The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma is a qualification that can extend a learner’s programme of study by providing a vocational emphasis. The course offers you the chance to develop practical media production skills focussing on the areas of Television and Film. It aims to prepare you for work in both industries exploring behind the scenes structure and the different available jobs, through developing filmmaking and scriptwriting skills.
The course is the equivalent of 2 A levels and aims to provide you with a broad base of production and pre-production skills that will enable you to produce your own media products, usually as part of a small production team.
A minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 4 or above, including English, or a merit at BTEC First. Previous experience in Media Studies is not required, however enthusiasm for and commitment to the subject is a necessity.
Coursework forms the main basis for assessment, and there are 2 externally assessed assignments and 8 internally assessed Major Projects.
Compulsory Units:
Possible specialist/optional units:
It is expected of all media students that they undertake a substantial amount of work outside normal College hours. This includes:
The emphasis is on professional practice through a series of planned assignments. You will carry out research projects on different areas of the Film and Television industries; regulation, music video, single-camera productions and screenwriting and your research will lead to practical tasks which are designed to recreate industry practices. All of the assignments offer you opportunities to develop your research, pre-production and practical production skills.
You will develop a range of communication skills, written, verbal and IT-based, as well as video camera and digital editing skills. You will need to be proficient at word processing and using a variety of IT software packages. Your interpersonal skills will also be developed, as you will be working within small groups in discussions, production work and pitching ideas and presentations.
We have a fully equipped Media workshop with high-quality digital cameras and industry-standard editing software. All classrooms are equipped with PCs with desktop publishing software. As part of the course, you will learn about the moving image industry and learn the behind the scenes tricks of the trade. The working environment is friendly and one that encourages both intellectual inquisitiveness and creativity.
The staff are enthusiastic about their subject and the college, and enjoy supporting student learning and progression.
There are typically around 300 students in Media and Film Studies across the two-year groups. The pass rate is very high and the majority of film and media students achieving good grades.
The teaching incorporates a variety of approaches designed to suit different abilities and learning styles. We try hard to help any student with his/her own learning difficulties such as dyslexia and to stretch those with high academic ability. Visits, trips and speakers are built into the course.
For those interested in pursuing their studies, many students move on to degrees in Media Studies or TV/Film Production. There are courses that are largely practical in nature and are designed for those who want to work in the industry. Other courses are wholly theoretical and are designed for people with an academic interest in the media. It is more common for courses to contain a balance of practical and theory.
“To be a filmmaker, you have to lead. You have to be psychotic in your desire to do something. People always like the easy route. You have to push very hard to get something unusual, something different.” ~ Danny Boyle