Audio Theory and Practice
Undergraduate
BSc (Hons)
Media Technology
Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology
Attendance
Full-time
Course
Three year
Next enrolment
September 2023
In a nutshell
Are you fascinated by the way technology works? Does the prospect of working within digital media excite you? If so, our Media Technology degree could be the perfect first step in your professional career.
Technology has never been more prevalent than in today’s world. Whether it’s HD 4K viewing, high-speed internet or advancements in mobile technology, there’s never been a better time to graduate with expert technical skills. Combining engineering theory with production know-how, you’ll learn about the functions and principles of video, audio and multimedia, alongside building your knowledge of electronics, design systems and digital media.
What’s more, this media technology programme is accredited by Creative Skillset – a highly reputable strategic skills body for the creative industry. In the latest National Student Survey, this course received 100% for overall student satisfaction (University of Salford analysis of unpublished NSS 2020 data).
Want to learn more about studying Media Technology at university? Why not sign-up to an Open Day or explore all of our Creative Digital Media and Gaming courses.
You will:
- Combine engineering theory with production know-how
- Learn about the principles and functions of video, audio and multimedia systems
- Develop your understanding of the theory behind video, audio, IT and IP practices
International
students accepted
This is for you if...
1.
You want to gain a solid understanding of all areas of Television and Networked internet engineering.
2.
You’re looking for the opportunity to learn cutting-edge technologies from industry professionals while working on real-world briefs.
3.
You’re interested in how media reaches a worldwide and local audience.
All about the course
The Media Technology degree programme has four core strands, and the modules reflect that with content based around: internet technology and implementation, broadcast technology and engineering, technical operations, and design in broadcast systems.
The first year of our Media Technology degree introduces you to the core skill areas necessary to be a next generation media technologist, engineer, or technical operator. A key appreciation of technology in society - its use, misuse and impact - is key to understanding its place in modern broadcast, streamed media distribution and the economy.
The second year of the programme is underpinned with technical operations modules in both trimester one and two. You will work with students from performance courses to develop and create broadcast standard programme material. You will gain key technical skills in camera, sound and lighting engineering, as well as collaborative communication skills in working with students from other courses. This collaborative approach reflects the real-world industry environment where skills and roles combine to create material. As well as the operational modules, in second year, you will engage with more complex and technical areas of media. For example, modules may explore things like transmissions and distribution, camera technologies, and workflows for broadcast and cinema. The Introduction to Systems Design module will show how the choice of key technologies can increase capability within businesses.
It is in your third year of the Media Technology degree that you will be able to tailor your module choices to a specialism. The third year also focuses on a piece of relevant, cutting-edge research in the final trimester. You will investigate a new technological development or area of the media industry and this will feed into your final project/dissertation.
Throughout the programme, you will benefit from visits and talks from businesses and graduates working in the industry. These industry insights help to embed professional practice in your learning. We will also help to prepare you for industry by offering the opportunity to work on real-world projects, access interview preparation support, and build your network.
Year one
This module introduces students to fundamental audio principles, audio signal analysis and audio broadcast standards and how audio principles are applied to broadcast operations and engineering.
Video Electronics: Theory and Practice
This module introduces students to fundamental video and electronic circuit principles in practice. principles, Video broadcast standards and how Electronic and workflow principles are applied to broadcast operations and engineering.
Web Design and Internet Technology
This module allows students to understand how Web structures and Internet methods work when applied to the construction design and function of a Website.
Media Technologies Evolution and Implementation
Media Technologies Evolution and Implementation looks in detail at technologies in use for the media, how they were developed, and how they are changing in the modern media landscape.
Studio Practice and Design
In this module, students will get the opportunity to work in our TV studio as Junior Operators. They also start to learn how studios are designed and built. What elements are included to enable the studio to work both from a design and practical point of view
Communications and Maths for Engineers
Modern media operators need to be able to communicate well in varied and pressured environments. They also need to have an appreciation of how Maths underpins the work we do in a wide range of areas in the media.
