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Digital Media Production

BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: P310

Start dates: September 2024 / September 2025

Full time: 3 years, or 4 if a work placement is chosen

Part time: up to 8 years

Location: Headington

Department(s): School of Arts

Overview
Course details
Careers
Entry requirements
How to apply
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Overview

The world of digital media production has evolved dramatically, combined with rapid advances in technology. Plus, new studios and media companies are springing up everywhere. That’s creating a huge demand for graduates with technical and creative skills.

At Oxford Brookes, we give you the option of completing a BA or BSc Digital Media Production. This allows you to experiment with a wide range of media forms and keep your career options open until you know where your real strengths lie.  

On the BA you’ll cover the creative aspects of production such as directing, scriptwriting and producing. Whereas on the BSc you’ll look at the more technical side such as visual effects, animation and computer-generated 3D environments. But you don’t have to decide until the end of your second year. 

Our expert team offers a depth of experience from documentary making to cinematography and 3D modelling. They have strong links with the industry and you also have the option of a third year work placement/ internship to build on your learning. 

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Why Oxford Brookes University?

  • Explore your passions

    Experiment with the creative and technical sides of digital media production to see if a BA or BSc is right for you. Our unique structure lets you make an informed decision.

  • Stand out from your peers

    Gain hands-on experience with a placement at a company in the UK or abroad. Plus, boost your prospects with an AVID Professional certification in Media Composer Video Editing.

  • A network of connections

    Be inspired by our team of experienced lecturers from documentary to animation. And get tips from real-life practitioners in film and TV, including Good Morning Britain.

  • Get out and about

    Join us on an exciting programme of trips to places like the Aesthetica Film Festival at York and the ARRI cinematography company.

  • First-class facilities

    Make use of our 4K cinema projector, Dolby Atmos surround sound and THX certified technology for weekly screenings and film clubs. Plus, try out our pro editing suites.

  • Free language courses

    Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

Course details

Course structure

We do things differently from a traditional media course. For the first 2 years, you cover the same modules whether you’re on the BA or BSc. This gives you time to find out what you really enjoy and what you’re good at before you specialise.

In Year 1 you’ll be introduced to technical skills. On the creative side, you’ll be exploring different media narratives and considering how to develop a short film. 

By Year 2 you’ll design special effects, looking at immersive technologies and CGI. You’ll also respond to real-life briefs and shoot short dramas.

In your third year you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a professional placement year. 

Your fourth year is about preparing your final portfolio. The BSc modules cover advanced technical skills in virtual and augmented reality from entertainment and gaming to healthcare. While on the BA you’ll focus on immersive practice and interactive storytelling, and direct a live magazine news TV show.

Digital Media Production

Learning and teaching

Lectures provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the key concepts for each topic of study.

However, we put emphasis on the practical elements of the course which enable you to:

  • practise essential skills in a variety of contexts
  • build a wide set of experiences on which to reflect and develop professional expertise. 

Practical elements give you the opportunity to experiment with the technology in different environment and include:

  • laboratory sessions
  • workshops
  • seminars
  • on location filming
  • interface with external clients.

Most modules include an element of team working so you can:

  • collaborate with your peers
  • develop an awareness of your own abilities as reflected by feedback from others.

Regular lectures and feedback from visiting lecturers and industry professionals ensure that this course stays up to date and relevant.

Assessment

We've designed assessments to develop your imagination and creativity. You’ll learn technological skills, shaped by theory, that meet the requirements of the industry. We guide you through gaining a complex set of professional skills. Your assessments will be diverse, and will support different learning styles - you’ll have a real opportunity to showcase your strengths. Your learning may be assessed by a combination of individual or group coursework, presentations, and examinations.We provide assessment feedback in good time. We celebrate what you’ve achieved, and tell you what you need to improve. Where appropriate we use self and peer assessment to involve you in your own professional development. We use teamwork to assess your acquisition of personal and interpersonal skills. These are important for this degree and for most career paths in the media industry. Assessment for group work is well defined so that every student is graded fairly and contributes equally. 

