MP4030 - Digital Media - Audio and Video

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you are introduced to core practical skills and issues in digital media production. You will learn to employ a critical understanding of audio and video storytelling through an informed editorial, analytical and creative approach to professional practice. You will be expected to exercise the appropriate degree of planning, initiative and autonomy in your professional practice. The assessment consists of a moving-image audio-visual work. You will be taught basic skills and be given guidance on how to write, research, plan, shoot, and edit. This will be supplemented by a reflective commentary.

How will I learn on this module?

This module offers a varied teaching and learning strategy. You will learn via a variety of mechanisms. These include lectures, workshops, online activities (where appropriate) and independent learning. Lectures considering the importance of design within the journalistic environment will be supplemented by workshops during which you will address and discuss issues raised by the module content. You will also develop skills in appropriate software in order to take part in practice-based tasks. These tasks will mean you will formatively work towards the module’s summative assessment portfolio. The teaching sessions and assessment will also guide your learning strategies and offer the opportunity to develop knowledge of issues you have researched independently. You will take part in group conferences for your assignments. This will give you the chance to develop ideas in an industry style environment. You will be expected to assess peers’ work, pitch ideas, agree a brief and file copy on time. Guidance will be offered on the preparation of assessed work, and you will be provided with feedback and feed-forward advice during writing. During your independent working time, it is also expected that you will apply the ideas raised in the lectures and workshops to your own practice. Where appropriate, additional materials will be supplied on the eLearning Portal, or you will be directed you towards additional materials. These independent activities will facilitate your development as you progress through the module, laying a foundation for your assessed work.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by the module lead; they will introduce the module at the start of the semester and offer advice and guidance throughout. Your learning is mapped out via documentation on Blackboard Ultra, the Northumbria University online electronic learning portal; this is accessible online on and off campus. The e-Learning Portal will include guidance notes and key dates to help you organise and plan your time. It will also include teaching materials, announcements and updates, and detailed information on assessment. You will have a university email that we contact you through. We support your learning by providing on-going feedback (Formative and Summative) through the range of teaching and learning approaches offered. We ask you to electronically submit your work electronically, and we will supply feedback via Turnitin. You will be able to compare your feedback across modules so that you can assess your development as you progress through the programme. Formative assessment is offered throughout the module, and summative assignments will receive written feedback within 20 working days of assignment submission. Every tutor has set weekly feedback and tutorial drop-in hours, wherein you can seek advice on your academic progress. Where appropriate you may also be directed to engage with our Skills Plus or other resources offered through the University Student Support Services such as Dyslexia Support. Guidance tutorials also provide opportunities for students to discuss, in confidence, their academic progress on the programme.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Utilise a wide range of practical technical skills – including audio and video recording and editing and voice presentation. (LO1)
• The ability to develop a creative idea from initial concept through planning and writing to filming and completion of an appropriately structured, successful and engaging product. (LO2)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Employ a critical understanding of storytelling through an informed editorial, analytical and creative approach to professional practice. (LO3)
• Systematically locate, research and organise material/sources appropriate for research (LO4).
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• The ability to develop a creative idea from initial concept through planning and writing to filming and completion of an appropriately structured, successful and engaging product. (LO5)

How will I be assessed?

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT:
To prepare you successfully to undertake the summative assessment(s) on this module, formative assessments will be set by the module team. These may take the form of in-class tasks or projects, developmental activities undertaken between classes, or learning exercises/activities set over a longer period. Feedback (written and/or oral) will be provided to help you learn from, reflect on, and develop in light of these formative assessments.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS
(1) Moving-image audio-visual work (70%) (LOs 3-4)
(2) 1,000-word reflective commentary (30%)
(LOs 1-5)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The module introduces students to a range of practical technical skills – including audio and video recording and editing and voice presentation. You will be instructed on how to develop a creative idea from initial concept through planning and writing to filming and recording and, finally, completion of an appropriately structured and engaging product. Assessment is via a portfolio of work produced after you engage in conducting research into stories. The module offers a variety of transferrable skills suitable for a variety of career paths and is particularly of use to students planning a career path in the media and communication industries.

Course info

UCAS Code P305

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Arts

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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