Creative Digital Media Production

Who is this qualification for?

The Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media Production has been developed in consultation with Higher Education and is intended to be an Applied General qualification. It is for post-16 learners wanting to continue their education through applied study and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the Creative Industries. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A level and makes up one third of a typical study programme, normally alongside A levels or other vocational qualifications at level 3. Students wishing to take this BTEC will have successfully completed a level 2 programme of learning with GCSEs or vocational qualifications.

Why Creative Digital Media Production?

The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by Higher Education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two year programme of learning, and it combines well with a large number of subjects. It will support entry to HE courses in a very wide range of disciplines, depending on the subjects taken alongside. However, for learners wishing to study an aspect of creative media in HE, opportunities include: 

• BA (Hons) Fashion Communications and Promotion (when taken with eg a BTEC Diploma in Fashion Design and Production) 
• BEng (Hons) Communication Engineering (when taken alongside eg a BTEC Diploma in Engineering) 
• BA (Hons) Marketing and Communication (when taken alongside eg A levels in Business and English Language) Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers. 

After this qualification, learners can also progress directly into employment, however it is likely that many will do so via higher study. Areas of employment include entry level roles in marketing such as a marketing assistant, media sales as well as working as publishing assistants, updating websites and hosting content. As part of their higher study choices, learners may also choose to progress to a BTEC Higher National (HN) qualification. HNs are widely supported by higher education and industry as the principal vocational qualifications at Levels 4 and 5 and are designed to reflect the increasing need for high quality professional and technical education at Levels 4 and 5. They provide learners with a clear line of sight to employment and to a degree at Level 6 if they choose. The Pearson BTEC Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media meets the admission requirements for: 

• Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Creative Media Production 
• Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Creative Media Production. 

Although a significant proportion of recruitment in this sector is at graduate level by studying this qualification learners develop their communication skills as well as the ability to work collaboratively. They develop their knowledge of digital processes and software through practical projects which would give them an advantage if applying for entry level roles in marketing such as a marketing assistant, media sales as well as working as publishing assistants, updating websites and hosting content.

What does this Qualification Cover?

The content of the qualification relates directly to the skills and understanding needed for further study in creative digital media production and has been developed in consultation with higher education. Over three units of mandatory content, learners gain a broad understanding of the subject and learn the skills to produce media artefacts. They develop their ability to analyse and deconstruct media images and representations. They learn the communication and planning skills needed to work in teams through vocational media projects. An optional introductory unit in a particular media sector such as, publishing, games, film or radio, allows learners to create engaging digital media content and platforms.

How does the qualification provide employability skills?

In the BTEC National units there are opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give learners practice in developing employability skills. Where employability skills are referred to in this specification, we are generally referring to skills in the following three main categories:

• cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology
• intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation 
• interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development. 

There are also specific requirements in some units for assessment of these skills where relevant. For example, where learners are required to undertake real or simulated activities.

How does the qualification provide transferable knowledge and skills for higher education?

All BTEC Nationals provide transferable knowledge and skills that prepare learners for progression to university. The transferable skills that universities value include: 

• the ability to learn independently
• the ability to research actively and methodically 
• being able to give presentations and being active group members. 

BTEC learners can also benefit from opportunities for deep learning where they are able to make connections among units and select areas of interest for detailed study. 

BTEC Nationals provide a vocational context in which learners can develop the knowledge and skills required for particular degree courses, including: 

• reading varied texts 
• audio-visual literacy 
• effective writing 
• research and analytical skills 
• creative development 
• preparation for assessment methods used in degrees.