FdSc Media Production
Progression Pathway: Haydock High School, Cowley International College Sixth Form, FdSc Media Production at University Centre St Helens
"I am really glad that I decided to study for my degree at University Centre St Helens. The smaller class sizes allow you to feel much more involved with your lecturers and fellow students; you don’t feel like a number in a room or just one of many people, we have a real sense of community here. I love my degree because I am getting to do something I love, alongside passionate and driven industry experienced lecturers."
Local student Jack Clishem spent two years at Cowley International College studying three A level subjects; Film Studies, Business Studies and Games Development. As he came to the end of his studies, Jack knew that his desired next step was university but he also knew that he didn’t want to move away from home to study. Researching local universities, Jack discovered courses of interest at a range of universities, including University Centre St Helens.
Familiar with the location of University Centre St Helens, having siblings who have previously attended St Helens College, Jack decided to attend an Open Day in June 2017 to find out more about the Foundation degree in Media Production. With a particular interest in film, and the history and art of film, Jack was impressed with the brand new facilities and equipment on offer at University Centre St Helens, as well as the easily accessible location from his home.
Deciding to apply, Jack then enrolled on the degree, beginning his studies in September 2017. Brushing up on key software programmes relevant to the degree, to date Jack has developed his skills in Premier Pro, Photoshop and After EFX, crediting the lecturing team at University Centre St Helens with rapidly helping him to develop his knowledge and skills in camera operations.
Commented on his time to date at University Centre St Helens, Jack said:
“The lecturing team are fantastic and the smaller class sizes mean there is always enough equipment for everyone to use in each session, this is of particular importance on a highly practical degree like Media Production. Smaller groups are also particularly useful when you need lecturer help or support, as there is always enough time in each session for the lecturing team to thoroughly work with you, helping you to develop ideas, skills and industry relevant knowledge.”
Continuing, Jack added, “I am really enjoying the variety of sessions we undertake on the Media Production degree. Teaching takes place in a variety of formats, from lectures and seminars, to tutorials and workshops. Typically, we attend for two days per week, so there is plenty of time to also undertake part-time work, alongside the degree, should you wish to do so and ample time to undertake independent study.”
Looking to the future, Jack hopes to one day progress his career within the film industry, working behind the scenes on television and film productions, directing, editing and script writing. Thinking about his immediate future, Jack has plans to progress onto a top up degree after successfully completing his Foundation degree, allowing him to obtain a full BSc honours qualification, with longer term plans to also study at master’s level.
Discussing the content of the degree course, Jack said, ‘I have enjoyed the variety of assignments and tasks we have undertaken on the FdSc Media Production degree. In just eight months I have undertaken a wide range of tasks, including aspects of filming, editing, website design and media campaign planning. I am particularly looking forward to the second year of the degree, where we are required to produce a short, 10 minute film from scratch. For me, this is one of the real highlights of this degree at University Centre St Helens, it is very realistic and the scenarios that form the basis of our assignments are truly reflective of life in the media industry. We work to deadlines on realistic briefs, meaning that we are learning all the time what it will be like to work on a range of projects with real clients.”
“I am really glad that I decided to study for my degree at University Centre St Helens. The smaller class sizes allow you to feel much more involved with your lecturers and fellow students; you don’t feel like a number in a room or just one of many people, we have a real sense of community here. I love my degree because I am getting to do something I love, alongside passionate and driven industry experienced lecturers.
This passion is infectious and shows in the students, as the lecturers work hard to get the very best out of you. All of the lecturing team on the Foundation degree are supportive, approachable and are really invested in each student as an individual.”