Section 2

Programme Specification: Foundation Degree (Arts)

Broadcast Post Production
1. Awarding Institution
2. Teaching Institution
3. Programme Accredited by
4. Name of Final Award
5. UCAS Code
6. Total Number of Credits
7. Subject Benchmark
Statement
8. Points of Reference
University of Sussex
Ravensbourne College of Design and
Communication
N/A
Foundation Degree (Arts) Broadcast Post
Production
W618/E618
240 (120 at Level 1 and 120 at Level 2)
Communication, media, film and cultural studies
External
QAA - The framework for higher education
qualifications in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland
QAA Foundation Degree Qualification Benchmark
QAA Code of Practice
Skillset National Occupational Standards – Editing
Sound
Skillset: Focus on Facilities
Skillset: An Inquiry into Skills Issues in the Post-
Production and Special Visual Effects Sectors
University of Sussex Code of Practice for
Validation

Internal
College Learning and Teaching Strategy
College Academic Plan
College Procedure for Course Development
Approval and Validation
Academic Regulations for the Awards of
Foundation Degree and Certificate in Higher
Education
9. Date of Production October 2005
10. Overview

The Foundation Degree (Arts) Broadcast Post Production is a vocational programme

offering students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, craft, critical and technical
skills suited to a profession in broadcast post production. Editing skills lie at the heart
of this course: students will learn how to articulate meaning through cutting sound
and picture. Students will also acquire skills in screen graphics, special effects,
compositing, audio-post, authoring and quality control.

To help prepare students for industry, this programme is delivered in an environment

that mirrors industry practice and much of the learning on the course is delivered
through the simulation of real work based activity. To get on in industry, graduates
need to work well with clients and across a range of post production activities.

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Accordingly, we place considerable emphasis on developing students’ interpersonal

and transferable skill. Throughout the programme there will be opportunities for
fruitful collaborations with students on both the broadcasting and design courses
within the College.

The first year of the programme develops students’ skills in the use of post production
tools, the ‘grammar’ of editing and the broader production process. This is buttressed
by critical analysis of editing and an appreciation of story telling. Students also learn
about key design concepts as they relate to post production. Television standards
and the technology that informs broadcast post production are also key features of
the first year. Students will work on non-linear and compositing systems and will edit
material across a range of genres including documentary, drama and promotions.

The second year builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous year
with a particular emphasis on critical skills and preparing students for work in the
industry. To this end, there will be a work placement programme in the spring term
giving students up to six weeks of industry relevant experience. In the summer term,
the Applied Post Production 2 unit allows students to work on live projects, to hone
their craft, and produce a show reel with which to demonstrate their skills and abilities
on graduation.

Graduates can expect to find employment in broadcast organisations, facilities

houses and other related communications industries. Entry-level jobs typically
include: runner, VT Operator, assistant editor/compositor, junior editor/compositor.

Graduates who have passed the foundation degree and achieve a grade C profile
across the second level units have the opportunity to apply to progress to the BA
(Hons) Broadcasting (Post Production) subject to completion of the required bridging
programme. This is a one year honours level programme with a named pathway in
‘Post Production’. Students may progress in the consecutive year following
completion of the foundation degree or after a period of work.

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11. Educational Aims of the Programme

Through the integration of academic and work-based learning, this programme aims
to:

1. Provide students with a balance of intellectual and practical skills necessary to

enter the field of post production;

2. Develop a range of creative, critical and technical skills in a variety of

specialist disciplines related to post production;

3. Encourage independent and critical thinking and develop transferable skills

and competencies as preparation for work in a freelance market and enabling
life-long learning;

4. Develop experience and knowledge of collaborative working methods and

processes within an industrially focused multidisciplinary environment.

