MA Radio and Podcasting at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

Developed and delivered in partnership with the BBC, our MA Radio and Podcasting will help you develop advanced skills, industry insight and creative confidence for careers in today's rapidly evolving audio landscape. Designed for aspiring presenters, producers and audio creators, this course combines specialist teaching, hands-on production experience and independent creative practice while exploring audience strategy, community building and content distribution across platforms.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Design and Media | Department: Media and Journalism | Duration: 1 year full-time; 18 months (including Professional Placement) full-time | Study mode: full-time (optional professional placement) | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

You'll develop advanced production skills while creating a range of targeted audio and audio-visual content. Working in industry-standard studios and editing suites, you'll gain hands-on experience with professional equipment and software, building expertise in areas such as sound design, live production, audience engagement and multi-platform distribution. Alongside practical production, you'll explore the strategic and creative aspects of the audio industry. Modules include Audio Production and Storytelling, Formats and Programme Development, Podcast and Radio Formats, Professional Practice, Production Lab, Major Project.

Career pathways

This course is designed to help you develop the professional, creative and technical capabilities needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving audio industry. Developed and delivered in partnership with the BBC, it combines industry-informed learning, practical production experience and independent creative practice, giving you opportunities to engage with current approaches to radio, podcasting and digital audio.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in media studies, media production, media communication, film and television studies, radio and audio courses, performing arts or theatre, public relations, journalism, English, creative writing and screen writing. Prior experience of work in television, radio, online content production or other media related areas is useful, but not essential. Your achievements should clearly demonstrate a keen interest in the field of media production and you are advised to read around the subject of media and to explore examples. Your application should demonstrate your ability to generate and develop ideas, as judged by the MA team. We welcome non-traditional applications, particularly from applicants with substantial professional or production experience. IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band, or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,710 a year (2027/28). full-time, 1 year; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 19,630 a year (2027/28). full-time, 1 year; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 18 months (including Professional Placement) full-time

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