Year two
Introduction to Systems Design
The Intro to Systems Design module is a practical design module, where students gain the experience of working on a live brief to design.
Acquisitions and Tapeless Workflows
The fundamental elements of Lenses camera pick up devices and Workflows in Post production are looked at in-depth to illustrate the key enablers of Broadcast a cinema production.
Media Workflows for Broadcast and Cinema
A detailed module looking at the practical skills of Editing and post-production, as well as the challenges of changing technological landscape in a fast-paced industry.
Studio Operations and Production Techniques
Studio technical skills in Operations and Engineering are key to this module as well as the methods for location production and distribution.
Transmission Systems and Theory
How do we distribute the Media Terrestrial, Satellite, Cable, Mobile phone, OTT and the internet? Each technology and standard plays a part in the dissemination of media. This module looks at each and looks at the role it plays in modern Broadcast infrastructure.
Studio Operations
The technical operations involved in studio operations and engineering. The opportunity to collaborate with students from the performance division to create programme material as part of a studio production team.
Year three
Major Project
Each student chooses a current changing technology to research and produces a dissertation based on that research analysing the impact and future the technology will play in society.
High Definition in Cinema and Outside Broadcast Production
The number of different High definition standards we use across the industry expands regularly. Students need to be aware of the new standards and their implications for both Broadcast and Digital Cinema
Systems Integration
Systems design is the bringing together of the engineering , design and creative to deliver industry-inspired development projects to a professional standard.
Sound Design for Broadcast and Cinema
How do we create an interesting and realistic soundscape in TV and cinema? How do we manipulate Audio and create accurate sounding effects from abstract sources, then mix and master it for delivery?
Streaming Edit Workflows for Broadcast and Cinema
What impact has the internet had on society and modern culture? The method and engineering involved in establishing the internet as the worlds future dominant media distributer.
Sound Design for Broadcast and Cinema
Streaming Edit Workflows for Broadcast and Cinema
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.
BE A PART OF A CREATIVE, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
All our Creative Digital Media and Gaming courses are delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media, and Creative Technology. Our focus is to ensure that you have the skills you need to pursue your dreams, and we encourage our students, past and present, to collaborate with each other and achieve great things.
Each year - through the Create Student Awards – our School rewards the incredible achievements and successes of our final year and postgraduate students.
Whatever you choose to study with us, you’ll be mentored and supported by experts. And once you graduate, it won’t end there. You’ll join a thriving alumni network across Greater Manchester and beyond, meaning you’ll be supported professionally and personally whenever you need it.
MEDIACITY FACILITIES
Our MediaCity facilities are industry-standard, so much so that they are used by our industry partners themselves.
When you study with us on this Media Technology degree, you’ll learn from our experienced tutors and demonstrators, who’ll teach you how to use our facilities. These include:
TV studios - our TV studios have been used by the BBC for a variety of broadcasts, such as the Olympics and Christmas music concerts, and they’re equipped with the same audio-visual systems used by ITV and Sky too.
The studios have green screen facilities as well as basic props so you can design and build sets for a range of projects.
Green screen facilities - these allow you to create effects such as those you see on weather reports and incorporates a camera system and 3D graphics software.
Audio production - we’ve got all the hardware and software you need to make sure you’ll know just how to create, edit, mix and master audio for film and television. Our main studios feature Avid S6 consoles – a similar set up to those at our MediaCity neighbours, such as Dock10 and ITV.
MakerSpace - bring your designs to life using 3D scanners and printers, power tools and a range of art and craft materials.
Stop-frame studio – we have animation booths equipped with industry-standard lighting, grip, software and cameras and learn just what it takes to make your ideas and storyboards a reality.
Computer Suites and Editing Studios – our computer suites are equipped with the latest industry-standard software. You’ll learn from our experienced demonstrators, who’ll teach you the skills needed to turn your concepts into a reality.
Equipment stores - cameras, lighting kits and mics – they’re all essential to media production. But don’t worry, you won’t need to spend thousands of pounds to get the set-up you need – we have a fully equipped equipment store available for you to use and take out industry-standard kit.
