Section 2

Programme Specification: BSc (Hons) Broadcast

Technology
1. Awarding Institution
2. Teaching Institution
3. Programme Accredited by
4. Name of Final Award
5. UCAS Code
6. Total Number of Credits
7. Subject Benchmark
Statement
8. Points of Reference
University of Sussex
Ravensbourne College of Design and
Communication
N/A
BSc (Hons) Broadcast Technology
H645
145 (25 at Level 2, 120 at Level 3)
Engineering
Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies
External
QAA - The framework for higher education
qualifications in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland
QAA Subject Benchmarks (as above)
QAA Code of Practice
Skillset National Occupational Standards –
Broadcast Engineering
University of Sussex Code of Practice for
Validation

Internal
College Learning and Teaching Strategy
College Academic Plan
College Procedure for Course Development
Approval and Validation
Academic Regulations for the Awards of BA and
BSc
9. Date of Production October 2005
10. Overview

This programme is concerned with the acquisition of the professional skills and
understanding of technology necessary to enter the broadcasting industry at
graduate level. Designed primarily as a progression route from the FdSc
Broadcast Media Technology, the BSc (Hons) Broadcast Technology offers
students the opportunity to develop ‘practical’ skills into ‘professional’ skills.

Emphasis is placed on the development of a critical and reflective approach to

problem-solving underpinned by coherent and detailed knowledge; on the
development of skills in research and analysis; on the development of project
management skills; and on the development of written and oral communication
skills. Students will engage with the key technological and theoretical concepts in
this discipline area, and will research independently around these concepts, whilst
developing experience and knowledge of collaborative working methods and
processes within an industry focused multidisciplinary environment.

Although its engineering focus sets this course apart from other Level 3 courses
within the Faculty and the College, the course complements the delivery within the
production and content-based programmes, with which there is a significant

Faculty of Communication Media 1 Definitive Document: 21 July 2006

 Section 2

quantity of shared delivery. It is designed to take Foundation Degree students (and

those entering from elsewhere with other appropriate intermediate level
qualifications and experience) and facilitate their development from practitioners to
‘thinking practitioners’, able not merely to perform, but to analyse, research,
develop, and lead engineering project work, confidently applying and adapting
their knowledge and skills to new situations and challenging orthodoxies when
necessary.

The course benefits from a compulsory bridging programme designed to support

students make the transition from the more vocationally orientated foundation
degree to the rigour of honours level academic study. The bridging programme is
mandatory for all entrants and is normally delivered immediately on completion of
the foundation degree. It is organised around three units which broaden the
students’ contextual knowledge, extend their mathematical capabilities to underpin
the technical challenges of the honours level and prepare them for the challenges
of the dissertation.

To help prepare students for industry, this programme is delivered in an

environment that replicates and emulates industry practice, and reflects both
current industry needs and anticipated developments, particularly in relation to
digital technologies, and server based systems. To succeed in industry graduates
need to be able to demonstrate a motivated, flexible and self-starting approach.
Whilst the course seeks to extend the student’s existing technical knowledge and
abilities and develop new vistas in their approach to technical problems, the
course also aims to develop student’s business, project management,
interpersonal and transferable skills. There is particular emphasis placed upon
developing problem solving and analytical skills. Students are likely to take a
prominent engineering role (management/project management) in the Broadcast
Showcase ‘Rave On Air’ and will be active in the regular term-time transmissions
across the year.

Graduates can expect to find employment opportunities in a wide range of

broadcast organisations, facilities houses and related communications industries.
With mainstream broadcasters graduates may be directly involved with
transmission, studio recording or testing and fault finding. Significant opportunities
can also be found in Outside Broadcast and satellite operations. Whilst they may
enter at a similar level to Foundation Degree graduates, it would be expected that
they would progress their careers more rapidly and more effectively and are likely
to quickly reach roles of decision-making and responsibility.

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 Section 2

11. Educational Aims of the Programme

This programme aims to enable students to:

• Develop a range of professional problem solving and project management

skills in this discipline as relevant to employment in this sector of the
broadcasting industry;

• Further develop their understanding of key technological and theoretical

concepts in this discipline area;

• Develop skills in research and analysis and to encourage critical reflection,

intellectual risk taking and the development of effective and appropriate
communication methods;

• Encourage independent and critical thinking and develop transferable skills

and competencies enabling life-long learning;

• Develop experience and knowledge of collaborative working methods and

processes within an industrially focused multidisciplinary environment.

Faculty of Communication Media 3 Definitive Document: 21 July 2006


12. Intended Learning Outcomes - This programme provides opportunities for
students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities
and other attributes in the following areas:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
CM identifies outcomes which reference
paragraphs in the QAA Communication,
Media, Film and Cultural Studies Benchmark
Statement
E identifies outcomes which reference to the
six pages of Table 2 in the Engineering
Benchmark Statement
A - Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. relevant mathematical methods and
science leading to electronics,
communications and signal theory as
appropriate to Honours Degree level
professional practice in this sector (E Table 2
p1, p2) (A1)
2. principles of Information Technology and
Communications relevant to computer and
network installation, support and use in this
field (E Table 2 p3) (A2)
3. electronic components and software and
experience of the design techniques required
to use them to produce practical solutions (E
Table 2 p4) (A3)
4. management and business practices (E
Table 2 p5) (A4)
5. professional and ethical responsibilities of
engineering (E Table 2 p5) (A5)
6. awareness of the requirements for safe
operation (E Table2 p8) (A6)
7. engineering practice and theory in the
broader context of history, society and
contemporary global culture (A7)
8. the role of technology in the broader
context of history, society and contemporary
global culture (A8)
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Learning and teaching in relation to these
learning outcomes tends to be primarily
project based (see Practical and
Professional Skills below). This is
supported by varied learning and teaching
methods which may include as appropriate:
project briefings, studio based lectures,
(staff and student led) group seminars,
technical or practical workshops,
demonstrations, critiques, individual or
group tutorials and self directed study by
the student.
Learning is facilitated by well qualified
permanent teaching staff and by sessional
staff and visiting speakers who are
practising professionals and bring an
important industry perspective to the
course. Traditional modes of delivery may
be supported where appropriate by e-
learning and/or resource based learning.
Assessment Methods
Knowledge and understanding is primarily
assessed through essays, reports and
individual and group presentations, and
through its application in practical projects
in a manner appropriate to each unit of
delivery.
4 Definitive Document: 21 July 2006

SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
B - Practical/Professional Skills – Able To:
1. apply mathematical methods to the
processing of images (B1)
2. use relevant test and measurement
equipment and diagnostic software to test
systems and analyse results (E Table2 p2, 4)
(B2)
3. use components, construction methods
and programming languages to design
systems and/or implement solutions, taking
account of costs (E Table2 p3, 4, 6) (B3)
4. manage individual and group projects
including time and resources (E Table2 p6)
(B4)
5. to apply engineering techniques taking
into account of industrial and commercial
constraints (E Table2 p8) (B5)
6. to apply project management skills to
individual and group projects (E Table2 p8)
(B6)
7. to utilise diverse sources of information in
research and to apply quantitative and
qualitative research methodologies (B7)
8. to apply research and synthesise
information (B8)
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Professional and practical skills are gained
primarily through self-directed project
based learning.
Supported by staff, students work on
project briefs designed to foster creative,
technical and academic skills while
progressively introducing professional
contexts and constraints. This approach is
student-centred, encourages deep learning,
builds problem solving ability and
integrates academic with professional
learning. Students learn to take
responsibility for their own learning
progressively. Some projects are
intentionally collaborative encouraging
team working and peer learning. This may
involve students from other courses.
Projects are supported by briefings,
studio lectures, workshops and
demonstrations, critiques, group
seminars, tutorials and student self
directed study. Learning is facilitated by
permanent teaching staff and by sessional
staff and visiting speakers who are
practising professionals and bring an
important industry perspective to the
course. These methods may be supported
where appropriate by e-learning and/or
resource based learning. The project based
approach culminates in independently
negotiated project work in the final level of
the course.
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed primarily through
written individual and group reports on
projects and practical work... Some specific
skills are tested by individual practical
competence assessments. Time
management is assessed through the
submission of a Practical Reports and
through discussion in progress meetings.
5 Definitive Document: 21 July 2006

SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES (Continued)
C - Intellectual Skills – Able To:
1. select and apply appropriate mathematical
methods, scientific principles and appropriate
software to analyse electronics and
communications engineering problems (E
Table2 p1, 2, 3) (C1)
2. analyse existing systems or processes and
create solutions through the synthesis of
ideas and methods (E Table2 p4, 6) (C2)
3. produce solutions to problems through the
confident application of engineering
principles (E Table1 p8) (C3)
4. undertake a systematic technical risk
evaluation (E Table1 p8) (C4)
5. think independently and critically (C5)
6. make reasoned and structured argument
through reflection, review and evaluation
(C6)
7. research information using a variety of
forms and methods (CM4.2.1) (C7)
8. carry out sustained independent enquiry
(CM 4.2.1) (C8)
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Intellectual skills are gained primarily
through lectures, seminars, workshops,
individual tutorials and self-directed
study but also through project based
learning.
Students are introduced to a variety of
research and analytical methods through
the contextual elements of the course and
apply them in an independent major study
and the preparation of a dissertation in the
third level of the course. Project based
learning stimulates analysis, contextual
and visual research, problem solving,
creative thinking and personal reflection.
Assessment Methods
Students are primarily assessed through a
variety of means including essays,
presentations and a dissertation. Some
elements are assessed through their
application in submitted project materials.
This may include rationales, background
research, development materials and/or
evidence of reflection on the process of
development in addition to practical
material.
6 Definitive Document: 21 July 2006

SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES (Continued)
D - Transferable Skills – Able To:
1. work independently, setting own aims,
objectives and deadlines to manage
learning, workload and projects, including
time, personnel and resources (D1)
2. work effectively and collaboratively with
others in a team from a variety of
backgrounds and disciplines (D2)
3. manage information in a range of media,
selecting and using a variety of sources and
technologies to evaluate and record/present
information (D3)
4. articulate ideas and information in visual,
oral and written forms, and communicate
ideas and work clearly and appropriately to a
variety of audiences, including technical and
non-technical audiences (D4)
5. produce work that is literate, numerate
and coherent, deploying established
techniques of analysis and enquiry (D5)
6. identify, define and creatively solve
problems, using appropriate knowledge, tools
and methods, often in complex and
unpredictable situations (D6)
7. demonstrate critical awareness and
reflection through evaluating own strengths
and weaknesses, and adapting proposals
and plans accordingly (D7)
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Students develop transferable skills
primarily through self-directed project
activity, which progressively introduces
professional contexts.
Though most learning takes place during
the projects and through students’ critical
and reflective responses to these, this
aspect of learning is supported by a
Personal and Professional Development
unit in each of the course levels. The first
level concentrates on ensuring that
students ‘learn how to learn’. The second
and third levels focus on career planning
and the development of professional
transferable skills to enable the student to
make the transition to employment and/or
further study.
Assessment Methods
Transferable skills are assessed within
appropriate units throughout the course,
and in particular through the submission of
Personal and Professional Development
Files. These files (containing a learning
plan, reflective commentary and evidence-
base) are developed within the Personal
and Professional Development unit and
provide evidence of work and learning
carried out across the course. For instance,
evidence of personal development
achieved through research, design
development and realisation; responses to
briefs; and evidence of project
management. Students are also assessed
through peer, group and self-assessment.
7 Definitive Document: 21 July 2006
 Section 2

13. Admission Criteria

Entry Requirements
This programme will recruit principally from the FdSc Broadcast Media Technology
at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication. Normally, the
prerequisites for entry to the top-up course are:

• Successfully completed FdSc Broadcast Media Technology;

• A minimum of 2.2 profile (Grade C) at level 2 (calculated by weighted
average);
• A Pass in all ‘bridging’ units:
 Management and Organisations;
 Mathematics;
 Research Preparation.
• That no more than 3 years will have expired since completion of the FdSc
Broadcast Media Technology.

