Core Module Information
Module title: TV Specialisms

SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: LMD09176
Module leader: David Byrne
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Screen and Performance
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

You will choose a specialist area from a) Producing and production management, b) Directing, c) Cinematography/Camera, d) Sound and e) Editing and Post Production. You will review and develop production and craft skills needed for professional television programme making. You will apply your learning to a short group production and exercises across a range of genres chosen by the Module Leader. These might include editing a scene to create suspense, shooting a scene that replicates a contemporary TV Drama, creating an unscripted programme budget. You will produce written work that will include a role related critical reflection on your skills-based learning with reference to professional contexts. Across the module you will be expected to work to a professional standard, prioritizing effective communication, practice and leadership. Through your group work you will be expected to demonstrate positive team working approaches and skills.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Apply specialist knowledge and practical skills to the planning and production of broadcast television content.

LO2: Evaluate professional production practices and reflect on your own contribution in relation to industry expectations.

LO3: Demonstrate effective collaboration through an understanding of professional roles, responsibilities and workflows within television production.

LO4: Analyse and apply appropriate creative, technical and editorial approaches in the development and production of television content.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: David Byrne
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 18 Skills developed in role-specific sessions will be applied through practical work. This will culminate in the observed shoot, where you will demonstrate your ability to apply specialist knowledge in a live production context.
Face To Face Lecture 18 You will attend lectures and practical sessions exploring both the theoretical and applied aspects of drama production within your chosen specialism. You will select one of the following pathways: Producing, Directing, Camera, Sound, or Editing.
Face To Face GROUPIND_STUDY 25 Preparatory work for your observed production will be carried out by arrangement with the other students in your groups. Tutorials will be available, where appropriate. The shoot for each group will scheduled by the Module Leader.
Online Guided independent study 139 You will undertake independent research into the television industry within your chosen specialism. This research will support the development of your understanding of professional practice, informing the written component of your submission and enhancing your ability to contextualise your own specialist decision-making.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Practical Skills Assessment 50 1~3~4 Week 8 HOURS= 4 hours Each group will undertake an observed production exercise based on a script provided by the Module Leader. The focus of this assessment is on the application of specialist skills, decision-making and professional practice within a live production context, rather than the creation of a polished final programme.All students will undertake a Head of Department (HoD) role within their chosen specialism (Producing, Directing, Camera, Sound or Editing). Students may also contribute in a secondary supporting role on another group’s production, where appropriate. Roles will be allocated by the Module Leader, subject to availability.The observed shoot will be scheduled and overseen by the Module Leader and lecturers, with assessment based on students’ preparation, role-specific contribution, collaboration, communication and ability to respond to production constraints.Although the production is a group activity, all students will receive an individual mark. This will be based on the quality of their specialist contribution to the observed shoot and their ability to critically articulate and evaluate their decision-making within the written component.
Report 50 1~2~3~4 Exam Period , WORDS= 2000 This written component requires students to evaluate their chosen specialism within the contemporary television landscape, drawing connections between industry practice and their own developing professional identity. Students will analyse the role and its current context, considering how it operates within evolving production environments.The assessment also requires students to critically reflect on their specialist practice during the observed production, with a focus on decision-making, problem-solving and the impact of their contribution within a collaborative context. Students will evaluate their performance, identifying strengths, areas for development and potential alternative approaches.In addition, students will explore current pathways into the television and screen industries relevant to their specialism, demonstrating an understanding of entry routes, professional expectations and opportunities for progression.Overall, the written submission integrates industry awareness with reflective practice, enabling students to articulate their development as specialist practitioners within a contemporary professional context.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader