MEDIA Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Banbridge Campus
OCR

Overview

This course, equivalent to three A-Levels, provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the knowledge and skills required for a career as a media professional. Learning is centred around assignments based on realistic, industry-relevant scenarios. In addition to gaining insight into their chosen area of media, students will develop essential skills to support their progression into the media industry. Achievement in each module contributes UCAS points, enabling progression to higher education for those who choose that pathway.

The media sector is one of the UK’s largest employers, encompassing a wide range of disciplines, including print, animation, web design, audio production, and film and television production. Beyond vocational expertise, students will acquire transferable skills such as self-confidence, presentation, research, and project management, preparing them for both university study and professional employment.

Throughout the course, students will explore a diverse array of media disciplines, including graphic design, film and television production, 2D and 3D animation, audio production, and advertising. They will gain a thorough understanding of media audiences, products, and the full production process, from pre-production to post-production. The course also covers storytelling techniques and equips students with the practical skills needed to launch a career in the media industry. Students will have opportunities to develop hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and software, ensuring they are well-prepared for both higher education and professional practice.

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).
The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.
Applicants must have achieved the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, 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.
A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
A 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.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
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.
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 will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Modules include:

Analysing Media Products and Audiences
Scriptwriting 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 in the Level 3 Extended Diploma is based on coursework submitted across the 18 units. Students will be assessed based on a combination of their theory and practical skills.

On successful completion of this course, students may pursue higher education courses such as a Degree, Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma in areas including media, audio production, film production, graphic design, photography, animation or other related field.

This qualification opens doors to careers as filmmakers, television producers, journalists, advertising executives, digital media specialists, sound engineers, web designer, photographer or public relations professionals.