This course offers meaningful upskilling in digital media skills in an area of strategic economic, social and cultural need in Northern Ireland.
Upon completion of this programme, students will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Audio-visual Post Production. This qualification will be of interest to filmmakers, broadcast professionals and creative industries professionals who wish to improve their technical skills and knowledge of current industry practice in the area of post-production, or move into a different area of the creative industries.
QUB is Ranked 29th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).
Audio-visual Post Production highlights
Industry Links
The program fosters links between academia and industry professionals. Guest creative industry professionals deliver talks on best practice and staff facilitate live Q&A events.
Career Development
This course offers meaningful upskilling in digital media skills in an area of strategic economic, social and cultural need in Northern Ireland.
The Postgraduate Certificate is awarded to students who successfully complete three core taught modules (60 CATS points). These are assessed via practical projects with accompanying reflective journals.
Course Details
Core Modules (all 20 CATS points):
Deliverables (compulsory)
This module provides an introduction to the professional process of outputting finished audio-visual media in a range of deliverable formats suitable for contemporary broadcast or web-based streaming, in line with current industry practice.
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and application of file specifications, including file formats and codecs, as well as the process for successfully outputting completed audio-visual work.
Editing (compulsory)
This module provides a range of core video editing skills and critical approaches to current industry standard post-production principles, techniques and workflows. On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the various tenets of organising and editing video footage, including understanding video capture, the application of industry standard editing software, an awareness of storytelling, an ability to problem solve and make informed creative decisions for visual editing and a critical awareness of current industry practices.
Post Production Sound (compulsory)
This module introduces the fundamental principles of professional audio editing and mixing practices for visual media. On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate critical knowledge of the different stages of audio post-production; application of industry standard audio software for post-production; an ability to make informed creative decisions for dialogue, effects and music editing; and a critical awareness of current industry practice.
9 (hours maximum) There are approximately 3 hours of online lectures, 3 hours of workshops and 3 hours of live contact time via Q and A per week. All lectures and workshop are pre-recorded and made accessible via our Virtual Learning Platform CANVAS.
Teaching Times
Live synchronous teaching sessions are typically on Tuesday afternoon and Thursday evening.
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
Learning and Teaching
All lectures and workshops are recorded and shared via our VLE (virtual learning environment). These are supported by live online Q&A sessions as well as industry professional talks and discussions.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Awarding of the qualification is based on completing practical assignments and a reflective learning journal for each module.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
This module provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of professional audio editing and mixing practices for visual media. On completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate critical knowledge of the different stages of audio post-production; application of industry standard audio software for post-production; an ability to make informed creative decisions for dialogue and music editing; and a critical awareness of current industry practice.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate critical awareness of current industry practice in the area of post-production sound
2. Demonstrate critical knowledge of the different stages of audio post-production
3. Exhibit a critical ability to use industry standard audio software for the purposes of audiovisual post-production
4. Demonstrate the critical capacity to explore software solutions to problem solve post-production audio scenarios as they arise.
5. Demonstrate a critical ability to make informed creative decisions for dialogue and music editing.
Skills
1. Advanced level practical, analytic and critical thinking skills
2. Capacity for self-direction and an ability to work independently
3. Ability to problem solve and explore creative solutions to post-production sound problems
4. Listening, written, verbal, and visual communication
5. Specific knowledge of key current technical editing processes
This module provides an introduction to the professional process of outputting finished audiovisual media in a range of deliverable formats suitable for contemporary broadcast or web-based streaming in line with current industry practice. On completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of online editing processes, picture lock, and the process of outputting completed audiovisual work.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of deliverable formats in line with current industry broadcast and streaming standards
2. Display a critical understanding and application of online editing, picture lock, and the process of outputting completed audiovisual work
3. Exhibit the informed critical ability to choose an appropriate format for delivery of a final project.
4. Demonstrate the critical capacity to explore hardware and software solutions to problem solve outputting and deliverables scenarios as they arise.
5. Demonstrate enhanced skills to work independently and with initiative.
Skills
1. Advanced level practical, analytic and critical thinking skills
2. Ability to problem solve and explore creative solutions to editing problems
3. Listening, written, verbal, and visual communication
4. Specific knowledge of key current technical editing processes
This module provides core video editing skills and critical approaches to current industry standard post-production principles, techniques and workflows. On completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the various tenets of organising and editing video footage including understanding video capture, the application of industry standard editing software, an ability to problem solve and make informed creative decisions for visual editing and a critical awareness of current industry practices.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate level appropriate skills in the use of industry standard editing software
2. Display a critical understanding of the creative, aesthetic and practical aspects of editing in line with current industry practice
3. Exhibit an enhanced critical awareness of contemporary digital editing workflows.
4. Demonstrate the critical capacity to explore hardware and software solutions to problem solve editing scenarios as they arise.
5. Demonstrate enhanced skills in self-direction, the organisation of material, and the presentation of informed creative editing decisions.
Skills
1. Advanced level practical, analytic and critical thinking skills
2. Demonstrate enhanced skills to work independently and with initiative.
3. Ability to problem solve and explore creative solutions to editing problems
4. Listening, written, verbal, and visual communication
5. Specific knowledge of key current technical editing processes
Normally at least a 2.2 UK honours-equivalent degree in any discipline, or appropriate work experience for those who can demonstrate an understanding of audiovisual media and/or have prior experience in creating audiovisual material (Assessed using the RPEL (Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning) framework. Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information).
In addition to the above qualification requirements, all applicants will also be required to provide a link to a completed video in any style, genre, or form (up to 3 mins duration) which demonstrates their prior experience of creating audio-visual media. The video for assessment should be uploaded to an external hosting site such as YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox or equivalent. A link to the video must be provided in the ‘additional information’ section of the application form and this link should remain live to assessors until assessments are completed and decisions returned. Please note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the video is accessible to view or download via the link provided and that the uploaded video is not locked or password protected.
A limited number of fully funded places (provided by the Department for the Economy) are available for this programme. Where there are more eligible applications received than places available, the academic selectors for this programme will make offers in rank order based on academic merit and potential as evidenced in the totality of the information provided in each application. We will operate a waiting list as required to allow us to fill all available funded places. If you have not been selected for a funded place, we will accept self-funded or employer-funded applicants, if spaces are available.
Further information is available at the link below.
Closing date for applications is Friday 29th November 2024 at 12 noon. Please note this course commences in January 2025. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than the deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page. https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/skill-up-flexible-skills-fund/
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
This Postgraduate Certificate will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to continue or transition into the creative industries. To date, graduates of the course have been employed by a range of media and marketing companies, progressed within their current employment or expanded their freelance practice. Graduates have also progressed onto further postgraduate taught programs.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
No tuition fees are payable by eligible students for the programme as it is funded by the Department for the Economy’s Skill Up programme. Please refer to https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/skillup for further information.
Applicants must meet the entry criteria for the course and be:
• over 18 years of age;
• eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
• settled in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
is a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK
Students must have access to a suitable computer to complete practical assignments
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.