Student success – Desmond, from Nigeria

• Completed two-semester Foundation in Technology
• Graduated from BSc (Hons) Film Production Technology

“I liked everything about BCU! The lecturers were helpful, responsive and attentive – and they continued helping me even after graduation, with references for job applications. I got to use really cool facilities during my time at the University, like the industry-standard TV studios and editing suites. I created a documentary in my first year! Thanks to this experience, I felt ready for employment when I graduated, and I’ve since been working freelance on film projects.”

Stage 1: University Foundation

Modules for Media

Click below for more information on each module

• Business Studies

  You will learn to define what a business is and its functions in relation to the different types of business costs. You will also be introduced to marketing, the marketing mix and product life cycle.

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • A written business plan, and group presentation of the business plan
  • A 1-hour test in class
  • A written marketing research report, and group presentation of the report
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Critical Thinking

  You will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of critical thinking. You will learn how to examine and comment on components of an argument, so that you can develop a structured and analytical response.

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods: three 1-hour tests in class, and one 2-hour closed book exam.

• Extended Media Experimentation

  You will explore your own ideas while experimenting with processes and techniques and discovering the characteristics and properties of selected media.

  You will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:

  • A report of research, experimentation and application
  • A self-reflective journal
  • The presentation of your work

• Globalisation

  You will explore how the concept of Globalisation has evolved, looking at the economic, political, technological and social forces involved – as well as local/regional beliefs that become global.

  The module also covers economic globalisation, such as the integration of national economies into the international economy via the mechanisms of trade, investment, capital flow, immigration and migration.

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • Two 15-minute oral presentations
  • A 15-minute test in class
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• ICT Skills

  This module will introduce you to the concepts of ICT skills – including applications and reporting mechanisms.

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • Four 20-minute multiple choice tests in class
  • An assignment on key Microsoft Word and Excel skills
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication 3

  Throughout this module you will learn about:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Listening skills
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Clear writing techniques (plain English, factual and persuasive writing)
  • The importance of writing style
  • How to create appropriate and effective document layouts
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Examination techniques and skills
  • How to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
  • How to work effectively as a team member and as an individual
  • How to apply basic research and referencing techniques to formulate reasoned academic opinion so as to avoid plagiarism

• Mass Communication

  This module will introduce you to the core concepts and principles relevant to mass communications – including some of the major theories.

  There will be three pieces of coursework:

  • A close analysis of the film Fight Club
  • An analysis of an advertisement from a magazine or newspaper
  • A group presentation

• Media Experimentation in Art and Design

  You will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of media – experimenting with both traditional and contemporary processes and techniques. You will gain an understanding of the potential and limitations of media, using critical review and reflection in the planning and development of your own ideas.

  You will be assessed through your log of experiments and research, and your portfolio of experimental work.

• Personal Combined Experimental Studies In Art & Design

  During this module you will learn about:

  • Exploring and reviewing a range of skills, materials, processes and techniques
  • Reviewing and reflecting on your own work
  • Challenging previous thoughts, ideas and beliefs
  • Health and safety requirements
  • Record-keeping

  You will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:

  • A group project around problem-solving, research, experimentation and selection of materials
  • An individual presentation
  • A log of experimentation

Modules for Media Technology

Click below for more information on each module

• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication 3

  Throughout this module you will learn about:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Listening skills
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Clear writing techniques (plain English, factual and persuasive writing)
  • The importance of writing style
  • How to create appropriate and effective document layouts
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Examination techniques and skills
  • How to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
  • How to work effectively as a team member and as an individual
  • How to apply basic research and referencing techniques to formulate reasoned academic opinion so as to avoid plagiarism

• Numerical Techniques 1

  This module will introduce you to basic mathematics and mathematical applications – including equations, algebraic problems and trigonometry.

  You will be assessed via two closed book exams: one 90-minute in class, and one 2-hour.

• Physics 1

  This module defines the basic laws of physics. You will learn how to describe the fundamentals of mechanics and thermofluid mechanics.

  You will be assessed via two closed book exams: one 90-minute in class, and one 2-hour.

• ICT skills

  This module will introduce you to the concepts of ICT skills in the context of technology, engineering and the environment – including applications and reporting mechanisms.

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • Four 20-minute multiple choice tests in class
  • An assignment on key Microsoft Word and Excel skills
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Numerical Techniques 2

  This module covers a variety of numerical techniques associated with basic number theory, including:

  • Cartesian coordinates
  • Indices
  • Logarithms
  • Polynomial, quadratic and simultaneous equations
  • Sequences
  • Geometric progressions
  • Differentiation
  • Integration

  You will be assessed via two closed book exams: one 90-minute in class, and one 2-hour.

• Design Concepts

  This module will introduce you to design, the importance of design and the fundamentals of technical drawing.

  You will be assessed via three methods:

  • A designated civil design project in the form of a written report (1,000 words), including sketches and annotated drawings
  • A class presentation based on the project and concept, supported with a poster
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Programming Techniques

  This module covers the fundamentals of programing, how it is used and how it contributes to the engineering process and solves engineering problems. You will also learn about the purpose and processes of object-orientated programing, as well as gaining an introductory understanding of JAVA.

  • Three 20-minute multiple choice tests in class
  • A written assignment based on testing problems and developing code to solve them
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Physics 2

  This module will define the theories and key concepts of physical science in an interdisciplinary context. You will also explore physical laws and their relevance to technology, engineering and environment principles.

  You will be assessed through two 2-hour closed book exams.

Stage 2: First Year Degree

Stage 3: Second Year Degree

Stage 4: Final Year Degree

Birmingham City University Degree Pathways

Click below for more information on each pathway

• BSc (Hons) Video Game Development (2-year)

  • This is a two-year fast-track programme, allowing you to graduate from University a year early!
  • You are guaranteed a video game development placement in the University's in-house studio, which will take place over the summer term.
  • Teaching is delivered by industry practitioners with over 20 years' experience creating products such as ‘Star Wars Battlefront’.
    Find out more

• BA (Hons) Media and Communication

  • You will have the opportunity to complete at least two placements in a media or cultural industries organisation, such as the BBC, Maverick Television or the NEC.
  • Benefit from a huge range of guest speaker masterclasses. Past talks have included a BBC newsreader and a Vogue fashion photographer!
  • Former students have gone on to work in roles such as Marketing Assistant, Television Researcher and Web Content Manager.
    Find out more

• BA (Hons) Music Business

  • Birmingham City University is a UK Music Academic Partner, allowing for strong links to be built with employers and ensuring that students graduate with the skills needed in industry.
  • Recent students have secured work placements at organisations including Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music UK.
  • Previous graduates have gone on to work in roles such as Music Marketing Manager, Music Data Analyst and Music PR, Promotions & Social Media Executive.
    Find out more

• BA (Hons) Media Production

  • You will be working on a live production from the very start of your course – producing content in radio and television, reaching audiences across Birmingham.
  • Learning in industry-standard facilities, including a complex of six radio studios, you will learn how to present a show, record interviews, and use digital technology to edit and mix sound.
  • Previous graduates have gone on to work for companies such as Global Radio, Bauer Media and the BBC in roles including Radio Producer and Radio Programmer.
    Find out more

Important:

All students accessing the 3D workshops, plaster room, glass room, water-jet cutting room and the kiln room will need to wear safety footwear that has toe caps. Such footwear can be purchased from any safety footwear provider – including Sports Direct – and can be as cheap as £12. The shoes should be S1P and comply with EN 20345.

There is no long-term storage facility for personal items in the workshops, so students are advised to bring the safety footwear with them each day they are accessing the workshops.