This course provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the modern digital industry using a variety of media technologies.
You will be given a broad knowledge base across a range of convergent media types, including audio and music production, sound engineering, animation, television and web.
On completion you should have the creative skills to generate and produce the best digital media content and the technical knowledge needed to deliver this content to an audience. This degree is taught at MediaCityUK which is a new purpose-built media hub being developed at Salford Quays, close to the heart of Greater Manchester and the University of Salford.
The University of Salford has a state-of-the-art teaching space in a prime location right next to the BBC and is committed to delivering a significant element of this course at MediaCityUK. Students on this course will be well placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by MediaCityUK.
The course is split between production and theory elements. Your learning is to provide you with both operational skills to generate media content and the technical knowledge needed to deliver this content to an audience.
Year 1
Introduction to Video Production
This module will introduce the underlying concepts and principles used to capture, encode and decode video signals and television images and making a simple television film.
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Audio Systems
This module will introduce you to a broad range of audio systems including microphones, transmission, digital audio and loudspeakers. You will learn basic practical skills by carrying out a simple audio electronics project.
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Live Sound Connections
You will study the methods of connecting audio and video equipment for analogue and digital data transmission and power delivery in the context of PA and sound re-enforcement systems. This module also looks at the fundamental electrical principles and practices necessary for the design and assembly of public address and sound re-enforcement systems for delivery of music and sound to a live audience. On completion you should have the organisational skills necessary to specify systems and plan in advance according to the requirements of the venue and performers.
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Studio Production 1
This module is designed to give you an understanding of the underlying concepts and principles of multi-track production, develop your production skills to translate multi-source live music and sound into a recorded stereo image, and develop the organisational skills needed to successfully record an artist/group.
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Music Technology Systems
You will be taught how to use typical computer based tools for the generation, control, processing and audio reproduction in music technology. You will be encouraged to evaluate the importance of the different parameters that influence musical sound. This module also introduces MIDI programming and musical synthesis using both software and hardware.
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Web Content Creation
This module introduces the concepts and principles of web content creation. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to design, build and maintain a basic website and animated web content.
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Year 2
Intermediate Video
You will be taught skills in scripting alongside animation aspects of post-production and develop a technical understanding of digital video systems.
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Industrial Studies and Career Management
This module is all about developing the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment in the media industry. During the module you will explore the range of career opportunities within the film, broadcast audio/video media industries, understand the employment practices with the industries, recognise how to develop a career pathway into the industry, appreciate the importance of transferable skills for employment and of Continuing Professional Development and be able to produce a CV and business plan.
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Digital Audio Production
This module will help you develop the production techniques associated with computer based hard disk digital audio recording, understand the principles and techniques of production planning and location recording and on completion you will be able to apply a range of techniques to a digital audio editing and production project.
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Studio Production 2
In this module you will cover topics such as sound engineering and music production skills within a multi-track recording studio. The module is designed to help you gain the communication and organisational skills needed to successfully complete a recording of a live artist/band.
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Web Technologies
You will learn about the established technologies associated with dynamic websites and how apply your knowledge and understanding to design and produce a dynamic website.
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Social Technologies
On completion of this module you should be able to generate multimedia content across multiple online platforms as well as manage your digital identity, taking into account issues of privacy and ethics. Other skills taught include a high level of critical and professional awareness, taking into account online ethics, privacy, copyright and licensing issues.
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Year 3
Television Engineering
This module is designed to help you develop a systematic understanding of television engineering; in particular, following the programme chain from shoot to broadcast. You will accurately use this knowledge in the production of a piece of television.
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Animated Graphics
In this module you will be taught the key methods and techniques used in the creation of digital animated graphics within 3D space and how to accurately use a range of techniques to create digital animations.
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Spatial Audio
You will gain an appreciation of the factors which affect the perception of sound by humans; an historical and technical overview of the audio recording and reproduction techniques used to provide spatial audio; an insight into relevant commercial developments in this field and an introduction to studio techniques for surround sound production.
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Mastering
This module will give you a systematic and detailed understanding of the tools and techniques associated with both audio and video mastering.
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Project
The final year project will give you the opportunity to carry out, under supervision, an extended study into an agreed topic relating to your degree. You will be expected to undertake independent investigation to demonstrate initiative and the skills and knowledge acquired elsewhere in the course. The project is highly useful in providing training and experience in the planning and managing of a major study and of working on a problem for which there is not a unique solution.
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