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Radio & Audio BA (Hons)
This course will allow you to study broadcast radio and the creation of audio content for other platforms, such as podcasts and websites.
You'll gain a real understanding of how a much loved medium has evolved, and what goes into creating great content. The course provides a range of practical broadcasting and journalistic skills coupled with a strong grounding in relevant media theory.
The course is designed to meet the needs of those wishing to work in broadcast media and those who wish to pursue a career within the wider field of audio content creation.
As well as delivering a range of practical professional skills, the course will also provide theoretical insigts and understanding of how the media works and how it is used in a professional context.
You will study a combination of units that, together, provide a broad range of professional knowledge and skills. In the first year you will study Reporting and Writing, Radio 101 History and Practices, Radio Skills and Understanding the Media.
In your final year there will be the option of two projects pieces, either Audio Documentary Production or Contemporary Practices and Debates in the Media. Alongside your studies you will have access to RadioLaB, the University's very own community radio station, broadcasting across Luton and the surrounding areas on FM and available on-line, world-wide.
Throughout all years of study, students can get involved in the station, for example, by presenting, producing or working on promotions and special events.
Apply Via - UCAS
Course Level - Undergraduate
UCAS Code - P319
Campus Location - University Square Campus, Luton
Start Dates - Oct
Duration - 3 Years
Attendance - Full-time | Part-time | Part-time day
Download Course Specifications
Radio & Audio with Professional Practice Year - BA (Hons)
This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.
There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.
*Only available to UK/EU students.
This course will provide you with the practical and academic skills needed to produce creative audio and broadcast radio programme content. It also opens up opportunities to work in broadcast technical and managerial roles, providing you with a broad knowledge of industry practice and regulation along with a diverse range of operational skills. Many of these skills, particularly in relation to programme planning and content development, are of a highly flexible and transferable nature and can also be helpful for students who decide to pursue other media and related career paths.
Visit the School of Culture and Communications
Unit Information - What will I learn?
Radio 101 History & Practice (MED046-1) Compulsory
Radio Skills (MED030-1) Compulsory
Reporting And Writing (MED011-1) Compulsory
Understanding Media (MED004-1) Compulsory
Preparing For The Audio Workplace (MED057-2) Compulsory
Radio (MED021-2) Compulsory
Radio Structures & Regulation (MED058-2) Compulsory
Broadcast News Skills (MED074-2) Optional
Law, Regulation & Public Administration (MED077-2) Optional
Dissertation Special Project - Cnc (MED079-3) Compulsory
Practical Special Project - Cnc (MED078-3) Compulsory
Radio 24/7 (MED013-3) Compulsory
Contemporary Practices And Debates In The Media (MED023-3) Optional
Radio & Audio Documentaries (MED060-3) Optional
Routes To Market (MED080-3) Optional
You are assessed in a variety of ways. The majority of units are assessed through coursework, portfolios, essays and presentations or, in a few cases, in-class tests or exams. Presentations are usually given and assessed in the context of a group seminar. The emphasis within practical audio production units will be on developing your abilities to produce professional quality materials of increasing complexity as your course progresses towards its conclusion and using formative assessment alongside graded assignments. At Level Four (during your First Year), you are assessed on your understanding of the fundamental concepts and disciplines that underpin professional broadcast radio and audio production. You are required to comprehend the basic range of intellectual concepts, which form the foundations of the subject area, and will be assessed on your ability to articulate such concepts in a coherent manner, through a variety of both practical and written assessments. For example, you will learn about content genres, audiences, and industrial dimensions of the audio and broadcast radio media. At Level Five, you are assessed on your ability to apply the basic production skills introduced in Level Four to the creation of more complex audio content. You will also develop a broader and deeper understanding of the structures and regulations that underpin radio broadcasting and audio within wider content regulation. You will be given the opportunity to begin to put your skills to professional use through participation in a work-place learning unit, which will allow you to further contextualise your practical skills and theoretical knowledge of audio media. At Level Six you will be required to demonstrate independent thinking and initiative. This may be in the form of analysing and critically appraising audio content or a particular broadcast radio institution or policy in an original manner. In relation to practical production work, you will progress from well-defined briefs to more open-ended and challenging assessments, which culminate in the delivery of your Special Project where you will be given freedom to choose your area of work.
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS introduced a new tariff for courses from September 2017. This means the points you will be asked for are different to previous years but the grades you receive have not changed.
At least 80 points with 64 points from 2 A level passes at C or above
At least 80 points with 64 from Merit Merit in two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas or one BTEC Diploma
At least 80 points with Merit Merit Pass in the BTEC Extended Diploma
A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
For more clarification about your qualifications in the new tariff see the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
How will this course improve my career prospects?
The critical, analytical and practical skills of this degree will prepare you for a range of careers. The most common destination will be in areas of audio production, for example in commercial production houses, or within broadcast radio. Roles can include those of researcher, presenter, broadcast assistant, technical operator, studio manager or producer.
Involvement may be in areas such as commercial production, branding, music, as well as cultural or specialist programme production. However, graduates may also also opt for freelance roles in audio creation for online and web-based companies or to develop careers in teaching, publishing or public service.
Some students choose to continue in education and register on taught or research based Masters courses in media or business management. Students may also consider taking our MA in Mass Communications. Students can also continue onto PhDs by research, which can lead to a career in higher education. The skill-set provided is also relevant for employment abroad.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2019/20 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2019/20 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2019/20 is £12,350 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
See www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
Extra costs for this course
Throughout the course, you will be required to purchase small consumable items, such as memory cards and equipment batteries for use in practical units.
You will also need a pair of semi-professional headphones (not ear-buds) for listening and for digital editing.
Luton Campus Centre
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Luton Campus Accommodation
The University guarantees accommodation to all new students. Fitzroy Court and Wenlock Court, the two main halls of residence, are located on campus so getting to lectures, shopping in town and participating in events and activities is easy.
STEM building
The STEM building is home to courses in the subject areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Luton Campus Library
The library is a modern 9-storey building dedicated to study and learning. As well as traditional library provisions it offers individual and group study spaces, a cafeteria on the ground floor and a 'Study Hub' offering guidance and workshops on academic writing and research skills to ensure all Bedfordshire students get the help they need to succeed in their studies.
Aspire Gym - Luton
The Aspire Gym has state of the art cardiovascular equipment with iPod and iPhone compatibility. There is also an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area.
PG and CPD Centre
The Postgraduate Centre at Luton campus has modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms and a large ground floor lounge area where careers fairs and speaker events take place.
Luton Cultural Quarter
The School of Art and Design is located in the Cultural Quarter of the town. The Cultural Quarter is a regeneration project to convert the old hat manufacturing area of Luton into a hub for the creative industries.
Luton - Location
The Luton campus is right in the centre of town next to a large shopping mall and within easy walking distance of train and bus stations. Luton is the largest town in Bedfordshire, approximately 50km north of London which is a 30-minute train journey away. Luton has excellent transport links to the rest of the UK and Europe.
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
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