Broadcast Engineering Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Developed and delivered in partnership with the BBC, our BSc (Hons) Broadcast Engineering course combines engineering, computing and media technologies to design, build and maintain the systems that power television, radio and online media services.

Through a blend of theoretical study and industry-focused practical learning, you will acquire the technical and problem-solving skills needed to work in modern broadcast and media environments.

You will explore the technologies behind television, radio, online streaming services and other digital media platforms, developing knowledge across audio and video, computing, IP networks, electrical and electronic principles, and communication technologies. This combination provides a broad foundation for a career in broadcast and media systems engineering.

You will develop an understanding of the engineering principles that underpin modern broadcast systems and how they are applied in professional broadcast environments. You'll also benefit from opportunities to engage with industry-standard production environments and collaborate across engineering and creative disciplines, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of modern broadcasting.

Teaching will take place at BCU's City Centre Campus and, subject to final planning approval, at the BBC's new Midlands headquarters at the Tea Factory.

What's covered in this course?

The course covers a wide range of relevant technologies, systems and applications, including signal processing, media compression, production and distribution system architectures, broadcast and media workflows, networking and communication technologies, and the computing and electronic systems that underpin modern broadcast services. You will explore how these technologies work together across the broadcast workflow, from content capture and production through to processing, management, and distribution.

The course is structured around five key technical themes: audio and video technologies, computing, communications, IP networking, and electrical and electronic engineering. You'll develop an understanding of how these disciplines work together within modern broadcast environments, while gaining practical experience of industry workflows, system design, testing and troubleshooting. Through industry-focused projects and collaborative activities, you'll explore how engineers support content creation, production, transmission and distribution across today's broadcast and media industries.

You will have opportunities to apply your engineering knowledge through practical projects and industry-focused activities, developing your ability to work with broadcast technologies and interconnected technical systems. Through laboratory work and industry-focused projects, you will gain experience in system integration, testing, troubleshooting and technical problem-solving, building confidence in applying engineering principles within professional environments.

Professional placement year

This course offers an optional professional placement year, enabling you to gain valuable industry experience after successfully completing your second year. If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to secure a suitable placement related to your chosen area of study. Opportunities are secured through a competitive recruitment process, and placements with specific employers cannot be guaranteed.