MEDIA Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Banbridge Campus
OCR

Overview

This course, equivalent to three A-Levels, will introduce you to a range of areas needed in a career as a media professional. You learn by completing assignments that are based on realistic scenarios. As well as learning about the employment area you have chosen, you will develop the skills needed to start a career.

Grades achieved in each module allow you to gain the required UCAS points which will enable progression to higher education, if this is the pathway you choose.

The course covers a broad range of media sectors including moving image, 2D and 3D animation, web authoring, graphics and sound.

Media is one of the biggest employers in the UK, covering a wide range of disciplines from print to web design, broadcasting and film & television production. As well as vocational skills for the job, you will learn many transferable skills such as self-confidence, presentation skills and research techniques to prepare you for university study and the world of work.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

Applicants should normally hold the following:

15 points or greater, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C, or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications. In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.
BTEC Level 2 First Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English Language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English Language or Literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.

Attendance at IPEAS or GPEAS may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams).

Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in English Language and Mathematics will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy respectfully. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Analysing Media Products and Audiences.
Script-writing for Media Products.
Producing a Print Based Media Product.
Print Based Advertising Media.
Producing an Audio Visual Media Product.
Audio-Visual Advertising Media.
Producing an Audio Media Product.
Planning For Media Exhibitions.
Preparing for a Career in the Media Industry.
Photography for Media Products.
Graphic Design for Media Products.
Web Authoring and Design.
Visual Effects for TV & Film.
Audio-Visual Promos.
Sound for Media Products.
3D Modelled Environments for Games & Animation.
Animation Production.

Assessment is ongoing by coursework.

On successful completion of this course, you can progress to a range of higher education programmes including BTEC HNDs, Foundation Degrees or Degrees in Media, Multimedia, Graphic Design and Photography.

You could seek employment in the media sector in roles such as cameraperson, sound engineer, director, graphic designer, web designer, writer, photographer, producer, journalist, magazine editor or photojournalist.