DBBC Courses Accredited through Ascentis

Formerly Open College of the North-West (OCNW)

1 - First Steps in Radio Broadcasting • Entry levels 1 & 2

Guided Learning Hours = 40

Basic use of radio equipment - mixing desk, microphone, CD players, double CD players, Marantz portable tape recorder, OTS DJ program, Cool Edit Pro editing program, create an advert or jingle, basic Health and Safety, studio rules, selecting equipment, describing the task, short music show demo, project to be recorded on computer and onto CD.

2-3 recorded pieces

2 - Media Techniques in Radio • Entry level 3 & Levels 1 & 2

Guided Learning Hours = 76 - 84

Use of equipment (if not already known) including MiniDisc player and tape deck for L2, sound recording e.g. onto Marantz portable tape recorder, reasons for recording, interview skills, sound editing using Cool Edit Pro, advertising standards, composing adverts that fulfil these (and one that breaks rules), radio journalism, radio dramas, working roles and relationships, different types of communication used in radio, planning and recording a short radio show, working as a team to plan and produce an hour-long radio show, OFCOM rules and regulations, Studio Health and Safety rules.

At least 6 recorded pieces

3 - Advanced Radio Presentation Skills • Level 2

Guided Learning Hours = 20

Covers Studio Health and Safety Rules; more detailed use of mixing desks, setting PFL levels for CD and voice, adjustor buttons and PFL settings; use of Myriad music system - an industry standard software package for radio broadcasting; 15 - 20 hours intensive, extra practice in all broadcasting techniques; further interview skills and techniques - open-ended questions, using bullet points rather than long-winded questions; further use of Cool Edit Pro - recording voice, using a music bed, tweaking volumes with Cool Edit Pro, altering pitch, adding effects; working within OFCOM rules at all times.

1 recorded hour-long show

All practical skills learned are evidenced by the completion of a course folder in which there will be photographic, written and witness-statements as evidence that the student has achieved the required competency. On completion of the course, these coursework folders are submitted to Ascentis for moderation.

Students are required to gather evidence for a minimum number of hours, which can be spread over a number of months to suit each individual. They usually attend for 1 day a week, or sometimes two half-days. Due to the fact that we run on a rolling programme, with new students starting throughout the year, there is always a continuous stream of students at all stages of the course who can work together to assist each other - helping to reinforce the learning and adding to the fun.