Section 2
Programme Specification: BA (Hons) Broadcasting (Sound
Design, Post Production, Production)
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
9. Date of Production
Faculty of Communication Media
University of Sussex
Ravensbourne College of Design and
Communication
N/A
BA (Hons) Broadcasting (Sound Design, Post
Production, Production)
H647 – Sound Design pathway
H646 – Post Production pathway
HP63 – Production pathway
145 (25 at Level 2, 120 at Level 3)
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 – Sound
Skillset National Occupational Standards – Editing
Skillset: Focus on Facilities
Skillset: An Inquiry into Skills Issues in the Post-
Production and Special Visual Effects Sectors
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
November 2004 – Revised January 2006
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10. Educational Aims of the Programme

Overview
This programme is concerned with the development of the reflective professional
practice and the contextual knowledge necessary to enter the broadcasting industry at
graduate level. Designed primarily as a progression route from the FdA Broadcast
Operations and Production, FdA Broadcast Post Production and FdA Creative Sound
Design, the BA (Hons) Broadcasting offers students the opportunity to develop
‘practical’ skills into ‘professional’ skills. Emphasis is placed on the development of a
critical and reflective approach to practice, to the development of skills in research
and analysis and to the development of written and oral communication skills. BA
(Hons) Broadcasting allows students to work alongside students from related
programmes in a multi-disciplinary environment, developing a diverse portfolio of work
and responding to a variety of briefs. The programme includes three distinct
pathways: ‘Production’, ‘Sound Design’ and ‘Post Production’.

This programme aims to enable students to:

• Develop a range of critical and creative technical and professional skills in

specialist discipline areas relevant to employment within the broadcasting
industry;

• Develop an understanding of key critical, technical and theoretical debates in

their chosen 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.

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11. 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.
A - Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. the economics of the broadcasting
industry (CM 3.1.2)
2. the use of technology in media production
and post-production (CM 3.1.6)
3. the cycle of production, circulation and
consumption (CM 3.3.1)
4. current and potential future production
and post production models (CM 3.3.4)
5. management techniques and processes
within the broadcasting industry (CM 3.3.7)
6. current regulatory frameworks governing
the broadcasting industry (CM 3.3.6)
7. techniques for analysing film and TV
programmes
8. the use of narrative (CM 3.4.6)
9. the evolution and use of genre (CM 3.2.5)
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Acquisition of 1 to 6 is through lectures,
seminars, industry workshops and both
independent and group study. Students
also increase their understanding through
projects by relating their own developing
professional practice to theories of
practice.
Acquisition of 7 to 9 is through screenings,
lectures, seminars, independent study and
one to one tutorial sessions. Students
apply textual analysis skills to both
existing texts and their own work –
enabling them to gain a more useful
working knowledge and preventing a
theory/practice dichotomy.
Students are also required to take
responsibility for their own learning
through the development of an
‘Independent Learning Plan’.
Assessment Methods
Breadth of knowledge is assessed
through short essays, reports, critical
analysis and individual and group
presentations, whilst depth of knowledge
is assessed through the dissertation and
portfolio projects.
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SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
B - Practical/Professional Skills – Able
To:
1. produce work which demonstrates a
critical understanding of media forms and
structures (CM 4.3.5)
2. produce work which demonstrates a
comprehensive understanding of the
technical requirements of the broadcasting
industry (CM 4.3.2.)
3. produce work which demonstrates
advanced competence of production and
post production technologies (CM 4.3.3)
4. adapt production and post production
techniques in response to the specific
constraints of a brief
5. respond to a brief using vocabulary
appropriate to specialist and non-specialist
audiences
6. balance creative, technical, schedule and
budget demands (CM 4.3.4)
7. creatively experiment with
production/post-production conventions,
techniques and practices (CM 4.4.2)
8. identify a range of solutions to a brief
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Acquisition of Professional Skills gained
primarily through self-directed project
work which contributes to each students’
portfolio. These projects run alongside
lectures, small group teaching and
industry workshops. Students respond to
a variety of different compulsory, optional
and negotiated project briefs. Each project
places emphasis on different aspects of
the post production process through the
implementation of real-life constraints and
limitations.
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed primarily through
the submission of media materials such
as video tapes, paper edits, shot lists,
sound plots, CD’s and DVD’s. Students
also submit reflective logs explaining key
points in the creative process and
justifying decisions made with respect to
the brief.
Students are also required to take
responsibility for their own learning
through the development of an
‘Independent Learning Plan’.
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SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES (Continued)
C - Intellectual Skills – Able To:
1. analyse information and experiences
2. articulate reasoned arguments through
reflection, review and evaluation
3. critically assess work with reference to
existing and emerging academic debates
(CM 4.1.5)
4. carry out research using a variety of
forms and methods (CM4.2.1)
5. evaluate research sources and show
critical judgement in their use (CM 4.2.4/CM
5.3)
6. carry out sustained independent enquiry
(CM 4.2.1)
D - Transferable Skills – Able To:
1. work independently, set own aims,
objectives and deadlines (CM 5.4)
2. manage time, personnel and resources
(CM 4.3.4)
3. work in groups with individuals from a
variety of backgrounds (CM 5.6)
4. communicate effectively to technical and
non-technical audiences
5. deliver work to specific briefs, timescales
and budgets (CM 5.7)
6. develop personal learning plan and
structure own learning effectively
7. market oneself, negotiate and agree
contracts for services (CM 5.8)
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.
Students are introduced to a variety of
research and analysis methods during the
intensive Level 2 Bridging unit which are
consolidated through a series of research
and analysis projects at Level 3. Students
present research in process in small
group seminars to peers and tutors and
received individual tutorials whilst
researching for the dissertation.
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed through short
essays, essay plans, presentations and a
dissertation.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Students gain skills primarily through self-
directed projects and the continuous
development of an independent learning
plan. Projects are accompanied by
lectures, workshops, small group teaching
and individual tutorials, though most
learning takes place during the project
and through their critical and reflective
response to those projects.
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed through the
submission of Project Files which may
include budgets, schedules, response to
briefs, communications to group
members, minutes of meetings, contracts
and resource booking forms. Students are
also assessed through independent
learning plans and through peer group
and self-assessment.
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12. Admission Criteria