Explore our facilities:
MEET THE FILM, TV AND RADIO TEACHING STAFF
Are you looking to learn more about the background of our tutors and demonstrators, or put a face to a name?
Find out who'll work with you throughout your academic journey at the University of Salford.
Explore the Film, TV and Radio faculty at the University of Salford
What about after uni?
Media Technology graduates leave us with a key understanding of technology's place in society, and how we work within the media to expand, update and enable new forms of production and entertainment.
So, where can your digital media studies take you after you graduate? You’ll be pleased to hear that our media technology degree has an impressive employment record. Many of our students go on to enjoy exciting careers in broadcast technical operations, broadcast engineering and systems design. Others have also gone on to work at leading broadcast companies such as NEP, Red Bee, ITV, BBC, MTV Networks, Blackmagic Design, Timeline OBs, Flix, Dock 10, The Farm, DB Broadcast and many more.
Recent graduates of the Media Technology Programme:
- Thomas Eddy, Associate Development Operations Engineer, Sky London
- Patrick Whitney, Engineer, BBC Salford
- Nadeem Ahmed, Systems Engineer, BBC Whitecity London
- Mathew Hill, Graduate Engineer, TELENT Technology Services
- George Turner, Transmission Engineer, NEP Amsterdam
- Ben Somerville, Project Engineer, Techex
- Dan Riches, MCR Engineer, NEP MediaCity
- Adam Hanif, Broadcast Engineer, Amazon Prime
- Panashe Savanhu, MCR /Network Engineer, DAZN- Northern Ireland
- Mathew Atkin, Technical Operator, MUTV/Stream UK
- Tom Braithwaite, Hyperactive TV, OB Engineer
- Jamie Crotchlow, MCR Engineer. NEP Media City
- Tom Nield, Graduate Scheme, Timeline OBs
- Rebbecca Bray, Event Engineer, Keyteq
FURTHER STUDY
Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further postgraduate path through our Postgraduate programmes on a full-time or part-time basis subject to a satisfactory proposal.
Career Links
Our location at the heart of MediaCity means that we are ideally placed to foster links with TV, radio, and other media companies. You’ll have the opportunity to work on creative projects with media production companies and may be offered work placements with our industry partners. This Media Technology degree also has links with the BBC, NEP, Red Bee, ITV, BBC, MTV Networks, Blackmagic Design, Timeline OBs, Flix, Dock 10, The Farm, DB Broadcast.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
To gain a place on this Media Technology degree, you’ll have to submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements when you apply.
Within your Media Technology personal statement (up to 500 words), we’ll want to understand:
- what motivates you?
- are you a technical thinker and how do you develop ideas?
- do you have any knowledge of the media technology that’s used in the industry; are there any projects that inspire you?
- why do you want to work in the media technology sector?
- and why the University of Salford and this media technology degree is the right choice for your future goals
Standard entry requirements
GCSE
English Language and Maths 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
88-104 points
If applying to start from September 2024, you will need 96-104 points
A level
88-104 points, to include Maths, Physics, IT or Media (if applying to start from September 2024, you will need 96-104 points)
T level
Pass (C in core subject)
BTEC National Diploma
MMM.
Media, IT, Maths or physics preferred.
Access to HE
88-104 UCAS Tariff points from Level 3 QAA approved Access programme. To include Media/Maths/Physics. If applying to start from September 2024, you will need 96-104 points.
Scottish Highers
88-104 points, to include Media, IT, Maths or Physics (if applying to start from September 2024, you will need 96-104 points)
Irish Leaving Certificate
88-104 points, to include Media, IT, Maths or Physics (If applying to start from September 2024, you will need 96-104 points)
International Baccalaureate
28 points to include Media, IT, Maths or Physics
European Baccalaureate
Pass in Diploma of at least 60%
International students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.
Alternative entry requirements
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We 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 have received your application we will 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.
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2023/24 | £9,250per year |
| Full-time international | 2023/24 | £16,380per year |
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. Explore our international scholarships.