NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN MEDIA

WHAT IS THE COURSE ABOUT?

The National Diploma in Media is a challenging course for students who have a specific interest in the field of writing and publishing e.g. print journalism, fictional / factual writing, photo journalism, desk top publishing.

This differs to the AS Media Studies course in that the focus here is on writing and publishing. If you prefer TV, film, some photography, journalism and desk top publishing then the AS Media course will be more suitable.

WHY SHOULD I STUDY THE MEDIA NATIONAL DIPLOMA?

The course provides you with:

• A background to the media industry and media texts in general
• An insight into media concepts and theories
• Opportunities to write for different purposes – developing your skills in both factual and fictional writing
• Graphic Design / desktop publishing skills (using Adobe Photoshop)
• Digital photography skills
• Organisational and management skills
• Research skills

The completed two year course will allow you to achieve a result which is equivalent to 2 A levels.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS

Of course an interest in writing is essential. You need to be aware of media texts, read newspapers and magazines frequently. If you find yourself writing articles, short stories, poems, screenplays, designing page layouts, imagining that you could take better photos than the ones you are presented with in magazines and newspapers, then this is the course for you!

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT

You will build up a portfolio of work over two years. You will study two units at a time and they will cover fictional writing, factual writing, photography, design and layout, illustration and drawing, career planning in the media. In the first year your skills and awareness are developed so that in the second year you can work towards producing your very own print media product from start to finish. You will also be required to organise a media exhibition for the college.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

There is no examination, instead you are assessed on the projects you produce throughout the duration of the course. There are twelve units which are assessed over 2 years. You do not achieve a grade until the end of the second year.

COURSE COMMITMENT

You are gaining vocational and practical experience of the printing industry. This course is not an easy option – it is challenging but rewarding. It takes the place of 2 full A Levels on your timetable so you need to be committed and dedicated. You have to be prepared to meet strict deadlines and you are expected to spend at least 10 hours work outside of lesson time each week producing work for the course.

COURSE COSTS

We estimate that the course will cost no more that £25, this is an estimate based on trips and resources required for the course.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

You need to have met the standard college entry requirements of five GCSE grade C or above. Including a GCSE grade C or above in English Language.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

Successful completion of the course allows you to apply for further or Higher Education courses, or a Level Four qualification.

It is also possible to enter employment at a trainee level within some media environments

FURTHER INFORMATION

Full course specifications can be found at www.ocr.org.uk

If you require any further information please contact Eric Walsh, the Department Manager.