Creative Media Production & Technology – Level 3

Course Type
School Leavers
Subject Area
Computing & Digital, Media, Broadcast & Production
Location
Strode College
Start date
02/09/2026

Course Overview

This course will take place at Strode College. To find out more about Strode College, please click here.

If you are a creative person with a passion for media production, this is the course for you. We aim to give you the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to create your own media products. You will get a solid grounding in the use of cameras, microphones, lighting, studios and editing software. You will also develop the communication, organisation and team working skills needed for a career in the media industry.

Creativity is at the heart of this course, so we cover a lot of ground to get you creating media products from the very first term. You will produce a podcast, make video products and develop your understanding of the media industry. The first year is the Diploma course where you will develop your core skills in the technical use of cameras and software, research, pre-production, critical and contextual awareness, professional practice, audio production, visual production and interactive production including website, and social media content.

The second year of the course is the Extended Diploma, where you will develop your skills further in film, audio recording, video editing, and professional practice through the production of a short film, a documentary trailer, motion graphics work, a specialist subject investigation, and a final practical project of your own choosing.

You will produce a portfolio of work and arrange a media work placement each year. The aim is to get you ready to take the next step into higher education or employment through the production of a high-quality portfolio of work. There is no requirement for media students to be in front of the camera or speak on microphones during project work.

Topics may include:

  • Production of a podcast for streaming on Spotify
  • Planning, shooting, and editing a music video
  • Analysing media products using media language
  • Writing and producing an original short film
  • Production of a media product of your choice
  • Creation of an online portfolio of work.

Assesment Methods

All units on this course are assessed internally and there are no external exams or tests. We use a range of assessment methods including practical activities, tutor observations, written reports, and verbal or video presentations.

You will keep an online journal to document the process and the development of your project work. You will be monitored as you work and given regular feedback and guidance. Assignments are challenging yet flexible, allowing you to try out your ideas and develop new skills.

Progression Options

Many of our students progress on to higher education and degree courses in areas such as Film and TV Production, Virtual Production VFX, Media Communications, Animation, Journalism and Game Design.

Students also move into work using the skills developed on this course. These skills are highly transferable and suitable for employment across a wide range of areas such as marketing and communication, game development, community radio, youth work, teaching, project management, commercial photography, independent film production, social media content, research, and small business startups.

Entry Requirements

You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, or a Merit grade in Level 2 Creative Media or equivalent Level 2 course that includes English Language.

Ideally, you will also have studied a creative subject. Entry is subject to a successful interview. During the interview, you may be asked to tell us about something you have created yourself.

All students will need to purchase a 1TB SSD hard drive to store project work and will need access to a computer at home to complete homework/assignment work.

We have all the equipment and software needed at College, however, we recommend that students bring their own headphones and have access to video and audio editing software at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.