Media Production BA (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: P310
International Code: AHU064

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years full-time with study abroad / professional placement
Flexible part-time

Start date

September 2022

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Register for updates

Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

If you’re an aspiring media professional, our course aims to cultivate your production skills, and help you to understand, engage and respond to the ever-changing global media.

  • Media Production is about developing real world skills in many different types of production from making: films, live broadcast TV, radio, podcasts, 360 video, immersive experiences, photography, websites, and social media content.
  • We live in a constantly changing, 24/7 multimedia landscape where anyone with a smartphone can become a broadcaster, and we want to help develop your skills in all types of production.
  • We aim to develop your own original voice, encouraging you to see technology as an important tool so that you are not afraid to use the full range of media at your disposal to articulate that voice. ou should soon be producing professional, innovative, inspiring and challenging work.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
human silhouette teaching in front of a blackdoard

Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

From the outset, this course aims to develop your technical, creative, reflective and analytical abilities, in order to give you a thorough grounding in current and emerging media production technologies, ways of working and contemporary professional practice, as well as the opportunity to gain project management and professional skills needed in this ever-expanding industry. Other benefits include the following:

  • Your own mobile tech pack, including a high-end laptop with industry-standard production software (terms and conditions apply).
  • Our Film Production and Photography courses are ranked 9th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2021).
  • Opportunity to access high standard professional media equipment via our Media Loan Shop, including media equipment, such as Blackmagic and Sony cameras (subject to availability).
  • Opportunities for professional experience and live projects, which have, in the past, included student-industry collaboration with Regional BBC, Creative City, Rolls-Royce and BBC3 (subject to availability, application and additional costs).
  • Opportunity to meet experts in new media and traditional media at our series of screenings and masterclasses with past guest speakers including media practitioners, filmmakers, and graduates from the course (subject to availability).
  • Opportunity to study abroad at one of our many international partners during a placement year*, which include Zhejiang University of Media and Communications (ZUMC) in China and Jean Moulin University, Lyon, France. (Subject to availability, competitive application, meeting visa requirements and additional costs.)
9th

in the UK for Film Production and Photography

Guardian University Guide, 2021

Watch the video for a closer look at the Media Production course.

More than just a degree

Media Production has really inspired me. I’m a very hands-on person and there’s a lot of practical elements so I can get involved in both directing and filming. The university itself has a lot of media connections which is great for my course and a big selling point.

Unjali Mistry, Media Production BA (Hons) student, 2021
Female on phone in University square surrounded by film crew.

Student shines at Television Awards

Media Production student Leroy Da Silva stole the show at the 2020 West Midlands Royal Television Awards, winning three awards.

Read Leroy's story
Leroy with his camera surrounded by trees

What you'll study

This exciting course aims to keep you up to date with the latest media industry developments and encourages you to develop skills to produce work for distribution across multiple platforms and genres. We adopt a convergent media approach, familiarising you with a wide range of media, including film production, tv production, radio, podcasts, broadcast and digital media.

Our current links with local, regional, national media industries, including companies like The Walt Disney Company, ITV and Aardman Animations, provide numerous opportunities for location work, site visits and talks by visiting media professionals, together with live projects and a professional experience scheme. In short, you’ll be taught to tell interesting stories and distribute those stories to the largest possible audience.

In your first year, you cover the core concepts of media production, with an aim of fostering a detailed understanding of contemporary patterns of, production and consumption of media and cultural activities. We’ll consider how things are produced within contemporary global and local situations, as well as within a historical context.

