Digital media
Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (National Award)
Two-year vocational (equivalent to one A-level)
Whether you are designing a website, producing an animation or using graphic design to make a CD cover, digital technology is increasingly used as a creative tool. This programme is ideal if you are interested in the use of new digital media within the communication, art and design industries.
Required qualifications
Five or more A*-C grades at GCSE including English language.
What will I study?
The course will focus on:
- design software including InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator
- animation packages such as Flash
- web design software such as Dreamweaver .
On the course you will:
- design various media products such as leaflets, magazines, CD covers and film posters
- create your own website
- produce a short piece of animation
- build a portfolio of work
- develop your creative, design and presentation skills.
Method of assessment
You will be assessed by practical work and a collection of evidence from your portfolio. You will also carry out a final major project in the second year. Please note that you must complete all six units to gain accreditation.
What will I be able to progress to?
This subject combines well with all the other design and media-based subjects. This is an ideal programme if you plan to study design or media courses at university. You may also wish to use the skills that you develop in a number of other ways including further study in a different subject area or move straight into employment. Ahmad Ali (ex-Langdon School) studied this subject alongside A-levels and achieved a distinction. He is now studying art and design at the University of the Arts, Camberwell.
Other information
Please note that you need to study this course for a full two years to gain the qualification.