Television and Radio Production - BA (Hons) *
Currently viewing course to start in 2027/28 Entry.
Developed and delivered in partnership with the BBC, our BA (Hons) Television and Radio Production prepares you for a career in television, radio and digital media production....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2027
- Subject
- Location City Centre
This course is:
Available with Professional Placement year
Open to International Students
Overview
Developed and delivered in partnership with the BBC, our BA (Hons) Television and Radio Production prepares you for a career in television, radio and digital media production.
Our industry-focused, practice-led course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to bring creative ideas to life, understand platforms and audiences, technically execute your ideas and understand how to work to professional media practices.
You'll learn from an experienced team of award-winning academics and industry professionals, developing the editorial, technical and collaborative skills needed to create engaging content using professional software and technologies. Through guest speakers and industry projects, you'll build valuable professional networks while gaining the practical experience employers are looking for.
Teaching will take place at BCU's City Centre Campus and, subject to final planning approval, at the BBC's new Midlands headquarters at the Tea Factory.
What's covered in this course?
The course focusses on studio and location production, live broadcasting/streaming and the integration of audio and video. You'll plan, produce and deliver content for television, radio, podcasting and on-demand platforms, from initial concept to final delivery, you'll develop an understanding of the complete production process, and the course will allow you to build a professional portfolio that reflects industry practice.
Using our industry-standard equipment and television and radio studios you'll develop skills in camera operation, sound recording, video editing and studio production, while building the technical, organisational and communication skills required in professional production environments. You'll also learn how to develop and pitch original programme ideas, while considering the ethical issues shaping contemporary media.
Throughout the course, you'll produce a wide range of content in different genres, such as documentaries, dramas, magazine shows, advertising, podcasts and social media content, while exploring emerging and experimental formats.
Throughout your studies, you'll learn from the insights of BBC staff and other industry professionals, alongside opportunities to engage with broadcasters and creative organisations across Birmingham's exciting media sector and by the time you graduate you will have built a professional portfolio of media content to help you apply for jobs.
If working in the exciting sectors of television or radio are part of your future aspirations, then this is the course for you.
Professional Placement year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.
Placement opportunities may be available with a wide range of organisations across the media, creative and communications sectors. As placements are secured through a competitive recruitment process, opportunities with specific employers or organisations cannot be guaranteed.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
If you’re thinking about studying media at BCU then all I can say is go for it! It has completely changed my life. There are endless opportunities whilst you are studying which give you hands on, industry experience - all whilst having access to some amazing radio and tv studios. I also felt completely supported throughout the entirety of the course, not just from the university but also my amazing lecturers, who’s help, advice and encouragement have set me up for an incredible start into my dream career!
Lauren Redfern, Presenter, BBC Radio 1 Anthems
Why Choose Us?
- Industry-standard equipment – utilise our specialist facilities in our £62 million home in the city centre, including six radio studios, four TV studios, edit suites, music production studios, a newsroom media hub, and photography studios.
- Learn with BBC expertise – developed in partnership with the BBC, the course reflects current industry practice, including data, AI and evolving audience demands.
- Get hands-on industry experience – develop your skills through studio and location production, live broadcasting, streaming, industry projects and real-world briefs.
- Taught by industry professionals – learn from our award-winning academics, BBC staff and experienced media professionals while developing valuable industry connections across Birmingham’s creative media sector.
- Build a professional portfolio – create a diverse range of content, from documentaries and dramas to magazine shows, podcasts and digital content, giving you work to showcase to future employers.
Open Days
Join us for our next Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Days: 26 September (Sport only), 10 October
Course in Depth
First Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Television Production 30 credits
Audio and Radio Production 30 credits
Creator Lab 30 credits
Media Industries 30 credits
Second Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Television Studio Production 30 credits
Radio and Podcast Production 30 credits
Digital Content Creation 30 credits
Commissioning and Making 30 credits
Professional Placement Year (optional)
In order to qualify for the Professional Placement Year, you must successfully complete the following Level 5 module:
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Final Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Drama Production 30 credits
Project Development 30 credits
Professional Practice 30 credits
Major Project 30 credits
How you learn
Your learning will combine lectures, seminars, practical workshops, studio production, live broadcasts, industry projects and independent creative practice. The course has been developed in partnership with the BBC, providing opportunities to learn from industry professionals and engage with contemporary broadcasting and audio production practices. This is complemented by our wider network of industry, community and research partners, who contribute to an engaging and professionally relevant learning experience.
You will have opportunities to undertake work-based learning, enabling you to apply your knowledge and skills in professional settings. Flexible approaches to learning are embedded throughout the course, including recorded lectures, blended learning, on-campus teaching and intensive delivery for selected modules. We recognise that students enter higher education from a wide range of educational backgrounds, and throughout your first year we will support your transition by helping you develop the confidence, independence and academic skills needed to succeed.
Where appropriate, external speakers, industry practitioners and academic specialists will contribute to your learning through guest lectures, workshops and visits. Throughout the course, you will also build a professional portfolio of creative work that showcases your development and prepares you for employment within the audio and wider creative industries.
Trips and visits
Take part in educational trips across the UK and abroad, including opportunities to attend industry masterclasses such as the Royal Television Society’s events in London.
How you will be assessed
All assessments are designed to enable you to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes for each module and the course. Assessment methods may include research reports, essays, case studies, practical productions, portfolios and presentations. Assessment is predominantly coursework-based and there are no formal examinations.
While most assessments are completed individually, some modules will include collaborative projects that reflect professional industry practice. Every module provides opportunities for formative assessment, allowing you to test your understanding, develop your work and receive guidance before final submission. Tutorials and other support sessions provide opportunities to discuss work in progress and receive constructive feedback. Following submission, you will receive feedback designed to support your continued development and enhance your future academic and creative work.
Take a look at the showreel below for a glimpse of what some of our incredible students have created in their time at BCU, featuring the best in TV, journalism, radio and more.
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2027/28.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
As creativity is an important part of this course, you are expected to submit a portfolio as part of the selection process. This is your opportunity to show your ideas and skills to our tutors.
If you are not studying a creative subject at Level 3, you can still apply for this course. Our portfolio guidance information includes alternative options for how you can show us your passion for art.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the three areas you’ll need to address:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Here’s where you explain what makes this course exciting to you. Think about your motivations for studying the course and your future plans. If you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons.
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
This is your chance to show what you’ve learned at school or college. You should include the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from education or training and how this will help you succeed in your chosen course.
- What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Not everything you’ve learned comes from the classroom. Life experience counts too! You might want to talk about work experience, employment, or volunteering and how they’ve helped you develop the skills needed for your chosen course or future career.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
Employability
Enhancing employability skills
We have a fantastic track record for graduate employment thanks to our outstanding facilities and our reputation for producing work-ready, highly skilled graduates.
Graduate jobs
Students go on to work in media roles in television, radio and in corporate companies such as the BBC, Sky, Global and Bauer Media, as well as freelancing or setting up their own businesses.
Links to industry
Build industry connections through guest speakers, professional masterclasses, and live production projects.
Facilities & Staff
Through Birmingham City University's partnership with the BBC, you will benefit from access to specialist facilities across both our City Centre Campus and – subject to final planning approval – the BBC Tea Factory, located just a short walk away in Birmingham's creative quarter.
Subject to final planning approval, the Tea Factory facilities are expected to include radio and television production spaces, audio facilities, and specialist broadcast technology environments.
Alongside this, you'll learn in BCU's purpose-built Media Centre at Parkside, home to industry-standard television, radio and digital production facilities. Three of the TV studios can facilitate live multi-camera production, and all studios (TV and radio) can be interconnected. It’s taken 22km of wire to make that happen!
Together, these facilities provide a dynamic production environment where you can develop practical skills, collaborate on creative projects and gain experience using the technologies found across today's media industries.
Our staff
Vanessa Jackson
Associate Professor
Vanessa Jackson is a former BBC series producer and now an associate professor at Birmingham City University. She teaches television production as well as working on employability activities and external partnerships.
More about VanessaAndrew Whitehead
Andrew is a lecturer in Media Production and focuses mainly on the teaching of practical skills such as the use of specialist equipment, software and facilities.
More about AndrewNeil Hollins
Lecturer in Radio Production
Neil began his radio career in the late 1980s at Birmingham commercial station BRMB (now Free Radio). Prior to his move to BCU in early 2013, Neil was the Station Manager at 107.5 Switch Radio, a community radio station in north east Birmingham where he co-ordinated a ten year programme of restricted licence broadcasts – ‘RSLs’ - and a variety of...
More about NeilMeera Darji
Lecturer in Media Production
Meera Darji is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and Lecturer at Birmingham City University. Her independent documentary films have been awarded at international film festivals and recent experimental films have been exhibited at various exhibitions. Transindia: The story of India’s Hijras won the Royal Television Society Award for...
More about Meera