UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

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1 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Programme Title Awarding Body Teaching Institution Final Awards Intermediate Awards Mode of Study UCAS Codes QAA Subject Benchmarks JACS Code: QAA Subject Benchmarks: Professional/Statutory Body Film Technology Staffordshire University Staffordshire University BSc (Hons) Television Production Technology Cert HE, DipHE, FT/PT P301 Engineering J900 Engineering None Date of Production March 2013 Date of Revision March 2013 If you require this document in a larger text or a different media please contact us. 1

2 EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME The Film Technology awards are highly successful and have almost ten years of graduates. This group of awards aim to produce rational, practical and highly employable graduates who understand the digital technology that underpins the latest film and television acquisition and post-production workflows. All of our awards have a core central set of shared modules, which are based around the Film Production Technology degree. We offer further specialised awards in post production, television and film sound design. The BSc Honours Television Production Technology Award will provide in depth knowledge of the television industry on three levels: production, technology and business. It can be studied full or part time and leads to a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc Hons). The degree schemes are guided with teaching from experienced academic staff who are film and television industry practitioners with the aim to offer a high quality student experience with the use of excellent facilities and technical equipment. The aim of the award is to provide graduates with academic and industry skills essential for employment in television production companies and channels. The television award builds on the success of a number of television modules currently running in the BSc Hons Film awards including three Studio Production modules in levels 5 and 6, Business and Law of the Film and Television Industries, Film and Television Finance, Audio for Production, Marketing and Distribution for Film and Television, Script Development for Film and Television, and Work Experience in Film and Television. This academically rigorous award will provide students with the learning and knowledge to develop skills and employment in the multi-faceted television industry. It offers current knowledge of the medium in an ever changing environment. The learning patterns include a work experience opportunity allowing for greater employability for students at an undergraduate level in a national and international market place. The award will use innovative approaches to learning and teaching, research and application, the transfer of knowledge and expertise and through direct contact with industry. A range of theoretical, practical and technical subject areas will be studied: Single and multi camera television production technology, factual and entertainment production, documentary production, audio and lighting technology, post production technology using AVID and Final Cut Pro software, business, finance, distribution and law of the television industry, ADOBE After Effects, and Photoshop. On completion of the award graduates should be able to: Analyse and evaluate television technology including: cameras, editing, audio, lighting, studio production and engineering to a competent standard. Apply technical and creative knowledge and theory in television production across a range of factual and entertainment areas to a professional standard. Implement and utilise business, legal and financial knowledge of the television industry. The students upon completion of the award will be expected to compete for jobs in: Television terrestrial and digital channels including the BBC, ITV, and Sky among others. Independent television production companies for example: Endemol, Maverick, Hat Trick, and Two Four Productions 2

3 and Television post production companies including Molinaire, Envy Post and Flix. Corporate production companies Public sector Internet based television production Freelance (Sole Trader, Partnerships, Limited Company) including camera operators: single and multi camera, lighting camera operators, audio and lighting operators, researchers, producers, directors, vision mixers, sound engineers, studio managers, floor managers, and broadcast operations. What is distinctive about this programme? The award will address the television industry demand for graduates to have business knowledge and to be competent creatively and technically. The television industry is Britain s biggest media industry with statistics proving it to be the best in the world for producing and distributing formatted television programmes. In addition, television studio programming is in increasing demand both terrestrially and internationally. The award will prepare students for employment in the biggest media centre to emerge this decade with the growing need for self starting, technically and creatively competent graduates from the region with the opening of Salford s Media City in 2011 and the Olympics in This new award will encompass these successes and employment opportunities in notably the Factual and Entertainment television industry. Student learning will take various forms including teamwork, individual research and investigation, discussion and presentations encouraging them to become strong independent learners. Staffordshire University has a proven track record in these genres with Television Production Technology modules having been embedded in the BSc Hons Film Production Award with proven success over the past six years and excellent external examiner feedback. For example, the existing BSc Hons Film Technology Award Television option modules: Advanced Studio Production Technology (15), Studio Production Technology and Studio Production Technology 2 (15) have a proven track record with graduate employability and success from industry s Royal Television Society as well as graduate employment on a range of Factual and Entertainment productions at the BBC, ITV, SKY and on programmes including BBC News, Comic Relief, The Graham Norton Show, Parkinson, Loose Women, The Jeremy Kyle Show, and The British Comedy Awards. The award will be taught by academics with professional understanding and practice in television. Staff are encouraged by the Faculty to be actively involved in production and post production and staff continue to create strong relationships with television companies including post production houses and channels in the UK and internationally. The information they impart in their teaching is unique, accurate and offers the very latest in television development, technology and business. The current television modules have been nominated for the Royal Television Society Award in the Entertainment and Factual genres in 2008, 2009 and The BSc Hons Television Production Technology award will build on existing strong links for work experience and graduate employment in production houses in Manchester, London and 3

