BA Television Production Degree

Overview & facilities

Middlesex University, London has one of the UK's most focused and hands-on television degrees. Our BA Television Production degree with Honours begins with you acquiring the basic knowledge and skills required to make TV, and goes on to develop skills to enable you to work at a highly creative and professional level. We provide an in-depth course covering the production of documentary, drama, news, and entertainment formats, as well researching and producing, writing, directing and production for multi-platform delivery.

With our strong industry focus within television we also refer to industry-related guidelines and practices.This has been further strengthened with Middlesex and our partner institutions gaining recognition as a Skillset Media Acadamy. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media.

This is a practical and production focused degree which also benefits from running in parallel with BA Television Production - Technical Arts. Our visiting lecturers include professional directors, producers and broadcasters - ensuring that you are in close contact with the industry throughout the course.

 

 

Content & modules

The course covers the production of documentary, drama, news, magazine and entertainment formats which are supported by modules in researching and producing, writing and directing and producing for the Internet and DVD.

Most of this study is carried out in production groups with an emphasis on team work supported by technical and skilling tutorials. There is considerable freedom in the second and third years to decide which roles you want to develop particular expertise in. The degree culminates with a final production where you fully express your creativity and independence to a high level.

Modules

• Year 1

  Introduction to Television Studies (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This principle aim of the module is to give students the opportunity to explore and improve their core study skills, with particular reference to effective learning, personal and career development, communication, teamwork, information technology and, where appropriate numeracy. The main model for delivering this is to focus on the UK Television Industry within the context of various national television systems and the increasing internationalism of media and television. It examines such key aspects of the television industry in relation to the history, structure and the function of the medium - including the issues posed by the rapid development of multi-platform delivery and interactive services. This will incorporate a consideration of audience, commercial influences and regulation.

  Multi-Camera Production (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides a broad introduction to multi-camera studio television production genres, viewing environments, technologies, operating skills, role and practices. With professional practice as a reference point, students learn the working procedures, roles and some of the skills involved in studio production. This includes technical, operational, editorial and creative aspects. The module takes students through a process of acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to produce their first studio productions. The module constitutes the foundation of all subsequent multi-camera production work.

  Single Camera Production (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides a broad introduction to single-camera television production genres, viewing environments, technologies, operating skills, roles and practices. With professional practice as a reference point, students engage in a number of small group workshops and exercises, including camera, lighting, sound and editing. Students then work in small teams on the production of short single-camera factual and drama sequences. The module enables students to acquire an understanding of the working procedures necessary for single camera production and constitutes the foundation of all subsequent production work.

• Year 2

  Television Documentary Form and Practice (60 Credits) - Optional

  This module introduces students to documentary production, exploring key movements and directors in the history, development and current practice of the form. Drawing on national and international examples from the 1920s to the present, the module aims to encourage and enable critical and authorial reflection and give students an insight into the diversity and range of contemporary documentary programmed-making. This includes a strong consideration of purpose/style and the ethical dimension in relation to practice and representation. In parallel, the module builds on the production-centred modules in year one of the degree, with students producing short documentaries of their own. Through lectures, case studies and seminars the module explores the roles and responsibilities of the producer, production manager and researcher in the documentary production team. Specialist workshops address the principles and practices of directing documentary, camera/lighting styles, interviewing techniques, the use of sound and approaches to documentary editing. Finally, in the context of a rapidly-changing and increasingly interactive operating environment, the module looks closely at current developments in content distribution broadcast and unicast , as well as associated audience behaviour patterns and the repercussions of this for documentary practitioners, for the television industry and for students planning a career in factual television.

  Television Drama Form and Practice (60 Credits) - Optional

  This module introduces students to drama production, exploring key movements and directors in the history, development and current practice of the form. Drawing on national and international examples from the early 1900 s to the present, the module aims to encourage and enable critical and authorial reflection and give students an insight into the diversity and range of contemporary drama programme-making. This will incorporate studies of the single play, drama series, drama documentary and soap opera. Most of the examples will be drawn from British television. In parallel, the module builds on the production-centred modules in year one of the degree, with students producing short dramas of their own. This will involve working in small production teams. The aim is to enable students to develop the skills, knowledge, teamwork and professionalism involved in drama production. This includes an understanding of the early stages of pre-production from a creative point of view, and an insight into how screenwriting, visualisation and working with actors is approached within the television and film industries Finally, in the context of a rapidly-changing and increasingly interactive operating environment, the module looks closely at current developments in content distribution, as well as associated audience behaviour patterns and the repercussions of this for drama practitioners, for the television industry and for students planning a career in film or TV drama.

