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About the course
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The Creative Digital Media course (formerly Digital Media Arts) provides a broad base of digital creative skills as a foundation for work in the Creative Industries. It is a dynamic course tailored to the varied interests and skills of different student groups, achieved through strong general creative and digital media skills-building in year 1 and specialised optional units in year 2.
The course is based at Wiltshire College's state-of-the-art Skillset Interactive Media Centre in Chippenham so you gain extensive experience in using a wide range of TV, video, audio and animation production equipment and software. Commercial contacts interact with the course to ensure students are as prepared for the 'real world' as possible.
The first year covers areas such as creative software and hardware, pre-production planning and design, writing and story development and video production, as well as general media studies and preparing for work.
In the second year all students will study common modules on experimental and multimedia production, professional team work, business and professional practices and work based learning. In addition, a varied set of optional units is on offer, covering video production, graphics design, 3D modeling and animation, corporate and event video production, as well as sound design and advanced editing & motion graphics.
We use the Adobe Creative Suite software as well as the leading 3D software 3dsMax. For editing video and special effects we use Apple Final Cut Studio and Adobe Premiere & After Effects. We use DVD Studio Pro and Adobe Encore to create fully interactive DVD and Blu-ray content.
The course is aimed at students who are looking for a career in the media industry, in any aspect of film or video production, multimedia or graphics design, and the creative processes used in production. There will be a focus for some students on aspects of production management and its integration of budgetary and managerial skills with the process of project management.
Access to industry-standard computer software and media production hardware is provided. You will be expected to contribute to group visits to exhibitions and site production projects. Various materials will be required, including sketch-books and notepads, portable hard disk storage, and specialist (photo and colour) printing credit.
Find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
facebook.com/bathmedia • twitter.com/bathmedia • youtube.com/bathmedia
 This course is run in conjunction with the University of Bath. To learn more about them, click here.
This information is published for the guidance of students who wish to enter a University of Bath programme. The information in this publication is correct at the time of going to press, but all matters contained in the publication are subject to change from time to time, both before and after a candidate's admission. The University of Bath may, at its discretion and for any reason, alter or not offer courses or parts of courses.
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Year 1 modules
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- Introduction to HE Study Skills
6 ECTS Semester 1
Transferable skills in research and academic writing.
- Application of HE Study Skills to the Workplace
6 ECTS Semester 2
Transferable skills in research and academic writing.
- Creative Media Technologies 1
3 ECTS Semester 1
Hardware
- Creative Media Technologies 2
3 ECTS Semester 2
Software
- Digital Graphics and Interactive Media
6 ECTS Semesters 1 and 2
Introduction to graphics design, typography, image manipulation and interactive media design
- Production Techniques 1
6 ECTS Semester 1
Single camera production techniques, cinematography & lighting, editing theory
- Production Techniques 2
6 ECTS Semester 2
Multiple camera production techniques, studio lighting techniques, editing theory
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Year 2 modules
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Mandatory Units in Year 2
- Work-based Learning 1
6 ECTS Semesters 1 and 2
Transferable skills in media/multimedia employment
- Creative Media Studies
6 ECTS Semesters 1 and 2
Sociology, History and Aesthetics of Creative Media
- Creative Writing 1
6 ECTS Semester 1
Analysis of writing across different media
- Creative Writing 2
6 ECTS Semester 2
Script Development
- Multi-platform Production 1 and 2
6 ECTS each Semester 3 and 4
Exploring the 360° model of production, incorporating video, graphics and interactive media. This can include web, print, mobile apps and traditional interactive displays.
Plus one optional unit from below. |
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Final Year
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Mandatory Units in Year 3
- Developing Professional Skills
6 ECTS Semester 3
Transferable skills in multimedia/media employment.
- Introduction to Research Methods
6 ECTS Semester 4
Transferable skills in research and academic writing.
- Workbased Learning 2
6 ECTS Semesters 3 and 4
Transferable skills in multimedia/media employment.
- Experimental Production
6 ECTS Semester 3
Exploring new aesthetics and techniques of media production, including the latest methods of viral and social marketing, stereoscopic 3D video, pervasive media and augmented reality.
- Business and Professional Practice
6 ECTS Semester 3
Learning how to cope with the demands of the taxman and other legal and important issues.
Plus 2 optional units.
Specialist Optional Units
Students select 1 unit in year 2 and 2 units in year 3, subject to combination restrictions.
- 3D Modelling and Animation
6 ECTS Semester 3 and 4
Modelling and animation techniques using industry standard 3D software (currently 3dsMax and Adobe AfterEffects)
Using 3D Animation skills for creating digital entertainment and information media.
Creating, editing and compositing video productions for wide ranging media.
- Further Digital Graphics
6 ECTS Semester 3 and 4
More advanced image manipulation, graphics design and typography.
- Corporate and Event Video Production
6 ECTS Semester 3 and 4
Video production (e.g. corporate information films, wedding videos) and graphics design for DVD & online publishing Video Production
6 ECTS Semester 3 and 4
Fiction and factual video production, including in-depth study of the genres.
- Cinematography and Lighting
6 ECTS Semester 3 and 4
Analysis and practical application of cinematography.
- Sound Design
6 ECTS Semester 3 and 4
Analysis and practical application of sound design.
