About the course
Radio is as popular as ever and has evolved excitingly to keep pace with digital technology. This degree opens up many opportunities for graduates in both broadcast radio and in the creation of audio content for other platforms, such as podcasts and websites.
As well as delivering a range of practical broadcasting and journalistic skills, the course gives you a grounding in media theory and history; a thorough understanding of how the medium works; and what goes into creating great content. You will graduate as a professional ready to work in broadcast media or within the wider field of audio-content creation.
You study a combination of units that, together, provide a broad range of professional knowledge and skills including Radio Skills, Reporting and Writing, Understanding Media and Preparing for the Audio Workplace. You can also specialise with optional units in your second and third years.
Throughout your study, you have access to Radio LaB, the University’s own community radio station, offering opportunities for presenting, producing or working on promotions and special events.
Why choose this course?
- It gives the practical and academic skills needed to produce creative audio and broadcast radio content
- Through Radio LaB, you can broadcast on FM across Luton and surrounding areas as well as worldwide online, building up your experience and CV
- In your final year, you work independently on a special project of your choosing
- It opens up wider work opportunities in technical and managerial broadcasting roles, providing a broad knowledge of industry practice and regulation
- It develops your range of operational skills, particularly in relation to programme planning and content development. These skills are transferable if you decide to pursue other media-related career paths
- Take the degree over four years and include a Professional Practice Year in industry where you gain experience, build your CV and make contacts for the future
Course Leader - Dr Lawrie Hallett
I've been lucky enough to work in broadcasting all my adult life. From working as a producer and presenter on stations in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, I went on to run a broadcast engineering and design company, before becoming a broadcast consultant specialising in technology and community-based broadcasting.
Units
- Introduction To Podcasting (MED059-1) Compulsory
- Radio 101 History & Practice (MED046-1) Compulsory
- Radio Skills (MED030-1) Compulsory
- Reporting And Writing (MED011-1) Compulsory
- Preparing For The Audio Workplace (MED057-2) Compulsory
- Radio Structures & Regulation (MED058-2) Compulsory
- Radio, Audio And Podcasting (MED021-2) Compulsory
- Digital Production Skills (MED074-2) Optional
- Law, Regulation & Public Administration (MED077-2) Optional
- Dissertation Special Project - Cnc (MED079-3) Compulsory
- Practical Special Project - Cnc (MED078-3) Compulsory
- Radio & Audio Documentaries (MED060-3) Compulsory
- Radio 24/7 (MED013-3) Compulsory
You are assessed in a variety of ways. The majority of units are assessed through coursework, portfolios, essays and presentations or, in a few cases, in-class tests or exams. Presentations are usually given and assessed in the context of a group seminar. The emphasis within practical audio production units will be on developing your abilities to produce professional quality materials of increasing complexity as your course progresses towards its conclusion and using formative assessment alongside graded assignments. At Level Four (during your First Year), you are assessed on your understanding of the fundamental concepts and disciplines that underpin professional broadcast radio and audio production. You are required to comprehend the basic range of intellectual concepts, which form the foundations of the subject area, and will be assessed on your ability to articulate such concepts in a coherent manner, through a variety of both practical and written assessments. For example, you will learn about content genres, audiences, and industrial dimensions of the audio and broadcast radio media. At Level Five, you are assessed on your ability to apply the basic production skills introduced in Level Four to the creation of more complex audio content. You will also develop a broader and deeper understanding of the structures and regulations that underpin radio broadcasting and audio within wider content regulation. You will be given the opportunity to begin to put your skills to professional use through participation in a work-place learning unit, which will allow you to further contextualise your practical skills and theoretical knowledge of audio media. At Level Six you will be required to demonstrate independent thinking and initiative. This may be in the form of analysing and critically appraising audio content or a particular broadcast radio institution or policy in an original manner. In relation to practical production work, you will progress from well-defined briefs to more open-ended and challenging assessments, which culminate in the delivery of your Special Project where you will be given freedom to choose your area of work.
Why study in the School of Arts and Creative Industries?
- Professional theatre and dance studios
- Latest digital and VR technologies and performance techniques
- Taught by experienced performers and practitioners
- Industry links and Media Masterclasses
- Media arts centre equipped with industry standard facilities
- Specially equipped Art and Design building
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 80 points with 64 points from 2 A level passes at C or above
- At least 80 points with 64 from Merit Merit in two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas or one BTEC Diploma
- At least 80 points with Merit Merit Pass in the BTEC Extended Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
The University of Bedfordshire warmly welcomes students from all over the world.
