Radio and Audio with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

University of Bedfordshire

Radio is as popular as ever and has evolved excitingly to keep pace with digital technology. This degree opens up many opportunities for graduates in both broadcast radio and in the creation of audio content for other platforms, such as podcasts and websites. As well as delivering a range of practical broadcasting and journalistic skills, the course gives you a grounding in media theory and history; a thorough understanding of how the medium works; and what goes into creating great content. You will graduate as a professional ready to work in broadcast media or within the wider field of audio-content creation.

You study a combination of units that, together, provide a broad range of professional knowledge and skills including Radio Skills, Reporting and Writing, Understanding Media and Preparing for the Audio Workplace. You can also specialise with optional units in your second and third years. Throughout your study, you have access to Radio LaB, the University’s own community radio station, offering opportunities for presenting, producing or working on promotions and special events.

Foundation Year

In the Foundation year you will study three days per week. The focus will be on academic writing skills and numeracy, plus subject-specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree. The course has been designed to develop your skills and to prepare you for entry onto the first year of your chosen course. It provides a balance between content related to your chosen subject and the range of wider skills required for undergraduate study. This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will be required to pass the foundation year in order to progress to the first year of your BA (Hons) degree. This course is ideal for those who do not meet our standard entry requirements or those with a non-standard educational background. It will allow you to graduate with a full undergraduate degree in your chosen subject in four years.

Why choose this course?

• It gives the practical and academic skills needed to produce creative audio and broadcast radio content
• Through Radio LaB, you can broadcast on FM across Luton and surrounding areas as well as worldwide online, building up your experience and CV
• In your final year, you work independently on a special project of your choosing
• It opens up wider work opportunities in technical and managerial broadcasting roles, providing a broad knowledge of industry practice and regulation
• It develops your range of operational skills, particularly in relation to programme planning and content development. These skills are transferable if you decide to pursue other media-related career paths