Creative Media Games Production

The Extended Diploma, equivalent to three A Levels, is a two-year, full-time course that meets entry requirements for learners who want to progress to higher education courses in creative media areas before entering employment.

WHAT DOES THIS QUALIFICATION COVER?

The content, structure and assessment of this qualification have been developed in consultation with teachers, employers, professional bodies and academics to ensure that the qualification supports progression to higher education and, should learners choose to enter employment directly, that it is appropriate and consistent with current practice.

In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin study for becoming a practitioner in the creative media sector, this qualification gives learners experience of the breadth and depth of the sector to prepare them for further study or training. Learners taking this qualification will study two mandatory learning and teaching modules:

• Exploring and Developing Creative Media Skills

• Advancing Creative Practice

What could this Qualification lead to?

In addition to the creative media sector-specific content outlined above, the requirements of the qualification mean that learners will develop the transferable and higher-order skills that are highly regarded by higher education and employers. For example, they will develop increasing self-direction, reflection and problem-solving skills and the ability to synthesise approaches to their practice. They will also learn to respond creatively to unfamiliar industry contexts and demands, using a variety of skills to communicate personal ideas and intentions while recognising and meeting the needs of audiences.

This qualification gives learners the opportunity to develop their technical creative media skills over their course of study, through a process of critical evaluation, practice and review, which are key skills for progression to higher education. The qualification also supports learners in becoming confident in taking ownership of and responsibility for their projects. The qualification attracts UCAS Tariff points and meets the admission requirements for most relevant courses, such as film, television, video, radio, games, web/app, visual communication, digital media and media subjects. 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.

HOW DO THESE QUALIFICATIONS PROVIDE EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS?

In the Pearson BTEC National in Creative Media Practice learning and teaching modules and assessment units, learners have opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to practise developing employability skills. The employability skills referenced in this specification are generally the following three main categories:

• Cognitive and problem-solving skills: using critical thinking, approaching non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, using systems and technology

• Interpersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation

• Intrapersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.