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12. Intended Learning Outcomes - This programme provides opportunities for
students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities
and other attributes in the following areas:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
SS identifies outcomes which reference
paragraphs in the Skillset National
Occupational Standards. HE identifies
outcomes which reference paragraphs in
the QAA Framework for HE Qualifications.
A - Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. the professional frameworks and
business systems that operate within the
media and creative industries (SS SP2, P1-
10, P15, X1, X3)
2. the process of broadcast post production
3. the use of technology in television
production (SS C12-31, S12-27, L18-21,
E9-17)
4. the legal and compliance issues in
broadcast television (SS P13-15, HE 2.2.1)
5. critical understanding of storytelling,
structure and conventions (HE 2.2.1)
6. financial controls within the television
industry (SS P26-29)
7. the history of television and cinema and
its influence on our culture (HE 2.2.1, 2.2.3)
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Learning and teaching on the course tends
to be primarily project based (see
Practical and Professional Skills below).
This is supported though the development
of the student’s knowledge and
understanding by varied learning and
teaching methods which may include as
appropriate: project briefings, lectures,
(staff and student led) group seminars,
technical or practical workshops,
demonstrations, critiques, individual or
group tutorials and self directed study
by the student.
Learning is facilitated by a well qualified
permanent teaching staff and by sessional
staff and visiting speakers who are
practising professionals and bring an
important industry perspective to the
course. Traditional modes of delivery may
be supported where appropriate by e
learning and/or resource based learning.
Assessment Methods
Knowledge and understanding is assessed
through short essays, tests, reports, critical
analysis, and individual and group
presentations and through its application in
practical projects in a manner appropriate
to each unit of delivery.
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SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
B - Practical/Professional Skills – Able
To:
1. confidently use non-linear edit systems
including familiarity with the editing process
and the choice of editing style to suit
content, context and audience (SS E1 –
E17)
2. use compositing and graphics tools
competently including familiarity with titling,
keying, colour correction, motion tracking
and special effects (SS E20 – E21 and SS
DMI 36 – DMI 38)
3. use interactive tools competently
including familiarity with creating content,
streaming and navigation systems
4. use sound and vision mixing and
monitoring equipment effectively (SS E18)
(SS S29 – S32)
5. perform on-line editing (SS15)
6. use post production equipment creatively
in response to the requirements of a brief
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Professional and practical skills are gained
primarily through project based learning.
This often involves the simulation of
activities which take place in industry.
Supported by staff, students work on
project briefs designed to foster creative,
technical and academic skills while
progressively introducing professional
contexts and real world constraints. This
approach is student centred, encourages
deep learning, builds problem solving
ability, and integrates academic with
professional learning. Students learn to
take responsibility for their own learning
progressively. Some projects are
intentionally collaborative encouraging
team working and peer learning and may
involve students from other courses.
Projects are supported by briefings,
studio lectures, workshops, critiques,
group seminars and student self
directed study. Learning is facilitated by
permanent teaching staff and by sessional
staff and visiting speakers who are
practising professionals and bring an
important industry perspective to the
course. These methods may be supported
where appropriate by e-learning and/or
resource based learning. The project
based approach culminates in independent
negotiated project work in the final level of
the course.
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed primarily through
the submission of media materials such as
video tapes, paper edits, shot lists, CD’s
and DVD’s. Students undertake a variety of
craft and technology tests. Students also
submit reflective logs explaining key points
in both the technical and creative process
and justifying decisions made with respect
to the brief.
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SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES (Continued)
C - Intellectual Skills – Able To:
1. select, apply and critically evaluate
techniques, technologies and processes in
the making of broadcast content (HE 2.2.2
& 2.2.3)
2. apply underlying concepts and principles
outside the context in which they were first
studied, and in a work related context (HE:
2.2.2, 2.2.3) (CM: 4.2.5)
3. consider and analyse their own work with
reference to academic and work related
frameworks (SS: S2, P4, R3, R4) (HE:
2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.2.4) (CM: 4.1.5)
4. compare their own work critically and
stylistically in relation to contemporary
practice (SS: R2, P4, R3) (HE: 2.2.4)
5. understand, discuss and exploit
opportunities provided by interactivity
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Intellectual skills are gained primarily
through lectures, seminars, workshops,
individual tutorials and self-directed
study but the delivery of some elements
will be integrated with practical and
professional skills in project based
learning. In particular, project based
learning stimulates analysis, contextual,
problem solving, creative thinking, and
personal reflection.
Students are introduced through the
contextual elements of the course to
theoretical and critical frameworks in which
they can locate their practice.
Assessment Methods
Students are primarily assessed through a
variety of means including essays, reports
and presentations. Some elements are
assessed through their application in
submitted project materials. This may
include rationales, background research,
development materials and/or evidence of
reflection on the process of development
in addition to practical material.
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SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES (Continued)
D - Transferable Skills – Able To:
1. take responsibility for own learning with a
minimum direction (SS E1 – E17)
2. interact effectively within a team, giving
and receiving information and ideas and
modifying responses appropriately (SS X5)
3. manage information in a range of media,
selecting and using a variety of sources and
technologies as appropriate
4. communicate ideas and information in
visual, oral and written forms effectively to a
variety of audiences, including technical
and non-technical audiences (SS X1)
5. identify key areas of problems and
choose appropriate tools/methods for their
resolution (SS15)
6. evaluate own strengths and weaknesses,
and develop own criteria and judgement
(SS F1, F5)
7. produce work that is literate, numerate
and coherent (SS X5)
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Students develop transferable skills
primarily through self-directed project
activity which progressively introduces
professional contexts.
Though most learning takes place during
the projects and through students’ critical
and reflective response to these, this
aspect of learning is supports by a
Personal and Professional Development
unit at each of the course levels. The first
level concentrates on ensuring that
students ‘learn how to learn’. The unit also
prepares students for work experience (or
equivalent) and encourages them to start
to explore professional and career
development. The second level focuses on
the development of professional
transferable skills to enable the transition
to employment and/or further study.
Assessment Methods
Transferable skills are assessed within
appropriate units throughout the course,
and in particular through the submission of
Personal and Professional Development
Files. These files (containing a learning
plan, reflective commentary and evidence-
base) are developed within the Personal
and Professional Development unit and
provide evidence of work and learning
carried out across the course. For
instance, evidence of personal
development achieved through research,
design development and realisation;
responses to briefs; and evidence of
project management. Students are also
assessed through peer, group and self-
assessment.
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13. Admission Criteria

