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Digital Media Cambridge Technicals Level 3 Extended Certificate

The Oakes College Cambridge

Queen Edith's Way, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 8NN

Other Regulated/Accredited Qualification
Level 3
Arts, Media and Publishing

Available start dates

Available start dates

Wednesday, 02 September 2026
The Oakes College Cambridge
2 Year(s)
Part of a full time programme
Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

The media industry is arguably the highest paying and fastest moving industry in the world. Choosing this subject enables students to explore different aspects of media from film, radio, TV, online and print and looks at how to market and develop products.

By analysing and critically engaging with various forms of media, students gain a deeper understanding of its influence, develop their creativity and become informed and active participants in today's media-driven world.

Students can explore media industries and create coursework for an eclectic mix of media platforms, including television, radio, advertising, music video, film, social media, magazines and more.

Students will also get to create multiple media products to add to a professional digital portfolio, which will help them in the future towards their careers or university choices.

Course Details

This course is very practical based, which allows students to develop skills and build up a portfolio of media work to take into the media industry, or for a university course of study. The course allows students to explore a range of media platforms.

The qualification offers six units for students to study. This is broken down into 2 exam units and 4 coursework units.

The Oakes Media department has excellent facilities such as a television studio, radio station, photography and sound equipment and a Mac suite for students to use. Along with great facilities, students will take part in engaging and exciting lessons taught by innovative teachers. Our teachers thrive on integrating practical work and theory-based lessons for our students.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

The qualification offers six units for students to study. This is broken down into 2 exam units and 4 coursework units.

Unit 1 (Compulsory Exam Unit) - Media Products and Audiences: 25% of Final Mark - taken in January of Year 12

Unit 2 (Compulsory Exam Unit) - Pre-Production and Planning: 25% of Final Mark - taken in January/May of Year 13

Unit 3 (Compulsory Coursework Unit) - Create a Media Product: 17% of Final Mark - completed in Year 12

Unit 20 (Optional Coursework Unit) (subject to change) - Advertising Media: 17% of Final Mark - completed in Year 13

Unit 21 (Optional Coursework Unit) - Plan and deliver a pitch for a Media Product: 8% of Final Mark - completed in Year 12

Unit 22 (Optional Coursework Unit) - Scripting for Media Products: 8% of Final Mark - completed in Year 13

Entry requirements

The minimum requirement is 7 GCSE or equivalent passes at grades 9-4 in an appropriate range of subjects, including Maths and English Language at grade 4 or above.

The college will accept one BTEC at Merit level as one GCSE equivalent.

No previous media or technical skills are required for this course, as you are taught everything you need to know to create media products. The only thing you need is an open mind, hardworking attitude and willingness to learn more.

This course is equivalent to one A-level.

Your next steps...

Studying Media at The Oakes College allows you to create a portfolio of media work to take into the media industry, or use to showcase for university.

The department encourages students to take work experience places in the media industry. We also recommend short courses, workshops and internships, which will help develop our students’ skills further.

Media gives students the ability to work in the vast industry of media, however, it also creates the pathway towards a career in law, marketing, project management, politics, web design and more.

Additional information


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