The University of Salford is a dynamic institution known for its innovation in teaching, research and industry collaboration. With a history dating back to 1896, the university has evolved into a hub of academic excellence, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs across disciplines. Its commitment to fostering employability and industry engagement is exemplified through partnerships with leading organizations and innovative facilities that prepare students for real-world challenges.
Located in the heart of MediaCity UK, it is renowned for its cutting-edge programs in media, television and radio production. The university’s MediaCity facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art radio and television studios designed to replicate real-world industry settings. This commitment to practical, hands-on education ensures students graduate with the skills and confidence needed to excel in competitive media industries.
The challenge
Salford University sought to create a unique selling point for its media courses. The goal was to provide students with practical experience with industry-standard tools used by major broadcasters like the BBC. However, the cost and complexity of professional-grade software were barriers. The university needed an affordable, adaptable solution that could integrate with existing systems while offering seamless workflows for training in broadcasting and media production.
Enhanced employability, seamless integration, increased appeal, and improved efficiency
Our solution
To meet the university’s needs, CGI delivered our proven dira software suite—a comprehensive and cost-effective solution designed to mirror real-world broadcast environments while supporting the unique requirements of an educational institution. dira offers a unified production environment that streamlines workflows, enabling seamless media management, content creation, playout, and archiving.
Equipping students for the future
By providing an affordable yet professional-grade system, dira allowed Salford University to equip its students with industry-standard tools, bridging the gap between education and employment in the broadcasting industry without compromising on quality or functionality.
dira integrates with leading newsroom systems, such as iNews and CGI’s own OpenMedia solution, ensuring compatibility with the tools commonly used by major broadcasters. This seamless integration allows students to learn within the same ecosystem they are likely to encounter in their future careers.
Additionally, dira’s compatibility with Adobe Creative Cloud® applications such as Adobe Premiere Pro® and Adobe Audition® ensures that students can engage in advanced media editing, expanding their creative and technical expertise.
Hands-on training
One of the standout features of dira is its support for hands-on training. Students gain practical experience using the system to manage the end-to-end radio production workflow at Utter Radio, the university’s student-run station. This includes tasks such as creating content, managing metadata, conducting live broadcasts, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
By configuring dira to Salford’s specific needs, CGI empowered the university to provide students with an unparalleled learning experience, preparing them to excel in competitive media environments while enhancing the institution's reputation as a leader in media education.
Benefits and results
Since implementing dira, the University of Salford has achieved significant outcomes:
- Enhanced employability: Graduates enter the job market with hands-on experience in professional tools, making them highly attractive to top-tier broadcasters.
- Seamless integration: The ability to integrate dira with third-party tools like iNews streamlines training, ensuring students are proficient across a variety of platforms.
- Increased appeal: The university’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution has been bolstered, attracting students seeking practical, industry-aligned education.
- Improved efficiency: A unified system simplifies operations, allowing staff and students to focus on creativity and learning.
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