Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) - IFA Certificate / BEng (Hons) drafted

Program Overview

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Onboarding for September 2022 has now closed. Please make contact with the team to discuss September 2023 intakes at

CEBEApprenticeships@bcu.ac.uk

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Degree Apprenticeships combine University study and work-based learning to enable you as an apprentice to gain a full bachelor’s degree. This provision of an academic undergraduate degree is integrated with experience, practice and learning in the workplace. You will have paid employment status and do not pay any training costs or student fees. Degree Apprenticeships are co-designed by employers ensuring that you are equipped with the skills employers need and for your future career.

The

Standard

and Assessment Plan for the Degree Apprenticeship in Broadcast and Media Systems Engineering

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have been designed by employers in the Broadcast Industries and include Arqiva, BBC Academy, Creative Skillset, IABM, Hattrick, BT Group, Bauer Media, BBC, Suitcase TV, Panasonic, dB Broadcast, The IET, International Moving Image Society, High Definition & Digital Cinema Ltd., Ericsson, Babcock International, ITV, Sky and Digital UK.

The apprenticeship standard contains an end-point assessment (EPA), which is a synoptic assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that you have learnt throughout the apprenticeship. This will be provided by a registered end-point assessment organisation and delivered according to the published Apprenticeship Assessment Plan. The purpose of the end-point assessment is to make sure you meet the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation. It is taken by you at the very end of the course when we are satisfied that you have met the “gateway” criteria to undertake the assessment. End-point-assessments are graded and an apprenticeship certificate is only awarded after end-point assessment is successfully completed.

To support the end-point assessment you are to develop a portfolio of evidence. The intention is that this portfolio will provide a record of the specific skills and knowledge you have developed, and to provide an opportunity to reflect on your personal development. Given the pace of change in technology, it is critical that you are self-aware and can self-manage your own professional development, and become a reflective practitioner. The requirement to reflect on your progress throughout the apprenticeship degree combined with formative feedback will develop the necessary skills and self-discipline to support this. The portfolio will be developed over all three years but be formally assessed as part of the EPA. Regular reviews will take place and personal tutors and work based mentors will help guide you in the development of this portfolio.

As an integrated apprenticeship the end-point assessment is tied into the degree course through a final year Professional Practice Development module, this module provides a final focus on personal development and review that has taken place throughout the apprenticeship.

The Degree Apprenticeship for the occupation of Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer at Birmingham City University leads to a BEng (Hons) Broadcast and Communications Engineering.

The degree course has been designed to give a varied skill-set, preparing you for the ever-changing world of broadcasting and increasing your employability on graduation.

Broadcast and Communications Engineering encompasses an exciting and varied range of roles. Broadcast engineers are responsible for maintaining the quality of service across all aspects of broadcasting, whether ensuring a transmitter stays operational, or making sure that audio and visual feeds and general equipment are working and that computer systems are effective.

How to apply

You apply for a degree apprenticeship in the same way you apply for a normal job. You’ll need to submit an application to the recruiting employer.

Employers advertise degree apprenticeships throughout the year and there is no application cycle like there is with university applications. The vacancy will state when the application deadline is, and when the apprenticeship is due to start.

You cannot apply directly to the University for a degree apprenticeship. To apply for an apprenticeship, you first need to find one that you are interested in applying for.

Find an Apprenticeship

is the government website where the majority of apprenticeship vacancies are advertised. It only shows live jobs (so it won’t tell you previous vacancies, nor what’s coming up), so you will need to check it regularly to see new vacancies as the employers advertise them.

Apply through the employer

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Entry Requirements

As this is a degree apprenticeship employers will be looking for a strong academic performance. The minimum academic criteria is around 112 UCAS points (300 if before 2017), including a Maths A level or equivalent qualification and other science or technology subjects, for example, Computer Science, Physics or Electronics, or a BTEC in Engineering with Engineering Maths. We would also expect you to hold a GCSE at Grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and Mathematics. Equivalent qualifications will be accepted.

Typical Offers (UK students)

At the point of application, you must have or be working towards GCSE at Grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and Mathematics. Equivalent qualifications can be considered in lieu of GCSE subjects as long as the required subject are covered. Plus, you must have achieved or be completing one of the following:

UK Qualification	Requirements
GCE A Level/ AS Level	BBC at A Level or 112 UCAS tariff points from A Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels and including A Level Maths at Grade C or above. Science or technology subjects desirable.
Access to Higher Education Diploma	60 credits overall. Minimum of 45 credits at level 3. Including 12 credits at Merit or Distinction with 9 in Mathematics and 3 in Science. Must already hold GCSE Mathematics and English Language Grade 4 (C) or higher or the equivalent at application point or currently taking.
BTEC National Diploma (12-units not including early years)/ Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma	D*D* or combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 112 UCAS points. A Distinction in Mathematics for Technicians unit or a Merit in Further Mathematics for Technicians unit.
BTEC Extended Diploma (18-units not including early years)/ Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	DMM - 112 UCAS points. A Distinction in Mathematics for Technicians unit or a Merit in Further Mathematics for Technicians unit.

This course is

not open

to International students.

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What's covered in this course?

On completing this degree apprenticeship, you will be ready to take on a range of roles, such as supporting audio and video content capture, working on production processes or supporting the distribution of content over cable, satellite and terrestrial networks or via internet streaming.

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What's covered?

Our BEng (Hons) Broadcast and Communications Engineering course will equip you to face the demands of today’s rapidly evolving broadcast industry.

You will develop a wide range of skills and study technologies including: signal processing; coding and transmission; media compression; media storage; asset management; production and distribution system architectures; internet and web technologies for media production and transmission; personalised and interactive services; and broadcast standards.

The course comprises four main themes:

Audio and video: the technologies which produce and process broadcast signals.

Computing: programming and computing architectures, data storage, retrieval and security.

Networks: routing for IP networks, quality of service and network security.

Electrical and electronic engineering: the foundation technologies of circuitry and power distribution, and communication.

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Why study on a higher or degree apprenticeship?

Essentially, you get the best of both worlds – all the academic challenge of a highly regarded degree, alongside a full-time wage and your first step on the career ladder with a prestigious employer.

You will work with and make connections with people in your chosen industry who can help you achieve your career goals in the future. And at the end of the course, you will have three years' work experience, a degree-level qualification, and you won’t owe any tuition fees.

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Apprenticeship Course Requirements

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Level 4

In order to complete this apprenticeship a learner must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

Module Name	Credit Value
AV Acquisition and Presentation	20
Broadcast Technology	20
Computer Systems	20
Computer Networks	20
Engineering Mathematics	20
Electrical and Electronic Principles	20

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Level 5

In order to complete this apprenticeship a learner must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

Module Name	Credit Value
Audio and Video Processing	20
Computer Programming for Engineers	20
Database Technology	20
Computer Networks and IP Distribution 1	20
Computer Networks and IP Distribution 2	20
Principles of Communications Engineering	20

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Level 6

In order to complete this apprenticeship a learner must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

Module Name	Credit Value
Individual Honours Project	40
Professional Practice Development	20
Broadcast Workflow and Distribution Systems	20
Quality of Service	20
Broadcast Communications	20

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Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic

The University has put in place

measures in response to Covid-19

to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the

student contract

.