Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice: Film, Animation & VFX Pathway

This course is for imaginative students who aspire to have a career within the creative industries specialising in film, TV, animation, and special effects. You will develop an understanding of how to engage an audience, visualise ideas, plan using storyboards and scripts, and produce moving image productions for a range of purposes such as storytelling, immersive experiences, live broadcast, as well as marketing and promotion.

A minimum of four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English language, or a Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media at Merit or above.

Through your studies you will learn how to use industry-standard equipment and software to develop practical skills in cinematography, video editing, lighting, audio production, 2D/3D animation, and visual effects (VFX). Creative media students have access to iMac suites, a dedicated film/photography studio, as well as audio production facilities to produce their work.

Students will work collaboratively on projects and learn about progression routes to employment opportunities available within the creative industries. The course provides the knowledge, skills and understanding that will prepare you for progression to further study, training or employment.

Software:

• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Adobe After Effects
• Adobe Audition
• Adobe Animate
• Dragon Frame
• Blender
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator

Equipment:

• Film & Photography studio with chroma key curtain & flooring
• Professional studio lighting
• Rode studio microphones
• BlackMagic studio cameras
• BlackMagic ATEM vision mixer
• Canon DLSR Cameras & lenses
• BlackMagic 6K Pocket Cinema Camera
• Audio recording booths with Rode Podcast microphones
• DJI Wireless Microphones
• Gro Pro Action cameras
• Insta 360 camera
• 2D Animation rostrums

The Extended Diploma consists of two years of study, each comprising two units of practical coursework. All assignments are internally assessed and are designed to give you the research, technical, and communication skills needed to progress in the industry. The qualification also supports you to become confident in taking ownership of and responsibility for projects which are used for assessment. All assignments are project based and completed through a range of practical work, presentations, website blogs, and vlogs.

Potential careers from this course are in film and TV production, advertising, content creation for social media marketing, sound design, story writing, radio or journalism, amongst many others. You could continue studying at a higher level, apply for an apprenticeship or enter employment, or forge your own freelance career. Many of the skills and techniques you will learn can be used in other areas such as game development, graphic design and radio production and you will produce a portfolio that reflects the role you want to progress to. The qualification attracts UCAS Tariff points and meets the admission requirements of most relevant higher education courses.

There will be an opportunity to attend the 'Create Your Future' UCAS Convention in Manchester to find out about creative courses at university. 

In the autumn term students under 19 years old can apply for selection to the BFI Film Academy to work with industry professionals from film and animation on a commissioned project.

All Creative Media students will have the chance to take part in the end of year arts show, where you can display your work to the public. You will be encouraged to undertake relevant work experience as part of your studies to enhance your employability and inform potential progression routes. 

During the course most of the equipment you need will be supplied, however you will need to pay for printing costs and some educational visits may also incur a charge. We advise that students have some form of storage media (USB Flash Drive or SD card) for back up and transport of work in order to complete homework.

You can apply online via the APPLY button. You can also apply for a second, alternative programme of study such as A Levels via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our open evenings, ring the Admissions Department on 01743 653111, or email admissions@scg.ac.uk