IT / Media BTEC Combined Nat Awards

Start Date: September 2010

End Date: July 2011

Venue: Coleg Powys Newtown

Tutor: Barbara Denton

Who is this course for? Those students wishing to develop their skills in both Media and ICT at Level 3. 2 National Awards are studied. The National Award in Media (either Interactive Media, Games Development or Television and Film) and the National Award for IT Practitioners. Each award is the equivalent to 1 'A' level and appropriate UCAS points are awarded. The programme is usually studied as the first year of a 2 year combined ITP and Media National Certificates programme which then gives the equivalent of 4 'A' Levels at the end of the 2 years. The programme has been designed to give learners the opportunity to maintain flexible options for further study or employment and allow them to gain nationally recognised qualifications appropriate for both the information technology and media industries. The college has strong links with a number of local businesses in both fields.

Previous knowledge required: A genuine interest in ICT and Media and the desire to succeed in either the ICT sector or any of the media industries (Television, Film, Games Production, Interactive Media). Also an appropriate First Diploma (e.g. Media or ICT) or 4 GCSEs at grades A to C. Applications from mature students or those working in the industry will be considered on individual merit.

What will I study? The course is designed to meet the needs of the media and ICT industries. Students study a number of core and optional units based on the National Award in ITP and Media. This gives the learners the opportunity to develop skills in the following areas: Computer Systems, Computer Networks, Website Production and Management, Installing and Upgrading Software, 2D Animation, Interactive Media, Computer Game Platforms, Computer Games Story Development, Film Studies, Television Idents.

What else will I do? Students will also study OCN qualifications in Digital Photography and Image Editing. All students may have the opportunity to receive tuition in Key Skills (Application of Number and Communication) and/or undertake a GCSE re-sit in either Maths or English.

How will I be assessed? Students will complete projects and assignments based on realistic professional scenarios developing the skills needed to progress onto university or workplace. Short portfolios are required for Digital Photography and Image Editing. There are no examinations at the end of this course.

What will I achieve? Both the National Award in Media and ITP (each equivalent to 1 'A' Level). Additional OCN Qualifications in Digital Photography and Image Editing and a range of Key Skills.

What can I do afterwards? Successful candidates can either continue to the 2nd year of the course to complete the ITP and Media Combined Certificates Programme. (Equivalent to 4 'A' levels) or enter the workplace. There are a variety of potential careers to explore. E.g. Games Tester, Games Developer, Media Technician, ICT Technician, Web Developer or Television and Film Technician.

Materials required: You may be required to purchase a course text book. You may also prefer to use your own digital camera, although the college has a number of basic models for use during class sessions.