Audio Visual Principles and Practice
Media and Network Systems
Full-time
Part-time
Two year
Four year
September 2024
In a nutshell
Rapid growth in the delivery and consumption of on-demand and streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer, ITV X, Netflix and Amazon Prime, is driving broadcast and media industries to integrate more technology and IT systems. These developments are also creating new career opportunities for skilled professionals with a fluency in network, internet, broadcast and IP technologies.
Drawing on our expertise in this field, and our position at MediaCity, we’ve created our exciting new HND Media and Network Systems course to equip you with relevant skills, ready to fulfil in-demand technical roles within the media and broadcast industries. Co-developed by our Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology and our School of Science, Engineering and Environment, the course will provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical experience of media creation and distribution, computer networking, IP technologies, and modern digital media streaming.
Available with full and part-time study pathways, you will explore modules in media broadcast systems and networking, computer operating systems and programming, Internet Protocol, media streaming, cyber security threats and system design. Delivered as part of our exciting new Institute of technology, you will develop practical skills in our media and computing suites configuring and managing a range of media streamed and computer network environments.
This programme is subject to approval.
You will:
- Gain a solid understanding of all areas of television media and networked internet engineering
- Explore media creation and distribution, computer networking, IP technologies, and modern digital media streaming using our advanced media and computing suites
- Learn about the detailed technical aspects that impact the viewer experience and associated relevant industry standards
- Experience group projects where you can design a complete media distribution system to meet specific user requirement
students accepted
This is for you if...
you want to develop professional and technical skills ready for a career in media technology
you are seeking a technical job within the media and broadcast industries
you have a strong interest in IT, computer networking and how media is distributed online
you like to know how things work rather than just use them
All about the course
Course Delivery
Co-developed by our Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology and our School of Science, Engineering and Environment, our HND Media and Network Systems course will provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical experience of media creation and distribution, computer networking, IP technologies, and modern digital media streaming.
Year one
In your first year, you will explore the fundamental principles that underpin media broadcast systems and networking. You will gain practical experience of configuring a network, creating television content, and streaming media, and learn the fundamentals of computer operating systems and software development. You will also develop associated practical programming skills along with transferable skills in teamworking and technical reporting.
Year two
As you progress to year two, you will learn about the detailed operation and management of media capture, storage, and distribution systems. You will learn how to configure and analyse how data traffic is routed through a network, build knowledge about technical aspects that impact the viewer experience and associated industry standards, and understand cyber security issues with an online media distribution system. In preparation for your future career, you will also experience a group project to design of a complete media distribution system based on specific user requirements.
Learn more about the course modules in the section below.
This module will introduce you to how video and audio is used and implemented and the challenges for networking, storage and distribution. The module content will also introduce you to video and audio in an integrated form and how this is a fundamental priority in recording and distribution.
IP Acquisition and Distribution Systems
The nature of acquiring broadcast, cinema and streamed camera material has altered significantly over the last ten years. The immediacy and variety of different technologies, fabrics and infrastructures continue to evolve year on year.
In this module, you will learn which key technologies techniques and methods are being used and implemented, so you can understand the environment of media creation and the challenges of engineering network solutions to support it. You will gain an oversight of the landscape of technological change and integration used in streaming today.
Media Technologies Evolution and Implementation
The Media Technologies Evolution and Implementation module looks at technologies in use for the media, in acquisition, production distribution and extended media environments.
You will learn how these technologies were developed for specific uses and how they can be altered to facilitate more extended workflows and ways of working. A key element of this module is to look at technologies and standards as they emerge and how they may change the media landscape.
Principles and Concepts of Network Technology
This module covers the operation of computer networks at both a theoretical and practical level. You will look at how the transfer of data between computers is controlled by communication protocols which not only define how data is formatted and structured, but also how the transfer of information is managed to ensure it arrives at its intended destination.
The module content will introduce you to the concept of layered protocol architectures as a mechanism for defining the relationship and interaction between various protocols that are used within today’s networks. You will gain practical experience of the configuration of switches and routers to create an operational network and learn how to use software analysers to observe the correct operational of protocols, the traffic performance of a network and to assist with fault finding.
Python and Linux
Computer skills are essential for media and network engineers. This module is focused on the Linux Operating System and Python programming language - both of which are used extensively within media streaming servers and networks.
The module content will cover the core principles of computer operating systems and structured programming, as well as providing extensive practical experience in the use of Linux and writing Python code within an integrated software development environment. You will also have the option to enrol on a Cisco course that can lead to Cisco-certified qualification in python programming.
Television Practice
In this module, you will examine the technical and practical aspects of creating television content. This will include the basic principles of how cameras work, the relevance of lighting, how sound and pictures are combined, the design of display systems, and the importance of frame rate, pixels, and coding within the digitisation process.
Delivered using our television studios at our MediaCity campus, you will learn about the operation and workflow of a typical studio multi-camera environment. To complement the theoretical aspects of the module, you will work in small groups to create your own short film so you gain practical experience of the film-making process, including shooting and editing content.
