FdA Digital Radio Production

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FdA Digital Radio Production course overview

This exciting new degree course in Radio Production which started in September 2009 was developed as the result of a unique collaboration between SSR, Accrington and Rossendale College, Lancaster University, and KEY 103.

Delivered solely at SSR and drawing on a combination of highly skilled tutors and state of the art technology, this industry-led degree programme will give you a real edge in an ever-expanding and competitive radio market. With the BBC’s imminent arrival of MEDIACITY, the relocation of Radio 5 to this area, and the advancements of digital radio, this is the perfect time to set your sights on a career in radio.

With the support of the Northwest’s largest commercial station, Key103, students can look forward to regular guest lectures and workshops delivered by key staff from the station. Along with a host of other radio stations around the Northwest offering support and work experience, this will guarantee a vocational focus and industry relevance.

The FdA Digital Radio Production course provides a thorough and in-depth look at the radio industry, covering all aspects, including writing for radio, programmes and programming, digital editing skills and business management.

Work-based learning will be an integral part of the FdA Digital Radio Production course and students will have the opportunity to use the knowledge and the skills they acquire in a professional Radio environment.

Key benefits of the FdA Digital Radio Production course include:
• Dedicated Radio Learning Environment
• Regular field trips to BBC Radio Manchester and Key 103
• In-depth Pro Tools training
• Opportunity to broadcast live on SSR's own radio station
• Access to SSR’s studios and computer suites
• Specialist career advice and guidance

On successful completion of the FdA, you will have the opportunity to progress to a third year honours degree programme, and from there to further postgraduate study. Accrington and Rossendale College offer a BA Hons in Broadcast, Film and Communications which has a Radio pathway, and links with Salford University’s BA Hons Radio.

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FdA Digital Radio Production detailed course description

The FdA Digital Radio Production course is delivered over 2 years and includes the modules listed below. Each module is taught by a professional tutor currently working within the Radio industry, and involves practical tasks that will require use of SSR’s facilities on a weekly basis. The topics are as follows:

• Approaches to Learning
• Contextual studies
• Radio Production Skills
• Writing for Radio
• Broadcast Studies
• Podcasting and Digital Radio
• Work-based Learning
• Digital Editing Skills
• Business and Management
• Programmes and Programming

The FdA Digital Radio Production course has been developed with the support of some of the Northwest’s largest stations including Key103 and BBC Radio Manchester, XFM and BBC Radio Lancashire.

BSc Hons Studio & Live Music Production course special features

Embedded into the modules will be industry accreditations such as Pro Tools 101, Pro Tools 110, Logic 101, (requires additional courseware) and British Safety Council Health & Safety certification.

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FAQ

Who is the FdA Digital Radio Production course for?
The FdA Digital Radio Production course is designed for people who aspire to join the radio industry, and to provide continuous professional development for people already employed in radio or related fields. The course provides an in-depth preparation for a diversity of careers in the radio industry, providing the professional skills needed for all areas of radio production. It’s suitable for beginners, and those with relevant industry experience or previous training.

Are there any pre-requisites?
No previous training or experience is necessary, but see the Entry requirements and applications tab for further information. Applicants may be required to attend an interview.

When will I study?
Normally you will attend lectures 2 - 3 days per week. The days change each semester. The rest of the time is for your own individual research and practical work – SSR’s generous opening hours fit in with our students’ lives:
Monday-Thursday – 8.30am-10.00pm (and on occasions we can extend to midnight)
Friday 8.30am-6.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 10.00am -8.00pm

How much will it cost?
Please contact SSR on 0161 276 2111 for up to date information on tuition fees.

Who will teach me?
You will be taught by SSR tutors who are currently working within the industry, as well as by selected guest lecturers from leading radio stations in the Northwest. In addition, our tutors are world expert instructors in Pro Tools.

Where will the FdA Digital Radio Production course lead me?
On successful completion of the FdA, you will have the opportunity to progress to a third year honours degree programme, and from there to further postgraduate study. Accrington and Rossendale College offer a BA Hons in Broadcast, Film and Communications which has a Radio pathway, and links with Salford University’s BA Hons Radio. You will also have a number of career options available to you, as you develop many transferable and professional skills to broaden your opportunities for employment within the creative industries. On completion of the course students will have the necessary skills to achieve careers in presenting, news and programme production, or in publicity and marketing to name but a few areas.

What is the success rate of the FdA Digital Radio Production course?
The FdA Digital Radio Production course is proving to be very popular, but as it is a new course there have been no graduates yet.

As one of our students recently commented: “Other organisations have got a toe in the water of the industry SSR is fully immersed.” For more information on student success stories click here.

What facilities and studios will I use?
We have some impressive and highly professional equipment and resources that are used in the industry including:

• 9 introduction and intermediate studios
• A dedicated post production facility which includes a foley studio, the only one in the Northwest
• DJ booths
• Computer facilities including a dedicated Mac Suite
• The Green Room – the student common room

In addition to the teaching what extra features does this course have?
Students on the FdA Digital Radio Production course can expect to have field trips to leading Radio stations in the Northwest and to events, and to media companies to see what goes on behind the scenes and meet key people in the industry. Some recent examples include Elbow; Girls Aloud and Westlife, as well as trips to Granada. We also have regular guest lectures from key experts from the music industry, and the TV and film world. Some examples are; the sound engineers for Prince, Def Lepard, and Ian Brown, and the post production staff for Peter Kay and Steve Coogan. Throughout our 25 years of training excellence, SSR has established a definitive and highly credible list of contacts throughout the realms of TV, Radio, Music and Digital Media. Students are able to explore the full benefit of this, as well as the industry experience that all SSR staff have to offer.

Once I leave is that it?
We have a saying at SSR: "Once an SSR student always an SSR student" and through our Graduate Support Programme you can expect to receive additional services from SSR. This includes continued access to our careers service and introductions to our creative partners; information on job opportunities; use of studios and edit suites including our Neve facility at heavily discounted rates; special discounted rates on continued training courses such as Pro Tools and Apple software.

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FdA Digital Radio Production entry requirements & applications

Please Note: we are not enrolling for this course for this year September 2011.

However we will be offering a private short course. Please get in contact with SSR Principal Ian Hu for further information using our enquiries email enquiries@s-s-r.com

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