Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media

Our Level 3 Creative Media Practice programme is a practical, industry-focused course for students who want to explore the creative industries, develop real skills and build a portfolio around their own interests.

Equivalent to three A-Levels, our programme gives students the freedom to explore different creative disciplines before beginning to develop their own creative direction and specialisms.

Our students will explore areas including:

• Graphic, product, fashion, web, UX/UI and digital design
• Film, TV and video production
• Photography
• Animation, motion graphics and VFX
• Social media and content creation
• Branding, advertising and marketing
• Journalism and publishing
• Audio, podcasting and music production
• Game and interactive media

Our approach is practical, creative and hands-on. We want students to learn by creating, experimenting, developing ideas and producing work, rather than spending all of their time in a traditional classroom environment.

• Creative thinking and idea generation
• Developing and testing creative ideas
• Design principles and visual communication
• Photography and image-making
• Film and video production
• Editing and post-production
• Graphic and digital design
• Branding and marketing
• Social media and content creation
• Audience, purpose and communication
• Creative research and inspiration
• Industry-standard software and equipment
• Emerging technology and AI within the creative industries
• Portfolio development
• Personal branding and professional practice
• Creative careers and progression

Our programme is delivered through practical, project-based learning.

Students learn through a combination of:

• Creative workshops
• Practical projects
• Industry-style briefs
• Tutor demonstrations
• Individual and group work
• Creative experimentation
• Research and idea development
• Industry opportunities and guest speakers
• Portfolio development

Our students use creative software, equipment and modern digital tools while developing skills across a range of creative disciplines.

Assessment is mainly through coursework, practical projects, portfolios and evidence of the creative process, rather than traditional written exams.

We assess how students research, generate ideas, experiment, develop concepts, respond to feedback, refine their work and produce final creative outcomes.

We consider every applicant individually.

As a general guide, students applying for our Level 3 programme should normally have:

5 x GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, ideally including English and Maths OR the completion of a Level 2 programme

However, we also consider a student's creativity, interests, attitude, potential and willingness to develop.

Students do not need to have previously studied a creative subject.

One of the biggest strengths of CRE8 is the wide range of future opportunities it can lead to across the creative, digital and business sectors.

This course can support progression into:

• University / Higher Education
• Apprenticeships
• Employment
• Freelancing / Self-employment
• Starting your own brand or business

Possible Career Pathways Include:

Media & Content

• Content Creator
• Videographer / Video Editor / Filmmaker
• Photographer
• Film / TV / Music / Podcast Producer
• Presenter / Broadcaster / Journalist
• Media / Screen / Copy Writer

Design

• Graphic / Web Designer
• Product / Fashion Designer
• Brand Designer
• Game / UX / UI Designer
• Interior Designer
• Illustrator / Animation

Digital & Marketing

• Social Media Manager
• Digital Marketer
• Advertising Executive
• PR & Communications
• Campaign Manager
• Influencer / Creator Management

Business & Enterprise

• Business Owner
• Freelancer
• Creative Agency Work
• Entrepreneur
• E-commerce Brand Owner

Specialist Sectors

• Sports Media
• Music Industry Content
• Architecture, Interiors & Property Industries
• Tourism / Travel / Events
• Gaming / Streaming Content

Students also develop highly valuable transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, leadership and project management - skills valued across almost every industry.