During the 2-year programme, students will develop the knowledge and practical skills required in the digital media industry. Students gain hands-on experience of the production process, developing their ideas from planning, through editing and post-production, to final presentation.

This Extended Certificate is equivalent to one A Level and carries equivalent UCAS points.

GCSE English Language grade 4 or above is desirable

Year 1:

Unit 1 – Media products and audiences (written exam)

Whichever sector of the media you want to work or specialise in, all media institutions work to create products that meet the needs of specific target audiences. The aim of this unit is for students to develop their understanding of how different media institutions operate in order to create products that will appeal to specific target audiences.

Unit 3 – Create a media product (internally assessed)

This unit allows students to develop knowledge and understanding of the production processes for producing one either a print based, audio visual or audio product. You will, create a proposal to meet a client brief, produce planning materials, create and manage original content for the product and apply editing techniques.

Unit 24 – Cross media industry awareness (internally assessed)

The media industry as a whole is made up of a wide array of different job roles that you can work or specialise in across a range of sectors, and the skills and qualities you are likely to need to succeed in the media industry are becoming ever more diverse. The aim of this unit is for you to develop your understanding of how different media sectors operate and what products they produce so you can be well equipped to make decisions about your own progression into the media industry.

Year 2:

Unit 2 – Pre-production and planning (written exam)

Pre-production and planning are key aspects of any media production, time spent well leading up to a production can save time and money. By completing this unit, you will understand the preproduction process that the creative media industry follows when creating a product. You will learn how to carry out research in the planning stage of a media production and about the various acts of legislation that need to be considered.

Unit 20 – Advertising media (internally assessed)

This unit allows you to explore the role of advertising in the media industry and how it influences audiences. You will investigate how different formats such as print, audio, and audio-visual are used within advertising campaigns. You will also have the opportunity to apply this knowledge by planning your own campaign for a product or service. You will create original media components, selecting suitable formats for your target audience. You will consider legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements while ensuring your campaign meets industry codes and conventions.

Unit 23 – Create a personal media profile (internally assessed)

This unit will be a showcase of the work you have created, supported by a personal media profile. You’ll evidence your personal media profile by exploring your skill set, abilities and achievements and learn how to combine your creative work and personal profile to create a digital professional identity suitable for sharing with prospective employers, higher education institutions and for other career progression pathways.

Year 1:

Unit 1: Media products and audiences (25%)
2 hour written exam – 80 marks

• comprises short answer questions and questions requiring more extended responses
• an Insert will be available for use with this unit

Unit 3 – Create a media product (16.67%)

Non-examined assessment (NEA) work completed and assessed internally before being externally moderated by the exam board.

Unit 24 – Cross media industry awareness (8.33%)

Non-examined assessment (NEA) work completed and assessed internally before being externally moderated by the exam board.

Year 2:

Unit 2 Pre-production and planning (25%)
2 hour written exam – 80 marks

• comprises short answer questions and questions requiring more extended responses
• an Insert will be available for use with this unit

Unit 20 – Advertising media (16.67%)

Non-examined assessment (NEA) work completed and assessed internally before being externally moderated by the exam board.

This unit allows you to explore the role of advertising in the media industry and how it influences audiences. You will investigate how different formats such as print, audio, and audio-visual are used within advertising campaigns. You will also have the opportunity to apply this knowledge by planning your own campaign for a product or service. You will create original media components, selecting suitable formats for your target audience. You will consider legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements while ensuring your campaign meets industry codes and conventions.

Unit 23 – Create a personal media profile (8.33%)

Non-examined assessment (NEA) work completed internally before being externally moderated by the exam board.

External assessments are graded Near Pass, Pass, Merit or Distinction.

NEA units are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.

All units must achieve a grade to be awarded the full qualification which is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*

Further information can be found on the OCR website.

Following the completion of this course you may go on to:
• Skilled employment/work that is within the media sector inclusive of a wide variety of roles from media services to more creative fields
• Higher Level apprenticeships that progress you into careers such as journalism, advertising and digital marketing or broadcast media production and editing – television and radio.
• University degree relevant to your interests as UCAS points are awarded for Cambridge Technicals allowing progression routes onto a range of Higher Educational pathways

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.