Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice: Moving Image & VFX Pathway

This course is for imaginative students who aspire to have a career within the creative industries specialising in film, 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.

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.

Through your studies you will learn how to use industry standard equipment and software to develop practical skills in cinematography, lighting, audio production, animation, and visual effects (VFX). Creative media students have access to iMac suites, a dedicated green-screen 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 in the creative industries. 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. 

Software: Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Audition, Adobe Animate, Adobe Character Animator, DragonFrame, Storyboarder, Adobe Aero, Blender

Equipment: Green screen studio, Audio recording booth, Canon and BlackMagic Cameras, BlackMagic ATEM Vision Mixer, Rode Microphones, Lightboards

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.

Potential careers from this course are in film and TV production, advertising, content creation for social media marketing, sound design, story writing, or journalism amongst many others. You could continue studying at a higher level, apply for an apprenticeship or employment, or forge your own freelance career. Many of the skills and techniques you will learn can also 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.

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.

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 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