Foundation degree applicants will come from a wide range of backgrounds and
applications are positively welcomed from mature students, those with relevant work
experience, those who may not necessarily possess the formal entry qualifications, or
who have qualifications other than those listed below.

Students will normally be expected to possess four GCSEs (grade C or above) or

equivalent (preferably including English, Media/Technology) and also hold at least
one of the following or equivalent:

• 1 A-Level or BTEC National Diploma;

• AVCE or GNVQ Advanced (Level 3);
• NVQ3 in relevant subject(s).

Applicants will normally be expected to attend for interview and submit a portfolio of
examples of work.

Students will be selected according to the criteria set out in the College Procedure
for the Admission of Students and Guidance Notes for Selecting Candidates for
interview.

When appropriate the College’s Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure
will be used to assess applicants at interview. The key criterion for entry is evidence
of commitment and motivation to study in the subject area.

14. Assessment Regulations and Principles

This course is subject to the Academic Regulations for the Awards of Foundation
Degree and Certificate in Higher Education.

In summary, in order to complete a unit, a student must successfully complete all the
assessment specified for that unit. In order to progress from level one of the course
to level two, a student must successfully complete all the units in that level of the
course. In order to achieve the award, a student (having completed level one of the
course) must successfully complete all the units in level two. In certain
circumstances, the Examination Board may at its discretion choose to permit
performance in one area to compensate for underachievement in another subject to
the provisions of the Academic Regulations for the Awards of Foundation Degree
and Certificate in Higher Education. However, there is no automatic right to such
compensation.

Foundation degrees are not classified. However, students wishing to progress to

honours level study must achieve at least a grade C profile across the units of the
second level of the course.

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15. Articulation with Honours Degree

This Foundation Degree is articulated with the BA (Hons) Broadcasting with a named
pathway in Post Production.

