National Award/Certificate/Diploma in Art & Design (Interactive Media)

Art, Design & Performing Arts

National Award/Certificate/Diploma in Art & Design (Interactive Media) (B2015P)

What are the Course Details?
The National Award, Certificate, and Diploma courses in Interactive Media have been developed to meet the needs of our digital world and provide the knowledge, understanding and skills for learners planning a career within the interactive design industry. The courses have been specifically designed to give learners a base knowledge in a range of disciplines, and enable them to find a focus for possible future progression at degree level.

Progression into higher education from the Certificate or Diploma courses could be directed in any of the following areas:

• TV & Film Production
• Photography
• Screen Based Graphic Design
• 2D & 3D Animation
• Website Design
• Interactive Game Design

Is the Course for Me?
The course is for you if you are interested in a career in; Photography, Website Design, Graphic Design, Animation, Game Design, TV & Film, or simply want to expand your creativity in the realm of Interactive design.


What will I Study?
The Interactive Media qualification is either a 6 (1 A Level equivalent) 12 (2 A Level equivalent) or 18 unit qualification (3 A Level equivalent) and is structured as two one year courses.


National Award - Year 1 studies
Learners will first be enrolled onto the National Award course and complete the following study areas:

• Visual Recording
• Visual Communication
• Contextual Influences
• 2D Animation
• Lens Based Image Making
• Website Design
• Film and Video Editing Techniques

National Certificate/Diploma - Year 2 studies
Following completion of a successful National Award, learners have the opportunity to apply to continue their studies onto the Certificate or Diploma qualifications, and will study the following areas:

• 3D Digital Animation
• Image Manipulation
• Interactive Media Authoring
• Digital Storytelling
• Specialist Illustration Computer Applications
• Personal and Professional Development
• Final Major Project

The second year will conclude with an eight week 'Final Major Project' of the learner's own choice. This project is designed to allow the learner the opportunity to select and combine the skills learned into one final piece of work that will be exhibited at the end of year show.


How will I Learn?
You will learn through a range of practical & theoretical studies designed to develop your skills and understanding within the subject areas.


How will I be Assessed?
You will be internally assessed on your coursework throughout the course and given verbal and written feedback for all assignments. Formal grading of individual units occurs at the end of the course. Assessment of student work is monitored by an external verifier from the examining body. There are no formal exams on these courses.


What Enrichments are Available?
Enrichment is available to accompany the main programme. This can be done in a variety of different subject areas including: sports, languages and creative studies. A complete list of enrichment activities will be outlined in the first week of term one.


Are there any Trips or Visits?
Learners are expected to participate in trips and visits to develop and reinforce knowledge as well as gather research material. In recent years learners on the Certificate and Diploma courses have also had the opportunity to visit major cities to gather suitable inspiration for assignment work.


Is there any Work Experience?
Work experience is usually accommodated through live briefs, where by external companies or individuals will set assignments for learners to work on within the College campus.


What can I Progress to?
The course structure is designed to provide learners with stepping-stones towards Degree level studies. Although progression into employment is a possibility from the Certificate and Diploma course, most students gain employment after studying at degree level.


Previous Learner's Progression;
Peter Hewes: studying Film Production at Ravensbourne College
Elleanor Hewitt: studying Games Art at Leeds Metropolitan University
Lisa Smith: studying Animation at Sunderland University
Mark Swan: studying Graphic Design at Hull University
Emma Lake: studying Interactive Screen Based Graphics at Lincoln University
Thomas Dent: studying 3D Animation, Hertfordshire University


Please Note:
Acceptance onto courses may be subject to a satisfactory interview and references. For some courses learners may also be required to pay for a CRB disclosure.


Course Code
B2015P


Award Level
Level 3


AwardBody
Edexcel


Duration
2 years