Level 2 Extended Certificate in Creative Media Skills

Are you interested in exploring what the media industry has to offer?

This one-year course is designed to help you develop the practical, creative and professional skills needed to succeed within the media and creative industries. Through a range of engaging projects, you will explore media production and content creation while developing your confidence, creativity and understanding of industry practices.

You will gain experience in a variety of media disciplines while developing research, planning, critical thinking and reflective skills. The course combines practical and theory-based learning, helping you build a portfolio of work that supports progression to higher-level study.

Alongside your main programme of study, you will take part in work experience, employer engagement and enrichment activities that help develop your employability, digital and personal development skills.

To support future progression and life skills, students who have not yet achieved a grade 4 in GCSE English or GCSE Maths will continue to develop their skills through the study of these qualifications.

You will need at least four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including a minimum grade 4 in either GCSE English Language or GCSE Maths.

Applicants will be invited to attend an interview to discuss their interests, aspirations and suitability for the course.

An interest in media production, digital content creation and the creative industries is essential. Previous experience in photography, video production, graphic design, social media content creation or other creative activities would be beneficial.

Applicants should be prepared to:

• Maintain good attendance and punctuality
• Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude towards learning
• Work independently and collaboratively with others
• Meet project deadlines and complete coursework to a high standard
• Show respect for staff, peers and learning environments
• Participate fully in practical and theory-based activities
• Develop professional behaviours, communication and organisational skills
• Engage positively with work experience and employer engagement opportunities

During this one-year course, you will complete three units:

Unit A1 – Skills Development

Develop practical skills across a range of media disciplines, including:

• Video production
• Audio production
• Digital content creation
• Design and visual communication
• Research and planning
• Technical production skills

Unit A2 – Creative Media Project

Apply your skills through a creative project where you will plan, develop and produce media content for specific audiences and purposes.

Unit B1 – Personal Development

Develop the personal, professional and employability skills required for further study and employment within the creative industries.

Throughout the programme, you will develop:

• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
• Research and idea development techniques
• Communication and presentation skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Project planning and organisation
• Reflective and evaluative skills
• Digital and employability skills

You will also participate in:

• Work experience opportunities
• Employer engagement activities
• Enrichment projects and educational visits
• Personal and professional development activities
• Sustainability and digital skills development

Students who have not yet achieved a grade 4 in GCSE English or GCSE Maths will continue to study these qualifications alongside their main programme.

This course is delivered on-site through a combination of practical workshops, creative projects and classroom-based theory sessions.

You will learn through:

• Practical media production activities
• Tutor-led lessons and demonstrations
• Individual and collaborative projects
• Research and planning activities
• Creative workshops
• Employer engagement and work experience opportunities
• Portfolio development activities
• Independent study and research
• Online and remote learning activities to support classroom learning and digital skills development

As you progress through the course, you will be expected to demonstrate increasing levels of independence, professionalism and responsibility. This includes maintaining good attendance and punctuality, meeting deadlines, communicating effectively and contributing positively to team activities and projects.

You will need to provide your own stationery and an SD card for storing digital media files.

All specialist media equipment required for the course is available to borrow from the College. You will also be expected to engage with digital learning platforms to support your studies.

All units are assessed through coursework and portfolio-based evidence, which is internally assessed and externally verified.

Assessment methods may include:

• Practical media projects
• Digital portfolios
• Research activities
• Planning and development work
• Creative process logs
• Presentations and pitches
• Reflective evaluations

Assessment focuses on both the creative process and the quality of the final outcomes produced.

Students are encouraged to develop professional working practices, including organisation, time management, communication and meeting project deadlines.

Students studying GCSE English Language and/or GCSE Maths will complete the assessment requirements associated with those qualifications, including mock examinations and final examinations.

Further Study

This course provides an excellent foundation for progression within the creative and digital industries.

Students who achieve the qualification at Merit or Distinction level, together with grade 4 or above in GCSE English and Maths, may progress to:

• Level 3 Creative Media
• Level 3 Digital Multimedia
• Level 3 Esports
• Other Level 3 Creative and Digital programmes

Students will continue to develop their English and Maths skills where required to support future progression.

Careers

This qualification develops creative, technical and employability skills that are valued across a wide range of industries and can support progression towards careers in:

• Content Creation
• Social Media Management
• Digital Marketing
• Photography
• Video Production
• Graphic Design
• Advertising and Branding
• Creative Media Production

It can also provide a strong foundation for apprenticeships and further training within media and related creative sectors.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk