Audio Theory and Practice
In a nutshell
The rapid growth in communications, High Definition 4K and UHDTV, the internet and mobile technologies has created a demand for graduates with broad technical skills, specifically in operational areas, systems design, broadcast engineering and networked media technology. This course will enable you to learn the theory behind video, audio, IT and IP practices which lay the foundation for a variety of technical industries including broadcast and cinema, radio, TV and internet-delivered media.
This course combines engineering theory with production know-how. You will learn about the principles and functions of video, audio and multimedia systems while gaining core skills and knowledge in electronics, design systems and the technical characteristics of Digital Cinema, standard definition and High Definition and Ultra High Definition television. You will also learn about the requirements for radio and TV broadcasting in Britain and Europe by completing a project on a technology area of your choice.
The course has an impressive employment record in broadcast technical operations, broadcast engineering and systems design. Students gain work as broadcast engineers in transmission and distribution companies or in systems design companies as proposals engineers, technical sales, engineering or project management. There are multiple generations of our graduates working with and for each other in a number of leading broadcast companies including the BBC, SIS, TSL, Blackmagic design, MTV Networks, Newtek and ITV.
The Media Technology programme has full accreditation by Creative Skillset, giving industry and academic recognition to the programme and its contribution to the sector.
What's more, overall satisfaction with the course is 100% and all students said*:
- Staff are good at explaining things
- Staff made the subject interesting
- The course is intellectually stimulating
*University of Salford analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data
You will:
- combine engineering theory with production know-how
- learn about the principles and functions of video, audio and multimedia systems while gaining core skills
- learn the theory behind video, audio, IT and IP practices
International
students accepted
This is for you if...
1.
you want a good grounding in all areas of television engineering
2.
you want opportunities to learn cutting-edge technologies from industry practitioners and to work on industry live briefs
3.
you are interested in how media reaches an audience
All about the course
Year one
Video Electronics: Theory and Practice
Studio Practice and Design
Web Design and Internet Technology
Media Technologies Evolution and Implementation
Communications and Maths for Engineers
Year two
Studio Operations
Transmission and Signals Theory
Media Workflows for Broadcast and Cinema
Acquisitions and Tapeless Workflows
Studio Operations and Production Techniques
Introduction to Systems Design
Year three
Major Project
Systems Integration
High Definition in Cinema and Outside Broadcast Production
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.
School of Arts and Media
The School of Arts and Media is the largest School at the University of Salford with more than 4,000 creative students. Across sites at MediaCityUK and the University's Peel Park campus, we offer a huge variety of courses, from fashion image making and styling, television and radio, creative writing and music to journalism, animation, design and performance.
This broad range of disciplines offers enhanced opportunities for specialist and interdisciplinary study, including collaborative work across subject areas.
Facilities
You will be taught in a state-of-the-art engineering lab/lecture space and make broadcast standard programme material in our High Definition studios at MediaCityUK.
What about after uni?
The Media Technology Degree has an impressive employment record in broadcast technical operations, broadcast engineering and systems design.
Media Technology graduates tend to go into four core areas of the industry:
- Broadcast technical operations
- Broadcast engineering
- Systems design
- Network and broadcast workflow
Students gain work as broadcast engineers in transmission and distribution companies or in systems design companies as proposals engineers, technical sales, engineering or project management. In a number of leading broadcast companies like the BBC, SIS, TSL and MTV Networks there are multiple generations of our graduates working with and for each other.
Recent graduates of this course:
- David Fairhurst - Trainee Broadcast Engineer - MTV Networks London
- Raphael Williams - Sound Engineer - OBs Freelance
- Andrew Holden - Trainee Satellite and Transmission Engineer - Triffield Productions London
- Darren Gosney - Product Engineer/Camera Operator - Blackmagic
- Jack Bredbury - Transmission Network Engineer - Aqiva London
- Mike Kerry - Transmission Engineer Ideal World
- Paul Busby - Junior Project Engineer - TSL
- Tony Pinder - Junior Project Engineer - TSL
- Ryan Walsh - Trainee Broadcast Engineer MTV Networks London
- Ross Elliot - Transmission Network Engineer - Aqiva London
- Jo Curtis - Master Control Room Engineer - SIS Milton Keynes
- Dan Burton - Junior Proposals Engineer - DB Associates
Career Links
The course has links with the BBC, SIS, Aqiva, Granada, TSL, and Megahertz UK.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
A Media Technology student is someone who knows how to use a camera but also wants to know how the camera works. You should be up to date with all the new technologies on the market and have an appreciation of the role of computing in modern society.
Preferred background subjects are media and IT, sciences, electronics, CDT and physics.
We welcome applications from mature students without formal/traditional entry requirements but with relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully. If you have a relevant HND, you may be able to join the course in year 2.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0, with no element below 5.5, is proof of this.
Standard entry requirements
GCSE
English Language, Maths and Double Science 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.
A level
88-104 points, to include Maths, Physics, IT or Media
UCAS tariff points
88-104 points
BTEC National Diploma
MMM. Media, IT, Maths or physics bias
Access to HE
88-104 UCAS Tariff points from Level 3 QAA approved Access programme. To include Media/Maths/Physics
Scottish Highers
88-104 points, to include Media, IT, Maths, Physics
Irish Leaving Certificate
88-104 points, to include Media, IT, Maths, Physics
International Baccalaureate
28 points, to include Media, IT, Maths, Physics
European Baccalaureate
Pass in Diploma of at least 60%
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/EU | 2019/20 | £9,250per year |
| Full-time international | 2019/20 | £12,660per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.