Now that you've had time to take a tour of our website, we hope that you have all the information you need about our short courses. However, if there is something you're unsure of, then our Frequently Asked Questions should help.
Please click on a category below for help on your particular question.
If you still cannot find what you are looking for, then please contact us for further information.
Who are the short courses for?
The short courses are designed to serve as continuing professional development option for people already in employment, or with recent professional experience.
What will I gain from studying a short course?
The aim of these short courses is to develop your specialist knowledge and understanding of media, communications and marketing, animation, journalism and/or media management. To enable you to act as a critical, knowledgeable and responsible practitioner; to be someone who is capable of initiating, developing and embedding new understandings and techniques in your professional practice.
The courses are designed to be relevant to the employment needs of both you as an individual and your organisation; you have the freedom and flexibility to select and define your own mix of courses, from the wide range of over 30 that are available.
Will I learn software and/or hardware skills?
All of the short courses are conceptually and contextually orientated as opposed to software / hardware skills focused. None of the courses involve skills teaching.
We will be running other such skills courses in the future. Please contact us for further information.
How can I achieve a recognised postgraduate qualification?
On the successful completion of each short course, you will be awarded 20 masters level (M) credits. You need 60 credits to be eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate and a further 60 credits (120 in total) to be eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma.
Having achieved a postgraduate diploma, you will be given the opportunity to choose to conclude your studies with the production of a media artefact appropriate to your chosen media context (for example, a radio programme; a 10 minute short film drama; a 30 minute TV script; an innovative networking website, a short animation), or to engage within a piece of research with a practice-led research or scholarly research paper output.
Your chosen pathway will dictate the title of your award. Depending on the 3 or 6 short courses you study, you will be awarded one of the following titles:
How will I be assessed?
Each short course is assessed by 100% coursework. Assuming you wish to work towards (M) level credits, for each course you will be required to submit one assignment which will be professionally orientated and is negotiated between yourself and your tutor.
I’m interested in doing a short course but I’m not worried about achieving masters level credits or attaining a postgraduate qualification. How will that work?
That’s fine, you can attend the 2 day ‘creative retreat’ and participate in the subsequent 7 weeks of online activity as you wish but there will be no need for you to submit the assignment at the end of the course. Unfortunately you will not be entitled to reduced fees.
Where will the 2 day creative retreat be held?
The creative retreat will be held over a two day period (Friday and Saturday) either at Bournemouth University or, for journalism short courses, at the offices of The Guardian, Kings Place, London.
Where can I stay during the ‘creative retreat’?
Nearby accommodation is available (at your own expense). We will provide a list of local hotels to successful applicants.
Should my Bachelors degree be in a particular subject area?
We will consider applications with qualifications from all subject areas.
If I do not have a Bachelors degree may I still apply?
We normally do require a Bachelors degree (or non-UK equivalent) in addition to 2 years of relevant work experience. However, if you do not meet this criteria you are still welcome to apply and the course team will review your application based on your work experience. Ordinarily in this situation, we would expect an applicant to have approximately 10 years’ relevant work experience.
If I have less than 2 years’ work experience can I still apply?
Our standard entry criteria requires 2 years of relevant work experience in addition to a good Bachelor Honours degree. However, if you do not meet this criteria we would still welcome an application from you as the quality of your work experience will be considered along with the length of your work experience.
My technical / software skills are limited. Is that ok?
Some of the short courses also require a minimum level of technical/software skills before enrolment. For more information on the entry requirements for a particular short course, please view the short courses page.
Do I need to take an English language test?
If English is not your native language and your Bachelors degree has not been taught in English, you will be required to should present evidence of English language proficiency via the Cambridge / British Council English Language Testing Service (IELTS), for example, with an average score of 7.0 and, for each component, 6 or above or an equivalent level of attainment.
Can I submit my application electronically?
Yes you can. Simply complete the form, save the completed form to your computer and attach it to an email. For further details, please visit our How to Apply pages.
Can I submit an application by post or fax?
