HND in Media Production

HND Media Production at Ashton Sixth Form College Validated by University of Salford Manchester

Guidance & Information

Ashton Sixth Form College Higher Education

Contents When are the deadlines? .................................................................................................................................... 2 What is a Higher National Diploma? ................................................................................................................... 2 Who is the course for? ........................................................................................................................................ 2 What will the course cover? ................................................................................................................................ 2 What do I need to do the course? ....................................................................................................................... 4 How is the course assessed? ............................................................................................................................... 5 How long does the course take? ......................................................................................................................... 5 How much does the course cost? ....................................................................................................................... 5 Where can I progress to? .................................................................................................................................... 5

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Guidance and Information Pack HND Media Production

When are the deadlines?

Round One:

Round Two:

7th June 2016

(Subject to availability of places) 6th July 2016

Interviews held from June – July

Interviews held from July – September

Round Three: (Late applications)

29th August 2016 Interviews held in September

What is a Higher National Diploma?

A Higher National Diploma is a level 5 qualification made up of 240 credits, 120 of which are gained at level 4 study and a further 120 at level 5 study. These credits are gained by completing modules throughout the course. Although the HND is a qualification in its own right, with further study it can be developed into a full Honours Degree through the acquisition of another 120 credits on a top up course. For further information on topping up to a full Honours Degree and progression routes, please see the Where can I progress to?

Section on page 6.

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at those with a passion and an interest in the media, and who want to develop a career in the diverse and expansive world of converging media industries through higher level study.

What will the course cover?

The course combines a balance of practical and theory through lectures, practical workshops, live briefs, guest speakers and creative projects, teaching you diverse modules such as: Year One: Module One: Radio Production Throughout this module you will be given workshops teaching you the practical skills required to plan and produce a radio programme. Skills such as recording in different sound environments, audio mixing, writing scripts and pitching ideas to commissioners are taught to prepare you for employment within the broadcast radio industry.

Module Two: Television Studio Production This module will introduce you to skills required to successfully produce multi-camera television programming. You will understand studio based television programming in context in addition to gaining a working knowledge of key roles within a studio setup such as Camera Operator, Vision Mixer, Sound Recorder, Floor Manager and Director.

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Ashton Sixth Form College Higher Education

Module Two: Media Practice In this module, you will develop an understanding of both the broadcast and media industries. This theorybased module will cover subject matter such as regulation and broadcast editorial guidelines across TV, Radio and online media. Media Practice will allow you to grow as a media producer giving you the knowledge to make key decisions with regards to production standards.

Module Three: Audio & Video Development This module unleashes the artist in you. Through teacher-led workshops and group experimentation Audio & Video Development will provide you with an awareness of basic experimental and artistic approaches to film, video and audio production. In addition to valuable experimentation time you will be introduced to practical techniques for generating and developing your ideas and how you may incorporate them into your projects.

Module Four: Video Projects The video projects provide important training in all aspects of video production. Each project is an opportunity to put the skills you have learned in workshops into creative practice. You will demonstrate your understanding of different production roles in addition to critically reflecting upon the roles of each crewmember. The project will allow you to successfully see your ideas move through the creative process from initial conception, execution and completion.

Module Five: Technical Skills This module will be key to developing your practical expertise in professional camera, sound recording, mixing and video post-production. Workshops will guide you through a variety of different technologies and how they affect programme content and style. The technical skills module will benefit your progression directly into employment as a successful member of an audio or video production crew.

Year Two: Module One: Camera The camera module will introduce you to practical elements of camera operation and techniques. These skills will become the foundation for a project designed to show off your skills in addition to demonstrating your understanding of cinematography through style, shot selection and composition. You will have the opportunity to learn important theoretical aspects of the camera through tutorials on genre, style and historical context. Finally through screenings of previous work you will analyse key techniques.

Module Two: Introduction to Scriptwriting (fiction) This module will lay the foundations of understanding dramatic narrative structure. This is of course highly relevant in the world of fictional scriptwriting but it is also relevant within the art of visual storytelling as a whole. Throughout the module you will be introduced to key storytelling fundamentals such as character development, the use of theme and metaphor, as well as the use of appropriate dialogue. You will have the opportunity to see your initial ideas take shape and become a full final draft script.

Module Three: Research and Produce Within this unit you will work independently as a producer and researcher coming up with conceptual ideas for a TV or radio programme. Through group discussion and tutorials you will develop your research skills alongside your editorial skills and judgement in relation to appropriate tone, style, target audience and 3

Guidance and Information Pack HND Media Production subject matter. You will finally present your research and ideas within the context of a commissioning process.

Module Four: Production Management This unit will offer an insight into the life of the producer on location. You will work within the single camera (film) production field as a Producer or Production Assistant taking responsibility for cast and crew health and safety; project budget and finance; location scouting and reconnaissance. Within this unit you will be taught the key roles and responsibilities of crew members along with time/budget management strategies.

Module Five: Showreel Project This module will develop your professional competence within at least one specialist area of programme making for example drama, documentary or radio. The showreel project itself will be a production that realises your background knowledge, research and understanding into a completed professional media product aimed to fit within a pre-determined mainstream schedule. This project will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of genre in addition to highlighting your command of appropriate technologies. The final product will be a clear example of your professional competence and will be the basis for your professional showreel.

Module Six: Television & Audio Project This second year module will allow you to build on your previous television and radio production skills.

Throughout the project you will be asked to record your process onto a blog demonstrating a critical awareness of your own practice. You will take the lead and manage a team and the technical resources in order to successfully complete the task. You will demonstrate your knowledge of key broadcast regulation by ensuring that your final production conforms to all relevant industry standards.

Module Seven: Television Studio Production This module will introduce you to skills required to successfully produce multi-camera television programming. You will understand studio based television programming in context in addition to gaining a working knowledge of key roles within a studio setup such as Camera Operator, Vision Mixer, Sound Recorder, Floor Manager and Director.

What do I need to do the course?        

Advanced GCE (B/C 200 points) BTEC Diploma (DMM profile) related subject Vocational A level (200 points) Media preferred Applications are welcome from mature students who have relevant experience and can demonstrate academic potential.

Other previous qualifications and experience will be considered.

Be able to demonstrate your ability and capacity to write at an appropriate level for your programme (identified ALS needs that may impact on written English skills will be taken into account).

Be able to demonstrate your capacity to study up to a level 5 (assessed by application, interview and performance in previous study).

All offers are subject to interview.

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Ashton Sixth Form College Higher Education

How is the course assessed?

This course will be assessed through a range of formative and summative assessment methods, including: audio recordings for radio, both in studio and on location; video production; video editing; presentations and pitches;production folders, including pre-production documentation; essay-writing; and online blogging.

How long does the course take?

This is a two year full time course.

How much does the course cost?

The fee for this course is ÂŁ5900 per year.

Students accepted onto this programme are generally entitled to a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England. Further information on student finance can be found in the accompanying Student Finance Information booklet or at: www.gov.uk/studentfinance. Please note that it is your responsibility to apply for the loan.

Where can I progress to?

On successful completion of the HND, you will be able to demonstrate technical skills using a wide range of production and post-production equipment, for example lighting, sound, camera, editing, as well as develop creative ideas in TV and film. You will also be able to research, analyse and deliver arguments on key film and TV texts, which will enable you to seek employment within the TV and film industry with confidence and knowledge of relevant professional roles. You will have the skills to create and develop your own TV and film business. You may also wish to progress to BA (Hons) level within a similar subject area.

Please note - All information provided is correct on the date of printing, information is subject to change.

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Guidance and Information Pack HND Media Production

Notes

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Ashton Sixth Form College Higher Education

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Guidance and Information Pack HND Media Production

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