About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: D4P31
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Creative Industries
- Campus: Frenchay Campus
- Duration: 12 months full time
- Programme leader: Abigail Davies
Introduction
This exciting and unique programme has been co-designed by UWE academics and current and former producers, directors and production managers from the BBC's world-leading Natural History Unit to identify the future skills requirements for multi-platform broadcasters and their support.
We aim to produce graduates with skills and understanding suitable for entry level posts in wildlife, natural history and specialist factual programming (including conservation, environmental, adventure, expedition and travel). Above all students will develop storytelling skills and learn how to make intelligent and surprising programmes that will captivate audiences and inspire them to engage with the natural world.
This course will provide a distinct and bespoke learning experience. We anticipate that more than half of all the teaching (practice and theory) will be delivered by current and former NHU production personnel - the very best in the business and arguably the world.
Take a look at our film of NHU production staff talking about the unique opportunities available to students on this new course.
It is hoped that each student will be matched with an industry mentor who will act as an adviser for the student's professional development and guide them through the production of a final major project.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate a passion for their field and a strong desire to tell stories about the world.
A vibrant and innovative media hub, Bristol is the global centre for natural history filmmaking, home not only to the BBC's Natural History Unit but many other independent companies and filmmakers working in the field.
Local organisations such as the Bristol Natural History Consortium and Wildscreen provide further expertise, networks and research in the areas of wildlife, conservation and sustainability that the course will draw on to enrich your learning and skills development.
Structure
Content
The programme is practical and production-based. Students will conceive, research, plan, make and deliver a series of projects, which will introduce and develop key understandings and frameworks, practices and skills.
UWE and the BBC have jointly developed modules, which include:
Creating the story - genre and storytelling, research and fieldwork and science understanding.
Mastering the business will offer an introduction to professional skills, mapping the industry and broadcast ethics.
Preparing the production - research and development: building the editorial specification and pitching.
Designing the experience will be underpinned by multi-platform practice, future-casting, audiences and technology.
Professional production - how to apply professional skills in a final major project.
The programme culminates in an extended 3-6 month production module, where each student will undertake their own creative project enabling them to showcase their portfolio of skills. This bespoke module will be largely self-directed, supported by tutorials and three sessions with an industry mentor: one in preparation for filming, one during post-production and a final exit session focused around their professional aspirations.
UWE believes this award will offer the highest quality training across practical filmmaking and multi-platform programme-making while considering the potential of future technologies and their relationship to creative innovations in media production and broadcasting.
Teaching and learning
The main teaching delivery will take place in workshops with an average contact time of 18 hours a week focused around the University's new, multi-million pound Creative Media Centre which is planned to open in September 2012.
This will encompass studio facilities for news, television production and creative filmmaking as well as a post-production facility with sound and picture editing and grading suites and a dubbing theatre. There will be an extensive range of location filming equipment including specialist camera kit.
And as Bristol is a leading UK centre for digital, multi-platform innovation, content development and delivery, students will also have access where appropriate to the recourses and expertise of the Digital Cultures Research Centre and the region's leading media innovation lab, the Pervasive Media Studio, based in the city's Watershed Media Centre, plus the wider resources around the interlinked concerns of wildlife, conservation and sustainability such as Wildscreen and the Bristol Natural History Consortium.
Entry
Entry requirements
An undergraduate science degree and basic media production skills are desirable but not essential. Highly motivated individuals already engaged in developing a portfolio of relevant experiences and activities (e.g. volunteer work, conservation experience, wildlife or travel filmmaking, writing, photography, adventure activity) will also be considered.
Applications from international students will also be actively encouraged to help broaden the cultural perspective and create essential networking links for the future.
Fees
For further details regarding fee's and entry requirements please contact programme manager Abigail Davies.
How to apply
There is no official closing date and we accept applications throughout the year
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011