4 Birmingham, plus other companies nationally and internationally. Graduates and undergraduates have worked on a range of television broadcasts for channels including BBC, ITV, Sky, The History Channel, Bravo, and QVC as well as corporate productions and post production houses including Molinaire, Flix, and Envy Post, voted the best post production house in the UK, with which Staffordshire University has a long established relationship. Envy has also offered official year-long placements for the new BSc Hons Television Production Technology Award. The Staffordshire Graduate The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21st century. The Staffordshire Graduate develops students into becoming reflective and critical life long learners with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work. The Film Technology Awards at Staffordshire University produce rounded, articulate and highly employable graduates. Over half of the graduate cohort (75+each year) obtain relevant industrial employment within six months of graduating, indicating that the skill set, knowledge base and personal attributes are very much in line with industry demands. The Film Technology awards have modules across the three years called the Business and Production Management For Film and Television 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The aim of these modules is to directly address the attributes of employability, entrepreneurship and enterprise. The modules develop a students confidence, team working ability, industry knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, enterprise, continual personal and professional development (PDP), CV writing and ensures the students to engage proactively with the Industry. Students will be expected to engage with PDP. Year 1 introduces students to the industry and field of work in the film, television and new media sectors. Students will be taught traditional academic skills and employment skills such as CV writing, presentation skills, reflective writing and networking. These will be assessed through monitoring of their developments. Students will engage in industry related activities by attending trade shows, exhibition, extra curricula film challenges, film festivals, museums (BFI etc), attending guest lectures from industry speakers, attend company open days and entering student film competitions to develop a portfolio of experiences to enhance their employability skills. During years 2 and 3 students will be expected to actively seek work experience and develop and engage in entrepreneurial activities through business development work related to their field of study. Students also have the option to take a placement year after level 5. Or an alternative to gain the essential work experience is to study specific modules around work experience and volunteering. For example, the module CE Work Experience in the Film, Games, Music and Television Industries can be studied in Level 6. This module aims are to evaluate work experience gained in a relevant industry over a minimum period of six weeks 4

5 which can be accrued from the end of the student s first year studies to the beginning of their third year. For example, we have very close links with Envy Post in Soho, London and the British Youth Film Academy (BFYA), which creates work experience and placements for over 35 students per year. 5

6 PROGRAMME OUTCOMES The awards in this programme are designed to develop in the student and assess attainment against Staffordshire University s interpretation of the National Qualifications Framework. The University has defines 8 generic outcomes 1. Knowledge and Understanding 2. Learning 3. Enquiry 4. Analysis 5. Problem Solving 6. Communication 7. Application 8. Reflection The programme provides opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding, intellectual abilities, practical skills and transferable skills. The film awards have Incorporated Engineering Status from the Institute of Engineering and Technology. These are also directly related to the QAA Engineering benchmark statement under the headings of: Science and Mathematics Engineering analysis Design Economic, social and environmental issues Engineering practice Each of these headings has been considered and is used to help guide design of the curriculum. The table in the appendix of the award handbook shows which modules contain elements of the individual benchmarks. The science of the technology we use plays a core role in many of our modules teaching the students engineering from a systems level as opposed to a component level. Students throughout the awards will develop skills in understanding the core technology of the equipment they use on both the software and hardware side including a small amount of mathematics relevant to the content being delivered. 6

