Creative Media Production: Film - Level 4 HNC

Course code: CMP1 - Institution code: W52

The outlook for the UK’s screen industries is bright. With considerable investment in UK studios, a vibrant and expanding independent sector, and spending on TV and video forecast for continued growth, the demand for skilled technicians and talent will continue to grow across the film and high-end TV sectors. There is a growing national need for the craft skills which are increasingly technology driven, such as engineering skills for lighting and sound and animation skills. The skills that you learn on the course will equip you for the fresh challenges of an ever-changing job market.

As well as developing a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of Creative Media Production, you will study specialist subjects like Film Practices, Film Studies and Editing for Film & Television. You will develop critically important skills in team-working, and using language that enables clear communication of concepts and day-to-day processes across the Film and TV fields. The course aims to provide you with the core skills and behaviours that are universally useful across all Film departments, companies and specialisms.

Our teachers are currently planning for the safest ways to deliver this course from September. We have been delivering all of our courses online since the outbreak of Coronavirus in March 2020, and we are fully equipped to continue this for as long as is necessary. 

We are planning to deliver the course in a mixed format - blending online lessons with face-to-face teaching – as and when we feel that, on the basis of Government advice and our own risk assessments, it is safe to do so. We’ll continue to review our plans and keep you updated on changes as your course progresses.

For this course, our plans for a flexible, mixed format mean that:

• 60% of this course will be delivered online, with 40% taking place face-to-face onsite 
• Theory sessions will be delivered online, led by experienced, specialist lecturers 
• Group work will continue onsite, allowing you to collaborate with your peers, support each other and produce work together using relevant equipment, facilities and software
• Some practical activities will happen face-to-face onsite, in a carefully controlled environment to keep you safe (special arrangements will also be made for students in circumstances that don’t allow them to attend onsite)
• Where practical activities may not be possible, alternatives will be provided to ensure you develop the equivalent repertoire of skills 
• Tutorials and one-to-ones will be delivered online, providing you with a high level of support and the opportunity to work with your tutor 
• You will have access to relevant library services and the digital resources and platforms you need to participate successfully in your course
• Direct access to a range of support systems will also be available to help you with any personal difficulties

Further details will be available in August - if you have already been made an offer, you will receive further information in the lead up to enrolment.

This course emphasises practical studio production skills and developing a creative and professional approach to media production.
Working with a range of diverse and converging technologies and methodologies, successful candidates will develop innovative responses to create contemporary media solutions. Studio practice is always supported by putting the work into a historical, theoretical and cultural context.
You will learn a wide range of creative processes including:

• Video production and post-production
• Cinematographic techniques
• Television studio production
• Professional practice in the media sector
• Concept design and development
• Critical awareness and contextual understanding

Module availability may be subject to change. The timetable will be available in August 2020

You will learn in specialist facilities including arts, graphics, TV and recording studios, and will use specialist computing facilities.

This course has been developed with input from a range of professional practitioners and you will have the opportunity to work on projects alongside industry employers such as ADOBE, Sony, Shaftsbury PLC, The Design Museum, The BBC, Channel 4, Creative Cultural Skills, Creative Skillset, CNN in our TV studio.

If you are 20 or younger at the start of the course, you will need:

• At least one GCE A Level pass or
• An appropriate full Level 3 qualification, such as Advanced GNVQ/AVCE, NVQ, National Diplomas, Baccalaureate or Irish Leaving Certificate with passes in five subjects at higher level, passes in Open University courses or a Merit profile for a recognised Access course
• Supporting passes at GCSE including English and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) or above

If you are 21 or older at the start of the course, you do not have to satisfy the same certificated qualifications entry criteria as college and school leavers. You will be able to discuss your application during an interview and will normally be expected to have:

• At least 3 years’ industry experience in a related field of study at supervisory or middle management level
• Equivalent GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) or above
• Completed a diagnostic assessment at point of interview

If you have have significant professional or other qualifications and appropriate work experience you may be considered and are encouraged to apply, as are those wishing to formalise their experience, or update skills, knowledge and understanding. In addition, evidence of personal skills and qualities through your personal statement and references will be considered.

If you have gained previous qualifications outside of the UK, you will need equivalent qualifications to those above. The equivalence of qualifications from outside of the UK will be determined according to NARIC guidance.
 
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an IELTS exam report with a score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each area) or equivalent English qualification.
 
If you are applying to study on a Tier 4 General Student Visa, you will require an IELTS for UKVI overall score of 6.0 (with minimum of 5.5 in each element).

Assessment methods may include:

• Written reports/essays
• Academic posters, displays, leaflets
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Work-based projects
• Working logbooks and reflective journals
• Time-constrained assessments
• Presentations with assessor questioning

Tuition Fees

£6,000 per year

Additional Costs

In addition to the annual tuition fees, there may be additional costs associated with your programme including:

• Ad hoc day trips/excursions e.g. visits to employers or exhibitions. Students may incur additional travel costs and on some occasions, entrance fees

Progression opportunities in the Creative Industries include work as a runner, potentially leading to roles such as camera operator and assistant editor. Students may also progress to the 1st or 2nd year (where appropriate) of a university degree.