This programme will recruit principally from the FdA programmes at Ravensbourne
College. Normally, the prerequisites for entry to the top-up course are:

• Successfully completed FdA Broadcast Operations and Production, FdA

Broadcast Post Production or FdA Creative Sound Design;
• A minimum of 2.2 profile (Grade C) at level 2 (calculated by weighted average);
• A Pass in all ‘bridging’ units:
 Management and Organisations;
 Understanding Media;
 Research Preparation.
• That no more than 3 years will have expired since completion of the FdA
Broadcast Operations and Production, FdA Broadcast Post Production or FdA
Creative Sound Design.

Detailed admission and selection criteria are set out in the Criteria for Admission to BA
(Hons) Broadcasting (Sound Design, Post Production, Production).

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 BA (Hons) Broadcasting (Sound Design, Post Production, Production), 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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13. 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

14. 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.

Students on the course have an access to an impressive range of facilities. These are
set out in the College statement of resources amongst those of particular interest to
this course are:

Shared production resource:

• Studio A (full production TV studio);
• Studio B (smaller TV Production studio and 24 Track Pro Tools Suite with 96
Channel Digital desk);
• TV Systems;
• Post Production (12 x Video Editing Workstations);
• Audio Edit;
• Radio Studio (broadcast desk, Myriad automated playout, turntable and DJ mixer,
CD and MD decks and large diaphragm presenters’ mic);

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• Quantel Suite (2 Workstations, Paintbox pro, Edit pro);

• Dubbing Bay;
• Teaching/authoring rooms:
• Production Office;
• Green ICT (15 workstation for 2D & 3D design and animation);
• Blue ICT (15 workstation for 2D & 3D design and animation);
• Purple ICT (15 workstation for 2D & 3D design and animation);
• Ping-Pong Room (Grey CAVE) (11 x Audio/Video Editing Workstations);
• Interactive Studio D (iTV resources);
• Convergence (19 x Video/Editing Workstations).

General Resources
• Learning Resource Centre (32,000 books, 10,000 hours off-air video recordings,
over 100 separate periodicals, plus an impressive range of electronic resources);
• General Purpose Computing (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Graphics etc).

Support for Students with Learning Difficulties

Support for students with learning difficulties and study support needs are in place
through the College Support Services.
• Learning Resource Centre Open Access (Word Processing, Spreadsheets,
Graphics etc);
• Learning Resource Centre (collection of books, journals, electronic and audio
visual materials).

15. 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.

16. 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;

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• 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.

17. Multidisciplinary Environment

Working on projects with students from other disciplines is central to the aims of this
programme. Students may work extensively with the different pathways within BA
(Hons) Broadcasting, as well as with BA (Hons) Content Creation and Broadcast.

In addition, the course may work with others in the College including the BA (Hons)
Design for Moving Image, BA (Hons) Animation and BA (Hons) Design for Interaction
on specific projects. Students may also work with the FdA courses in a client/crew
relationship. Some of this collaborative work may be geared towards the annual Rave
on Air showcase event and in all cases will be subject to the development of
negotiated learning contracts.

18. External Contexts

In line with the College’s aim of ensuring the continued commercial relevance of our
academic provision, the course will, from time to time, consult industry partners in the
development of projects.

Partners include:
• Broadcasters;
• Production Companies;
• Facilities Houses;
• Members of the Broadcasting Advisory Board;
• Members of the Advisory Committee for the Communication Media Faculty;
• Skillset (Sector Skills Council).

