BSc (Hons) Entertainment Technology - FAQs
Is this the right course for me?
This course is popular with people who are interested in:
- popular music; who play in bands and may have some experience of PC home recording or of studio recording: possible music BTEC students.
- cinema, video and television. You may be a 'fan' or you may have practical experience of photography or video production
- the Internet and who enjoy web design.
Which specific skills do I need?
The Project management core of ET means that the ability to work well in groups is particularly helpful. Graphics and Music software skills are taught on the course but some experience with software relevant to your preferred area will always be helpful. Basic computing skills are necessary.
What sort of supporting evidence do I need?
ET does not require a formal interview nor do we require you to show us specific work in advance. However we are open to questions and encourage you to contact us if you are uncertain about your abilities or need some guidelines concerning the relevance of your experience or if you have any concerns about the course meeting your individual needs or expectations.
How do I change course after I have started?
Occasionally a student may find that ET is too broad a degree and they wish to specialise more in one particular area e.g. Computer Animation or Digital Media. We make every effort to accommodate change based on clear and informed decisions concerning career concerns or ideas. However changing course is not something that should be undertaken lightly for obvious reasons. It is very difficult to change course in mid year because of the work already missed. Students would have to demonstrate existing qualifications or skills that match the requirements of that missed work. Students are always encouraged to restart on a newly chosen course. In addition course numbers may be full precluding any transfer. Finally unit credits from one course may not count on another and students may not begin a course if they are failing units from their original course: they have to withdraw and be reconsidered for another degree.
How do I gain entry to the course at level 2 or level 3?
Students wishing to enter ET have to demonstrate that they have acquired the skills already taught at any particular level - otherwise they are encouraged to apply for level 1 entry, This also applies to HND students: entry at level 2 is not automatic especially in terms of the music strand on ET.
What will I study?
Project Management; Web Design; Digital Video Editing; Studio Sound Recording; PC software recording and editing.
After studying in the course, what will I be able to do/make/create?
The Project management core of ET means that the ability to work well in groups is particularly helpful. Graphics and Music software skills are taught on the course but some experience with software relevant to your preferred area will always be helpful. Basic computing skills are necessary.
Which specific skills do I need?
Students will learn:
- to manage multimedia projects applying software skills and sharing expertise;
- group presentation skills;
- to evaluative skills including written essay form;
- to create web sites;
- to create film and to edit it;
- to record sound and to edit it:
- to understand the issues of agency, category, technology, audience, representation and meaning in all aspects of their work.
What is the workload like?
We emphasise the importance of self management. The large number of group projects means that students are often interdependent so responsibility to the group must always be a factor.
What equipment/software will I need on my home system?
Nothing specific although you may wish to have your own copies of software that you feel is relevant to your particular interests eg Cubase - a good all rounder for PC music recording and editing; Photoshop as a good all rounder for image manipulation and editing techniques.
What equipment/software will I use at University?
Students will be given experience in the use of:
Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop, 3D Studio max, Avid Express DV, Cool Edit Pro, Adobe After Effects, Boris FX, Hard Drive recording and editing, Cubase SX, Sonar, Sibelius, Sound Forge
Which buildings/rooms will I use?
The main areas used are: Buckingham Building, the multimedia labs in Mercantile House Floors 2 and 3 including the Avid Suite, the Multimedia lab at LionGate, and the Wiltshire building recording studio.
Can I take a year off to get some work experience? Is it a good idea to do this and what support will I receive to arrange this?
To be successful in this course (and industry) the passion has to be evident and one way to show this is to develop a working portfolio. Placements offer you the chance to develop these contacts and build up your skills and CV. Networking and industry contacts are a priority in establishing those initial job/placement interviews. Examples of companies that took on a placement student in the past were MTV Europe, Meridian TV, BBC TV, BBC Solent Radio, Talk Sport Radio and Peppers Ghost Animation.
Students on ET are encouraged to take a placement year between level 2 and 3 if possible. Relevant work experience is a valuable addition to your CV at the end of a degree when the market place in your chosen field may well be highly competitive. Students are encouraged to research possibilities and make contact with appropriate companies as early as possible. We have a lecturer designated to assist students looking for placement and she can provide help and advice. However we should emphasise that the desire and effort needs to originate from the student.
Will I get a job?
A degree alone nowadays will not suffice. You need to use this as a springboard to make contact with industry whilst studying and involve yourself in live projects, placements and voluntary work. Each industry sector is different and you need to make a point of researching your chosen field to investigate skills needed.
Some previous graduates from ET have gained careers at a leading web design agency, The Farm Group post production studio and Digital Photo Magazine.
What will I earn?
This varies from job to job. In some instances graduates work on a low pay/no pay/deferred pay scale. Obviously this is dependent on the chosen industry. A runner in film/TV industry for example would work on an expense only salary for the first six months.
Is it going to be worthwhile to do this course?
Yes. Because the core of ET is project management and multimedia application the skills learnt are transferable. The degree itself is particularly enjoyable because of the range of skills covered.
What opportunities exist for post graduate study and further research?
Yes, students from ET have already embarked on Post Graduate work within the department.
Is there any special advice for applicants?
ET does not require students to be able to read music. The music activities undertaken at level 1 are relevant to soundtrack work and are constructed so that all students may participate regardless of levels of ability.