Detailed admission and selection criteria are set out in the Criteria for Admission to
BSc (Hons) Broadcast Technology.

Students applying from another Foundation Degree course are expected to have
acquired, to an equivalent level, the skills achieved by Foundation Degree
graduates. This might be through work or alternative study.

Applicants may need to complete a suitable bridging course before commencing

study on the BSc (Hons) Broadcast Technology, which will normally run in the
summer before enrolment. There is no right of entry to the course for Foundation
Degree students; all applicants will be subject to meeting threshold achievement
criteria and a selection interview.

Applications are positively welcomed from those who may not possess formal entry
qualifications, mature students, those with work experience or with qualifications
other than those listed above.

Students will be expected to attend for interview and submit a portfolio of examples
of work.

Students will be selected according to the criteria set out in the College Procedure
for the Admission of Students and Guidance Notes for Selecting Candidates
for interview.

When appropriate the College’s Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy and

Procedure will be used to assess applicants at interview. The key criterion for entry
is evidence of commitment and motivation to study in the subject area.

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 Section 2

14. Assessment Regulations and Principles

In common with all Ravensbourne honours degree courses, this course is subject to
the Academic Regulations for the Awards of BA and BSc.

In summary, in order to complete a unit, a student must successfully complete all the
assessment specified for that unit. In order to progress from level two (bridging
course) to level three, a student must successfully complete all the units in that level
of the course. In order to achieve the award, a student (having completed the level
two bridging course) must successfully complete all the units in level three. In
certain circumstances, the Examination Board may at its discretion choose to permit
performance in one area to compensate for underachievement in another subject to
the provisions of the Academic Regulations for the Awards of BA and BSc. However,
there is no automatic right to such compensation.

The final degree is classified on the basis of the level three units only. Classification
is determined by the average of the final results achieved in each of the final year
units weighted by their credit size, according to the banding below:

Classification Grade Percentage Banding

First Class Honours A 100 – 70
Upper Second Honours B 60 – 69
Lower Second Class Honours C 50 – 59
Third Class Honours D 40 – 49
Pass E 35 – 39

15. Support for Student Learning

The College acknowledges the difficulties students may have during the transition
from Foundation Degree Level 2 to Honours Degree Level 3. This transition is fully
supported through the bridging programme, which focuses on the development of
both research and analysis skills and key communication skills. Personal tutorials
and study skills support is also offered to all students.

Much of the learning on the course takes place during resource based project work.
In order to support student learning the following resources and services are
available:

• Radio Studio Computer Laboratory (C108);

• Electronics Laboratory (C106);
• TV Systems Laboratory (C110B);
• TV Production, Post Production and Transmission facilities (C026/C028
C004/5/6/7 C014);
• Interactive TV authoring and transmission facilities (Interactive TV/C014);
• Sound engineering facilities (C026/C013/C015/C106/C110B);
• Learning Resource Centre;
• College Employability Unit;
• Student Support Services.

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 Section 2

16. E Learning

In addition to the aspects of the curriculum delivered in the traditional manner

through lectures, workshops and other face to face delivery methods, learning will
also be supported by the developing ‘Moodle’ Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Course Handbooks, project briefs and other course materials will be stored for
retrieval and access on or off campus. Similarly students are able to apply
themselves to on-line group forums and critiques and tasks at the time and place
most suitable to their personal schedules and commitments.

17. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The course operates within a College quality assurance framework which ensures
that the standards set at validation are maintained and enhanced and the quality of
the student learning experience is good. As part of this framework the course is
subject to the following processes:

• Course Review;
• Mapping against FHEQ and Subject Benchmark Statement during development;
• Integration of Occupational Standards during development;
• College Internal Validation;
• External Validation by the University of Sussex;
• External Examiner Reports;
• Annual Course Monitoring;
• Student Feedback;;
• Student Representation;
• Peer Observation of Staff;
• Staff Training Programme;
• Industry Benchmarking (for specific projects);
• An advisory committee which ensures that the programme is up to date and in
line with the thinking and direction of the industry and professional world.

18. Multidisciplinary Environment

Working on projects with students from other disciplines is a significant part of the
aims of this programme. Students will work extensively with the BA (Hons)
Broadcasting (Sound Design, Post Production, Production). Collaboration is also
likely with other programmes within the faculty. Some of this collaborative work will
be geared towards the annual Rave on Air showcase event.

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 Section 2

19. External Contexts

In line with the College’s aim of ensuring the continued commercial relevance of our
academic provision, industry partners will provide direct feedback on the relevance
of course content and will feed back indirectly through comments on the
appropriateness of students’ skills as they enter employment.

Partners include:

Broadcasters (such as Sky & ITV)

Facilities Houses (such as Pinewood & Arena)
Hire Companies (such as Optex & Panavision)
Production Companies (such as Endemol)
Members of the Broadcasting Advisory Board
Members of the Advisory Committee for the Communication Media Faculty

Faculty of Communication Media 11 Definitive Document: 21 July 2006

 Section 2

20. Unit List

Level 2 Bridging units

Unit Code Unit Title Credit
Value
BTC201 Management and Organisations 10
BTC202 Mathematics 10
BTC203 Research Preparation 5
TOTAL 25

Level 3
T301/BTC301 The Broadcasting Business 15
BTC302 Engineering Project 30
BTC303 Communications and Networks 15
BTC304 Digital Signal and Image Data Processing 15
BTC305 Media Compression 15
C301/BTC306 Dissertation 20
PPD3b/BTC307 Personal and Professional Development 3 10
TOTAL 120

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 Section 2

21. BSc (Hons) Broadcast Technology Unit Map

Level 2 Level 3

BTC303 Communications and Networks

BTC201 Management and T301/BTC301 The
15 Credits
Organisations Broadcasting Business
10 Credits 15 Credits

BTC304 Digital Signal and Image Data

Processing
15 Credits

BTC202 Mathematics C301/BTC306 Dissertation

10 Credits 20 Credits BTC305 Media Compression
15 Credits

BTC302 Engineering Project

30 Credits
BTC203 Research
Preparation
5 Credits
PPD3b/BTC307 Personal and Professional Development 3
10 Credits

Faculty of Communication Media 13 Definitive Document: 21 July 2006

22. Outcome Map

A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8
Unit A = Knowledge and
Level 3 Understanding
T301/BTC301 The Broadcasting Business X X X X d X X X X
BTC302 Engineering Project d X X X X X
B = Practical/
Professional Skills
BTC303 Communications and Networks X X X d d X X X X
BTC304 Digital Signal and Image Data X d X X X X X C = Intellectual Skills
Processing
BTC305 Media Compression X X d X X X X X
D = Transferable Skills
C301/BTC306 Dissertation X X X X
PPD3b/BTC307 Personal and Professional X X X X X X X d = Delivered
Development 3
Level 2 X = Assessed and
BTC201 Management and Organisations X X X X X X Delivered
BTC202 Mathematics X X
BTC203 Research Preparation X X