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 Section 2

19. Unit List

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 Section 2

Level 2 (Bridging Programme)

Unit Code Unit Title Credit
Value
BRD201 Management and Organisations C 10
BRD202 Understanding Media C 10
BRD203 Research Preparation C 5
TOTAL 25

Level 3 – Post Production Pathway

BRD301 Film and Television Analysis C 15
T301/BRD302 The Broadcasting Business C 15
PPD3b/BRD303 Personal and Professional Development 3 C 10
C301/BRD304 Dissertation C 20
BRD305 Professional Skills for Post Production PP 20
BRD306 Portfolio (Post Production) PP 40
TOTAL 120

Level 3 – Sound Design Pathway

BRD301 Film and Television Analysis C 15
T301/BRD302 The Broadcasting Business C 15
PPD3b/BRD303 Personal and Professional Development 3 C 10
C301/BRD304 Dissertation C 20
BRD307 Professional Skills for Sound Design SD 20
BRD308 Portfolio (Sound Design) SD 40
TOTAL 120

Level 3 – Production Pathway

BRD301 Film and Television Analysis C 15
T301/BRD302 The Broadcasting Business C 15
PPD3b/BRD303 Personal and Professional Development 3 C 10
C301/BRD304 Dissertation C 20
BRD309 Professional Skills for Production P 20
BRD310 Portfolio (Production) P 40
TOTAL 120

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20. BA (Hons) Broadcasting - Unit Map, Unit Delivery and Balance of Credits

BA (Hons) Broadcasting (Sound Design, Post Production, Production) Level 2

Level 2 - Summer Bridging Course

BRD203 Research Preparation

5 Credits

BRD202 Understanding Media

10 Credits

BRD201 Management and Organisations

10 Credits

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 Section 2

BA (Hons) Broadcasting (Sound Design, Post Production, Production) Level 3

Term One - 40 credits Term Two - 35 credits Term Three - 45 credits

C301/BRD304 Dissertation
20 Credits

BRD301 Film and Television Analysis

15 Credits

T301/BRD302 The Broadcasting Business

15 Credits

BRD305/BRD307/BRD309 Professional Skills for (Pathway based)

20 Credits

BRD306/BRD308/BRD310 Portfolio (Pathway based)

40 Credits

PPD3b/BRD303 Personal and Professional Development 3

10 Credits

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 Section 2

21. Outcome Map A = Knowledge and Understanding C = Intellectual Skills d = Delivered

B = Practical/Professional Skills D = Transferable Skills X = Assessed and Delivered

Unit A A A A A A A A A B B B B B B B B C C C C C C D D D D D D D
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
LEVEL 3
BRD301 Film and Television Analysis X X X X X X X X
C
T301/ The Broadcasting Business X X X X X X X X
BRD302 C
PPD3b/ Personal and Professional X X X X X X X X X X
BRD303b Development 3 C
C301/ Dissertation C X X X X X X
BRD304
BRD305 Professional Skills for Post X X X X X X
Production PP
BRD306 Portfolio (Post Production) X X X X X d d d d X X
PP
BRD307 Professional Skills for X X X X X X X
Sound SD
BRD308 Portfolio (Sound Design) SD X X X X X d d d d X X
BRD309 Professional Skills for X X X X X X X d X X X X X X X X d X d X
Production P
BRD310 Portfolio (Production) P X X X X X d d d d X X
LEVEL 2
BRD201 Management and X X X
Organisations C
BRD202 Understanding Media C X X X X X X
BRD203 Research Preparation C X X X

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A - Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. the economics of the broadcasting industry
2. the use of technology in media production and post-production
3. the cycle of production, circulation and consumption
4. current and potential future production and post production models
5. management techniques and processes within the broadcasting industry
6. current regulatory frameworks governing the broadcasting industry
7. techniques for analysing film and TV programmes
8. the use of narrative
9. the evolution and use of genre
C - Intellectual Skills – Able To:
1. analyse information and experiences
2. articulate reasoned arguments through reflection, review and evaluation
3. critically assess work with reference to existing and emerging academic
debates
4. carry out research using a variety of forms and methods
5. evaluate research sources and show critical judgement in their use
6. carry out sustained independent enquiry
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
B - Practical/Professional Skills – Able To:
1. produce work which demonstrates a critical understanding of media forms
and structures
2. produce work which demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the
technical requirements of the broadcasting industry
3. produce work which demonstrates advanced competence of production
and post production technologies
4. adapt production and post production techniques in response to the
specific constraints of a brief
5. respond to a brief using vocabulary appropriate to specialist and non-
specialist audiences
6. balance creative, technical, schedule and budget demands
7. creatively experiment with production/post-production conventions,
techniques and practices
8. identify a range of solutions to a brief
D - Transferable Skills – Able To:
1. work independently, set own aims, objectives and deadlines
2. manage time, personnel and resources
3. work in groups with individuals from a variety of backgrounds
4. communicate effectively to technical and non-technical audiences
5. deliver work to specific briefs, timescales and budgets
6. develop personal learning plan and structure own learning effectively
7. market oneself, negotiate and agree contracts for services
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 Section 2

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.

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