Key Facts

BTEC Level 3 Creative Media Practice

This is a creative and practical course which will give you the opportunity to gain experience of working on various moving image projects.

If you have ever wondered how your favourite films, TV shows or online videos are made, the Creative Media Practice course will provide you with an insight into industry practices, build your production skills and encourage you to critically engage with the work of others. The course is designed to provide an educational foundation for a range of careers in the media industry and allied sectors.

The natural progression on successful completion is into a second year for completion of a full National 1080 Extended Diploma, which is equivalent to three A-levels.

The National 540 Diploma qualification is a one-year full-time course, equivalent to 1.5 A-levels and some mature students may choose to progress from the 540 Diploma one year course directly into employment or alternative training.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report.

    A portfolio or example of your work to demonstrate that you have the appropriate level of skill required to succeed on the course. We love to see your creativity!

    4 x GCSE's at C/4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above (at merit or above) in a relevant subject.

    You will have gained English GCSE C/4 or above, or L2 Functional skills in English .

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    Course content:

    In this first year you will develop a range of practical and theoretical media skills, including short film production, documentary making, motion graphics, marketing and visual effects. You will also develop key employability skills such as working efficiently in a team, clear communication, developing creative ideas and presenting your work effectively.

    Throughout the year, you will be challenged to write, plan, direct, produce, edit and promote your own moving image work, with support from a team of encouraging and experienced teaching staff.

    In Unit A1 Skills Development: Learners will complete a series of video production projects, developing the filming, software and creative skills needed to successfully complete media work.

    Unit A2 Creative Project: This is a larger single project where you can pitch what you want to work on, based on a brief. This is your chance to show off the skills you have learnt through the year and demonstrate your ability to create a successful media product.

    You will be instructed in the use of industry standard camera, lighting, software (including Adobe Premiere and After Effects) and sound equipment.

  • Progression Next Steps


    The Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice is an ideal route for students looking to progress to universities or on to our Foundation Degree (FdA) in Media Skills. However, a significant number use the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma as a direct step into a career in the media industry.

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    Additional information:

    While some materials and equipment are provided, you will be expected to provide your own headphones, hard drive or USB stick and SD card, which are available to buy as a starter kit at enrolment.

    There will also be a number of trips and visits throughout the course which will incur some costs.

    For more information contact the Creative Industries Centre, telephone: 020 8939 4601 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.