Media

Media Production Foundation Degree (FdA) Level 5 (full-time)

The Foundation Degree in Media Production focuses on video production as well as transferable skills. You will gain practical experience from working in the college's own facilities and on work-related projects. You will also have access to the University's facilities and resources. The course will enable you to focus on your ideas and creativity and teaches you the technical expertise to enable you to realise your ideas.

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I am a Freelance Director currently working in factual television at the BBC on consumer programmes such as Watchdog and Your Money Their Tricks. After my course I worked at BBC Three Counties Radio as a Broadcast Assistant which helped me to build up my journalism experience. During this time I did a total of nine weeks of unpaid work experience with BBC television, eventually being offered a researcher contract on Escape to The Country.

At the moment I’m working on Watchdog as a Director which involves directing short five minute films that will run within the main programme. I'm given the stories by the producers then have to come up with some creative ideas about how to tell the story, interview experts and also make sure that the piece was legally viable. We’ve been filming for the last week, but when we actually film with the presenter we will only have one day and one camera man, so we won’t have any room for mistakes as it’s straight to edit the next day. Editing is actually my favourite part of the whole process.

The Media course at Bedford College enabled me to develop many of the skills that I still use today. It was practical and we gained hands-on experience with cameras and editing software. We also created a mini feature film where everyone in the whole class had different roles which gave me insight into what’s expected of you in the workplace. We were also given the responsibility to create our own individual pieces and were encouraged to be as creative as possible. There’s no doubt that my time at Bedford College was a brilliant experience.

Amy (Alumni) - Media Production Foundation Degree

Entry requirements

You will need:

32-48 UCAS points with 32 points from one A-Level qualification OR
32-48 UCAS points from Media or Art & Design BTEC Level 3 Diploma OR
Equivalent Level 3 qualification.

We welcome applications from mature students via a successful interview and a demonstration of vocational experience if you do not meet the criteria stated.

Entry is subject to a successful interview, either face to face or via Skype/telephone. Practical examples will need to be sent before the interview and this should be arranged with the interviewer. You will be required to produce a portfolio of work showing practical artefacts, e.g. short films, music videos, adverts

Course content

During the course you will study a range of topics, including:

Level 4 units (1st Year)

Create a Production
Ways of Seeing
Film Studies
Skills Development

Level 5 units (2nd Year)

Drama Adaptation
Media Employment
Film and TV Documentary
Writing to Direct

Assessment methods

You will be assessed through completing project brief-based assignments.

Further study and career options

You can progress on to a third year top-up course, to achieve a BA Media Production degree. This course will also give you the skills you need to start a career in short film, documentary or television production.

Additional information

You are advised to buy a hard drive to store your work on (at the cost of approximately £40). You will also need access to Adobe Suite via the Adobe Cloud (approx. £16 per month with educational discount). There will also be travel costs for client projects.

On this course, you will also be able to establish links with Media Junction which is run by the University of Bedfordshire and aims to enhance the student experience by creating opportunities for students to network with each other, across degree pathways in order to make films and create media content. The initiative is designed to allow students to better understand how freelance work and networking is a staple of the creative industries.

To enrol on this course you must apply through the University & Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) using the institution code B23 and the course code P310. Visit www.ucas.com or call us on 01234 291000 for more information.

Course Information & How to Apply

You will need to complete a UCAS online application form to apply for this course, available at www.ucas.com. The codes needed are located in the 'Additional information' section above. Please call the College on 01234 291000 if you have any queries about your application.