Creative Media Practice - Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 1st September 2025
End date: 4th June 2027
Information Event: Yes

Course fee: FREE (Eligibility criteria may apply)

Course Content

The Creative Media Practice Level 3 National Extended Diploma equips you with the skills needed to join the fast-growing creative industries, one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic economic sectors. Creative industries contribute over £116 billion annually to the UK economy and are projected to grow steadily, offering diverse career opportunities.

What You'll Learn

This two-year course focuses on practical skills and creative thinking, including:

Digital photography
Configure DSLR cameras and develop professional photography skills

Video production
Use industry-standard hardware and software to create high-quality video content

Graphic design
Stay on trend with digital graphic design techniques

Audio production
Record and edit podcasts, interviews, and audio for video and other media projects

Filmmaking
Plan and produce factual and drama programmes

Ideation and project management
Develop and deliver creative projects from concept to completion

Why Choose This Course?

Creative industries are a significant and growing sector. By studying here, you’ll gain practical, industry-relevant experience and create a portfolio that showcases your skills. Past students have won awards like Royal Television Society and Colleges NI BEST awards, and gone on to work in high-profile creative roles.

Get the skills and experience to succeed in media today.

Special Features

• Hands-on learning with Canon DSLR cameras, lenses, lighting kits, and industry-standard hardware
• Access to Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, and Audition
• Real-world experience through live projects for clients like Northern Trust and Rotary International
• Industry professionals as tutors, providing up-to-date knowledge and insights
• A focus on building a portfolio of work to prepare for higher education or employment

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and should have at least 4 GCSE's at Grade C or above or other relevant qualifications.  ​If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in Maths and/or English you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification. This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.

This course prepares you for:

University study
Continue your education in subjects such as media production, visual communications, film or digital design

Work experience
Gain the practical skills and portfolio needed for entry-level roles in creative industries

Career Prospects

Graduates from this course have pursued careers including:

• Animation and VFX
• Games design and virtual production
• Film and television production
• Broadcast journalism
• Advertising and digital marketing
• Content creation for online platforms