Television Production and Screen Media BA (Hons)

This multidisciplinary degree programme, which is supported by additional industry-standard qualifications from Apple, offers a combination of theory and practical work in all areas of TV production and includes practical modules in the television studio, location, sound and vision, scriptwriting and concept development.

Overview
About the course
Structure
Fees
Entry requirements
Applying

The Television and Screen Media degree offers a unique approach to Television and Digital Film Production. The programme covers a range of media production techniques in response to the move in the industry towards multi-skilled practitioners. This includes hands on training in Cinematography, Video Editing, Lighting and Sound Recording, in conjunction with opportunity to work in digital animation, photography, creative writing and journalism. The degree focuses on building skills in production that are supported through critical and theoretical understanding of how the industry operates in order to ensure employability is at heart of the programme outcomes. Pursuing a career in this field requires an ability to be creative and flexible with a dynamic approach to production. Graduates in this field have been successful in having their films exhibited and while they have been studying, some have gained professional experience as a first career step in media and related industries.

Why should I do this course?

The course being validated by the University of Essex is only one of the badges of recognition the Media Academy at South Essex College has. As an Accredited Apple Training Centre, a Nikon Academy and working towards Skillset Media Academy status, we are recognised across industry as an excellent provider of media training and education. Along with our broadcast ready HD TV studio the Media Academy has a broad range of high quality facilities available to students who will be taught by lecturers who are industry practitioners. Excellent transport links and local amenities with easy access to central London makes us an ideal choice for those not wanting to pay London prices for a top class degree programme.

What's covered?

This degree offers a stimulating programme that integrates theory and practice, through a range of student-led moving image projects designed to nurture your creativity.

How will my work be assessed?

The majority of assessments are based upon practical project work – including short film projects and scripts. One module in each year of the programme is centred on written research and coursework – such as essays or a dissertation. Other module assessments require a portfolio of work that reflects the development of your ideas and production skills.

During each year of the degree you will also sit a different on-line, multiple choice examination from which you may be able to achieve Apple qualification in addition to your degree scores.

What can I do after this?

Graduating students leave with the ability to work in their own production teams that are able to produce short films. A number of recent graduates continue to create films for festivals and competitions; this year’s successes include an award in the Virgin Film Competition. Students from each graduating cohort pursue successful careers in media companies – such the BBC, Channel 4, advertising agencies or regional film companies. Others continue their education at Master of Arts level and/or enter the teaching profession.This programme has both a practical production and cultural theory focus and therefore offers good preparation for post-graduate study or training. The following programmes are examples of good opportunities for progression: Bournemouth University: MA / PGDIP Post-Production Editing University of Westminster: MA Directing Film and TV Goldsmiths, University of London: MA Interactive Media: Critical Theory and Practice Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication: MA Visual Effects University of East Anglia: MA Film Studies / MA Film Studies with Film Archiving.

Careers

Performing arts, broadcast and media

Year 1:

The first year provides an interdisciplinary approach to Television Production and Screen Media. This means you will cover a broad range of media disciplines, giving you a clear understanding of how digital media industries such as animation, photography, creative writing and journalism work together with Television Production and Screen Media. Students will have the opportunity to work alongside undergraduates from the College’s Digital Animation, Photography, Journalism and Creative Writing degree programmes on the following modules.

Modules:

Contextual Studies
Lens Based Media
Production
Ideas Factory

Year 2:

The second year focuses in on specialist modules to build upon the broad practical and theoretical knowledge gained in year one. The focus is on skills based and professional practices, alongside working with external clients on live productions.

Modules:

Drama Production
Concept Development
Cinematography
Cultural, Political and Ideological Representations

Year 3:

The third year focuses on developing independent ventures, supporting a Final Major project and dissertation as the culmination of your practical and theoretical learning. The finished product will be a polished showreel and portfolio of work to help you gain employment or further academic study opportunities.

Modules:

Dissertation
Final Major Project Development
Final Major Project

Low-cost higher education

Our fees are well below the national average and are among the lowest in the region, so studying with us is great value for money!

Click for more about higher education funding.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 160 UCAS Points are required from one or more of the following qualifications:

At least two GCE A levels
BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC National Certificate
Access to Higher Education Diploma

You will also need:

GCSE grades English at grade C (or equivalent)

Applications from mature students who do not possess the entry requirements as listed above, but who possess related professional experience or non-standard qualifications are welcome to apply. Candidates will need to demonstrate, by interview, admissions test and/or portfolio submission, that they are suitable for the course.

Full-time courses

Applications for full-time courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), quoting institution code S43 and the UCAS code for your chosen course.

Part-time courses

Applications for all part-time Honours Degree, Foundation Degree, Certificate of Higher Education and Diploma of Higher Education courses at South Essex College should be made directly to the College using the online application form or by completing a paper application form and mailing it to our freepost address:

HE Admissions
South Essex College
Freepost SMU 110
Luker Road
Southend on Sea
Essex
SS1 1BR

Click for more about applying for your course.