Foundation DegreeJournalism & Documentary ProductionValidated by The Open University
Qualifications
Foundation Degree Journalism & Documentary Production
Overview
The Foundation Degree in Journalism and Documentary production is designed for those aiming for a career in television production and other Journalism based careers.
What makes our course unique is that instead of writing a dissertation on how to make a documentary or TV programme, we focus on practical projects - you will actually make your own documentary and factual content - and more.
You'll be taught by lecturers with a wealth of experience at the BBC, ITV, independent television production houses and who have worldwide experience in the area - and lecturers who have worked and who actually still work in the industry.
We have exceptionally strong links with all those organisations and work placement opportunities with a range of outlets and production companies including One Tribe TV, Macmillan Media, Havelock Street Productions, NVTV and more.
We'll prepare you for work in newsrooms and creative centres where you can confidently script, interview, film and edit your own programmes, news and feature reports. You'll be working in our purpose built television studio at e3, directing, vision mixing, floor managing and presenting programmes by and for the student body and available to the wider audience on Vimeo and YouTube. In addition, you'll work on real programming - in the past three years the Gerry Kelly Show has been recorded in front of a live audience at our purpose built industry-spec television studio at e3 where students have been an integral part of the production team, taking hands-on roles such as camera operators and floor managers.
If you want an all round broadcast journalism and documentary experience, this 2-year course is for you.
Key areas of study:
- Producing Journalism and Documentary
- Factual Sourcing
- Production Skills (Camera, lighting, sound)
- Post Production (Editing)
- Media Law and Ethics
- Marketing and Exhibiting your work
Ready to take your career to the next level in Journalism & Documentary Production? Explore the links below to learn more about our validated awards and regulations:
OU Handbooks and Regulations can be found under the Higher Education section of our public documents.
Please read our Terms and Conditions before applying for or enrolling on any of our courses.
Applications to this course can be made through UCAS using code U905. If you haven’t started a UCAS application yet, and only want to apply to Belfast Met, you can apply directly to us using Apply Now option and we will process a UCAS application on your behalf. IMPORTANT: Applicants must only choose one method of application.
Minimum entry requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page on this link
Enhanced entry criteria for this course is:
The minimum entry requirement accepted for this course is 80 Tariff Points. Depending on the number of applications, we may have to increase this. You will also need to have a keen interest in storytelling and reporting. Prior experience and/or qualifications in Journalism/Moving Image/Film/Media is not mandatory but would be highly beneficial.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Entry requirements can change and be discussed on an individual basis if necessary.
Proof of qualifications MUST be provided when you enrol e.g. exam certificates.
Achieved and pending qualifications can be recorded on your online application account.
All courses within Belfast Met are delivered and assessed in English, with the exception of language specific courses. Your competence in English must be verified prior to enrolling on your chosen course.
Fees:
Academic period 2026*:
Tuition Fee = £3235.00
Academic period 2027*:
Tuition Fee = £3235.00
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.
Visit our Student Funding page here to find out how to fund your studies
All fees are set in accordance with DfE regulations.
Please contact the student loan company if you require a loan or our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk for other options.
Students are assessed using a range of different methods.
The Foundation Degree contains no exams. You will be assessed via moving image and audio projects, portfolios, report writing, and work-based learning.
Careers
Our students will graduate from the course with 2 years’ worth of relevant experience that aims to mirror industry standards, making the transition into media production outside the college as seamless as possible. Career prospects include:
- Journalist, including onscreen presenter
- Camera Operator
- Producer
- Director
- Editor
- Sound Recordist
- Production Assistant
- Production Co-ordinator
- Production Specialist
- Researcher
- Digital Content Manager
- Radio Producer
Recent graduates of our factual courses have been employed by both independent film companies and national broadcasters. Notable graduates of our courses include Eamon Holmes, Katie Andrews, Paul Reilly, and Shannon Hamill (all UTV), Claire Graham (BBC), Rebecca Black (Belfast Telegraph), Amanda Ferguson (Irish Times), Cushla Rice (Q Radio), Jake Williamson (Ulster Rugby Communications), Allan Preston (Irish News).
Graduates have also continued their education, by enrolling in top-up degrees offered by a range of universities across the UK. These allow students who graduate from our course to go on to complete just one more year to gain a full undergraduate degree.
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