safety and representation of subject (slander and libel being key here). All these issues will be considered by your lecturers when grading practical work so it is essential that make reference to how you considered these points and how you took steps to combat any problems that arose.
Plagiarism
Individual
Work presented in this assignment must be the students own. Plagiarism is where a student copies work from another source, published or unpublished (including work of a fellow student) and fails to acknowledge the influence of anothers work or to attribute quotes to the author. Plagiarism is an academic offence.
Group work
In group work marks are awarded for the groups work and for each individuals contribution. These marks are then combined together (normally weighted 50% / 50% but check details). Where any piece of work is described as individual this must be written by the individual submitting and any attempt to write this in collaboration with another person will amount to collusion which is a series academic offence.