7 Mapping of Programme Learning Outcomes This document shows the curriculum development of each award by the mapping of outcomes which can be seen in the following tables. The award Learning Outcome Statements are included in the following section and detail a student s development as they progress to honours. The level learning outcomes are in the award handbook. Award Outcome Statements: BSc Hons Television Production Technology Knowledge and Understanding Learning Enquiry Analysis Problem Solving Application Reflection Communication Demonstrate an understanding of key aspects of television production, technology, business and finance including distribution and an advanced knowledge of camera, audio, lighting, and editing techniques for television. Demonstrate an understanding of the context of television industry knowledge acquired Show a professional approach to research through seeking, interpreting and applying data, theory, technology and statistics Demonstrate the ability to analyse a problem through critical thinking and constructive argument backed by data or research. Individually or as part of a team develop the skills necessary to understand and solve a problem Apply research to production with critical reasoning and argument to show the ability to apply concepts in different contexts Demonstrate the ability to reflect on the effectiveness of specific production, business and technological solutions Demonstrate a high level of both written and oral communication 7

8 PROGRAMME STRUCTURES, MODULES AND CREDITS Programme Title: TV Production Technology L E V E L 4 Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2 CE Business and Production Management For Film and Television 1 CE Pre-Production Technology CE Production Technology 1 CE Post Production Technology (To progress to Level 5 at least 90 credits must be passed with at least 90 L4 credits) L E V E L 5 Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2 CE Business and Production Management For Film and Television 2 CE Studio Production Technology CE Documentary Production Technology Option (15 or 30) Option (15 or 30) (To progress to Level 6 at least 90 credits must be passed including 90 L4 credits) L E V E L 6 Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2 CE Business and Production Management For Film and Television 3 (15) Option CE Film Research Project CE Film Portfolio Project Advanced Television Production 8

9 Level 5 Options Film Production Technology 2 Advanced Production Technology Sound Design For Film Pre-requisite of Audio Processing or Production Technology 1 Digital Compositing 2 Introduction to CGI or equivalent Level 6 Options Sem 2 Options CE DVD Technology CE Work Placement in the Entertainment Industry CE Work Experience in the Film, Games, Music and TV Industries CE Advanced Negotiated Entertainment Project 9

10 HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED? The award aims to reflect specific areas of production and post production in the television industry and as such, modules are tailored to relevant practical and written assessments. From level four, students are encouraged to work individually and in groups in a range of relevant television mediums: multi camera television studios, single camera operation, lighting, sound for studio productions and film and documentary location, editing using both AVID and Final Cut Pro, Photoshop and Adobe After Effects, plus the film and television business including: programme development, producing and financing, distribution both in the UK and internationally, and media law. There is a strong emphasis on personal development with students guided to develop links in industry from level one with opportunities to gain work experience throughout the award and create an industry portfolio alongside their academic achievements for their future career. This award combines academic rigor with the very latest technical, business and production skills required for future employment. The award is academically rigorous with written assessments, examinations, and practical coursework to develop students in a variety of higher learning. The aim is to provide the knowledge, guidance and encouragement for further independent learning. Students are also entered for various television and film awards including Royal Television Society Awards, The Imperial War Museum Film Festival, Exposure and Virgin Media Shorts Awards. Throughout levels four and five students are given the opportunity to develop their learning within a variety of courses allowing group and individual work experience. A variety of assessments are employed including a mixture of examinations, coursework including individual and group work, peer assessment and presentations. Assessments include producing studio programmes for television, documentary production, post production technology and techniques including editing and after effects, audio, lighting and camera operation. Students are encouraged to undertake work experience in the television industry after completion of their first year studies. A strong embedded business element runs throughout levels 4, 5 and 6 with teaching aimed at developing students industrial knowledge, links and business skills to enter the predominantly freelance market. 10

