Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time
Summary
The qualification is designed for post-16 learners who want to study media related degree courses in Higher Education. Learners gain knowledge and understanding of creative digital media production and develop an understanding of how to work within the media industries. Over the 2-year course, learners develop the underpinning knowledge and skills needed for a future career in the media sector.
Learners investigate the media industry, exploring how it is influenced by technology and audiences. They develop research skills through their investigations and study how to analyse and deconstruct media representations and develop the communication and planning skills that allow ideas to be produced.
Central to all of this is a practical production component. Learners will explore a wide range of production areas including Film Editing, Short Film, Documentary, Advertising, Photography, Radio Drama, Multi-Media Campaigns and Promotional Videos. Learners will leave the course with a sophisticated understanding of creative practical production techniques and the critical theory which underpins all aspects of the industry.
Entry Requirements
Achieve 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language. Attending an interview and Paston Intro Day.
Learning Outcomes
You will work on a number of projects over 2 years, building up an impressive portfolio of media products, sometimes working by yourself and sometimes as part of a larger production team where you can specialise to develop your chosen skills further (e.g. editor, cinematographer, visual effects, animator).
You will make a number of different media products that will provide you with a wide range of practical skills that will give you an excellent knowledge and foundation for either Higher Education or as a stepping stone for the creative industry.
You will have the opportunity to work with local companies and organisations on a range of projects, producing work for them to a high professional standard to meet their brief. Recent organisations who we have collaborated with include BBC Voices, The Benjamin Foundation and St Mary’s Works in Norwich.
You will learn how media texts are put together to create different meanings for different audiences and apply this learning in the production of your own practical work.
Assessment
Equivalent in size to three A Levels.
Each unit that you study will be assessed, either internally or externally to give you a points score. This score is totalled up to give you a final grade at the end of the course of Pass, Merit or Distinction. We will carefully track your progress throughout the year to ensure that you are meeting targets and fulfilling your potential.
Progression
You may wish, like many of our students, to continue your study of media and can do so locally, with Norwich University of the Arts and the UEA or further afield at institutions such as Bournemouth, Greenwich, Goldsmiths, Leeds or Westminster.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over fees may be payable.
