Advanced Media Production

This course has 3 intakes per year, meaning you can start in February, June or October.

Entry Requirements:

• All modules are taught at postgraduate level (level 7). You must hold a degree level qualification in any subject or have equivalent industrial experience. 
• You must be in employment in a relevant industry and be based in the West Wales & Valleys region in order to receive the discounted fees.
• You must provide proof that you are legally able to reside in the UK and have the right to work or study in the UK during the period of ESF support in order to receive the discounted fees.

Why study Advanced Media Production via distance learning at Aberystwyth University?

• You will be trained in the fundamental practical skills required in the pre-production, production and post-production sectors of the media and creative industries. 
• You will learn about different programming technologies, with a particular focus on digital media. You will also explore computational logic, web architecture, datastores and data management, and web applications.
• You will be introduced to concepts underlying digital image processing, video and 3D graphics and animation techniques, and the technologies underpinning Extended Reality (XR).
• You will explore the digital landscape and the relationship between gender and media.
• You will acquire valuable research skills and gain a critical understanding of the key challenges (both methodological and practical) of conducting research and an ability to integrate them into your own research. 
• You will benefit from the combined expertise of the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies.
• Some modules will follow a blended learning programme of short workshops of between 1-3 days, combined with elements of distance learning. 
• Workshops will take place in Aberystwyth or other locations in Wales.
• You can take modules for your own continuing professional development or interest, or they can be built towards a variety of postgraduate qualifications. On successful completion of 60 credits, you will qualify for a PG Certificate; on successful completion of 120 credits, you will qualify for a PG Diploma; on successful completion of 180 credits, you will qualify for the full MSc.
• You can take up to two years to complete a PG Certificate. To complete the full MSc, you can take up to five years. 
• Some modules will be available to study through the medium of Welsh and/or English.

Contact time

We have designed our training to be as accessible as possible, particularly for those in full-time employment. Each taught module runs over 14 weeks via distance learning which can be taken for your own continuing professional development or interest or built towards a postgraduate qualification.

A typical postgraduate student is expected to study for 200 hours when taking a 20-credit module. You should anticipate spending approximately seven hours a week on online lectures, presentations, podcasts, readings and assignments. Wherever possible, the training will be relevant to your day-to-day role.

Most training is by distance learning and web-based which means that as long as you have access to a reasonable broadband connection you can study where and when best suits you. Learning materials for each 14 week module include recorded lectures from academics and industry experts, presentations, podcasts, e-group projects, guided readings, interactive workbooks and discussion forums, as well as assignments and e-tutorials.

Some modules will follow a blended learning programme of short workshops of between one-three days, combined with elements of distance learning.

For more information about the course or entrance requirements, please contact ccu-amp@aber.ac.uk or visit Advanced Media Production.

Your training will lend itself to research and innovation within the creative industries sector and will directly benefit your employer through your improved technical and research skills.

How will I learn?

• The course consists of two core introductory modules: Programming for Digital Media and Introduction to Media Production Skills. These are a requirement if you intend to study for the full MSc.
• Option modules include: Applied Graphics, Web Development, Digital Cultures, Big Data, Media and Gender, Extended Reality and Advanced Media Production Skills. 
• If you wish to progress to the full MSc you will also take an additional core module: Research Concepts and Skills and complete the Work-based Research Project.
• The majority of the course will be delivered via distance learning. You should expect to study for around 200 hours for a 20 credit module. You will typically spend approximately 2-3 hours per week watching online lectures, presentations and podcasts, in addition to reading, researching and working on your assignments.
• You will have access to a virtual learning environment where you will find all your course materials and learning resources. 
• You will also attend practical workshops for certain modules. More information about the content and duration of these can be found in the module descriptors.

How will I be assessed?

• You will be assessed via coursework, including essays and reports, practical programming or media production tasks and online assignments.
• Your Work-based Research Project will relate in some way to the particular activities of the company which employs you and the particular strand of the creative industries within which the company is situated.