HNC Creative Media

This HNC (Higher National Certificate) in Creative Media (Film) provides students with in-depth knowledge of filmmaking practises, the creative media industry and academic theories that underpin digital media.
This course is ideal for those who may have previously studied a media course and would like to continue their studies in more depth at a higher level. 

As a student at Warrington & Vale Royal College, you will study in our Advanced Creative & Digital Skills Academy, where you'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a TV studio, green screen studio, editing suites, and more. You'll also be able to use industry-standard equipment such as DSLR cameras, iMacs with professional editing software, and vision mixing tools - giving you hands-on experience that mirrors real industry standards.

You’ll be taught by highly qualified tutors with extensive industry experience. Our teaching staff hold advanced qualifications, including Master's degrees in Wildlife Documentary Filmmaking and Global Media & Culture, and bring with them specialist technical knowledge and years of real-world production experience.

You will gain a variety of skills and knowledge in digital media production, and apply academic theory and principles to a range of practical projects including:

• Documentary filmmaking
• Cinematography and lighting
• Narrative filmmaking
• Multi-camera production

You will also study the theories of media practice through various assignments and present these through a digital portfolio.

Please note that modules listed are indicative and may be subject to change. We do not guarantee that a non-mandatory unit will always run in any given academic year as options may be dependent on student numbers, sector requirements and staff expertise.

Following successful completion of the course there are a variety of pathways which may include; progression onto the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Creative Media: Film at Warrington & Vale Royal College, direct entry to a university course in a related subject, or entry straight into industry and employment.

Our current tutors remain active in the industry, working with leading companies such as the BBC and ITV. This ensures that students receive up-to-date knowledge of current filming practices and benefit from valuable industry insights and connections.

The Advanced Creative & Digital Skills (ACDS) Academy has strong partnerships with a range of employers, providing students with real-world opportunities and exposure. The course also has well-established links with Futureworks, offering clear progression routes and additional support for those looking to move into higher education or further training.

The college offers high-quality education for HE students. HE student feedback is strong and students are highly complementary of their learning experience. HE students have access to specialist facilities and resources to support their programme of study as well as designated HE learning spaces to support independent study.

You will typically have one of the following:

• A BTEC level 3 or other level 3 qualification in a related subject, minimum MPP or MM
• T Level with overall grade Pass
• A minimum of two A-Levels (A2) with one in a related subject at grade C or above
• Access to HE with relevant options

AND

• A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE English (language or literature)
• A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE Maths

Non-native English speakers who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English need to demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to the levels identified below. This is necessary before being recruited to the programme, as the programme is both taught and assessed in English:

• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
• IELTS 5.5; reading and writing must be 5.5.

We welcome applications from mature students who have appropriate work experience in a related sector or role and/or have professional qualifications in a related industry.

All HNC/HND programmes require the completion of a personal statement prior to an admissions interview being offered. You will also be required to provide a reference from one of the following options:

• A previous course leader/teacher (if progressing from a recently attended further or higher education course)
• A recent or current employer
• An appropriate professional who can provide a character reference (if you have not been in recent education or employment).

For the HNC in Media, you may be asked to provide evidence of a showreel or links to digital media content that you have created both individually or as part of a crew.

Students applying to study on a Higher Education course can apply for a HE student loan at www.gov.uk/student-finance

For further Finance support and enquiries please visit https://wvr.ac.uk/adults/higher-education

External trips and residential visits will require a contribution from the student. Visits in the past have included; Alton Towers, Media City, Bradford Media Museum and Stratford upon Avon. You may want to purchase your own SD Card for saving and transferring files. Camera kit and lenses are all available to be used as part of the programme of study, but learners can bring their own equipment. This may include DSLR cameras, a Tripod or a Gimbal.