Summary
- Duration
- Full-time (Sept start): 12 months
Full-time (Feb start): 15 months
Part-time (Sept start): 24 months
Part-time (Feb start): 27 months
- Fees
- 2012/2013: £6,500
2012/2013 (Part-time): £3,250 per year
2012/2013 (International): £10,300 per year
Overview
Register now to attend our Postgraduate Open Evening on Thursday 10 May 2012
Please note: Courses starting in February include a break from August until the start of autumn term (late September).
The course aims to provide an appropriate range and depth of theoretical and professional knowledge to enable students to understand the key issues and challenges within radio production for the global media. It seeks to create challenging simulations of professional practice in which students can work in radio production for the international media. As well as enriching their practical skills, students are expected to attain academically, engage in debates and evaluate existing academia on the subject, as well as critically appraise professional practice and their own scholarly work. It encourages them to commit to their own continuing professional development.
The PGCert/PGDip/MA International Radio Production is part of a wider suite of postgraduate programmes within the Birmingham School of Media. All the postgraduate courses seek to develop reflective professionals in the media, creative and cultural industries, who can operate at the forefront of the academic discipline and of professional practice. The curriculum emphasises enterprise skills, engagement with new communication technologies and promotion of innovation. Each module in the award is integrated into a systematic process of professional development and students are encouraged to organise and extend their learning in a way that suits their individual ambitions and needs.
Course Outline
Course Structure
At the end of the course, students will be able to map the core knowledge of the key theoretical approaches to understanding global media environments, the professional practices in radio production, existing intellectual challenges faced by the industry, and scholarly and professional techniques. They will be able to work independently and in teams to produce radio programmes for global media organisations, having developed innovative research strategies to deal with complex issues in original cases. Students will have the ability to critically evaluate professional, associated research traditions and existing scholarship within global radio production and be able to communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Central to the course is ensuring students become reflective practitioners when it comes to understanding the implications of critical evaluations when developing knowledge and skills in global media environments.
Modules
Each taught module consists of 10 class sessions, in which students will be introduced to topics through lectures, seminar discussions and workshop activities. There will often be guest lectures from leading practitioners in the field and we place a strong emphasis on lecturer and peer review of student presentations and work-in-progress. These sessions are supported by structured material available on the university’s Moodle online system. Each week, students are set independent study tasks, often based upon production activities, and there are two further weeks of directed study.
Global Media Radio Production (60 credits)
Social Enterprise Radio Production Lab or Research Methods (60 credits)
MA by Practice or MA by Dissertation (60 credits)
Many modules make significant use of new social media, and students will be asked frequently to contribute to forums, write blogs, or produce podcasts to chart personal and professional development and to engage with the work of others. As the taught module progresses, each student will participate in three tutorials to support professional development and plan learning. Two weeks of each semester are set aside for key extension work, which can include a work-based placement.
Assessments
Assessments usually emphasise scholarly or professional practice through which the key learning objectives are tested. Three weeks are set aside for assessment work.
Placements
For full-time students there are opportunities to do placements during the Postgraduate Diploma phase of the course
After your studies
Further Studies
For anyone interested in taking their research interests forward into an MPhil or PhD speak to the course director about your particular area of expertise.
Employment Opportunities
This course is suitable for individuals wanting to start a career in the field of development, or those already involved in NGOs or aid organisations who want to further their employability as a development media producer or field officer.
Entry Requirements & Applications
Entry Requirements
Candidates should have at least a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject area and should provide evidence of work in, or a familiarity with the radio or audio production.
We welcome non-traditional applications, particularly from applicants with substantial professional or production experience. Prior experiential learning is an acceptable route to the course.
Application Details
Please apply direct to faculty:
Birmingham School of Media
Birmingham City University
City North Campus
Perry Barr
Birmingham
B42 2SU
Telephone: +44 (0)121 331 6618
Email: media.admisssions@bcu.ac.uk
Enquiries
Prospective students from the UK or EU may enquire online by using the Course Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 5595.
Prospective students from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 6714.