MD5062 - Podcast Production and Sonic Branding (2025/26)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2025/26 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Podcast Production and Sonic Branding | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Computing and Digital Media | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Running in 2025/26(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
In this module you will explore the techniques and practices in producing podcasts and developing audio branding. In doing so you will explore different creative approaches to working with audio and music as a means for branding in a range of different media.
In this practice-based module, you will learn to plan and structure podcasts, as well as develop an understanding, and skillset in audio editing; dialogue recording; and post-production techniques.
You will be introduced to a range of principles relating to the use of commercial music including sonic branding; jingles; and music licensing.
You will have the opportunity to work in groups as production teams, taking up specific working roles in the production of a podcast. In doing so, you will develop essential real-world working practices, including creating production diaries, and running sheets.
By planning and structuring the podcast, you will have the opportunity to develop a research topic, or subject of interest in a creative manner.
This module aims to:
• Explore principles of sonic branding in a range of media.
• Develop your knowledge of audio production and recording methods.
• Apply audio editing and production practices to create a professional podcast.
• Introduce potential career pathways in audio and podcast production.
• Enhance team working practices in audio projects.
• Develop a deeper understanding of music copyright.
Syllabus
Key subject areas:
• Podcast production (LO1, 2)
• Jingles, sonic branding, and sound logos (LO1, 2)
• Mixing (LO1)
• Mastering (LO1)
• Audio Editing (LO1)
• Music Supervision and Licensing (LO1, 2)
• Music Copyright (LO1, 2)
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Students teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of seminars, and workshops totalling 36 hours of contact time.
Students will be given the opportunity to engage in practical workshops in the music IT lab and studios, including guided demonstrations and group production tasks.
The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading. Tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments.
In addition, students will undertake independent study, including researching, assessment planning and podcast production practice supported by the audio technician.
Students will engage in reflective practice, reviewing their own, and each other’s recordings and in-progress podcasts.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
LO1. Demonstrate creative and technical approaches to producing podcasts.
LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of sonic branding and its role in a media product.
LO3. Demonstrate the ability to organise and manage a schedule of work effectively, recognising and implementing professional practice.
LO4. Discuss subjects relating to the wider contexts of the media industries in a podcast format.
Bibliography
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/44471A68-B718-AF1E-74E7-1D0C904674AF.html?lang=en&login=1
Core Reading:
• Ahern, S. ed., (2022) Making Radio and Podcasts: A Practical Guide to Working in Today's Radio and Audio Industries. 4th edition. London: Focal Press, Taylor & Francis Group.
• Cockburn, J. (2022) The podcaster's audio guide. London: Focal Press, Taylor & Francis Group.
• Corey, J. and Benson, D.H. (2017) Audio production and critical listening: technical ear training. 2nd edition. New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group (Audio Engineering Society presents).
• Huber, D.M. and Runstein, R.E. (2018) Modern recording techniques. Ninth Edition. New York ; London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
• Jackson, D. M. and Fulberg, P. (2003) Sonic Branding: An Introduction. London; New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Minsky, L. and Fahey, C. (2017) Audio branding: using sound to build your brand. London: Kogan Page Limited.
• Owsinski, B. (2017) The mixing engineer’s handbook. 4th edition. Burbank, CA: BOMG Publishing.
• Parker-Naples, A. (2020) Podcast with Impact: How to start and launch your podcast properly. Jumping Lion Publications.
Podcasts:
• Twenty Thousand Hertz. Available at: https://www.20k.org/