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Overview
Course summary
Through small class discussion, hands-on exercises and technical workshops, this intensive two-day podcast short course is designed to introduce a range of editorial, recording and editing techniques aimed at supporting the creation of a pilot podcast or series.
Key aspects of this short course are:
- Develop, focus and pitch a podcast concept with a clear style, format, and target audience.
- Apply storytelling and scripting techniques to develop their own ideas.
- Operate microphones, portable recorders, and studio equipment to broadcast standard.
- Use audio editing software (free and paid) to create polished content.
- Publish and market a podcast strategically to reach new audiences.
- Critically analyse podcasts for content, style, and audience engagement
Learning outcomes
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand the key elements of podcasting, including its purpose, formats, and audience.
- Explore podcast formats and brainstorm ideas for a podcast episode.
- Engage in practical recording exercises.
- Understand the differences between professional podcasting suites and portable recording setups.
- Evaluate their podcast audio and provide constructive feedback for others.
- Develop transferrable team building and creative skills away from the usual work environment.
Benefits for your organisation include:
A two-day podcasting CPD course gives individuals and teams within organisations experience of communication, collaboration, and digital capability. Staff learn to present confidently, tell compelling stories, and create professional-quality audio content, while also building teamwork through collaborative planning and production. The process can foster deeper understanding of an organisation as well as reflect on its context within the wider world – they will also learn interview technique and non-visual communication skills. The creation and support of in-house podcasting skills allows organisations to strengthen communication channels, enhance brand visibility, support knowledge sharing, and reduce outsourcing costs.
Who is this course for?
- Individuals who wish to learn professional skills and create and market their own podcast.
- Companies and institutions who wish to develop podcasting as a means to communicate with their target clients.
- Companies and institutions who wish to develop team building skills in a new and innovative way.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this Short Course.
Course structure
Introduction
- Overview of the podcasting landscape
- Defining podcast
- Podcasting as scripted communication
- Podcast formats
Concept development
- Choosing format, style, and tone.
- Group exercise: developing a podcast pitch
- Fundamentals of audio storytelling.
- Narrative structures: linear, episodic, documentary-style.
- Writing for the ear: scripting vs. conversational styles.
Recording sound
- Introduction to equipment: microphones, portable recorders, and studios.
- Demonstration: studio vs. location recording.
- Hands-on workshop: microphone techniques and portable recorders.
- Found sound and bought sound.
- Recording tips.
- Practical recording workshop.
Editing and post-production
- Editorial Editing and finding your narrative
- Overview of editing tools: free (Audacity) vs. professional (Adobe Audition).
- Ear training
- Editing basics: cutting, refining, balancing levels.
- Adding music, sound effects, and multi-track editing.
- Practical workshop
Branding, publishing and marketing
- Creating a podcast identity: logos, titles, and descriptions.
- Hosting platforms and distribution (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts).
- Funding models and monetisation options.
- Marketing strategies: audience growth, social media, cross-promotion.
- Final reflection
- Reflection on key learning and next steps.
Our tutors
Simon Woolcott
Simon began as a club DJ and sound technician in the late 1980s after studying Drama at Middlesex Polytechnic, graduating in 1989. He worked in theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe and London fringe productions throughout the 1990s. By the late 1990s, his DJ career grew, securing residencies at clubs such as Heaven, The Black Cap, and Royal Vauxhall Tavern, with guest slots at the Astoria and Fridge.
In 2004, Simon became a senior presenter at Gaydar Radio, contributing to its award-winning success. In 2018, he earned a first-class honours degree in Radio & Digital Production from the University of Westminster. Since then, he has worked as a freelance podcast producer for clients including British Airways, CHIVA, and Duckie, and is now the full-time audio technician at the University.
Accreditation
You'll receive a digital certificate from the University once you have successfully completed the course.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and assessment are fully hands-on and interactive, with plenty of opportunities for Q&A and real-time feedback. Delivered by two experienced professionals, the course blends practical exercises with supporting theory to create an experiential learning environment that builds confidence and real-world skills.
Bespoke options for organisations
We also offer a fully bespoke version of this podcasting course for organisations looking to align the programme with their internal communication goals, brand identity, or staff development needs. This is an excellent option for corporate groups, marketing and comms teams, or organisations seeking an engaging, creative team-building activity.
Customisable elements
Organisations can choose from the full range of standard course content and can also include any of the optional add-ons, such as:
- Introduction to Media Law
- Ofcom and broadcast compliance
- Researching your podcast and finding participants
Interview techniques:
o Editing & post-Production
o Branding, publishing & marketing
o Reflection on key learning and next steps
These elements can be integrated into the core two-day structure or delivered as stand-alone add-on modules.
Why choose a bespoke programme?
A bespoke version of the course enables organisations to:
- Develop podcast concepts aligned with organisational messaging and strategy.
- Build internal digital storytelling and communication capability.
- Strengthen teamwork through collaborative hands-on podcast production.
- Create an organisation-specific pilot episode or content plan.
To explore a bespoke programme, please contact our Short Courses team.
Discounts and offers
Groups
If you are booking as a group or institution, please contact us before you book as you may be able to benefit from our 15% group or corporate discounts.
Returning short course delegates
We offer a 10% discount to returning short course delegates. If you’re not booking your first short course or professional qualification with us and this discount is not applied to your course at checkout, please contact us.
UoW undergraduate/postgraduate students, alumni and colleagues
We also offer a 20% discount to our undergraduate and postgraduate students, alumni, and colleagues. To receive your discount code, please contact us before booking your course.
Booking
Thank you for your interest in this new course. Bookings will open soon - fill in our enquiry form to be the first to know when bookings open. If you have questions about the course in the meantime, please contact us via the details at the bottom of this page.
