Level 3 Extended Diploma in Digital Multimedia

Are you creative, enjoy digital media and want to develop the skills needed to succeed within the creative industries?

This qualification is designed for students who want to specialise in digital media, exploring areas such as digital multimedia production, photography, graphic design, web design and digital content creation. Equivalent in size to three A-levels, this course provides an exciting opportunity to develop industry-relevant skills while building a professional portfolio of creative work.

Through practical projects, industry-focused assignments, employer engagement and work experience opportunities, you will gain valuable experience of how media professionals develop content for a range of audiences and platforms.

The course offers a supportive transition from further education to higher education, apprenticeships and employment, allowing you to develop both creative and technical skills while working on increasingly independent projects.

Typically, you will have at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including GCSE English and GCSE Maths.

Alternatively, you may have achieved a relevant Level 2 qualification at Merit grade or above, together with a grade 4 in either GCSE English or GCSE Maths.

Applicants will be invited to attend an interview to discuss their interest in the sector, future career aspirations and suitability for the course.

As this programme prepares learners for higher education and industry, applicants should demonstrate:

• Good attendance and punctuality
• A strong commitment to their studies
• A positive and professional attitude towards learning
• Creativity and a willingness to explore new ideas
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• The ability to work independently and manage their workload
• Commitment to meeting deadlines and producing work to a high standard
• An interest in digital media, photography, design and creative technologies
• A willingness to participate in employer-led projects, work experience and enrichment activities

Students considering progression to university should be aware that many higher education institutions require five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths.

You will be studying towards a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (focusing on Digital Multimedia).

During this two-year programme, you will study a range of media production units, culminating in a substantial Final Major Project that showcases the knowledge and skills developed throughout your studies.

You will develop knowledge and skills in areas such as:

• Digital multimedia production
• Photography and image creation
• Graphic design and visual communication
• Web design and digital publishing
• Creative content development
• Research, planning and project management
• Audience and market awareness
• Professional media production practices
• Portfolio development and presentation

Throughout the course, you will develop transferable skills that are highly valued by employers and universities, including:

• Creative thinking and problem-solving
• Communication and presentation skills
• Research and analytical skills
• Leadership and teamwork
• Project planning and organisation
• Critical reflection and evaluation
• Digital and technical production skills

You will also benefit from:

• Industry-focused projects and live briefs
• Employer engagement activities
• Work experience opportunities
• Guest speakers and educational visits
• Enrichment activities and competitions
• Development of digital, employability and sustainability skills
• Professional portfolio and career development activities

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 primarily on-site through a combination of practical workshops, studio-based activities, industry-focused projects and classroom-based theory sessions.

You will learn through:

• Practical media production and design projects
• Photography and digital content creation activities
• Tutor-led lessons, seminars and workshops
• Industry-focused assignments and live briefs
• Individual and collaborative projects
• Employer engagement and work experience opportunities
• Independent research and project development
• Portfolio-building activities
• Online and remote learning activities that support classroom learning, research and digital skills development

As a Level 3 learner, you will be expected to demonstrate the professional standards required within higher education and the creative industries. This includes maintaining excellent attendance and punctuality, meeting deadlines, communicating effectively, managing projects independently and demonstrating professional conduct within all learning activities.

You will be required to contribute towards the cost of educational visits and enrichment activities. Financial support may be available through the College’s Student Financial Support Fund, subject to eligibility.

You will need access to basic stationery and be prepared to use digital learning platforms and industry-standard software to support your studies.

Specialist media equipment will be provided by the College, although students may choose to purchase additional equipment to support independent project work.

Throughout the course, you will complete a range of practical and creative projects as you work towards your Final Major Project.

Assessment methods may include:

• Practical production work
• Digital portfolios
• Written assignments
• Research activities
• Presentations and pitches
• Creative project work
• Reflective evaluations
• Individual and group projects

All units are internally assessed and externally moderated to ensure quality and consistency.

Formative units are graded as:

• Referral
• Pass

Your summative (final) unit is graded as:

• Referral
• Pass
• Merit
• Distinction

Students will also be expected to undertake independent research, planning and development work outside of taught sessions to support project outcomes and assessment requirements.

Students studying GCSE English or GCSE Maths will complete the assessment requirements associated with those qualifications, including examinations where applicable.

Higher Education

Successful completion of this qualification can lead to a wide range of university-level study options, including:

• Digital Media Production
• Graphic Design
• Photography
• Web Design and Development
• Content Creation
• Digital Marketing
• Advertising and Branding
• Creative Media Production
• Animation and Visual Communication

Apprenticeships and Employment

The course also provides a strong foundation for apprenticeships and careers within the creative and digital sectors, including roles such as:

• Content Creator
• Digital Marketing Assistant
• Graphic Designer
• Photographer
• Social Media Executive
• Web Content Producer
• Media Production Assistant
• Creative Designer

Students will continue to develop their English and Maths skills where required to support progression into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

Alternatively, you could consider freelance work (self-employment).

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