Skillset Media Academies start "build your own MA" programme

England’s Skillset Media Academies are starting a new “build your own MA” programme, to be offered through 10 educational institutions with more than 75 modules on offer.

The programme is founded to align postgraduate education with professional training needs in the media sector.

Any flexible short course in the programme will offer post-grad credits; media professionals who complete any module can then go further to earn a postgraduate certificate, diploma, or Master of Arts in Professional Media Practice.

Skillset’s chair, Clive Jones, said: “This is the first time that such a large group of universities have agreed to recognise each others’ credits for an award. The Media Academies involved have shown that they are genuinely flexible in meeting the needs of a fast-changing industry whilst maintaining the integrity and rigour of their awards.”

Also, the BBC, The Guardian and Sony Games are working in partnership with the Academies to build new modules. Companies will also be able to create bespoke modules, and UK producers group Pact is also supporting the initiative.

Anne Morrison, director of the BBC Academy, said: “We are delighted to be working with both Skillset and Bournemouth University as we launch the inaugural year of this unique programme. Not only will it provide those taking part with a unique opportunity to consolidate and build upon their existing knowledge but it will help to set and drive standards across our industry.”

The Build Your Own MA programme has been developed as part of a three-year project funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

A database of courses and more information is available at skillset.org/build.

The 10 Skillset Media Academies are: Bournemouth Skillset Media Academy, Birmingham City University Skillset Media Academy, Cornwall Skillset Media Academy, Goldsmiths, University of London Skillset Media Academy, Hertfordshire Skillset Media Academy, Middlesex Skillset Media Academy, Ravensbourne Skillset Media Academy, Salford University Skillset Media Academy, Southampton Solent Skillset Media Academy and Teesside University Skillset Media Academy.