Successful University course helps bridge key digital skills gap!
The Advanced Media Production Programme, run by Aberystwyth University, has seen a significant increase in applications and is currently offered free of charge to eligible organisations.
Over eighty students have registered to start the course in October and they will study a variety of modules including Introduction to Media Production, Web Development, Applied Graphics, Digital Culture, Gender & Media Production and Programming for Digital Media.
Supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the Welsh Government, it offers the opportunity for businesses, employees and the self-employed to enhance their digital, IT and media skills remotely.
The MSc Advanced Media Production course, which is delivered in Welsh and English, is the result of a unique multidisciplinary scheme between the departments of Computer Science and Theatre Film & Television at Aberystwyth University.
The course’s flexible approach also allows participants to start studying whichever module most interests them and take as many or as few modules as they like, either as part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or to build towards a range of post graduate qualifications – up to an MSc Masters.
Combining practical knowledge of computer programming with media production the aim is to encourage organisations to think ahead and grow their own talent by giving their workforce the training needed for success in this current digital world. This need has become even more prevalent in the past months due to the pandemic restricting movement and placing greater emphasis on digital usage.
Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice-Chancellor at Aberystwyth University said: “We can be proud of the success Wales has achieved to date in the creative industries sector, however, it is essential to advance these technical skills and to continue to inspire innovation and upskill the existing workforce due to the ever changing digital media and technologies landscape, especially in the current climate.
“We’ve designed the MSc Advanced Media Production course with businesses and individuals in mind so that it’s flexible, easily accessible through online learning and will complement the employee’s work and other commitments.”
One establishment that has already taken advantage of this offer is the National Library of Wales as Annwen Isaac, Human Resources Manager at the Library explains: “We are fully aware of the need to promote our activities through a variety of digital channels and it is an ever evolving discipline. This training opportunity not only gives our staff advanced tools to promote the work of the Library on digital platforms in a more creative and innovative way, but it also contributes to their continuous personal development.
“By supporting our staff while they study, we are confident that in turn our resources will be strengthened and we’ll also gain a wealth of knowledge and will acquire valuable digital skills within our team.”
Each module consists of three blocks which are delivered in a rolling programme with annual start dates in February, June and October, giving course participants the opportunity to cover all module choices.
The next intake of students will start in February 2021 and interested individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible – due to the significant funding currently available for this programme it is proving to be very popular with limited places available on each module.
For more information on the Advanced Media Production programme or to check eligibility go to amp.aber.ac.uk or email ccu-amp@aber.ac.uk
