Whether listeners switch on for news, current affairs, documentaries, features, entertainment or music, radio has been a source of information and excitement for generations. Radio Production presents the opportunity to understand the media and the digital age in which we live, through construction and deconstruction of media products, institutions and audiences, whilst developing a wide range of essential, transferable abilities that will be welcome in many graduate roles.
A Practice based course that covers technical and practical aspects of radio production. Opportunities for work placements exist in Year 2 of the course that will provide students with an opportunity to work within their chosen field.
Why study this course?
Over the past decade, we have built an impressive reputation in the higher education sector for our media facilities and courses. Radio Production aims to develop a range of practical, critical and analytical skills relevant to a wide range of careers, but with a focus on radio. Our graduates are to be found in key jobs in radio stations around the UK and in many other media related careers.
The process of radio broadcasting is followed from origination, research, creative treatment, scripting, playlisting and music selection, through to production and presentation. We work in forms of both music radio and speech programmes, and overall production management.
The University runs its own broadcasting radio station The Cat 1251. Students take key roles in programme making and management and many Radio Production assignments are programmes for this radio station.
As part of the University's partnership with the BBC, Radio students work for BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC 5 Live.
Students will also study issues of contemporary media production relating to their practical work. These theoretically based studies aim to enable the student to reflect academically on the theory of professional practice.
Single Honours Radio Production and Media Studies
Radio Production practical work is studio-based and undertaken to broadcast standards. Topics covered include studio operations, digital editing, interviewing, presenting, producing, law, style and content, feature and magazine programmes, and using portable recorders at locations remote from the studio. Consideration is given to modes of conventional radio broadcasting and to newer, narrower and non-linear channels, such as Internet and Podcasting. We have a campus radio station that broadcasts on medium wave and online.
The academic media modules that are integral to the single honours programme aim to develop awareness of social and cultural issues surrounding the media. They focus on how media forms represent individuals, groups and issues, including age, gender, class, ethnicity and sexuality. You will examine media organisations and methods of researching these organisations and other aspects of the media, and you will be encouraged to explore the complex debates surrounding the potential impact of media messages. At Level 6 (Year 3), you will be able to choose particular areas to study in more depth, e.g. Analysing Documentary, Theorising Celebrity and Reading the News.
Level 4 (Year 1)
Modules include:
- Live Sequence Programmes
- Introduction to Radio Studies
- Media Texts in Context
- Power, Persuasion and the Media
Level 5 (Year 2)
Modules include:
- Magazine and Features Programmes
- Academic Research Methods
- Understanding Media Organisations
- Work Based Learning
Level 6 (Year 3)
Students choose from a range of core and optional modules which include:
- Major Radio Project
- Radio Short Forms
- Media Dissertation
- Analysing Documentary
- Reading the News
- Working in the Media
Combined Honours Radio Production
Level 4 (Year 1)
Core modules include:
- Live Sequence Programmes
- Introduction to Radio Studies
Level 5 (Year 2)
Core modules include:
- Magazine and Features Programmes
- Academic Research Methods
- Work Based Learning
Level 6 (Year 3)
Students choose from a range of core and optional modules which include:
- Major Radio Project
- Media Dissertation
- Media Policy and Practice
- Analysing Documentary
- Reading the News
- Working in the Media
All classes are based at the Warrington campus, although you may have some off-site production activities and a period of work based learning. You will be taught in specialised radio studios equipped to broadcast standards.
Course Combinations
To find out which subjects may be combined with Radio Production please visit the UCAS website.
Across all of our programmes we adopt a mixture of formative and summative assessment, which means assignments will range from formal written exams through essays, formal and informal presentations, to taking part in feedback sessions with staff and other students.
These take place at various intervals throughout the course and not solely at traditional exam periods. Practical radio production is also assessed through course work and usually takes place in teams, though the emphasis is firmly on individual assessment.
Verbal and written feedback on completed assignments is provided.
Reporter (sport, news, features), programme presenter (DJ), studio producer, technical operator, researcher, programme assistant, commercial producer, programme producer, business related positions, management, professional audio, postgraduate study, education, media and communications.
Graduates acquire key transferable analytical, organisational, personal, writing and communication skills, which will always prove valuable in a competitive job market.
Combined Honours
UCAS points:
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A minimum of 260-300 UCAS points from GCE A Levels or equivalent
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BTEC:
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BTEC National Diploma/Certificate: merit/distinction profile
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Irish/Scottish Highers:
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B in 4 subjects
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International Baccalaureate:
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28 points
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QAA:
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QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma, Open College Units or Open University Credits
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| OCR: |
OCR National Extended/Diploma: merit/distinction profile |
Extra Information:
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The Advanced Diploma: acceptable on its own
Welsh Baccalaureate (core) will be recognised in our tariff offer |
