My Timetable as a Media Production Student
When I first started studying Media Production at Birmingham City University, one of the things I was most curious about was how my weekly timetable would look. Unlike school or sixth form, university timetables are a lot more flexible, and in a creative subject like media, no two weeks ever feel exactly the same.
How the year is structured
The course is split into two main semesters:
Each semester, I work on three different modules. This means that by the end of the year, I’ll have studied six modules in totaxl. Each module focuses on different areas of media production, from technical skills and creative projects to theory and industry knowledge.
Weekly schedule
On paper, my timetable looks fairly simple: one lecture per module each week. In practice, those lectures can vary a lot. Sometimes they’re spread out across the week, but other times I’ll have them back-to-back — for example, a lecture from 9am–1pm followed immediately by another 1pm–5pm.
It sounds intense (and it can be!), but these sessions are very different from just sitting and listening. Media lectures often combine workshops, group activities, and hands-on learning with cameras, editing software, or sound equipment. They’re about building practical skills, not just memorising information.
Independent work and projects
One of the biggest adjustments is that you can’t complete all your projects in lesson time. The lectures give you the tools, but the real work happens outside the classroom. That might mean booking studio space, editing in the labs, or meeting with your group to plan and film.
This independence is both exciting and challenging. You’re trusted to organise your own time, which means finding a balance between study, projects, and personal life.
Free time and creativity
At first, the amount of free time between lectures surprised me. Some days, you might only have a couple of hours of scheduled teaching — and it’s tempting to see that as “time off.” But as I’ve learned, rest is productive. Creativity doesn’t always happen on command, and sometimes you need to step away from your work to come back with fresh ideas.
I’ve found that some of my best ideas come from unexpected places: walking around the city, going to the cinema, or even just chatting with friends. Media is all about capturing and telling stories, and often the inspiration comes from living life outside the classroom.
Final thoughts
Being a media production student isn’t just about following a timetable; it’s about learning how to manage your own time, energy, and creativity. Some weeks are packed with deadlines, shoots, and editing sessions, while others feel more relaxed. The flexibility can be daunting at first, but it’s also what makes the course so rewarding.
If you’re thinking about studying media, be prepared for a timetable that’s both structured and open — one that pushes you to be independent, creative, and self-motivated. And remember: it’s okay to take breaks. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your work is to step back, recharge, and let inspiration find you.
Any questions let me know!
Maya
BCU Student rep
How the year is structured
The course is split into two main semesters:
•
Semester 1 runs from September to January
•
Semester 2 runs from January to May
Each semester, I work on three different modules. This means that by the end of the year, I’ll have studied six modules in totaxl. Each module focuses on different areas of media production, from technical skills and creative projects to theory and industry knowledge.
Weekly schedule
On paper, my timetable looks fairly simple: one lecture per module each week. In practice, those lectures can vary a lot. Sometimes they’re spread out across the week, but other times I’ll have them back-to-back — for example, a lecture from 9am–1pm followed immediately by another 1pm–5pm.
It sounds intense (and it can be!), but these sessions are very different from just sitting and listening. Media lectures often combine workshops, group activities, and hands-on learning with cameras, editing software, or sound equipment. They’re about building practical skills, not just memorising information.
Independent work and projects
One of the biggest adjustments is that you can’t complete all your projects in lesson time. The lectures give you the tools, but the real work happens outside the classroom. That might mean booking studio space, editing in the labs, or meeting with your group to plan and film.
This independence is both exciting and challenging. You’re trusted to organise your own time, which means finding a balance between study, projects, and personal life.
Free time and creativity
At first, the amount of free time between lectures surprised me. Some days, you might only have a couple of hours of scheduled teaching — and it’s tempting to see that as “time off.” But as I’ve learned, rest is productive. Creativity doesn’t always happen on command, and sometimes you need to step away from your work to come back with fresh ideas.
I’ve found that some of my best ideas come from unexpected places: walking around the city, going to the cinema, or even just chatting with friends. Media is all about capturing and telling stories, and often the inspiration comes from living life outside the classroom.
Final thoughts
Being a media production student isn’t just about following a timetable; it’s about learning how to manage your own time, energy, and creativity. Some weeks are packed with deadlines, shoots, and editing sessions, while others feel more relaxed. The flexibility can be daunting at first, but it’s also what makes the course so rewarding.
If you’re thinking about studying media, be prepared for a timetable that’s both structured and open — one that pushes you to be independent, creative, and self-motivated. And remember: it’s okay to take breaks. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your work is to step back, recharge, and let inspiration find you.
Any questions let me know!
Maya
BCU Student rep
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