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New course follows podcast popularity

As the popularity of podcasts continues to grow, a North East college is offering students the chance to learn how to create podcasts for themselves or their businesses.

Newcastle College is running the NCFE Level 1 Award in Podcasting, which is the UK’s first qualification in the field.

Podcasts are audio or video broadcasts, available on demand to download onto a computer or MP3 player. They are used to broadcast a wide variety of information from entertainment, music and news to education and academia, public services, marketing and politics.

The NCFE Level 1 Award in Podcasting allows learners to investigate the process of planning, preparing and producing a podcast. It aims to help students understand the concepts of podcasting and to develop creative, ICT and communication skills.

David Grailey, Chief Executive at NCFE, said: “There are no other nationally-recognised qualifications available in podcasting so this is a unique opportunity to learn the skills and processes involved for free.

“Podcasting is fast becoming a part of everyday life - vicars are delivering sermons via podcasts, police departments are launching ‘crimewatch’ video podcasts and schools and colleges are recording lessons via podcasts. It’s therefore vital that we offer people both an understanding and the skills to utilise this technology.”

David Turner, Director of Music, Media and Performing Arts at Newcastle College said: “This course has been put together in consultation with businesses to meet their specific needs. It is one of a number of innovative new courses designed by Newcastle College to support the creative industries in using rapidly changing new technologies.”

The 10-week courses begin on 22 and 25 April. For further information visit www.ncl-coll.ac.uk or call 0191 200 4000.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .