Why should I study CTEC Digital Media?

The CTEC in Digital Media is a new and exciting course that puts the focus on the changing world of digital media. Equivalent to an A Level and worth the same UCAS points, it is designed to be practical with a focus on new and online media. It is modular in construct, meaning you have to pass five different modules on a variety of media related subjects in order to pass the course as a whole.

In this course, you will learn how meaning is created through a variety of media texts, from films to television, newspapers to video games.  We will look at the impact of social media on the world, for both media industries and media audiences.  You will get the opportunity to put what you have learnt into practice in two practical modules where you can create a variety of different media texts, from an advertising campaign to music video, film trailer, documentary or interactive website.

Studying this subject will enable you to:

• Develop your understanding of how different media intuitions operate in order to create products that will appeal to different audiences.
• Understand the preproduction process that the creative media industry follows when creating a product.
• Develop your knowledge of the production processes for producing a print-based / audio-visual / audio media product by creating a proposal, producing planning materials, creating original content and applying editing techniques.
• Understanding the processes involved in reporting news to plan, research and create your own news article.

Course Specification

In consultation with universities, employers and industry specialists, this course has been designed to make sure you will gain the right combination of knowledge, understanding and skills required for the 21st Century.

Unit 1 Media Products and Audiences

Whichever sector of the media you want to work or specialise in, all media institutions work to create products that meet the needs of specific target audiences. 

The aim of this unit is for you to develop your understanding of how different media institutions operate in order to create products that will appeal to specific target audiences. We will be looking at texts as diverse as ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Black Panther’ and examining newspapers, magazines and social media, as well as engaging in debates such as, “Do video games cause violent behaviour?”

Unit 2 Pre-Production and Planning

Pre-production and planning are key aspects of any media production, time spent well leading up to a production can save time and money. 

By completing this unit, you will understand the preproduction process that the creative media industry follows when creating a product. 

You will also learn how to carry out research in the planning stage of a media production and about the various acts of legislation that need to be considered. You will learn about the constraints that need to be considered when planning a new media production, including timescales and resources. You will understand how to create pre-production documents in relation to client requirements and how to plan projects to meet these needs.

Unit 3 Create a Media Product

Media products have a range of different purposes. Whether it is to advertise and promote a product or service, inform an audience of a cause or engage and entertain an audience. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the production processes for producing either a print-based, audio-visual or audio product.

Unit 20 Advertising Media

In completing this unit, you’ll understand advertising campaigns and how audio-visual, print-based or audio advertising media are used within them.

Unit 22 Scripting Media

In this module you will create your own script for a film, TV show, podcast or video game of your own creation.

Unit 24 Cross Media Awareness

You will research into how different media industries use the same brand, such as Harry Potter or Spiderman, to attract different audiences. You’ll plan an advertising campaign for a product or service, selecting the appropriate media platforms, and then constructing three of the adverts yourself.

Examining Board Information

Board: OCR

Course Code: 601/7259/9

Click the image on the right to download the full course specification.

Media Studied

Film
We study aspects of film and film-making, from genres such as horror, through to films like Get Out and It Follows, to editing and special effects such as green screen.

Video Games
We look at how video games appeal to different audiences, looking at games such as The Last of Us, Untitled Goose Game and Minecraft.

Music
We also study music videos and how the music industry creates stars, looking at artists such as Childish Gambino, Lana Del Rey and Harry Styles.

Television
We study various TV shows, focussing on their construction and how they appeal to different audiences, from Bluey  to The Last of Us and Stranger Things.

Social Media
We also look at how social media constructs reality for us through the way it mediates events and people and we discuss the impact it has on our behaviour.

Assessment Format

Unit 1: Media Products and Audiences

Written examination (2 hrs).  This paper is worth 25% of the overall marks for this qualification.

Unit 2: Pre-Production and Planning

Written examination (2 hrs).  This paper is worth 25% of the overall marks for this qualification.

Unit 3: Create a Media Product

Non-examined assessment / coursework module.  This module is worth 16.66% of the overall marks for this qualification.

Unit 20: Advertising Media

Non-examined assessment / coursework module. This module is worth 16.66% of the overall marks for this qualification.

Unit 22: Scripting for Media Products

Non examined assessment/coursework module worth 8.33% of the overall qualification.

Unit 24: Cross Media Awareness

Non examined assessment/coursework module worth 8.33% of overall qualification. 

Course Entry Requirements

At least five GCSE subjects at Grade 4 or above.

No previous knowledge of Digital Media or Media Studies is required.

 

Employability Skills

Employability Skills are essential skills, personal qualities and values that will enable you to thrive in any workplace. Along with good technical understanding and subject knowledge, employers often outline a set of skills that they want from an employee.

This course will help you to develop the following employability skills:

• Analytical skills
• Creative skills
• Literacy and language skills
• Managing time and resources
• Presentation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Teamwork skills
• Practical / Technical skills

Next Steps

Students can go on to take higher education courses, including Higher National Diplomas and degrees such as English, Journalism, Media production.

This course can lead to careers in the Media: Radio, Television, Advertising, Film, Editing and Production and has a strong relevance for careers in marketing or business.

 

10 Possible Careers

• Advertising
• Communications
• Digital Marketing
• Journalism
• Presenter
• Public Relations
• Researcher
• Scriptwriter
• Video Technician
• Web Design

Student Profile: Ben

Ben's subjects

CTEC Digital Media

A Level Design & Technology

A Level Film Studies

Young Enterprise

All the people around me – teachers and students – are helping me to reach my goals. The Aim Higher days have helped me to realise what happens in the outside world, which prepares me for my future and activities in lessons have enhanced my learning experience.