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Free Level 3 Creative Media Course in Preston – Cardinal Newman College

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free BTEC National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice in Preston. Classes run at Cardinal Newman College, full-time over two years.

The course is free for 16 to 19 year olds. You'll develop skills across the full production process, from pre-production planning and research through to filming, lighting, sound design, and editing. In your second year, you build a personal portfolio, create a showreel, and produce work for real clients.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice.

Who this course is for

The Creative Media Practice BTEC involves developing the skills needed to plan and produce film and Television. You will have the opportunity to develop your practical production skills. You will gain experience in the planning and research which takes place in pre-production. Additionally, you will develop the production era skills needed to film for TV and film, including camera work, lighting, production design, and sound design. As well as post-production skills such as editing, motion graphics, and sound effects, and evaluation skills needed in post-production. In addition to these skills, the course provides learners with the skills needed to critically evaluate their work, in progress, in order to produce the best possible production

Entry requirements

Five Grade 4s at GCSE with at least a 4 in Maths or English Language

What you will learn

  • You'll plan and develop ideas for film and TV productions, including short films and music videos.
  • You'll practise camerawork, lighting, and production design on location and in studio.
  • You'll record and mix sound for film and television.
  • You'll edit footage and create motion graphics and sound effects in post-production.
  • You'll critically evaluate your work at each stage of production.
  • You'll build a professional showreel and portfolio website in your second year.
  • You'll produce promotional videos for real clients.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical production projects in class, working individually and as part of a crew. Assessment is portfolio-based: you submit production work, planning documents, and evaluations for each unit. There are no written exams. Your showreel and website, completed in Year 2, form a key part of your final assessment.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cardinal Newman College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Video editor, cuts and assembles footage for TV, film, or online content.
  • Camera operator, films productions for broadcast or digital platforms.
  • Content creator, produces video and media for brands and social channels.
  • Graphic designer, creates visual assets for print and digital media.
  • Photographer, shoots commercial, editorial, or event photography.
  • Games developer, designs and produces interactive digital content.
  • Production assistant, supports film and TV shoots from pre-production to wrap.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Film Production, Media Production, or a related subject at university, building on your Extended Diploma.
  • A degree in Graphic Design or Photography if you specialise in those areas during the course.
  • A Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Creative Media Production, a shorter higher-education route into the industry.
Apply on cardinalnewman.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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