Edexcel BTEC HND Film and Digital Media Production (Level 5)

Our digital, lens based visual communication course is a highly creative, informative, and industry lead two-year programme of study. Split over two years, the level 4 Higher National Diploma (HNC), is the first year of the programme, which is equivalent to the 1st year on a BA hons course. Upon successful completion of the HNC, you will then progress on to the second year to study the Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND), which is equivalent to the second year of a BA (hons) course. Upon successful completion of the HND course, you are qualified and skilled for further study on a BA (hons) top up degree at a University, or to go on to work in Film, Photography and Digital Media Production industries. The Level 5 HND is one-year programme of study, which can only be studied after successful completion of the Level 4 HNC programme. The programme consists of seven units totalling 120 credits, 7 units (including 3 FMP units) at 15 credits with unit 83 being a 30-credit unit.

3 A Levels within a media related subject. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma with grade Pass and have a substation showreel/portfolio from a related subject. You will need to have GCSEs in English and maths at grade C/4 or above, or Functional Skills Level 2 and/or minimum IELTS score of 6. You may also be eligible for the course based on your previous experience through Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning (APEL). If you are over 21 and you are seeking to return to education, perhaps after some time way and do not have any formal qualifications, your application will be considered. Successful completion of the HNC in Creative Media Production 120 credits (RQF).

You will develop the skills required to work within various media industries via hands-on experience and tutoring. Individually or as part of a production team, you will be encouraged to develop various productions from concept to screen. You will use a range of equipment and software to produce your final pieces, these include Premier Pro, after effects, Da vinci Resolve, Photoshop, Illustrator, Wacom graphic Tablets, Panasonic GH5s, Black Magic pocket cinema cam 4k as well as access to production crate.

As part of the course you will also be encouraged to undertake work placement, this may take the form of working on live briefs or working directly with outside clients. You will also have the opportunity to go on a week long filming retreat, in previous years these have taken place in Wales and Northumbria. 

The HND in Creative Media Production aims to:

• Develop your general ability in theoretical and practical media studies through effectively using and combining knowledge and skills gained in different parts of the programme
• Provide specialist studies in media production, across a range of disciplines
• Provide a taught programme of study to support you in learning new skills and in developing your individual practice.
• Provide enhanced tutorial support to help you develop your educational and vocational abilities, and your personal qualities and attitudes
• Develop the ethos and creative process of a media production company
• Provide the foundation for a range of administrative, technical and creative careers in media production, where you could forge a path to employment.

         A typical year of study would look like: 

Year One (Level 4)

• Individual Project (Pearson-set)
• Creative Media Industry
• Professional Practice
• Film Practices
• Film Studies
• Editing for Film & Television
• Principles of Photography
• Principles of Animation 

Year Two (Level 5)

• Collaborative Project (Pearson-set)
• Personal Professional Development
• Advanced Film Production Studies
• Videography 
• Advanced Editing & Compositing
• Advanced Editing for Film & Television

You will work towards the Higher National Certificate (HNC) in your first year, which you must complete and pass before proceeding to the Level 5 Higher National Diploma in the second year.

The assessment of Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications is in the form written assignments, practical assignments, group work, case studies, course work, portfolios, show-reels, presentations and work based evidence.

Our staff have a broad range of experience and knowledge in a variety of industries, allowing you to gain up-to-date skills and access relevant information. Course leader Lance Burkitt has a Master of the Arts degree, is a published academic. He has 20 years’ experience and continues to practice as a freelancer in the creative media industries. The minimum essential equipment to study the course includes a 32gb class 10-memory card. An external Hard drive of at least 1TB to store your media files.

Upon successful completion of the HND students may choose to continue their studies and top up their qualification to a full Honors Degree at another HE institution.