Students wishing to progress to the BA (Hons) must successfully complete their

Foundation Degree, achieve the prerequisites for the BA (Hons) and complete a
required bridging programme. Application is through UCAS and acceptance is subject
to the course running and places being available.

Normally the prerequisites for the BA (Hons) are:

• Foundation Degree (Arts) Broadcast Post Production pass with minimum 2.2
profile (Grade C) at Level 2;
• Pass all ‘bridging’ units:
• Management and Organisations;
• Understanding Media;
• Research Preparation.
• Normally a maximum of 5 years expired since Foundation Degree (Arts)
Broadcast Post Production completion.

16. Support for Student Learning

Much of the learning on the course takes place during resource based project work.
In order to support Student Learning the following resources and services are
available:

• Learning Resource Centre;

• Post Production Suite (12 x Video Editing Workstations);
• Sound Room (8 x Audio Workstations);
• Ping-Pong Room (11 x Audio/Video Editing Workstations);
• Convergence (19 x Video/Editing Workstations);
• Quantel Resource Area (2 Workstations, Paintbox pro, Edit pro);
• Dubbing Suite (Pro Tools HD, Pro Control);
• Studio B (24 Track Pro Tools Suite with 96 Channel Digital desk);
• College Wide General Computer Resource (Word Processing, Spreadsheets,
Graphics etc).

17. E Learning

In addition to the aspects of the curriculum delivered in the traditional manner through
lectures, workshops and other face to face delivery methods, learning will also be
supported by the developing ‘Moodle’ Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Course
Handbooks, project briefs and other course materials will be stored for retrieval and
access on or off campus. Similarly students are able to apply themselves to on-line
group forums and critiques and tasks at the time and place most suitable to their
personal schedules and commitments.

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18. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The course operates within a College quality assurance framework which ensures
that the standards set at validation are maintained and enhanced and the quality of
the student learning experience is good. As part of this framework the course is
subject to the following processes:

• Course Review;
• Mapping against FHEQ and Foundation Degree Benchmark Statement during
development;
• Integration of Occupational Standards during development;
• College Internal Validation;
• External Validation by the University of Sussex;
• External Examiner Reports;
• Annual Course Monitoring;
• Student Feedback;
• Student Representation;
• Peer Observation of Staff;
• Staff Training Programme;
• Industry Benchmarking (for specific projects).

19. Multidisciplinary Environment

Working on projects with students from other disciplines is central to the aims of this
programme. Post production students will enjoy the challenge of working in
multidisciplinary teams from several related programmes including FdA Broadcast
Operations and Production, FdA Creative Sound Design, BA (Hons) Content Creation
and Broadcast and BA (Hons) Design for Moving Image.

Much of this collaborative work will be geared towards the annual Rave on Air
showcase event.

20. External Contexts

In line with the College’s aim of ensuring the continued commercial relevance of
our academic provision, industry partners will provide direct feedback on the
relevance of course content and will feed back indirectly through comments on
the appropriateness of students’ skills as encountered in those on work
placements. Partners include:

• The London Studio’s;

• London Post;
• Avid Partner;
• Quantel;
• Fusion;
• The Mill;
• The Machine Room;
• The BBC.

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21. Unit List

Level 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit
BPP101/FDC101 Broadcast Technology 20
BPP102/FDC102 Contextual Studies 1 20
BPP103/FDC103 Personal and Professional Development 1 10
BPP104/FDBC105 Broadcast Industry Standards 15
BPP105 Post Production 1 25
BPP106 Design Principles for Post Production 1 10
BPP107 Applied Post Production 1 20
Total 120

Level 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit
BPP201/FDC201 Group Project 15
BPP202/FDC202 Contextual Studies 2 20
BPP203/FDC203 Personal and Professional Development 2 10
BPP204/FDBC204 Interactive Design and Technology 10
BPP205 Post Production 2 25
BPP206 Design Principles for Post Production 2 10
BPP207 Audio for Post Production 10
BPP208 Applied Post Production 2 20
Total 120

