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Programme Specification: Foundation Degree (Arts)

Broadcast Operations and Production
1. Awarding Institution University of Sussex
2. Teaching Institution Ravensbourne College of Design and
Communication
3. Programme Accredited by N/A
4. Name of Final Award Foundation Degree (Arts) Broadcast Operations
and Production
5. UCAS Code HPQ3
6. Total Number of Credits 240 (120 at Level 1 and 120 at Level 2)
7. Subject Benchmark Communication, media, film and cultural studies
Statement
8. Points of Reference 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 –
Audio Visual Production
Camera
Editing
Lighting
Sound
Studio and Technical Operations
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 10th November 2005

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10. Overview

This programme aims to give students the professional skills, knowledge and
experience necessary to creatively use digital technologies in programme making in
the Broadcasting Industry. The learning environment mirrors the professional
workplace and makes the programme distinctive in preparing students to work to
professional broadcast standards within an integrated environment. This includes
acquiring professional and technical competence in the production, camera, post-
production and transmission of television programmes across multiple platforms.

The programme enables students to develop a sound understanding of broadcasting

principles and be equipped with a knowledge-base and creative ability that enables
them to move rapidly into effective work, and a learning attitude that is adaptive and
ready to exploit new opportunities which are made available through developments in
technology and changes in the industry.

In Level 1, students will learn basic practical skills backed up by theory, as well as
Contextual Studies and Personal and Professional Development. Students will
become aware of the importance for employment of reflection upon their own
interpersonal skills and the need for personal development.

Students are encouraged and supported in applying for a work placement and this
normally takes place between Level 1 and Level 2. Students are prepared for their
work placement through skills development in the Personal and Professional
Development unit in Level 1, and to reflect on this work placement in Personal and
Professional Development in Level 2 to inform their career goals and professional
development.

In Level 2, students progress to a higher professional and academic standard and

are encouraged to work and learn independently. Students also elect to specialise in
their chosen area of expertise.

Graduates who have passed this 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 (Production) subject to completion of the required bridging
programme. BA (Hons) Broadcasting (Production) is a one year honours level
programme with a named pathway in ‘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 broadcast operations and production;

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

specialist disciplines related to broadcast operations and 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 = Skillset National Occupational Teaching and Learning Methods

Standards.
SK = Skillset National Occupational Learning and teaching on the course
Standards – Key Skills. tends to be primarily project based (see
HE = QAA Framework for HE Practical and Professional Skills below).
Qualifications. This is supported though the development
FD = Foundation Degree Qualification of the student’s knowledge and
Benchmark. understanding by varied learning and
teaching methods which may include as
A - Knowledge and Understanding of: appropriate: project briefings, lectures,
(staff and student led) group seminars,
1. the professional frameworks and technical or practical workshops,
business systems that operate within the demonstrations, critiques, individual or
media and creative industries (SS SP2, P1- group tutorials and self directed study
10, P15, X1, X3) (A1) by the student.
2. the use of technology in television
production (SS C12-31, S12-27, L18-21, Learning is facilitated by a well qualified
E9-17) (A2) permanent teaching staff and by sessional
3. the legal and compliance issues in staff and visiting speakers who are
broadcast television (SS P13-15, HE 2.2.1.) practising professionals and bring an
(A3) important industry perspective to the
4. critical understanding of storytelling, course. Traditional modes of delivery may
structure and conventions (HE 2.2.1.) (A4) be supported where appropriate by e
5. financial controls within the television learning and/or resource based learning.
industry (SS P26-29) (A5)
6. the history of television and cinema and Assessment Methods
its influence on our culture (HE 2.2.1, 2.2.3)
(A6) 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 Teaching and Learning Methods
To:
Professional and practical skills are gained
1. operate a location ‘PSC’ broadcast primarily through project based learning.
camera to produce images suitable for This often involves the simulation of
broadcast use (SS: C4 – C31) (B1) activities which take place in industry.
2. use filters and other camera accessories
to enhance images (SS: C11, C21) (B2) Supported by staff, students work on
3. operate broadcast studio cameras to a project briefs designed to foster creative,
professional standard (SS: TO1, TO2) (B3) technical and academic skills while
4. operate location and studio sound progressively introducing professional
equipment including microphones and contexts and real world constraints. This
mixers (SS: S1-S28) (B4) approach is student centred, encourages
5. light subjects and sets in location and deep learning, builds problem solving
studio environments (SS L1 – L21) (B5) ability, and integrates academic with
6. undertake basic editing of video and professional learning. Students learn to
audio footage (SS E5, E10 – E14, E18, take responsibility for their own learning
E19) (B6) progressively. Some projects are
7. operate studio technical facilities intentionally collaborative encouraging
including vision mixers and video recorders team working and peer learning and may
(SS TO3 – TO21, VT1 – VT2, VC1 – VC4, involve students from other courses.
V1, VM1 – VM4) (B7)
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 practical materials.
Students undertake a variety of skills and
technology tests. Students may also be
required to 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: Teaching and Learning Methods