Acquisitions and Tapeless Workflows
In this module, you will take a deep dive into lenses, camera pick-up devices and workflows used in post production to understand the key enablers of broadcast, streaming and cinema production.
You will look at why certain camera types are used for specific types of shooting and how sophisticated file handling and manipulation play their part in the workflow success. You will also learn how changing standards and technologies affect the camera process and the workflow the media feeds.
Media Systems Security
The media industry’s dynamic expansion of its online presence and the increasing delivery of streamed content means that security of these systems has never been more important. This module examines key security vulnerabilities, how these can be exploited by potential attackers, and the resulting business impacts. You will look at methods used to combat such vulnerabilities, with theory and practice focusing on cryptographic principles, C-I-A trade-offs, firewalls, legal and ethical implications, and real-world case studies.
A range of tools and techniques for vulnerability assessment will be taught using lecture sessions, which you will then apply in practical workshops. You will also learn how to write a penetration testing report and communicate findings to a client.
Routing and Switching
In this module, you will explore the purpose and operation of layer 2 switching and layer 3 routing - both of which are essential elements of all networks. Module content focuses on the detailed operation of switches and how these can be configured to create virtual LANs. You will explore the relationship between switches and layer 3 routing from the point of view of how routers function, the purpose and operation of routing protocols, how network addresses can be assigned dynamically throughout a network, and how access to parts of a network can be managed and restricted.
Throughout the module, theoretical aspects are supplemented by extensive practical experience. You will learn to configure network hardware, set up small scale networks, and use software tools to both analyse the correct operation of a network and carry out basic troubleshooting to determine common fault conditions.
System Group Design Project
This module brings together all aspects of media technology and communication networks that you have studied within the HND course to form a project where you will work in a team to design a complete system to satisfy a given technical specification.
System design is strategically important within the media industry and involves carrying out detailed research, undertaking a requirements analysis, selecting appropriate media and communications technologies, appreciating how such technologies interact and interface to one another at a detailed technical level within the context of a complete system, and how such a system can be evaluated to determine its predicted performance.
The module is designed to support the development of your personal and professional skills. Assessment includes an oral presentation and written report based on the group project task.
Systems Control and Administration
This module will engage you with the necessary fabric, infrastructures, hardware and software used to store distribute and deliver media materials across different infrastructures and applied methodologies.
A key part of this module is looking at the contrast between hardware heavy solutions used in the past due to live media constraints, to software-defined solutions within IP fabric and Cloud based solutions which the industry is gravitating towards today. You will explore orchestration, control and enabling functionality across a mixed method environment and become aware of the real-world challenges.
Transmission and Streaming Practice
How do we distribute the Media using either Terrestrial, Satellite, Cable, Mobile phone, OTT and streamed media on the internet?
Each technology method and standard play a part in the simultaneous dissemination of global media. In this module, you will look at each one and examine the role it plays in modern broadcast and streamed infrastructure.
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.
GMIoT
Located across England, Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are a national network of partnerships between local colleges, universities, and leading employers.
We are a proud partner in the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology. This means as a student on this course you will benefit from being part of the University of Salford community, with access to our facilities and support, and taught by our tutors. You will also be part of the GMIoT network, with access to additional events and activities.
What about after uni?
EMPLOYMENT
The rapid growth of on-demand and streaming services is creating a range of career opportunities for graduates and professionals with a fluency in network, internet, broadcast and IP technologies.
On successful completion of this course, some of the typical roles you can apply for include:
- Broadcast Engineering Technician
- Broadcast Operations Technician
- IP Broadcast Technician
- Media Streaming Technician
- Network Technician
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
We're looking for enthusiastic and determined applicants with a passion for technology, and an interest in the technical aspects of online media delivery, i.e. streaming of movies and television content. You will have good IT skills, preferably with some experience of computer programming, and an interest in how things work at a technical level.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.
Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses.
GCSE
English Language and Mathematics at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent). You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below
UCAS tariff points
72 points
A level
72 points (typically BC or DDD)
BTEC National Diploma
MMP
BTEC Higher National Diploma
Merit/Merit
Access to HE
72 points
Scottish Highers
72 points equivalent from Higher Level
Irish Leaving Certificate
72 points equivalent from Higher Level
European Baccalaureate
Please contact our Admissions team
International Baccalaureate
Please contact our Admissions team
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we receive your application, we'll assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
For further information, please contact: enquiries@salford.ac.uk.
HOW MUCH?
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2023/24 | £8,500per year |
Full-time international | 2023/24 | £15,720per year |
Part-time | 2023/24 | Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis |
Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,500per year |
Full-time international | 2024/25 | £15,720per year |
Part-time | 2024/25 | Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis |
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general sustenance 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. Explore our international scholarships.
All Set? Let's Apply?
UCAS Code: I120
Start Date(s): September
Duration:
One year full-time
Two years part-time
Enrolment dates
UCAS information
Course ID I120
Institution S03