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22. Unit Map

FdA Broadcast Post Production - Level 1

Contextual Studies 1
20 Credits

Personal and Professional Development 1

10 Credits

Broadcast Technology
20 Credits

Broadcast Industry Standards

15 Credits

Post Production 1 Applied Post Production 1

25 Credits 20 Credits

Design Principles for Post Production 1

10 Credits

Term one Term two Term three

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FdA Broadcast Post Production – Level 2

Contextual Studies 2
20 Credits

Personal and Professional Development 2

10 Credits

Group Project
15 Credits

Post Production 2 Applied Post Production 2

25 Credits 20 Credits

Work
Interactive Design and Technology Audio for Post Production (Cont.)
Placement
10 Credits Audio for Post 10 Credits
Weeks 6-10
Production
10 Credits
Design Principles for Post weeks 1-5
Production 2
10 Credits

Term one Term two Term three

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23. Outcome Map

A A A A A A A A B B B B B B C C C C C D D D D D D D
Unit
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
LEVEL 1
BPP101/FDC101 Broadcast Technology X X X
BPP102/FDC102 Contextual Studies 1 X XX X d
BPP103/FDC103 Personal and Professional Development 1 X X X X X X X
BPP104/FDBC105 Broadcast Industry Standards X X X X
BPP105 Post Production 1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X d X
BPP106 Design Principals for Post Production 1 X X X X X
BPP107 Applied Post Production 1 X X X X X X X d d X

LEVEL 2
BPP201/FDC201 Group Project X X d d X X
BPP202/FDC202 Contextual Studies 2 X X X X d
BPP203/FDC203 Personal and Professional Development 2 X X X X X X X
BPP204/FDBC204 Interactive Design and Technology X X X X X
BPP205 Post Production 2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X d X
BPP206 Design Principles for Post Production 2 X X X X X
BPP207 Audio for Post Production X X X X X
BPP208 Applied Post Production 2 X X X X d d d X

A = Knowledge and Understanding D = Transferable Skills

B = Practical/Professional Skills X = Assessed and Delivered
C = Intellectual Skills d = Delivered

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A - Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. the professional frameworks and business systems that operate within
the media and creative industries
2. the process of broadcast post production
3. the use of technology in television production
4. the legal and compliance issues in broadcast television
5. critical understanding of storytelling, structure and conventions
6. financial controls within the television industry
7. the history of television and cinema and its influence on our culture
C - Intellectual Skills – Able To:
1. select, apply and critically evaluate techniques, technologies and
processes in the making of broadcast content
2. apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which
they were first studied, and in a work related context
3. consider and analyse their own work with reference to academic and
work related frameworks
4. compare their own work critically and stylistically in relation to
contemporary practice
5. understand, discuss and exploit opportunities provided by interactivity
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
B - Practical/Professional Skills – Able To
1. confidently use non-linear edit systems including familiarity with the editing
process and the choice of editing style to suit content, context and
audience
2. use compositing and graphics tools competently including familiarity with
titling, keying, colour correction, motion tracking and special effects
3. use interactive tools competently including familiarity with creating
content, streaming and navigation systems
4. use sound and vision mixing and monitoring equipment effectively
5. perform on-line editing
6. use post production equipment creatively in response to the requirements
of a brief
D - Transferable Skills – Able To:
1. take responsibility for own learning with a minimum direction
2. interact effectively within a team, giving and receiving information and
ideas and modifying responses appropriately
3. manage information in a range of media, selecting and using a variety of
sources and technologies as appropriate
4. communicate ideas and information in visual, oral and written forms
effectively to a variety of audiences, including technical and non-technical
audiences
5. identify key areas of problems and choose appropriate tools/methods for
their resolution
6. evaluate own strengths and weaknesses, and develop own criteria and
judgement
7. produce work that is literate, numerate and coherent
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Please note, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and
the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate
if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information
on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each unit can be
found in the Course Handbook, Unit Descriptors and Project Briefs. The accuracy of the information
contained in this document is reviewed by the College and may be checked by the Quality Assurance
Agency for Higher Education.

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