Production Management for Factual Programming
Postgraduate
MA
Production Management for TV, Film and Digital Media
Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Course
One year
Two year
Next enrolment
September 2024
In a nutshell
This programme is designed for students who want to work in the field of Production Management within TV, Film and DigitalMedia. You will gain practical industry experience of the planning, organization, execution and delivery of TV production in the genres of documentary, studio and drama.
You will gain hands-on experience of analysing and managing production workflows and develop key skillsets including creative problem solving and people management.
Located in the heart of MCUK, you will have the opportunity to network with industry production managers in seminars, masterclasses, tuition and industry-aligned projects. This programme has strong links with BBC, ITV, True North, Dock 10 and many other high-profile production companies across the UK.
There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved with industry projects and apply for work experience with the media industry.
Find out more by signing up to an upcoming Open Day.
International applicants: Please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
You will:
- Be based in MediaCity and surrounded by a wide range of TV and media production companies
- Receive bespoke guidance from current broadcast and media production managers across a wide range of genres
- Develop your networking skills through engagement with media professionals
Placement
options available
International
students accepted
All about the course
This course embraces a range of diverse teaching, learning assessment methods and aims to:
- Provide you with a range of skills, attributes and competencies – personal, creative and business-oriented – required by production and post-production industries.
- Develop creative, critical, analytical and intellectual competencies appropriate to Masters level and informed by current industry practice.
- Enhance your knowledge and understanding of professional, contextual and collaborative frameworks and equip you with creative problem solving and team leadership skills
The programme structure consists of four taught modules, followed by a practice-based research project or dissertation.
The University of Salford is tremendously proud to have been the premier partner for the Asian Media Awards over the last ten years and is determined to play its part in inspiring the next generation of Asian talent to consider and pursue a career in the creative industries.
Semester one
This module focuses on the understanding and application of production management for single camera productions.This includes factual television, factual entertainment and other location filming as well as archive shows. You will learn how to create and manage a budget and schedule and provide cost reporting throughout.
With real-world scenarios for both UK and foreign filming, you will gain an in-depth understanding of compliance, copyright, time management and legal requirements of programme production and delivery.
Line Producing for Drama
This module develops your production management skills for drama. With an emphasis on script analysis and working on movie magic, students will learn the mechanics of managing a large team filming in varied and more complex locations. Working closely with BAFTA and Sustainability, you will use the BAFTA carbon calculator to predict and manage the carbon footprint of your production.
Semester two
Production Management for Studio
With an emphasis on workflow, this module allows you to flex your production management skills in a studio context. It will cover how to produce magazine programme content using different filming formats. You will gain experience in negotiation with facilities and dealing with talent.
Creative Entrepreneurial Practice
Through the creative entrepreneurial practice module, you will gain an in-depth understanding of people management and leadership strategies. You will work in an authentic industry environment to undertake live briefs from industry. You will be responsible for putting together teams to deliver these projects and ensure the smooth running of the production.
Semester three
Major Project: Practice Research Project or Dissertation
This research-led module is an opportunity to demonstrate both the theoretical and practical skills gained over the course of the programme. This 60-credit module has the aim of allowing students to demonstrate their creative, technical and critical skills through self-directed practice and research that demonstrates original and innovative work within the field of contemporary media practice.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
SALFORD SCHOOL OF ARTS, MEDIA AND CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
All our Film, TV and Media courses are delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology.
Our School and University have strong and long-lasting relationships with local and national industry.
Once you graduate with us, you’ll join a thriving alumni community in Greater Manchester and beyond.
Facilities
This course benefits from the brand new state-of-the-art facilities at MediaCityUK. These include a 5-camera HD TV studio, a 3-camera HD TV studio and a digital performance studio with full green screen capability. There are two radio studios, and 5.1 surround sound audio post production theatre, Audition v3 audio editing and Final Cut Pro and Avid software-enabled suites throughout the building.
What about after uni?
Students with previous TV experience as a Production Coordinator can expect to apply for jobs as Production Managers across a range of TV genres.
Students with no previous TV experience can expect to apply for jobs as production coordinators with the expectation that, with the skillset you acquire, you will be fast-tracked to becoming a Production Manager.
Some of our students succeed through related professions in events management, education, community development or enterprise.
Career Links
All of the lecturers teaching on the MA in Production Management for TV, Film and Digital Media have extensive industry experience working in the production of drama, documentary and studio. The course has strong links with ITV, BBC, True North, Nine Lives, Blakeway North.
External speakers from the above companies will work with the students through guest lectures, live briefs and seminars.
Production Executives, Production Managers and Line Producers at ITV and True North and the BBC have expressed their desire to work with graduates from the MA in Production Management. They have collaborated with the university to ensure that students taking this course acquire the appropriate skillset needed to work in this field.
What you need to know
When making your application, don’t forget to include any volunteering or even part time jobs or hobbies which illustrate good people skills, numeracy, and the ability to work independently. Illustrating that you understand the role of the Production Manager, have a knowledge of the creative industries and a genuine interest in working within these will also further strengthen your application.
Applicant profile
While some experience in film, television, or media in an educational or professional context is an advantage it is not always essential. What is important is that you have some or all the following qualities:
Attention to detail - You will be working on schedules, budgets, and legal documents such as risk assessments so this is a key skill. Good note taking and a familiarity with Microsoft excel will also be useful.
Leadership Ability - The Production Manager runs a small team as well as playing an integral role within the whole production, working with various heads of departments-evidence of having taken responsibility in a previous job or study project will be valuable for your application. You will often have to be diplomatic and empathetic to your crew.
Problem Solving - A key part of the Production Management role is organising logistics, these might be booking travel for international shoots, planning schedules for multiple location shoots or trouble shooting when something goes wrong. Can you stay calm under pressure? Think of examples when you have had to quickly address an unexpected issue at school or work?
Time Management - Filming shoots can be ambitious and as a Production Manager you need to find the perfect balance between editorial expectations and budget-the best tool for this is time management and being able to manage your own time as well as the time of the production will be an essential skill for you to master. What is your time management like now?
If you feel you are stronger in some of these areas than others, don’t worry, we will guide you on all these aspects and more during your MA studies. As well as experienced lectures who have worked in production, you will also be supported by one of our industry mentors and have opportunities to test your abilities’ during simulated crisis management activities.
Standard entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
A good honours degree (2:1 or above).
International students
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.5 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this.
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
Alternative entry requirements
Alternative entry requirements
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,820.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380.00per year |
| Part-time | 2024/25 | Part time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.