  Television Entertainment Form and Practice (60 Credits) - Optional

  This module introduces students to TV entertainment production, exploring key movements in the history, development and current practice of the form. Drawing on examples from national, international and global television output, the module aims to encourage and enable critical and authorial reflection and give students an insight into the diversity and range of contemporary entertainment formats. This includes a consideration of the ethical dimension in relation to practice and representation, as well as the cross-over between entertainment and factual output. In parallel, the module builds on the production-centred modules in year one of the degree, and enables students to further develop studio production skills, producing a range of different forms of entertainment output. Carrying out these tasks includes editorial, technical and creative considerations. Through lectures, case studies and seminars the module explores the roles and responsibilities of the production team. Students have the opportunity to bring invention, creativity, innovation and skills together in the production of high quality work. They combine core multi-camera production skills, working cooperatively in teams and observing professional working practices. Specialist workshops address the principles and practices of writing and producing to set deadlines, presenting, working with an audience, camera styles, graphic design and production, the use of sound and approaches to the live and as-live multi-camera environment. Finally, in the context of a rapidly-changing and increasingly interactive operating environment, the module looks closely at current developments in content distribution, as well as associated audience behaviour patterns and the repercussions of this for the television industry and for students planning a career in the entertainment sector.

  Television News Form and Practice (60 Credits) - Optional

  This module introduces students to news production, exploring key movements in the development and current practice of the form. Drawing on national, international and global examples, the module aims to encourage and enable critical and authorial reflection and give students an insight into the diversity and range of contemporary news formats. This includes a strong consideration of story, its purpose/style and the ethical dimension in relation to practice and representation. In parallel, the module builds on the production-centred modules in year one of the degree, with students producing a range of different forms of news output. This includes short single camera news reports, live and as-live bulletins and long-form news studio programmes - including rolling news. Carrying out these tasks includes editorial, legal, technical and creative considerations. Through lectures, case studies and seminars the module explores the roles and responsibilities of the reporter, news producer, news editor, production manager and researcher within the television news production team. Students combine core journalistic and television production skills, working cooperatively in teams and observing professional working practices. Specialist workshops address the principles and practices of writing and producing to set deadlines, presenting, interview techniques, camera styles, the use of sound and approaches to field and fast-turnaround editing. Finally, in the context of a rapidly-changing and increasingly interactive operating environment, the module looks closely at current developments in content distribution, as well as associated audience behaviour patterns and the repercussions of this for the television industry and for students planning a career in television journalism.

• Year 3

  Final Project (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to facilitate advanced independent studies and skills development to prepare students for progression to production-related positions in the television and related media sectors. It provides an opportunity for students, working in teams of their choice, to develop, pitch and produce programmes within broad guidelines. It also allows those students interested in specific production roles to enhance and measure the development of these skills against professional standards. This enables them to further develop and explore their creativity, production knowledge and skills. Supported by guest speaker programme, students have direct contact with a variety of industry practitioners from a number of different fields, giving them an insight into contemporary practice, different employment sectors, life choices and the impact of new developments in the industry. Advanced skills workshops in a number of technical and production roles also support students with their production assignments.

  Proposition (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is forward-looking and aims to give students the maximum flexibility in their choice of third year of study in order to understand, evaluate, prepare and enact plans for their progression route following undergraduate study. Students propose an individual study plan to a module tutor and agree a package of coursework assignments and assessment criteria. Each assignment will be awarded a credit-weighting, and together the assignments will comprise the required 60 credits at level three. There s a considerable degree of flexibility in the nature and composition of the coursework assignments, for example: - Students aiming to progress to postgraduate study might choose to write a dissertation, research project, or other form of academic writing. - Students aiming for new-entrant positions in the television sector might combine a reflective analysis of work experience with an industry case study. - Students wishing to develop creative skills might choose to write a drama script and/or undertake in-depth subject research towards a production treatment. Other directions that students are likely to take include working with local communities and NGO s, teaching and positions in related media sectors. Students will have a personal and supportive environment in which to explore their strengths, weaknesses and future pathways - be they towards the world of work, further training or study.

Attendance

You have lectures, seminars and tutorials, and you spend many hours working on studio and location productions. It's an exciting stimulating environment where you work closely together in teams. Your ability to take on a unique role and then juggle a schedule will be highly valued.

The campus has a vivid arts flavour with a strong performing arts community - and custom-built studios and a professional theatre. Education, media, humanities and product design programmes contribute to an eclectic mix of subjects. The student union lies adjacent to the television suites making it a popular post-studio haunt for our students.

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on 260 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE English Language at grade C. BTEC National Diploma/International Baccalaureate/Advanced Progression Diplomas at equivalent tariff. Access to HE - Pass. Applications from candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed. Additionally overseas students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, eg IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 paper-based or 213 computer based.

We also offer two 12-week long courses successful completion of which guarantees you a place on this course:

• Foundation in Art and Design, Intensive Short Course
• Foundation in Digital Arts, Intensive Short Course

Apply now

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. 

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

As a graduate you will be well placed to take up work within the creative media sector. A Skillset Media Academy - Middlesex has very strong links to the Film, TV and Video production media sectors. The industry has been growing and transforming over recent years - especially in London. Most production takes place in a range of independent companies as well as the main broadcast organisations. Employers require people who are creative, flexible, multi-skilled, self-motivated and with a clear idea of their sector skills and interests. Many of our graduates have been successful in gaining presenting and production roles.