Course Leaders:

Mr G Scarfe (gscarfe@sackvilleschool.org.uk) and Mr A Vallally-Godfrey (avallallygodfrey@sackvilleschool.org.uk)

Exam board: Cambridge OCR

Guidance: Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (ideally at least a grade 4 in Creative iMedia or Film Studies)

Course length: 2 Years

Course description:

The OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Digital Media is a practical, vocational qualification equivalent to A Levels, designed for students seeking a creative career in the media industry. The course focusses on the skills, knowledge, and understanding required by universities and employers today.

Students engage in industry-style projects across various media forms, including social media campaigns, short film/video, music video, TV, digital marketing, and radio production. Key areas of study include:

• Media Products and Audiences: Analysing how different media institutions operate and how products appeal to specific target audiences 

• Pre-production and Planning: Understanding the processes and documentation required for creating media products 

• Practical Production Units: Developing hands-on technical skills in cinematography, sound, editing, and graphic design using professional software.

Assessment is a mix of external examinations and internally assessed coursework (portfolio-based projects), providing both theoretical knowledge and a substantial practical show reel for future progression.

Course units:

Unit 1 - Media Products and Audiences 

Unit 2 - Pre-production and Planning 

Unit 3 - Create a Media Product

Unit 20 - Advertising Media 

Unit 23 - Create a personal media profile

Unit 21 - Plan and Deliver a Pitch 

(Click here for course specifications)

Assessment:

Assessment is in the form of examined units and coursework units.

What can I do with this qualification?

This Level 3 Digital Media qualification is a highly valuable asset because it equips you with skills that are essential in the modern, digital economy, opening up flexible paths for both further education and immediate employment.

 

• Specialist Degrees: This qualification carries UCAS points equivalent to A Levels, making it a recognised entry qualification for a wide range of degree courses. You will be well-prepared for degrees in:
  • Creative Fields: Social Media Marketing, Film Production, TV & Broadcasting, Animation, and Graphic Design.
  • Commercial Fields: Digital Marketing, Public Relations (PR), Multimedia Journalism, and Media Management.
• Immediate Employment: You can apply for entry-level roles and apprenticeships in the rapidly growing creative and digital industries.

• Apprenticeships: It directly supports progression into Level 3 and Level 4 Apprenticeships such as:

  • Content Creator/Producer

  • Digital Marketer

  • Broadcast Assistant

  • Junior Production Coordinator

Crucially, you will leave with a professional portfolio or showreel of completed projects. This practical evidence of your skills (not just grades) is often the most important factor for securing a job in the media sector.