Course description
This course is aimed at people wishing to work in the radio industry in a production capacity and at those already working in broadcasting wanting to further their careers in production and station management. It will equip you with production skills in different areas of programme making, from targeting ideas to audiences, budgeting, research, editing, studio production and post programme evaluation. You will gain hands-on experience of radio station management and work with the excellent facilities of the University's Sony Media Centre.
You will be taught by skilled professionals: our tutors have up to date experience of working in public service (BBC), commercial and community radio broadcasting and management. They are complemented by academics with extensive knowledge and research publications in radio.
You will learn radio production and management in its social and historical context: you will gain a wide theoretical perspective on the creative elements of the course, through studying radio history, technologies, audiences, texts and genres.
Course Content
Stage 1
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) 60 credits
* Radio Studies 1
* Advanced Radio Production
* Radio Station Management 1
* Research and Production Management
Stage 2
Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) 60 credits
* Radio Studies 2
* Radio Station Management 2
You may choose options from:
* Commercial Production and Copywriting
* Documentary and Experimental Radio
You may also take a module from the choice of modules within the MA Media and Cultural Studies programme.
Stage 3
Masters (MA) 60 credits
* You will complete a practical radio project or a dissertation
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught in the University's Sony Media Centre, which has a range of broadcast radio and production studios, a large digital editing workshop, broadcast and internet streaming facilities. Both individual and group production and project work will be emphasised. You will have the opportunity to take part in the University's radio station 'Utopia FM', as well as making use of our extensive links with regional, national and international radio broadcasters. Assessment is through individual/group production work and projects, presentations and essays.
Career Opportunities
You can use your qualification to strengthen existing radio production and management skills, or to progress to work in a wide range of radio companies, stations and jobs. Past students have gone on to work in BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio Drama, Century Radio NE, Sun FM, BBC Radio Newcastle, Chrysalis Radio, Galaxy Radio NE, and Real Radio, as well as stations in Europe, USA and Australia.
The radio department has excellent links with radio industry organisations and funding bodies such as the Radio Academy, The Radio Studies Network, the Community Media Association, AMARC (World Association of Community Radios), Northern Arts, and New Writing North.
Facilities
World Class Web/Design Tools
The University of Sunderland provides access to the full Adobe/Microsoft suite of web/design applications on campus. Under our Education Partnership Agreement, Adobe/Microsoft tools are upgraded every time there is a new release, to ensure that our students have the very latest industry standard versions. Apply now for access to the latest versions of: Adobe/Microsoft (inc. Dream weaver, Flash, Fireworks, Freehand) Director (web content, DVD & CD Rom production tool). Also Authorware, Contribute, Breeze and others.