Study modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Technical Skills

    This module is your introduction to basic technical skills and production methods in the field of digital media production. You’ll build your technical skills through a range of technical demonstrations. You’ll also take part in workshops, and carry out technical exercises and learn through analytical sessions.

    As you study technical theories, workflows and procedures, you will create and produce a portfolio of individual technical exercises that cover:

    • camerawork
    • audio and video post-production skills.

  • Media Narratives 1

    You will investigate ways in which digital media communicates, exploring visual and aural aesthetics and conventions. You will get to grips with critical vocabularies and also take analytical approaches for digital media production. This will help you to start to build your key production skills for your future employment.

  • Capturing the Real

    This production studio module will help you build your basic professional production skills that you’ll need to:

    • initiate
    • pitch
    • research
    • develop
    • and manage

    simple digital media productions. You’ll look at simple narrative forms, and you’ll have the opportunity to work within and be part of a small team that will produce a factual short ‘real’ film.
     

  • Digital Post-Production

    We're here to help you take your technical skills to the next level. In this module, we'll delve  into post-production, VFX, and digital modelling.

    What can you expect? Well, we've got technical demonstrations and skills workshops to boost your hands-on abilities in these areas. Plus, we'll have discussions and analyses about the latest post-production techniques. We'll explore how they play a crucial role in digital media storytelling and creativity. You’ll progress your skills ready to make an impact in the world of post-production and digital modelling.
     

  • Media Narratives 2

    We'll help you to take your understanding of media narratives to the next level. You’ll broaden your focus beyond the basics covered in Media Narratives 1.You'll delve into various narrative forms and genres, including the latest developments in digital media storytelling.

    You’ll have the opportunity to delve into research where you can enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills in key areas to produce engaging media narratives.

  • Digital Shorts

    In this module, we'll bring together the skills you've gained so far by creating a digital media short.  In small teams, you'll brainstorm and develop ideas based on a given brief. From pitching to negotiation, and all the way through pre-production to delivery and screening, you'll be hands-on throughout the entire process. 

    You'll explore various narrative techniques, opening up a world of creative possibilities. We'll also take some time to reflect on producing content tailored to specific contexts and audiences. Progress your creativity and build skills for a real-world, dynamic setting.
     

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • Filming the Fantastic

    Learn how to plan and design visual and special effects for film, TV, immersive technologies and live event production. You’ll study the development of effects from early practical effects through to the latest virtual cinematography techniques.

    You’ll experiment with traditional practical effects, motion capture and CGI to create and develop visual and special effects. Developing your knowledge of which approach and materials are the most appropriate to deliver the desired outcome. Also you’ll build your collaboration skills by working with fellow students to ensure the safe, accurate and effective execution of the desired effect.
     

  • Professional Studies

    This will be your introduction to concepts of professionalism within the creative industries as part of your career preparation activities. You’ll develop your consideration for employment or freelance work, including legal frameworks, financial issues and global and ethical considerations within the creative industries.

  • Drama Production

    Welcome to this double module that will empower you with the skills to create compelling short dramas across various genres. You'll learn to produce, direct, shoot, and edit while developing your specialist skills.You'll not only produce short filmed dramas but also enhance your expertise in camera work, sound recording, and post-production. Building on what you've learned in Technical Skills and Digital Post-production, you'll engage in hands-on workshops, where you'll receive technical guidance and participate in analytical sessions.

    These workshops will help you develop your technical and creative skills in drama cinematography, sound recording, editing, visual effects, and post-production. You'll also delve into the art of craft techniques and learn how they play a crucial role in creative expression and digital storytelling for drama.
     

  • Real World Production

    You’ll look at issues and meet creative challenges that are involved in working with clients and also respond to real-life briefs. The briefs will combine a mixture of technical and creative problems to be addressed and you’ll work in production teams. Together you’ll develop solutions and approaches for the client using methodologies and approaches specific to your path of study.

    As a BA student you’ll develop skills of concept artwork, art direction and scriptwriting, drawing on learning from previous modules. As a BSc student you’ll work in collaboration and you’ll evidence your workflows and prototypes developed specifically to realise the brief and agreed production outcomes using the technical skills and knowledge that you’ve all built in previous modules.
     

