Course overview

This course is for people who wish to follow careers in the rapidly developing internet and digital content industries.

The course explores the principles and practice of all aspects of media production for the internet, specialising in visual and audio media. Building on the technologies that lie beneath the surface of all digital content and fundamental internet technologies, students on this course are able to develop their technical expertise by working on a range of practical projects.

Media skills are now valuable in virtually all industries, but especially web, film and video, digital television, education, and entertainment. There is also an increasing demand that such media be served over the internet, requiring a sound understanding of the implications of these internet technologies on the media itself.

This course develops graduates who are familiar with the technical and the design aspects of producing digital content for the internet. It covers the types of digital content that exist both today and in the near future, and also the technologies used to realise them. Through extensive practical classes in studios and laboratories students are encouraged and helped to use a wide range of commercial software and hardware tools to create a portfolio of different digital content and internet based applications. These classes are supported by lectures and tutorial classes covering the underpinning theory and principles of the technologies involved.

There is a wide range of specialist facilities available for student use on this course, covering interactive, visual and audio production and post production. Specialist internet development facilities are also available to students. These use industry-strength software and hardware systems, and students are taught key applications in detail ensuring they are
familiar with professional-level tools when they start their postgraduate careers.

This is an intellectually exciting course which will develop both your technical skills and your creative talents and offer you the chance to specialise in those aspects of media and\or internet technology which especially interest you. It is suited to students of all disciplines.

The specific aims of this course are:

• to give you the ability to define and solve technical problems in the context of media and internet content production, distribution and archiving,
• to enable you to contribute to the creation and making of new media content for the internet
• to enable you to specify systems for new media production and distribution on the internet
• to develop you to manage the installation, configuration and use of such systems and be able to address commercial factors
• to provide the opportunity for you to progressively acquire a thorough grounding in the concepts and skills in the technology used in media production and distribution on the internet.
• to provide you with the knowledge and skills to develop as a technical specialist in the areas of internet media content creation, production, transmission and archiving
• in conjunction with other courses within the University, to provide the specialist knowledge base and skills for you to specify and design solutions involving the use of media production technology for the internet
• to provide you with the technology skills, knowledge and creativity required in a business context to achieve an economic solution
• to enhance the Faculty's course provision by offering a range of vocationally useful modules which you will find interesting, stimulating and relevant to a wide range of media and internet related activities; and by providing a range of transferable skills pertinent to a wide variety of career developments.

Additional course information

Upon completion of this course you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• define and solve technical problems in the context of media and internet content production, distribution and archiving.
• contribute to the creation and making of new media content for the internet.
• specify systems for new media production and distribution on the internet.
• manage the installation, configuration and use of such systems and be able to address commercial factors.
• essential facts, concepts, theories, principles and standards underlying the effective use of technology used in new media production and distribution on the internet.
• the processes linking new media creation, dissemination archiving and display on the internet.
• how media and related industries operate and are managed.
• the social, ethical, economic and commercial considerations affecting the exercise of their judgement.

Assessment

Assessment is via examination, essays and reports, log books, presentations, posters, oral assessments and work produced in response to practical classes and demonstrations. Students will be assessed in an assortment of ways including examination, written reports, presentations, and log books. Many modules also include formative assessment (assessment which is not marked to allow students to practise assessment technique).

Facilities

Professional-grade sound booths with audio development and manipulation tools from Apple, Yamaha, DigiDesign and others. Green screen studio and HD Camera facilities. Dedicated internet development laboratory, with industry standard development hardware and software.

Industry-strength image and animation development computers using production software from Adobe, Autodesk, Microsoft and others.

An extensive media equipment loans service making sure you have access to the facilities you need and to complete your work and develop your experience including still and video cameras, audio recording equipment, lights and tripods.

Special features

Students on this course have free access to a range of professional-grade, high-definition video equipment and facilities. All students are encouraged and assisted to work together with students on other digital media-related courses. Tuition is by a combination of former industry professionals and lecturers who are actively engaged in industry based projects.

Links with industry and professional recognition

Students have benefited from work experience through links with a range of new media design and other companies in Cambridge and the region. Examples include Cambridge University press, BMN Studios, Junction CDC, Cambridge Corn Exchange, Smyle Productions, Strawberry Fair, Glastonbury Festival, Hamfatter Ltd, QuiteGreatPR, Cornelius, i-Dash, Cambridge Consultants and Egglab Media.

Associated careers

Graduates with these combined media and internet skills are in considerable demand throughout industry and academia. Possible careers include media production, web design, film and video post production, systems integration, marketing, product design, television production, education, and academic and industrial research.

UCAS Tariff points:	150
Additional Requirements:	Required subject(s): IT experience Preferred subject(s): GCE A-level Media or Technology or Sciences, GCE AS-level Media or Technology or Sciences GCSE(s) Required: English, Mathematics or Science/IT grade C or above or equivalent

Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Students who do not meet the standard entry tariff but have at least 40 UCAS Tariff points may wish to consider the 4 Year (full-time) or 8 year (part-time) BSc (Hons) Media and Internet Technology with Foundation Year.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements