HNC Creative Media : Film

The Higher National Certificate in Creative Media Production (Film) provides learners with an in-depth study 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 at a higher level, in more depth. The programme can be studied full time in 1 year (attending 2 days per week) or part time over 2 years (attending 1 day per week).

As a student of Warrington and Vale Royal College you will have access to industry standard equipment and facilities, including a TV Studio, Green Room Studio, Editing Suites and more. Our tutors are highly qualified with Masters in Wildlife Documentary filmmaking and Global Media and Culture as well as relevant industry experience and specialist technical knowledge. You will also have access to fantastic equipment including DSLR cameras, iMacs with industry standard editing software and vision mixing equipment, allowing learners to gain the experiences only rivalled in Industry.

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 in Creative Media Production at the college, direct entry to a University course in a related subject, or entry straight into industry and employment.

Our current tutors are still very active in the industry working alongside companies such as BBC and ITV, providing learners with up-to-date knowledge of filming practices and providing exciting links to industry. The course also has strong links with Futureworks.

All HE students receive termly one-to-one tutorials with their programme leader to support them with their progress on programme. You will also have access to an online tutorial programme which provides guidance on a wide range of topics such as mental health, managing finances, support for single parents, and working online. In addition, you can access a programme of workshops throughout the year to support with topics such as study skills, academic writing, and time management.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required, and a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed. All HE students have access to a designated progress coach who can also provide welfare support.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/study/higher-education

The college offers a very 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.

In 2020/21, 98% of HE students at Warrington & Vale Royal College successfully passed their programme of study.

In 2020/21, 98% of HE students said that they would recommend the college to a friend and 98% of HE students agreed that the quality of education was good.

You will typically have one of the following:

• A BTEC Level 3 or other Level 3 qualification in a related subject (64 UCAS points)
• A minimum of 2 A-Levels (A2) with one in a related subject at grade C or above (64 UCAS points)
• Access to HE with relevant options
• Appropriate relevant work experience – mature learners who have appropriate work experience in a related sector or role and/or have professional qualifications in a related industry are welcome to apply

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 is also recommended

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, before being recruited to the programme where 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

All HNC/HND programmes require the completion of a personal statement and curriculum-set task prior to an admissions interview being offered. Further information on this will be provided to applicants upon receipt of their application. Applicants 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://www.wvr.ac.uk/higher-education/higher-education-funding-support/

External trips and residential visits will require a contribution from the learner. 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.