1. select, apply and critically evaluate Intellectual skills are gained primarily
techniques, technologies and processes in through lectures, seminars, workshops,
the making of broadcast content (HE 2.2.2 individual tutorials and self-directed
& 2.2.3) (C1) study but the delivery of some elements
2. relate their knowledge and skills to will be integrated with practical and
standards of professional practice and professional skills in project based
identify areas for professional development learning. In particular, project based
(HE2.2.4) (C2) learning stimulates analysis, contextual,
3. consider and analyse their own work with problem solving, creative thinking and
reference to academic and work related personal reflection.
frameworks (SS: S2, P4, R3, R4) (HE:
2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.2.4) (CM: 4.1.5.) (C3) 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: Teaching and Learning Methods

1. take responsibility for own learning with a Students develop transferable skills
minimum direction (D1) primarily through self-directed project
2. interact effectively within a team, giving activity which progressively introduces
and receiving information and ideas and professional contexts.
modifying responses appropriately (D2)
3. manage information in a range of media, Though most learning takes place during
selecting and using a variety of sources and the projects and through students’ critical
technologies as appropriate (D3) and reflective response to these, this
4. communicate ideas and information in aspect of learning is supports by a
visual, oral and written forms effectively to a Personal and Professional Development
variety of audiences, including technical unit at each of the course levels. The first
and non-technical audiences (D4) level concentrates on ensuring that
5. identify key areas of problems and students ‘learn how to learn’. The unit also
choose appropriate tools/methods for their prepares students for work experience (or
resolution (D5) equivalent) and encourages them to start
6. evaluate own strengths and weaknesses, to explore professional and career
and develop own criteria and judgement development. The second level focuses
(D6) on the development of professional
7. produce work that is literate, numerate transferable skills to enable the transition
and coherent (D7) 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 (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 Operations and 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 Operations and Production completion.

16. Support for Student Learning

Personal tutorials and study skills support is offered to all students.

In order to support student learning the following resources and services are
available:

• Electronics Laboratory;
• TV Systems Laboratory;
• Computing Laboratory;
• Learning Resource Centre;
• Post Production Suite (12 x Video Editing Workstations);
• Sound Room (8 x Audio Workstations);
• Convergence (19 x Video/Editing Workstations);
• Dubbing Suite (Pro Tools HD, Pro Control);
• Studio B (Small television studio with 3 broadcast cameras, and Grass Valley
mixing desk + 24 Track Pro Tools Suite with 96 Channel Digital desk);
• Studio A (Large television studio with four broadcast cameras, production gallery,
sound gallery and lighting gallery);
• College Wide General Computer Resource (Word Processing, Spreadsheets,
Graphics etc).

Support for students with learning difficulties and study support needs are in place
through the College Student Support Services.