Modules

  • This module explores the means by which different types of narrative are constructed, in the areas such as scriptwriting and editing. The module provides you with the opportunity to explore and rethink conventional approaches to developing a narrative within a range of media artefacts.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

  • This module will introduce you to the importance of a number of key concepts within film and wider media production and analysis. You will be introduced to a series of concepts to understand how meaning within film and media has been produced, consumed and interpreted.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: portfolio

  • This module introduces you to the contextual and practical knowledge required for creating coherent narrative films, using a range of production methods and understanding the contemporary context(s) of short film production and distribution.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework, portfolio

  • This module will explore how media can become combined to deliver new meanings and understanding. Learning through practice, you will understand the processes of production and the developing and changing nature of production. You will take into account current forms of media production and delivery alongside newer methods of content delivery for increasingly diverse audiences, particularly online delivery platforms.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

  • Through a series of workshops, talks from industry guests, you will learn how to navigate the world of media production.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: presentation

In the second year, you will have the opportunity to work individually and in small production crews. You can learn from an exciting range of specialist option modules, depending on where your passion and interests lie. For example, in ‘Documentary Production’, you’ll be tasked with producing a documentary that gives you the opportunity to explore your chosen topic in depth. In other modules you will be able to explore: broadcasting, radio, live radio and TV studio environment.

Modules

  • This module aims to develop your understanding of creativity in relation to a number of disciplines in the creative industries and arts. You will be challenged to explore your own relationship with creativity and your practice through the consumption of a wide range of creative mediums.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

  • The Internet and its protocols, standards, languages and software has had profound effects on traditional media and brought about the rise of new cultural forms. This research-oriented practical module will investigate these effects and forms and combine practice with research and reflection.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

  • This module introduces you to the core skills, knowledge, and practices necessary to effectively produce short form narratives with particular emphasis on narrative fiction production. You will receive regular feedback on these tasks culminating in a short production in which you operate in professional production roles, with appropriately assigned responsibilities.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: portfolio

  • The module assists you with the development of flexible and adaptable approaches towards employment and professional opportunities. Through a series of lectures, workshops and masterclasses you will be encouraged to discover the area(s) of the industry you wish to be a professional in.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

  • The module will consider a range of technologies and applications and you will be asked to engage in debates around augmentation, virtuality and posthumanism through key readings as well as combining theoretical knowledge with the practical development of interactive artefacts which utilise a range of proprietary and open source software.

    Optional

    Assessment: coursework

  • This module explores the changing nature of broadcasting and its complex relationships with a range of interrelated media forms, from radio to TV and the Internet. You will develop editorial, creative, critical and necessary technical skills related to modern broadcasting.

    Optional

    Assessment: portfolio

  • The module allows you to engage in documentary production to explore how lived theories of the world around you – cultural, political, social, personal – can be transformed through retinal and aural manipulation into a defined media product.

    Optional

    Assessment: portfolio

After your second year, you have an opportunity to take a sandwich year, studying abroad or on professional placement*. Past students have done placements at Aardman Animations, Sky, Coventry City FC and Disney UK, for example.

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to work on your own or in a groups for your final productions. We usually do two productions in the final year. This work has gone on to show at film festivals across the world and ranges from: short films, animations, photography, 360 VR interactive films, social media projects, radio dramas, podcasts, documentaries and more. Past students have created award-winning productions.

Modules

  • This module provides you with the theoretical, conceptual and practical tools needed to develop your own independent research and development work. It will introduce you to the professional aspects that underpin production and will increase your ability to critically reflect, contextualise and create work within your chosen specialism/s.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: presentation

  • This module offers you the opportunity to develop a short practical project from your own experiences of media production processes. You will develop a short production that should help you succeed in the Media Project Production Module and also prepare you for your future career.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: portfolio

  • This module offers you a substantial practical and professional experience in one or more areas of media practice or production with specific emphasis on the processes of production. Your production process will culminate in an extensive body of work using your chosen form(s) of media practice.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: portfolio

  • This module aims to enable you to proactively launch yourself into your future career, using your previous learning as the foundation. It does this through the analysis of existing capability, research into potential employment, portfolio presentation and action planning.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The course is delivered though project-based ‘hands-on’ learning, with a great emphasis on location work, live projects and practice activities, all with ongoing feedback. Past students have worked on projects as diverse as assisting on film sets or shooting promotional videos for production companies. Your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and provide advice throughout the course.