  • Live Broadcasting

    You’ll get to grips with the principles, workflow, techniques, theory and practice of digital live broadcasts, live events and broadcasts. You’ll experience the entire workflow for a broadcast production from story development through to planning and realisation. 

    Starting with the creation through to the delivery of original products, you’ll carry out analysis of the implementation of the delivery process. You’ll work individually and in teams that will help you develop and prepare for employment. The final part of your module will be the production of a live broadcast.
     

Optional modules

Career Development Placement

Develop your professional profile and professional confidence through experiential learning opportunities and engage with external organisations through a work placement, internship and industry experience. This placement will help you to manage your own learning and self-direction through identifying opportunities that align to your disciplinary ambitions, situating your practice in a professional context.

It offers a range of options including an Enterprise Residency where you can operate as a freelancer and develop your ideas for a start-up business with the full support of Brookes Enterprise Support.
 

Year 3 (optional placement year)

Optional modules

Career Development Placement

The aim of this module is to develop the professional profile and professional confidence of a student through experiential learning opportunities and engagement with external organisations by undergoing work placements, internships and industry experiences. It aims to enable students to manage their own learning and self-direction through identifying opportunities that align to their disciplinary ambitions, situating their practice in a professional context.

Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)

Compulsory modules

  • Preparation for Final Production Portfolio

    Kickstart your journey towards the final production portfolio in semester 2! Here's what you’ll do on this module:

    You, with guidance from your tutors, will dive into detailed planning for your upcoming production portfolio. This is your time to initiate, research, and negotiate ideas for your project work. Think of it as laying the groundwork for what's to come. Once the plans are set, you'll form production teams, gearing up for the exciting transition into production when the Final Production Portfolio module kicks off. Get ready to turn your ideas into reality.
     

     

  • Advanced Production Skills

    We're immersing you in a simulated broadcast TV News environment. Get ready for hands-on training and assessment on advanced principles, workflows, journalism, and state-of-the-art techniques in digital broadcast TV newsrooms. From scriptwriting to directing and broadcasting, we've got the full spectrum covered.

    You'll go through the entire workflow of a broadcast TV production, from story development to planning and executing two live broadcasts. The end results? A one-of-a-kind live magazine news television show and a dynamic debate show featuring live guests. And here's the exciting part – you'll analyse the entire process, individually and as a team, with weekly feedback sessions covering group, peer-to-peer, and individual perspectives. Get ready to dive into the world of broadcast TV.
     

     

  • Creative Media Enterprise

    Help shape your future in the digital media production sector with this module. We're here to support you in developing your career management and planning skills. The focus is on fostering enterprising attributes and a reflective approach to pinpoint your future aspirations and areas for growth. Confidence is the name of the game, and this module is all about boosting yours. How? By diving into networking opportunities with professionals and honing your communication skills within a team. Let's build the path to your digital media production success.

  • Immersive Practice (compulsory for BA)

    Embark on a journey into immersive practices with this module. We're diving into how immersive techniques reshape the connections between practitioners, audiences, and artefacts. Get ready to explore the impact of co-creation, participatory practices, interactive storytelling, and user agency in crafting immersive experiences for diverse audiences.

    You'll delve into the emotional and psychological dimensions of immersive work, unravelling the ethical considerations of creating a "sense of presence" and crafting experiences that transport the audience into virtual worlds. Are you ready to redefine the boundaries of immersive storytelling?
     

  • Development Studio: Technical

    Gear up for a double module designed to elevate your technical skills and pave the way for your Final Production Portfolio in Semester 2. As compulsory for all BSc (Hons) Digital Media Production students, this module is your ticket to exploring an advanced range of equipment and technologies. We're not just stopping there – let's dive into experimental practices and emergent forms in digital media, fine-tuning the specialised skills you need for your Final Production Portfolio.

    Take a deep dive into the technical aspects of digital media production, covering advanced methodologies in film and TV production, visual and special effects, motion capture, and the pivotal roles of the Special Effects Supervisor, Technical Director, Digital Image Technician (DIT), and Digital Intermediary (DI). Get ready to progress your digital media production game.
     

