Overview
What is this subject about?
The BTEC National Diploma is designed for innovative, creative producers who
have their eye firmly set on a career in the creative industries. It is a nationally
recognised technical and vocational qualification designed to give the next
generation of TV and filmmakers a thorough understanding of industry techniques,
trends and practice. This is achieved through the continual assessment of practical
work working towards set briefs. The Diploma is the equivalent in size and value to
two A Levels and involves the completion of ten units over two years.
What will I study in the two years?
There are a range of units covered that allow you to
develop a professional understanding of the industry
and the skills you will need to be successful in your
future career. Through these units you will developing
practical capabilities in lighting, sound recording,
cinematography and editing. You will also work both
individually and in crews to script, storyboard,
produce and edit documentary, music video, film and
television products. You will have the opportunity to
practice multi-camera production techniques using
industry-standard facilities.
How is the course assessed?
The course is assessed throughout the two years by a
number of coursework assignments, where students
complete a series of tasks set in a work related
scenario. Many of these coursework assignments are
centre-assessed and then externally moderated by
the exam board. Coursework assignments may
include short reports, PowerPoints, presentations,
portfolios and practical films and texts.
There is no external examination on this course, but
you will demonstrate the skills you have developed
through your coursework units to create a TV or film
product responding to a brief, set by the examination
board. This is externally assessed.
What skills will I need and develop on this course?
You will gain academic, vocational, technical and
practical skills. You will be taught how to critically
analyse the media and learn about the practices and
functions of the media industries focusing on film and
TV production. You will be taught practical skills such
as desktop publishing, digital photography, video, film
making and animation work. You will learn how to
research information effectively through the
development of your independent learning skills. It is
our expectation that industry related experience will
form part of the course.
Careers
What can the course lead to in terms of higher education and future careers?
Progression to further qualifications, such as degrees
in media production-related subjects, is a likely route.
Recent alumni have progressed to degrees at
Bournemouth, Bournemouth Arts, Ravensbourne,
Portsmouth, UCA and Southampton Solent. Students
have also been able to take short courses with the
British Film Industry in short film production,
documentary and animation.
This qualification also enables students to enter
employment at a trainee level/apprenticeship, and the
work-based learning component of the course equips
them with relevant skills and experience to apply to
workplaces. Possible stepping stones into future
production careers might include Technician,
Researcher, Runner or Production Assistant.
Entry Requirements
What are the formal entry requirements for this course?
Aside from the general entry requirements that the College requires, you need to achieve a minimum of:
• Grade 4 in GCSE English Language
• Grade 4 in GCSE Media Studies (if the subject is taken)
You will also benefit from having a good level of creativity as there is a strong creative component, and an interest in using filmmaking technology and software.
Subject combination advice
Subject combination advice:
We expect students who are taking this course to be
committed to a media-related degree or employment,
and so in many cases a complimentary subject such
as Film Studies, Music, Graphic Design, Art or
Photography may be appropriate. However, the
course is also enriched by subjects such as English,
History, IT, Sociology or Psychology.
What are the main differences between and BTEC media courses, Media A Level and Film A Level?
The focus in Film and Television Production for the
learner is the acquisition of professional media skills
which are theoretically underpinned and this is a
‘hands on’, practical course. The dominant learning
paradigm is to ‘learn by doing’. The sharpest contrast
between the two courses lies in the assessment
of work.
A Level Media Studies examines a range of media
texts including music videos, radio, TV programmes,
webpages, advertising etc. A Level Film Studies only
looks at films and therefore requires a passion for
watching a broad range of texts including black and
white, independent and foreign language films.