Our current excellent industry links enable us to host an exciting programme of guest speakers covering topics such as film production, scriptwriting, distribution and curation of moving images (subject to availability).

The course normally lasts three years when studied full-time and four to six years part-time, though full-time students have the option to extend the course by taking a sandwich year between the second and third years on placement or study abroad*. You can start in September or January.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include practical or project work, coursework, tests, essays and presentations/posters.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Job ready

On successful completion, you’ll have knowledge of:

  • The roles of communication, media and cultural systems within their political, social, economic and technological contexts.
  • The modes of representation and systems of learning within the contemporary social world and the ways these are shaped by issues of gender, race, class, ethnicity, disability, sexuality and nationality.
  • The historical and global contexts of media, communication and cultural systems and processes.

On successful completion, you’ll be equipped with the skills to:

  • Apply the various processes and practices that combine towards the production and consumption of media, communication and cultural texts.
  • Undertake a variety of forms of research appropriate to different forms of study and analysis and be able critically to reflect on the appropriateness of each form of research.
  • Critically reflect on the chosen processes of production.
  • Critically interrogate through appropriate theoretical and conceptual material the various processes of production of media and cultural texts.

International experience opportunities

Our course is designed to reflect the increasingly international context of media production; this is reflected strongly in the course curriculum through international trips* which can provide the opportunity for insight into other cultures and societies throughout the world.

We strongly encourage you to broaden your theoretical, cultural and practical references, providing opportunities to broaden your horizons by living, studying or working abroad on a sandwich year. 

You will have opportunities to take part in international trips where you will have the chance to develop your knowledge and skills through the production of individual and group media projects. Reviewed annually, previous field trips have included: Cyprus, Hangzhou, Kenya, Los Angeles, New York, Norway, Paris, Prague, Sierra Leone and Tenerife. On all trips, you should be engaging in production projects, which could involve assisting on a local film production or making your own films using local crew*.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBC
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSE's graded 9-4 / A* - C including English
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 31 points

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year. We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with UK admissions

Portfolio

You may be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or audition or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), either virtually or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites for these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Art, Design and Media will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Portfolio

You will be required to submit a portfolio via email or alternatively attend a showcase activity session or audition (as is appropriate for your course) which can be virtual or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites to send in your portfolio or attend these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Chat with International admissions

Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £18,050 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

Coventry University is home to superb facilities and our new Arts and Humanities building is set to open in 2022. We also have a well-stocked Media Loan Shop so you can borrow an extensive range of specialist, professional equipment, including 4K and HD video cameras, DSLR cameras, tripods, audio equipment and lighting.

Two male students presenting in a TV studio to a camera in the foreground.

Television Studio

You’ll have access to our on-site television studio The Tank, offering specialist equipment such as large cameras, mixing facilities and fibre-optic wiring throughout.
 

Male student setting up a photography light in a studio.

The Photography Suite

This specialist facility is available to media students to take and process photos in a professional environment. There is also support for printing, high-end scanning and film processing.

 

Exterior front of the Ellen Terry building.

Media Loan Shop

Our media loan shop provides you with access to all the equipment and support you need to excel in your studies – from basic audio recorders to professional cameras and expert advice from our technicians.

Careers and opportunities

The ever-changing world of the creative industries demands multi-skilled media professionals, who are familiar with a range of media platforms, full of ideas and imagination, with strong ethics and levels of professionalism; these same graduate attributes our course seeks to nurture.

Where our graduates work

The school has a very long and impressive history of graduates who establish themselves in extremely high profile media and cultural employment, examples of which include: executive producer for many highly prestigious Hollywood films, executive producer for SYCO, director for BBC documentaries, DJs for national radio stations such as BBC Radio 6 and Virgin Radio, planners and creatives for a number prestigious London-based advertising agencies.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Media Practice MA. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

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Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

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  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).