11 Students are encouraged to participate in the professional world through study visits to television and film companies and post production houses, film and television festivals. Recent visits have included Granada Television Studios, BBC Television Centre at Shepherd s Bush in London; Pinewood Studios, London Television Studios and various production and post production companies in the UK. There are option modules designed for level 5 and level 6 students to participate in industry led projects which offer them work experience and credits on professional productions to boost employment opportunities. A work experience module and official placement module, one of six weeks duration and one of 36 weeks, are offered to students to complement their wider learning and professional industrial and academic portfolio, crediting them with 15 credits in Level 6 on successful completion of a tailored academic reflective report and presentation given to academics and industry professionals. Teaching and learning on the award will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials. Tutorials are practical, industry focused and business and technically current. Lectures will be 1-2hrs in duration and tutorials of 2-4hrs dependent on subject. The award developments are regulated through internal quality procedures and our external examiners to ensure academic quality is maintained. The teaching staff maintain external industry contacts which provide feedback on new course developments. Students also provide feedback through the award scheme management committee meetings. The range of learning and teaching methods used is broad and diverse. They include lectures, tutorials, group work, the use of online forums and blogs, problem based tasks and laboratory sessions with the virtual learning environment: Blackboard. The most widely used technique is to teach a one hour lecture and follow it up by a two hour tutorial. The tutorials use content written or sourced by the teaching staff. Video and online tutorials are used in some modules along with problem based learning being used during all levels. Most of the degrees in the Film and Television area involve elements of team work. Assessment Assessment is both individual and group assessed including peer assessment. Assessment will be examination, class test, practical films and productions, written reports and log books. A variety of assessments are employed including a mixture of examinations, coursework including individual and group work, peer assessment and presentations. 11

12 Assessments are academically rigorous and include producing studio programmes for television, documentary production, post production including editing and after effects, audio, lighting and camera operation. A range of assessment techniques are used including presentations, demonstrations, written reports, practical work, oral tests, online tests, log books, exams, class tests, portfolios, group work, peer assessments and online blogs and forums where students present their work. The method of assessment for each module has been carefully considered by the teaching teams to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved balanced with maintaining academic rigor. The faculty assessment policy states that students must pass each assessment component. Every part has to score the minimum of 30% but an overall of 40% must be achieved on the module to pass it. The award aims to reflect specific areas of production and post production in the television industry and as such modules are tailored to relevant practical and written assignments. There is also a strong emphasis on personal development from individual reading, research and testing. From level four, students are encouraged to work individually and in groups in a range of relevant television mediums including: multi camera television studios, single camera operation, lighting and sound for studio productions and film and documentary location, editing using both AVID and Final Cut Pro, Photoshop and Adobe After Effects, Plus the film and television business including: programme development, production and finance, distribution both in the UK and internationally, and media law. The award aims to provide the teaching, knowledge, guidance and encouragement for further independent learning. Additional reading, testing and learning are necessary elements of the course and this is expected in addition to the teaching and guidance given in lectures and tutorials. The Staffordshire Graduate is benchmarked to level 4,5 and 6 but is specifically addresses in modules called Business and Production Management For Film and Television 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The modules develop a students confidence, team working ability, industry knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, enterprise, PDP, CV writing and force the students to engage proactively with the Industry. Students are taught skills of being prepared for industry, how to network, develop a business circle and enterprise, whilst building up their portfolio, showreels and CV s. These are also strongly embedded in partnership with the University s Business School and Her Majesty s Revenue and Customs. Students are guided and encouraged in their personal and professional 12

13 development at an academic and industrial level. Career progression from work experience to full time employment and developing the business, production and technical skills to achieve this are encouraged throughout the award. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Entry Requirements (including IELTS score) Those joining the programme with an HND may join with advanced standing subject to the approval of the Award Leader IELTS 6.5 What qualifications would I need to join this programme? The entry requirements for the award are normally: The Film Technology BSc suite of awards requires that for entry onto the first year (Level 4), applicants are normally required to have the following: 240 UCAS points with a minimum of 200 points from 3X4 units and 40 from either keyskills or AS levels Or a pass in a recognised Access to Higher Education course or a Foundation Year Disability Statement Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: 13

14 AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION The Film Technology Research Project and Film Technology Portfolio Project modules are two modules which contribute to gaining honours classification. These modules cannot be compensated. Both modules must be passed with the minimum of a grade point 4 (40%). Without passing these a student cannot gain a BSc (Hons) qualification. If a module has more than one assessed components, then the student must achieve a minimum mark of 30 % in each component and an aggregate mark of 40% to pass the module. The placement year is considered as either a pass or fail. With the pass contributing to the award of Sandwich degree. If a total of 300 Credits are achieved over Levels 4,5 and 6 instead of the required 360 credits for the Honours Degree, then it is assumed that the student has not fully demonstrated the qualities of Staffordshire Graduate. In this case the student will be offered a Non-Honours Degree. Four unauthorised absences from a module will result in being withdrawn from the module. This replaces the current guidance of four consecutive unauthorised absences. Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, learning outcomes at levels below honours, student support, and academic regulations. ==================================== 14