It is possible to apply by post or fax. Details on how to download the form and where to send are on our How to Apply pages.
Do I need to submit any additional supporting documentation along with my application form?
No, but if your application is successful, you may be required to provide proof of your previous study (including degrees and/or professional qualifications) and two satisfactory references, one of which must be academic (see below).
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide proof of your English language ability.
Do I need an academic reference?
If you studied your previous qualification within four years we do expect an academic reference in addition to a professional reference. If you studied more than four years ago we are happy to accept two professional references.
When do I need to apply by?
We do not have a set deadline for applications as the short courses run throughout the year. However, you should apply at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the course in which you are interested. Places on the short courses are offered on a first come first served basis so it is in your interest to apply earlier rather than later.
What if I am unsuccessful in my application?
If this is the case, you will be given guidance on improving your application or you will be directed to another suitable course.
Will I have to be interviewed?
All applications are reviewed by the course team. We will contact you to arrange an interview at a mutually convenient time in order to assess your motivation, commitment and general suitability for the course.
Would I need to attend the interview in person?
The interview can take place face-to-face but since this isn't always practical, a telephone or video conferencing interview is usually arranged as an alternative.
How soon after being interviewed will I find out whether I’ve been successful?
Following your interview, the course team will further discuss your application and make a decision about whether to offer you a place and under which conditions. We hope to let you know the outcome within a couple of days. You will then receive a formal offer letter.
Is it possible to meet a member of the course team to discuss the short courses and their suitability for me before I apply?
Yes if you would like to arrange an appointment please contact us
Are there any open days I could attend?
BU runs open days throughout the year.
When do the short courses start?
The first five of more than 30 short courses commenced in October 2009, and we will run a different five courses every two months in a twelve month cycle.
How often does each short course run?
Each short course will run once per year unless demand dictates otherwise. Eight is the minimum number of students required in order to deliver a short course. In order to ascertain which short courses are running when, please refer to the Delivery Schedule.
How long does each short course last?
Each short course will last 8 weeks and will commence with a two-day creative retreat (typically Friday/Saturday), attendance at which is compulsory. This will be followed by an additional seven weeks of online tuition/support.
How many short courses can I take at any one time?
Though you can only take one short course at a time, as a rule, you can normally take up to three short courses in a year. However, the number of courses taken per year is negotiable; some students may take less, others more.
What is the cost of the short courses?
However to reward your loyalty, having taken one short course, you will be entitled to a promotional discounted rate for further short courses taken before July 2011. This discounted rate is £675 or £800 for short courses delivered in collaboration with the BBC academy.
As well as contributing to the cost of tuition, both face-to-face and online, the fee also includes refreshments and lunch during the residentials. However, you will be expected to meet travel costs to/from the creative retreat and to pay for your own accommodation and evening meals (where applicable). We would also advise you to put aside an appropriate allowance to cover discretionary costs such as internet access, printing and the purchase of textbooks.
Are there any scholarships available?
BU offers a wide range of scholarships, further information on which can be found on the Fees and Funding page, along with other funding opportunities.
Are there discounts available?
If you pay your fees in full before or on enrolment you will receive a 5% discount.
BU graduates automatically receive a 15% discount on the course fee (this discount does not apply to short courses charged at the promotional discounted rate), and can receive an additional 5% if paying their fee in full.
Am I required to pay a deposit in advance?
In order to secure your place, a 15% deposit is required for each short course. The deposit is payable within two weeks of receipt of your offer of a place on a course or one week prior to the start date, whichever date is sooner. Deposits for late applications will be considered on an individual basis. The deposit is only refundable if you fail to meet the conditions of your offer or for international students who have their visa refused (proof will be required). A deposit can be transferred to another short course in certain circumstances.
Can I pay in instalments?
Fees can be paid either in full at enrolment; or in two equal instalments if the amount you elect to pay towards your fee is greater than £600. If paying by instalments, the first instalment is payable before or on enrolment and the second instalment (by credit or debit card) is payable half way through the course.