Unit C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7

Level 3
T301/BTC301 The Broadcasting Business X X d d
BTC302 Engineering Project d X X X X X X X X X d X d X
BTC303 Communications and Networks X X X X X X X
BTC304 Digital Signal and Image Data X X X X X X X
Processing
BTC305 Media Compression X d X X X X
C301/BTC306 Dissertation X X X X X X X X X X
PPD3b/BTC307 Personal and Professional X X X X X X
Development 3
Level 2
BTC201 Management and Organisations X d X X X X X d
BTC202 Mathematics X X d
BTC203 Research Preparation X X X X X X d d d X
A - Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. relevant mathematical methods and science leading to electronics,
communications and signal theory as appropriate to Honours Degree
level professional practice in this sector
2. principles of Information Technology and Communications relevant to
computer and network installation, support and use in this field
3. electronic components and software and experience of the design
techniques required to use them to produce practical solutions
4. management and business practices
5. professional and ethical responsibilities of engineering
6. awareness of the requirements for safe operation
7. engineering practice and theory in the broader context of history, society
and contemporary global culture
8. the role of technology in the broader context of history, society and
contemporary global culture
C - Intellectual Skills – Able To:
1. select and apply appropriate mathematical methods, scientific principles
and appropriate software to analyse electronics and communications
engineering problems
2. analyse existing systems or processes and create solutions through the
synthesis of ideas and methods
3. produce solutions to problems through the confident application of
engineering principles
4. undertake a systematic technical risk evaluation
5. think independently and critically
6. make reasoned and structured argument through reflection, review and
evaluation
7. research information using a variety of forms and methods
8. carry out sustained independent enquiry
B - Practical/Professional Skills – Able To:
1. apply mathematical methods to the processing of images
2. use relevant test and measurement equipment and diagnostic software
to test systems and analyse results
3. use components, construction methods and programming languages to
design systems and/or implement solutions, taking account of costs
4. manage individual and group projects including time and resources
5. to apply engineering techniques taking into account of industrial and
commercial constraints
6. to apply project management skills to individual and group projects
7. to utilise diverse sources of information in research and to apply
quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
8. to apply research and synthesise information
D - Transferable Skills – Able To:
1. work independently, setting own aims, objectives and deadlines to
manage learning, workload and projects, including time, personnel and
resources
2. work effectively and collaboratively with others in a team from a variety
of backgrounds and disciplines
3. manage information in a range of media, selecting and using a variety of
sources and technologies to evaluate and record/present information
4. articulate ideas and information in visual, oral and written forms, and
communicate ideas and work clearly and appropriately to a variety of
audiences, including technical and non-technical audiences
5. produce work that is literate, numerate and coherent, deploying
established techniques of analysis and enquiry
6. identify, define and creatively solve problems, using appropriate
knowledge, tools and methods, often in complex and unpredictable
situations
7. demonstrate critical awareness and reflection through evaluating own
strengths and weaknesses, and adapting proposals and plans
accordingly
 23. Unit Delivery/Balance of Credits

BSc (Hons) Broadcast Technology

BRIDGING TERM 1 TERM 2 TERM 3

BTC203 Research BTC302 Engineering Project
Preparation
(5 Credits) (8 Credits) (10 Credits) (12 Credits)

Summative Proposal Interim Project Final Project Presentation

Assessment Report Report

PPD3b/BTC307 Personal and Professional

Development 3
(3 Credits) (3 Credits) (4 Credits)
Formative Summative
Assessment Assessment

BTC201 Management BTC303 Communications

Organisations and Networks
(10 Credits) (8 Credits) (7 Credits)
Written Log of Summative
Reports Practicals Test
Summative
Assessment C301/BTC306 Dissertation T301/BTC301 The Broadcasting
Business
(15 Credits) (5 Credits) (7 Credits) (8 Credits)
Formative Summative Formative Summative
Assessment Assessment Assessments Assessment

BTC202 Mathematics BTC304 Digital Signal and Image Data Processing BTC305 Media Compression

(10 Credits) (15 Credits) (8 Credits) (7 Credits)

Summative Interim Summative Interim Summative
Assessment Assessment Test Assessment Test
Please note, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More
detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment
methods of each unit can be found in the Course Handbook, Unit Descriptors and Project Briefs. The
accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the College and may be
checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

Faculty of Communication Media 17 Definitive Document: 21 July 2006