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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.

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 a significant part of the
aims of this programme. Students will work extensively with the FdSc Broadcast
Media Technology, FdA Broadcast Post Production, BA (Hons) Content Creation and
Broadcast, BA (Hons) Broadcasting (Production) and FdA Creative Sound Design.
Collaboration is also likely with other programmes within the faculty. Much of this
collaborative work will be geared towards the annual Rave on Air showcase event.

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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:

• Broadcasters;
• Facilities Houses;
• Hire Companies;
• Production Companies;
• Members of the Broadcasting Advisory Board;
• Members of the Advisory Committee for the Communication Media Faculty.

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21. Unit List

Level 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit
Value
SHARED UNITS
BOP101/FDC101 Broadcast Technology 20
BOP102/FDC102 Contextual Studies 1 20
BOP103/FDC103 Personal and Professional Development 1 10
BOP104/FDBC104 Introduction to Operational Practice 15
BOP105/FDBC105 Broadcast Industry Standards 15
COURSE SPECIFIC UNITS
BOP106 Cameras, Lighting and Sound 1 15
BOP107 Applied Operations 1 15
BOP108 Post Production 10
TOTAL 120

Level 2
SHARED UNITS
BOP201/FDC201 Group Project 15
BOP202/FDC202 Contextual Studies 2 20
BOP203/FDC203 Personal and Professional Development 2 10
BOP204/FDBC204 Interactive Design and Technology 10
COURSE SPECIFIC UNITS
BOP205 Cameras, Lighting and Sound 2 15
BOP206 Applied Operations 2 10
BOP207 Recording and Transmission 20
BOP208 Electives: 20

E1 – Creativity in Digital Technology Elective

E2 – Post Production Elective
E3 – Studio Operations Elective
E4 – Location Work Elective
E5 – Production Elective
TOTAL 120

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22. Foundation Degree (Arts) Broadcast Operations and Production - Unit Map
Level 1 Level 2

Personal and Professional Development 1 Placement Personal and Professional Development 2

Contextual Studies 1 Contextual Studies 2

Introduction to Broadcast Technology Recording and Transmission

Operational Practice

Cameras, Lighting and Sound 1 Cameras, Lighting and Sound 2

Applied Operations 1 Applied Operations 2

Post Production Electives Interactive Design and Technology

Broadcast Industry Standards Group Project

Note: This diagram gives an overview of the structuring of the curriculum content and is not time related. For a diagrammatic representation of delivery and assessment of the units, see section 24 below

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23. Outcome Map

A A A A A A B B B B B B B C C C D D D D D D D
Unit
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
LEVEL 1
BOP101/FDC101 Broadcast Technology X X X X X X X
BOP102/FDC102 Contextual Studies 1 X X X X X X X
BOP103/FDC103 Personal and Professional Development 1 X X X X
BOP104/FDBC104 Introduction to Operational Practice X X X X X X X X
BOP105/FDBC105 Broadcast Industry Standards X X X X X X X X X
BOP106 Cameras, Lighting and Sound 1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
BOP107 Applied Operations 1 X X X X X X X X
BOP108 Post Production X X X X X X X X
LEVEL 2
BOP201/FDC201 Group Project X X X X X X X X X X
BOP202/FDC202 Contextual Studies 2 X X X X X X X X
BOP203/FDC203 Personal and Professional Development 2 X X X X
BOP204/FDBC204 Interactive Design and Technology X X X X X X X X
BOP205 Cameras, Lighting and Sound 2 X X X X X X X X X X
BOP206 Applied Operations 2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
BOP207 Recording and Transmission X X X X X X X
BOP208E1 Creativity in Digital Technology Elective X X X X X X X X X X X
BOP208E2 Post Production Elective X X X X X X X X X
BOP208E3 Studio Operations Elective X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
BOP208E4 Location Work Elective X X X X X X X X X X X X X
BOP208E5 Production Elective X X X X X X X X X X X X

A = Knowledge and Understanding D = Transferable Skills

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

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A Knowledge and Understanding of: B Practical/Professional Skills – Able To

1. the professional frameworks and business systems that operate within 1. operate a location ‘PSC’ broadcast camera to produce images suitable
the media and creative industries for broadcast use
2. the use of technology in television production 2. use filters and other camera accessories to enhance images
3. the legal and compliance issues in broadcast television 3. operate broadcast studio cameras to a professional standard
4. critical understanding of storytelling, structure and conventions 4. operate location and studio sound equipment including microphones and
5. financial controls within the television industry mixers
6. the history of television and cinema and its influence on our culture 5. light subjects and sets in location and studio environments
6. undertake basic editing of video and audio footage
7. operate studio technical facilities including vision mixers and video
recorders
C - Intellectual Skills – Able To: D Transferable Skills – Able To:

1. select, apply and critically evaluate techniques, technologies and 1. take responsibility for own learning with a minimum direction
processes in the making of broadcast content 2. interact effectively within a team, giving and receiving information and
2. relate their knowledge and skills to standards of professional practice ideas and modifying responses appropriately
and identify areas for professional development 3. manage information in a range of media, selecting and using a variety of
3. consider and analyse their own work with reference to academic and sources and technologies as appropriate
work related frameworks 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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24. Unit Delivery/Balance of Credits

BROADCAST OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTION

Level 1

TERM 1 TERM 2 TERM 3

BOP103 Personal and Professional Development (5 Credits) (2 Credits) (3 Credits) Portfolio submission

BOP102 Contextual Studies 1 (10 Credits) (5 Credits) (5 Credits)

Historical Context The Creative Industries Media Theory

Summative essay

BOP106 Cameras, Lighting and Sound 1

(7Credits) ( 8 Credits)
Report submission Formative Ass Practical Test Written test

BOP107 Applied Operations 1 (4 Credits) (7 Credits) (4 Credits)

Assignment 1 submission Assignment 2 Assignment 3 Assignment 4

BOP104 Introduction to Operational Practice (8 Credits) (7 Credits)

Technical file submission

BOP101 Broadcast Technology (10 Credits) (10 Credits)

Introduction to Broadcast Technology Sound
Delivery: 5 Lectures + E-learning. Assessment: End test Delivery: 3 Lectures/3 Workshops
Assessment: End test
Computer Network and Software Computer Networks and Software
Delivery: 3 Lectures, 3 Workshops. Coursework
Submission

BOP108 Post Production (2 Credits) (3 Credits) (5 Credits)

Practical Practical Essay

BOP105 Broadcast Industry Standards (2 Credits) (2 Credits) (11 Credits)

Practical Test

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BROADCAST OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTION

Level 2

TERM 1 TERM 2 TERM 3

BOP201 Group Project (4 Credits) (4 Credits) (7 Credits)

Formative Assessment Formative Assessment Coursework Submission

BOP202 Contextual Studies 2 (5 Credits) (7 Credits) (8 Credits)

New Appreciation to Television/Film Research Project Research Project contd.
Formative - Presentation Research Project
Submission

BOP203 Personal and Professional Development 2 (3

Credits) (2 Credits) (5 Credits) Preparation for the Work Place
Work Experience Report CV Development Portfolio
Submission Submission

BOP204 Interactive Design and Technology (10 Credits) BOP207 Recording and Transmission (10 Credits) (10 Credits)

Project Treatment Presentation Formative Assessment Written test

Summative

BOP208 E1-E5 Electives (10 Credits) (10 Credits)

Formative Assessment Summative Assessment

BOP206 Applied Operations 2 (5 Credits) (5 Credits)

Formative Assessment Summative Assessment

Cameras, Lighting and Sound 2 (5 Credits) (5 Credits) (5 Credits)

Formative Assessment Practical Test Written Test

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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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