Level 3 Extended Diploma in Moving Image and Audio

Are you passionate about film, television, audio production and digital media?

This course is designed for students who want to develop their creative and technical skills in moving image and audio production while gaining a deeper understanding of the media industry. Equivalent in size to three A-levels, this programme provides a specialist pathway for learners wishing to pursue careers in film, television, audio, content creation and related creative sectors.

Through a combination of practical production work, industry-focused projects, work experience and personal development activities, you will gain the knowledge, skills and experience required for progression to higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

You will have opportunities to explore and develop your creativity in a stimulating and challenging environment while building a professional portfolio that showcases your work and supports your future progression.

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

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

Applicants will be invited to attend an interview to discuss their interests, portfolio work (if available), future aspirations and suitability for the course.

As this programme prepares learners for higher education and employment within the creative industries, 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 experiment with 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 film, television, audio and digital media production
• A willingness to participate in employer-led projects, work experience and enrichment activities

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

During this two-year programme, you will study a range of practical and theory-based 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:

• Film and television production
• Audio recording and production
• Moving image production techniques
• Content creation and digital storytelling
• Research, planning and project management
• Media industry practices and audiences
• Professional production workflows
• Creative development and problem-solving
• Portfolio development and presentation

Throughout the course, you will learn how media organisations create products for specific audiences and platforms while developing transferable skills that are highly valued by employers and universities, including:

• Communication and presentation skills
• Leadership and teamwork
• Project management and organisation
• Research and analytical skills
• Critical thinking and evaluation
• Creative problem-solving
• Technical production skills
• Adaptability and resilience

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

You will learn through:

• Film, television and audio production projects
• Practical workshops and technical demonstrations
• Tutor-led lessons, seminars and masterclasses
• Industry-focused assignments and live briefs
• Individual and collaborative production work
• 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 technical 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, working collaboratively and taking responsibility for your own learning and development.

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.

Assessment is carried out through a range of practical, creative and written assignments which are internally assessed and externally moderated.

Assessment methods may include:

• Practical production work
• Film and audio projects
• Digital portfolios
• Research and investigative activities
• Presentations and pitches
• Production planning documentation
• Reflective evaluations
• Individual and collaborative projects

Formative units are graded as:

• Referral
• Pass

Your summative (final) unit is graded as:

• Referral
• Pass
• Merit
• Distinction

Students must achieve at least a Pass in every formative unit to achieve the qualification.

You 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.

Students considering progression to university should be aware that many higher education institutions require GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above.

Higher Education

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

• Media Production
• Film Production
• Television Production
• Content Creation
• Journalism and Media
• Media and Communications
• Digital Media
• Broadcasting
• Audio and Sound Production

Apprenticeships and Employment

The course also provides a strong foundation for apprenticeships and careers within the creative and media sectors, including:

• Production Runner
• Content Creator
• Video Editor
• Broadcast Assistant
• Audio Production Assistant
• Camera Assistant
• Social Media Content Producer
• Media Production Assistant
• Freelance Creative Practitioner

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