Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice: Graphic Communication Pathway

This course is for students who wish to pursue a career specialising in digital design. Through your studies you will learn how to design and create content for a variety of different media channels by developing skils in graphic design, video production, and image-making. Develop your own unique voice as a content creator and promote audience interaction for brands and YouTubers in a wide variety of industries.  

Students who achieve a Merit or above in the Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media can progress to the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media. 

Students who wish to enrol directly onto Level 3 must have achieved a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language.

You will have the opportunity to communicate ideas for clients using digital photography, illustration and audio, developing skills and knowledge sought after by a multitude of industries. You will also design campaigns for social media, branding, advertising, and websites using industry standard equipment and software. 

You will explore tools and techniques of graphic design such as digital image-making, typography, digital illustration, motion graphics, podcasting and branding. As a Creative Media student, you will have access to iMac suites, graphics tablets, DSLR cameras, a dedicated film/photography studio as well as audio production facilities to produce your work. 

Software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premiere, Adobe AfterEffect, Adobe Audition Unreal

Equipment: Canon and BlackMagic cameras, Drawing tablets and digital canvases, Photography studio, Lightboards, Audio recording booth, Rode Microphones

The Extended Diploma consists of two years of study, each comprising two units of practical coursework. All assignments are internally assessed and designed to give you the research, practical, and communication skills needed to progress in the industry in the future. Assignments will be completed through practical work, written reports, presentations, blogs, and vlogs. On successful completion of the two-year course, you will attain an Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice.

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.

Potential careers from this course are in graphic design, social media marketing and advertising, website design, and UI and UX design amongst many others. You could continue studying at a higher level, apply for an apprenticeship or employment, or forge your own freelance career. There are also opportunities to work in areas such as film, TV, games and online publishing, where skills in digital content creation are sought after. 

There will be an opportunity to attend the ‘Create Your Future’ UCAS Convention in Manchester to find out about creative courses at university. 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 can apply online via the APPLY NOW 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 in to one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 653111 or email admissions@scg.ac.uk