To ensure a smooth application process, we have dedicated pages with detailed information about country-specific requirements. You can find information on our generic entry requirements too, if your county is not listed.
International Foundation Year
For those who do not have a qualification that allows for direct entry to an undergraduate degree, we offer our own International Foundation Year program to enhance your English language and study skills and help you bridge any knowledge gaps before starting your degree. The program is taught on our campus by University of Bedfordshire staff and offers pathways into nearly all of our undergraduate degrees.
English Language
The English Language requirement for this course is 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any subtest) in IELTS, or an equivalent SELT. Have a look at our webpage for a list of English language qualifications we accept. If you do not have the required level of English for your chosen degree, we offer pre-sessional courses to enhance your language skills before commencing your studies.
We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, so please do not hesitate to reach out to our international admissions team for further assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community.
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 80 points with 64 points from 2 A level passes at C or above
- At least 80 points with 64 from Merit Merit in two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas or one BTEC Diploma
- At least 80 points with Merit Merit Pass in the BTEC Extended Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
The University of Bedfordshire warmly welcomes students from all over the world.
To ensure a smooth application process, we have dedicated pages with detailed information about country-specific requirements. You can find information on our generic entry requirements too, if your county is not listed.
International Foundation Year
For those who do not have a qualification that allows for direct entry to an undergraduate degree, we offer our own International Foundation Year program to enhance your English language and study skills and help you bridge any knowledge gaps before starting your degree. The program is taught on our campus by University of Bedfordshire staff and offers pathways into nearly all of our undergraduate degrees.
English Language
The English Language requirement for this course is 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any subtest) in IELTS, or an equivalent SELT. Have a look at our webpage for a list of English language qualifications we accept. If you do not have the required level of English for your chosen degree, we offer pre-sessional courses to enhance your language skills before commencing your studies.
We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, so please do not hesitate to reach out to our international admissions team for further assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community.
The critical, analytical and practical skills of this degree will prepare you for a range of careers. The most common destination will be in areas of audio production, for example in commercial production houses, or within broadcast radio. Roles can include those of researcher, presenter, broadcast assistant, technical operator, studio manager or producer.
Involvement may be in areas such as commercial production, branding, music, as well as cultural or specialist programme production. However, graduates may also also opt for freelance roles in audio creation for online and web-based companies or to develop careers in teaching, publishing or public service.
Some students choose to continue in education and register on taught or research based Masters courses in media or business management. Students may also consider taking our MA in Mass Communications. Students can also continue onto PhDs by research, which can lead to a career in higher education. The skill-set provided is also relevant for employment abroad.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Extra costs for this course
Throughout the course, you will be required to purchase small consumable items, such as memory cards and equipment batteries for use in practical units.
You will also need a pair of semi-professional headphones (not ear-buds) for listening and for digital editing.
Extra Costs
Luton Campus Centre
The Campus Centre brings together all our student services under one roof including the Students’ Union and spaces to eat, drink, relax and learn.
There's a large central lecture theatre as well as a range of study rooms & breakout spaces on the upper floors.
Luton Campus Library
The library is a modern 9-storey building dedicated to study and learning.
As well as traditional library provisions it offers individual and group study spaces, a cafeteria on the ground floor and a ‘Study Hub’ offering guidance and workshops on academic writing and research skills to ensure all Bedfordshire students get the help they need to succeed in their studies.
Beds SU
When you join the University of Bedfordshire, you don't just join the university - you also become a member of Bedfordshire Students' Union (Beds SU)!
Beds SU is led by four Student Officers - a President and three Vice Presidents - who are elected annually by University of Bedfordshire students to lead the Students' Union.
We are here to help every student at the University of Bedfordshire get the most out of their university experience. We campaign on issues that you care about, as well as provide lots of opportunities for you to meet new people, develop your skills, campaign for change and try something new.
Aspire Gym
The Aspire Gym has state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smart phone compatibility. There is also an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area.
Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
Luton Campus Accommodation
The University guarantees accommodation to all new students. Fitzroy Court and Wenlock Court, the two main halls of residence, are located on campus so getting to lectures, shopping in town and participating in events and activities is easy.
STEM building
The STEM building is home to courses in the subject areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Opened in Autumn 2019, its cutting edge facilities provides four computer laboratories; workshops for subjects such as automotive engineering, cyber-security and robotics, along with three large teaching labs, and four specialist containment labs.
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
