Postgraduate courses in Radio Studies

It is often said that there is no better feeling in the world than driving along with your friends with the radio blaring and singing your hearts out to a feel-good song. That is the beauty of radio. It’s not the only great thing about it but definitely one of many positives. 

Whether it’s to listen to a cheesy tune, shout quiz answers at the radio or listen to sports commentary, we all love the company of the radio but without the professionals behind the scenes who make it all happen. 

There are many jobs and roles within the radio industry so if you’ve an interest in working in this area then maybe a postgraduate course in radio studies might be the right fit for you.

Courses

There are many courses on offer in the area across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Universities may have certain restrictions in place due to Covid-19 and may offer courses online. 

Nearly all postgraduate courses in Radio Studies will take one year to complete at a full time level. There may also be an option to study part-time which will normally take two years to complete. 

A course in Radio Studies allows students to learn the skills involved in creating a medium that gives a sense of intimacy and great company. Different courses in this area will allow you to feel empowered enough to create something permanent and everlasting, something special that can allow you to make your mark in the world of sound. 

There are a number of courses under the same heading of Radio Studies but it is possible that specific material in each course will differ from university to university. Content covered may include areas such as radio features and drama, radio journalism and documentary, media law and ethical issues in the UK, the culture and history of radio, adapting prose and film and theatre for radio dramatisation. Some courses may look at different aspects of broadcast media such as television, film and multi-platform production. 

Through studying a course in Radio Studies you will gain all the relevant and necessary skills and knowledge in order to work in the industry of radio and journalism and learn different techniques of the trade and how to deliver a great service, programme and company for those listening. These include your ability to manage a radio project, producing audio pieces, editing content and having an understanding of radio, how to keep your audience interested and the importance of high quality work and sound being produced for listeners. 

Many of those who study a postgraduate course in Radio Studies go on to become broadcast journalists, working in areas such as a foreign correspondent and creative programme makers.  

Entry requirements 

Entry requirements may differ from course to course or university to university. Therefore, it is important to research your specific course in detail to ensure you meet the entry requirements. As these courses are postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may accept a 2.2 degree while others will require a 2.1. A degree in a relevant area is preferred, for example journalism or radio.

Job options

Some jobs in this area include:

• Radio journalist
• Radio presenter
• Sound engineer 
• Broadcaster
• Researcher
• Programme editor 
• News/Sports radio reporter

Salary 

Your salary is dependent on the exact title or role you work in within radio. Salaries can be influenced by your employment type, your role, location and your experience. As a radio journalist or broadcaster your salary will generally start out between £15,000 to £24,000 and with experience this will increase to the average salary range of between £30,000 to £60,000. In major broadcasters such as the BBC, salaries may be much higher. As a radio presenter, it is believed that the average salary in this role is around £46,950 in the UK. 

Skills and requirements 

Skills and requirements helpful in this area include:

• Strong communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Confidence 
• Good speaker 
• Time management skills
• Organization skills
• Ability to work well under pressure
• IT Skills
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to use software
• Creative