  • Critical Study

    Throughout your course, you've honed your critical, contextual, and self-evaluative abilities. This module offers a supportive and structured environment to craft an extended critical study. It’s your opportunity to delve deep into a subject that sparks your intellectual curiosity. You'll sharpen your analytical prowess, broaden your contextual understanding, and enhance your ability to evaluate your own work. You’ll act as a researcher, a critical thinker, and a creator of meaningful insights

  • Virtual Worlds (Compulsory for BSc)

    Explore the diverse applications of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR). From entertainment and gaming to industrial uses and healthcare, we'll explore the wide-ranging contexts these technologies can thrive in.

    Immerse yourself for a mix of engaging lectures, hands-on workshops, and prototyping sessions. We're not just exploring concepts; we're diving into methods, processes, and tools to create your own VR, AR, or XR environment. You’ll also examine new storytelling dimensions for immersive technologies. Looking at the similarities and differences between traditional audience engagement and these immersive experiences. Get ready to build not just projects but a sense of local and global agency into your work. It's not just a module; it's a step into the realms of digital innovation.
     

  • Final Production Portfolio

    You're about to enter into an intense, self-directed production period. What does that mean for you? It's time to bring to life those projects you meticulously pre-produced in preparation for your Final Production Portfolio.

    You'll be completing, delivering, and screening portfolios of your work. It's not just about showcasing your technical prowess; it's about demonstrating the professionalism, innovative thinking, and mature team-working skills you've mastered throughout your studies. This is your chance to shine, and we're here to help you make it happen.
     

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Careers

Throughout the course we focus on giving you first-hand experience of what a career in digital media production will be like. Brookes Creative highlights opportunities on the job board and advertises live client briefs.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for major television companies and post-production facilities including:

  • BBC
  • HBO
  • The Discovery Channel
  • Framestore. 

Others have gone on to further study at the National Film and Television School, the London International Film School and the New York Film School or moved into research and development for companies like Google.

Your digital media production degree will equip you for a variety of roles such as:

  • producer
  • director
  • editor
  • digital animator.

Or you may decide to start off as a runner at a TV company to get your foot in the door.

Whatever route you take, you’ll have developed key transferable skills rated by employers, such as communicating with others and working as a team.

Student profiles

Elina Vagele

"It's more practical based than just theory, reading and writing."

Read more about Elina
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Our Staff

Elina Vagele

It's more practical based than just theory, reading and writing.

Read more about Elina

Ms Gillian Kelly

Gillian has been a television news reporter and producer for 19 years, and is currently freelance. she now works a variety of roles, mainly for the national news. She teaches TV news, journalism, Avid, camera work and filming, live studio operation, digital media, professional practice and script writing.

Read more about Gillian
Left
Right

Ms Gillian Kelly

Gillian has been a television news reporter and producer for 19 years, and is currently freelance. she now works a variety of roles, mainly for the national news. She teaches TV news, journalism, Avid, camera work and filming, live studio operation, digital media, professional practice and script writing.

Read more about Gillian

Related courses

Related course
Graphic Design
Related course
Film
Left
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Entry requirements

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

Standard offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 112

A Level: BBC

IB Points: 30

BTEC: DMM

Contextual offer

What is a contextual offer?

UCAS Tariff Points: 88

A Level: CCD

IB Points: 27

BTEC: MMM

Further offer details

We welcome applications from candidates with alternative qualifications, and from mature students.

International qualifications and equivalences

How to apply

Application process


Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCAS


Part time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the University


International applicants
Apply direct to the University

Full time international applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,500
International full time
£15,200
International sandwich (placement)
£1,500
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,600
International full time
£15,950
International sandwich (placement)
£1,600

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2023 / 24
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,500
International full time
£15,200
International sandwich (placement)
£1,500
2024 / 25
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,600
International full time
£15,950
International sandwich (placement)
£1,600

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.

Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students. 

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

  • For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
  • For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Funding your studies

Financial support and scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

Oxford Brookes Bursary for home students Undergraduate maintenance loans for part-time UK students Undergraduate maintenance loans for full-time UK students Undergraduate tuition fee loans for UK students

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Information from Discover Uni

Full-time study

Part-time study

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.