Further Education Course 

BTEC

Media Level 3

View Key Course Details

Why study Media Level 3 at Derby?

  • A qualification worth three A-Levels – the perfect launchpad for university, apprenticeships or straight into a media industry job.
  • Learn by doing – from short films to websites, live briefs to real client projects, you’ll get hands-on experience that employers love.
  • Find your creative passion – explore film, photography, sound, games, graphics and more before choosing the area you want to specialise in.
  • Work with pro kit – cameras, recording gear and editing software in our dedicated media studios give you the tools to bring your ideas to life.
  • Connect with the industry – trips to Media City and guest sessions from professionals (like the BBC!) give you insider tips and career inspiration.
  • Your next step, sorted – whether that’s uni, an apprenticeship, or a creative career like a TV runner or junior designer – this course gets you ready.

Over the two years you will work on individual and group projects to develop your skills and knowledge within the areas of Media and you will gain your Level 3 extended Diploma in Creative Media.

Most learners will then progress onto Higher education or into employment within the Media industry.

While on the course, learners will participate in work experience and there are a range of local employers across Derbyshire and Staffordshire that offer this opportunity.

You will gain the broad range of skills and competences needed to work within this creative sector and will be supported by staff to focus on a specialism that you are most interested in.

What you will study

You will explore and develop a broad range of skills within different areas of media, which may include moving image, games, interactive, sound or graphic and publishing. You will carry out two assessments to demonstrate what you have learned; A1 Skills Development and A2 Creative Project.

You will gain a better understanding of the media industry and you will continue to advance and refine your technical skills and ability to respond creatively to industry briefs. You will engage in activities such as technical workshops, projects, practical sessions, seminars, visits, talks from guest speakers and employer engagement. Advanced creative practice and a deeper understanding of the industry will inform one another and broaden your responses. You will carry out two assessments to demonstrate what you have learned; B1 Personal Progression and B2 Response to an Industry Brief.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

This is a full-time course and is delivered on our Buxton campus in our high-tech media suite where you will have access to all the equipment you need to explore your full creative talents, including recording devices, cameras and editing software. 

You will learn through a combination of theory-based sessions, live briefs and practical workshops, demonstrating the skills and knowledge learned in a variety of ways including essays, reports, presentations and pitches. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in work experience with a range of local employers across Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Your progress will be fully supported and tracked by a highly experienced tutor with many years of real-life experience in both print and digital media. 

At UODB we offer an enhanced student experience with trips to Media City, and visits from working professionals within world-famous organisations, such as the BBC, who provide workshops and offer invaluable advice on tackling the competitive media industry. 

Careers

You could progress on to a vast range of creative media careers including TV Runner, Graphics Designer, Producer, Boom Mic Operator, Camera Person, Photographer and many more.

Entry requirements

You will need a minimum of four Grade 4 GCSEs including English.

Fees and funding

If you are aged 16-18 on 31 August 2025, you will not usually pay tuition fees for your course. Most full-time college-level study programmes are fully funded for this age group.

However, you may still have additional costs, including: travel to and from college, uniforms, kits, and equipment, educational trips, meals while at college, childcare (if applicable).

This is where the college bursary can help support you.

How to apply

Ready to take the next step? Applying is quick and easy, just complete our online application form using the link below.

Apply directApply direct

Additional information about your studies

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.