BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media Production

Creating the future!

Exam Board

Pearson

Why Should I Study BTEC CDMP?

Media is an important aspect of study as it is contemporary and always changing. To study media is to analyse and understand the processes that go into producing a text, including how the message reaches the audience, and how the audience responds to the text. The media, as a whole, affects every single person in some way or another. This course develops an understanding of how things work, how people become informed - or misinformed - and how the myths and ideologies that govern all our lives are created and sustained. This shows how important media studies is as it effects everyday life in so many ways, not least how audiences are increasingly interacting with the media and becoming producers themselves.

As well as providing learners with theoretical skills and business-related acumen, the course provides opportunities for practical, hands-on skills used in media production. In turn, this develops the crucial skills of both independence and team-work, resilience, determination and initiative.

The course is for learners who are interested in learning about the various media sectors as part of a balanced study programme, and for those wishing to work in the creative media industries. BTEC National qualifications are for post-16 learners wishing to specialise in a specific industry, occupation or occupational group. The qualifications give learners specialist knowledge and skills, enabling entry to an apprenticeship or other employment, or progression to related higher education courses.

The qualification provides a coherent introduction to the study of Creative Digital Media Production at this level. Learners develop an understanding of the media industry, analysing media representations, and pitching and producing media projects. The course looks at developing multi-media knowledge, from understanding media theory and responding to industry briefs to the logistics of film-making. This equips students with the skills that the industry demands. It is designed for post-16 learners who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the media industries, as part of a programme of study alongside other BTEC National or A level qualifications.

What Will I Study?

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with higher education to ensure it supports progression towards higher study. In addition, employers and professional bodies have been involved, in order to confirm that the content is also appropriate for those interested in working in the sector.

Students will complete the following units:

• Unit 1: Media Representations (externally assessed)
• Unit 4: Creating a Pre-Production Portfolio (internally assessed)
• Unit 8: Responding to a Commission (externally assessed)
• Unit 10: Film Production – fiction (internally assessed)

How Is BTEC CDMP Assessed?

Over the two years learners will complete four units. Two of these units (units 1 and 8) are externally assessed. The assessments consist of an online examination, responding to a media stimulus, and an extended commission in response to a client brief. There will be two opportunities to take the assessments. Each assessment is completed under specified conditions.

The internal assessments (units 4 and 10) are graded by the teacher and verified by the exam board. These comprise the production of a pre-production portfolio in response to a client brief, and an actual (fictional) film creation.

Students can achieve Pass, Merit and Distinction standards. A variety of assessment methods are used such as case studies, assignments and work-based assessments.

What Can I Study With BTEC CDMP?

Popular choices alongside Creative Digital Media Production are:

• A level Sociology/Psychology
• A levels in Art and Photography
• A levels in English – particularly useful for journalism
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Graphics
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in IT

Where Does A Qualification In BTEC CDMP Lead?

Students progress to either university, employment or begin an apprenticeships. This qualification is accepted by universities as an important qualification in its sector and can lead to many different degree courses in media-related subjects.

Possible careers accessed through this subject include:

• Media planner
• Multimedia specialist
• Programme researcher, broadcasting/film/video
• Public relations officer
• Runner, broadcasting/film/video
• Social media manager
• Television/film/video producer
• Web content manager
• Journalist
• Teaching/lecturing

Minimum Subject Entry Requirements:

Grade 5 English

DACA Media Alumni

Name: Paige

School: Darwen Vale

Subjects: Photography, graphics and media

Progressed to study for a BA (Hons) in Graphic Communication at Lancaster University (Blackburn college)

“The 6th form experience helped me to make new friends, as well as help me achieve my goals of going to university. Without the encouragement from my teachers I wouldn’t have had the courage to go!’’

Name: Cherish

School: St Wilfred’s

Subjects: Photography, A Level Media and BTEC Media (Film & TV)

Progressed to study for a BA (Hons) in Television and Radio at Salford University

“The 6th form helped me achieve the goals I set out and helped me develop as a person.’’