You will learn advanced practical production skills alongside developing an understanding of the technologies that underpin future digital media and the production process. After all, digital media technologies are not just a tool, they are also a driver for creativity in many industries. You will learn a set of specialist skills across a range of future media technologies, including audio applications, social technologies, post production practices, and distribution of digital content. You will have live briefs working with industry during the course through your project work.
This course has a mix of technological and production modules covering digital media technologies ranging from broadcast television to interactive media via mobiles. The engineering modules cover the skills and understanding used to create and deliver digital media content such as: broadcast engineering standards (e.g. sound and video compression and codecs for HD television) and multi-platform distribution (e.g. multimedia streaming over the internet and mobiles). Production modules encourage creative skills in: television, audio engineering, post production, social media and digital studio post production.
This course has both full-time and part-time routes over two 12 week semesters (plus the third semester or summer period for your dissertation for MSc students)
Audio Application Project (30 credits core)
This module will develop advanced sound recording, editing and processing techniques as well as audio production and audio post production, both within a group and in an individual context. This module covers the tools and techniques used in the audio post production process and how to apply these skills in an original and creative way by developing the advanced skills and techniques needed for sound design, dialogue editing, ADR (automatic dialogue replacement) and Foley work. You will also develop a systematic understanding of mixing for 5.1 surround and to apply these in an original and creative way and be able to develop mastering techniques in stereo and 5.1. On completion you should have the skills and techniques needed to produce broadcast-standard output.
Research in Emerging Technologies (30 credits core)
You will learn a range of research techniques appropriate to audio, acoustics and video and the relationship between research questions, research methods and analysis techniques. This will help prepare you for writing your dissertation. Additionally, this module will enable you to gain a systematic understanding of, and an ability to critically evaluate likely future developments in media, in both a technical and commercial context. Topics covered include: social media, cultural impacts and drivers; consumer markets, digital identity; ethics, privacy, copyright, licensing; content creation, sharing and reuse; digital rights management. This module includes practice-based research techniques as part of your learning.
Studio Design and Web Broadcast Methods (30 credits core)
You will explore the auditory system and understand how this allows humans to perceive different attributes of their soundscape including how the room acoustic affects the listening experience. You will cover common terminology and metrics appropriate to the study of psychoacoustics and room acoustics and be able to apply your knowledge of psychoacoustics, physics and engineering in the design of control rooms and other audio environments. There are a number of mechanisms for delivering audio and video content to an internet audience and you will learn how to critically evaluate these on this module. You will also study the specific requirements and demands of delivering audio and video to users, particularly the demands of this complex and unpredictable environment.
Post Production and Compositing (30 credits) (Optional)
You will be able to demonstrate a variety of 3D animation tools and techniques. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of 3D animation production methods as well as pre-production and post-production processes through research and practice. You will develop the ability to critically evaluate current and on-going developments in the field of 3D animation.
Advanced Production Practices and Techniques (30 credits) (Optional)
You will develop an advanced level of competence in camera, sound and editing skills relevant to a range of contemporary production through workshop exercises, applied theory and the production of a portfolio of exercise work. You will combine theory and practice of contemporary productions to a specific genre and develop an in-depth knowledge of the range of specialist techniques required to make contemporary productions.
Advanced Post-Production Practice and Techniques (30 credits) (Optional)
You will learn to advance a range of applied and conceptual skills relevant to current post production and compositing environment practices within modern digital workflows. You will gain an industry knowledge of post production and techniques and practises using a range of diverse software applications. You will demonstrate the use of a range of current professional post production technology to an advanced level to progress critical thinking and intellectual skills to reflect, learn and grow as a successful professional practitioner within a range of media industries. You will understand compositing and the generation of special effects (SFX) within modern industry workflow models.
M level Project (60 credits)
The project is designed to enable you to carry out, under supervision, an extended individual study into a topic in acoustics, audio or video. The topic to be agreed between yourself and your supervisor. You will be encouraged to demonstrate initiative and project management and bring together the skills, knowledge and understanding from different areas of the course.