- Advanced Editing and Motion Graphics
6 ECTS Semester 3 and 4
Analysis and practical application of non-linear editing and advanced motion graphics & compositing.
- Advanced Digital Film and Broadcast Technologies
6 ECTS Semester 3 and 4
More detailed knowledge and understanding of technologies (eg acquisition formats, codecs, transmission standards, etc.)
- Music Production for Media
6 ECTS Semester 3 and 4
Analysis and composition/creation of music for media. Understanding the music commissioning process in the media.
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Career prospects and opportunities
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Preparing students for work after higher education is an important element of all Foundation Degrees, and this is achieved on this course by a mixture of work experience and ‘live’ project briefs for real-world clients. Working to professional standards and ‘industrial type’ project deadlines form a major component of the course.
The course covers a broad range of the creative industries, along with opportunities to experience the latest industry practices, new and upcoming roles in the industry, and a general sense of the creative workflow.
Many of our students are now working in the media and multimedia industries, including Multimedia, Video and TV Production, Graphics, Interactive, Corporate Media Production, 3D Animation, Broadcast Journalism, Games, Film Production and Web Design/Development.
Loulou completed the Multimedia pathway and now works as a Multimedia Designer for Inspecs. She produces promotional material for the company, who market design specs using photography, video and interactive cds for exhibitions.
Rachael completed the Media Production Moving Image course and now works with Aardman Animation in Bristol. She started in an administrative role but was quickly promoted to Production Assistant working on live animation sets.
Simon is a director of Aerian.com - a flourishing multimedia company with successes in a wide range of production projects including web development, video effects and interactive cd. Simon has an interest in photography and is highly skilled in 3D animation - both of which he exploits in commercial contracts.
The Foundation Degree in Creative Digital Media is equivalent first two years of a BA (Hons) degree. On successful completion of the the two years you are awarded an FdA.
Successful completion with an average mark of 55% qualifies you for progression to the University of Bath's top-up degree BA (Hons) programme (and at other HE institutions). |
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Assessment Methods
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Assessment is through evaluated practical projects and written assignments. Students are assessed on technical, organisational, creative and production skills. There is a strong emphasis on team work and presentation skills, to reflect industry practice. |
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Tutorial
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As a student on a higher education course at Wiltshire College you will have a tutor with whom you can discuss your academic progress. Students will meet with their tutor as a group frequently, with one-to-one personal tutorials at least twice a year, but usually far more regularly. This helps ensure you make good progress towards your qualification, and lets you discuss issues relating to your academic performance. |
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Entry requirements
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Applications are welcomed from candidates:
BTEC Extended Diplomas (suite of qualifications known as Nationals on the QCF Framework) in the following areas:
- IT, Media or Business related subjects - MPP Profile
BTEC Nationals (NQF Framework) in the following related areas:
- IT, Media or Business related subjects - MPP Profile
BTEC Diploma (Old National Certificate - QCF Framework)
- IT, Media or business related subjects - MM Profile
A’ levels
Applicants must be studying a minimum of 2 full A' Levels achieveing an overall profile of CC including a grade C in a related subject area eg: Graphics Design, Media Studies, Photography and ICT.
NVQ and other L3 Qualifications (in IT, Media, Business or a related subject area)
Candidates must PASS the qualification and undertake the University's AP(E)L process which will require the submission of a written academic piece of work.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Pass of 60 credits with minimum of 45 at L3)
Must have Level 2 English (either included or extra)
Advanced Level Apprenticeships
As part of the WVLLN progression agreement, candidates with an Advanced Level Apprenticeship in IT, Media, Business or related subject area (gained within the last 5 years) are guaranteed an interview for this programme to having the appropriate professional experience.
Level 2 English
All applicants will normally also require passes (at grade C or above) in English or their level 2 equivalents.
Non UK based qualifications
Students applying with non-UK based qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants with full Level 3 qualifications but not in a related subject area
Students with full Level 3 qualifications but not in a related subject area must have a minimum of two years relevant work experience. If candidates are able to demonstrate that they have developed the necessary skills to succeed on the course can apply through the University's AP(E)L procedures.
Applicants without formal academic qualifications
Students without formal qualifications but who have a minimum of two years relevant work experience and are able to demonstrate that they have developed the necessary skills to succeed on the course can apply through the University's AP(E)L procedures.
English Language Requirements
Where English is not the applicant’s first language an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no section lower than 5.5) or equivalent qualification, will normally be required. |
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Bursaries
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How to apply
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Contact our HE Admissions Office for further advice and guidance.
Please contact the Higher Education Admissions Office on 01249 466806 or HEAdmissions@wiltshire.ac.uk to request an application form. |
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Interview
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We look for students who have an aptitude and enthusiasm for media arts in general and particularly in either creating compelling digital content or video and TV production. We therefore like to interview some students and you will need to bring a portfolio of previous achievement that indicates this commitment. Students on the course have backgrounds that are creative or technical, or a mixture of both. |
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Visiting Wiltshire College
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| Please see our website for details of Information & Advice events : www.wiltshire.ac.uk/calendar/ |
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For further information
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or to make contact with an admissions tutor, please email us on
HEAdmissions@wiltshire.ac.uk |
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