Core modules

• Audiences and Effects

  This module introduces you to the principles and practices of qualitative research into audiences, and the ways in which it is used in the conception and design of programming. It looks at successful models of expository programming, and uses them to model the ways in which programme content, narrative style and creative approaches are used with the greatest effect to reach audiences. The module also explores issues of truthfulness, a producer's ethical responsibilities and the limits of persuasion. The focus, however, is on the practical methodologies of research, and on the sociology of audiences. Its outcome is that producers will know how to research, define and understand their audiences (Who are you talking to?) so that they can ensure that every element of programme spend is used to the greatest possible effect.

• From Research to Screen, 1

  This module is delivered in parallel to Audiences and Effects. You will make programmes, and do so in ways which allow you to analyse and evaluate the ways in which you increasingly bring audience research to bear on your production. You will simultaneously research and make programmes, working towards stated outcomes for known audience groups. The key outcome of this module is that you understand, through the combination of research and practice, exactly what it is a producer needs to know about an audience, and how to address an audience's conscious and unconscious needs and characteristics in every element of programme design and spend.

• The Business of Production

  This module treats two fundamentally related aspects of the business activity required for successful production: the macro-economics of the media world, and the micro-economics of managing programme budgets. The former explores the sources of finance available to programme makers, and looks also at how producers can safeguard their rights and generate sustainable income streams from their intellectual property. The latter, the micro-economics element, deals with the setting and management of programme budgets, treating programmes as a class of project management, a primary aim of which is to deploy and control programme budgets not only to avoid overspends, but also to focus resources in ways which guarantee the greatest possible effects on audiences - and on the potential markets for programmes and their spin-offs.

• From Research to Screen, 2

  This module returns to the approach of module 2, but calls for higher standards of practice and analysis. In essence, you will now make longer programmes of an enhanced technical and creative standard, and also demonstrate an advanced understanding of the ways in which your budgets have been set and managed. Issues of programme 'quality' will be further addressed through analysis of your processes and outputs, and you will discuss and reach conclusions about the responsibilities of the producer in terms of possible conflicts between a commissioner's aims, the demands of your market and your own sense of 'truthfulness' in what you produce. This module also explores the key issues arising from the management of creative people and teams, and at ways of harnessing, yet controlling, creativity in the context of financially-sensitive project management activity.

• Major Project

  You will produce a major piece of audio-visual work in a subject and format of your choice. You will also prepare a fully-professional pitch for a programme, series or moving-image product, of which the audio-visual work will be an exemplary component. You will identify actual broadcast slots and/or other routes to market for these materials, and be able to use your pitch and supporting evidence in order to make an actual bid for funds. You will be able to provide a substantive business case in support of your bid. You will be an industry-ready professional, with a credible pitch and supporting evidence at your disposal.

• Dissertation

  You will write a 10,000-word dissertation, on a subject to be agreed with your tutor, based on primary and secondary research, and which demonstrates an advanced understanding of an aspect of the media landscape which you consider most relevant to your career ambitions.