T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

During your first year, you will cover the core elements of the media, broadcast, and production sectors. This is your chance to understand the industry from the ground up, including technical skills, creative techniques, and key industry principles. Some of the topics you will explore include:

• The media and broadcast industries: roles, structure, and technologies
• Understanding audiences and media products
• Creative and technical skills for production and post-production
• Laws, ethics, and regulation in media production
• Storytelling and narrative development across various platforms
• Emerging trends and technologies in media

In your second year, you will specialise in an occupational area, giving you the chance to develop expertise in a specific field, whether that's broadcasting, production, or another specialist role. You will dive deeper into the practical skills needed for your chosen pathway, working on real-world projects and gaining valuable industry insight.

T Levels are a relatively new qualification in England, introduced in 2020 for students aged 16 to 19. Equivalent to three A Levels, each T Level course lasts two years and combines 80% classroom learning with 20% practical, on-the-job experience through an industry placement lasting at least 315 hours (about 45 days). These vocational qualifications are designed in collaboration with employers to ensure the curriculum meets industry needs, providing students with the skills required for specific sectors. Assessment is through exams, coursework, and performance during the industry placement. T Levels are recognised by many universities and higher education institutions as equivalent to A Levels, offering a practical alternative to traditional academic routes.

Five GSCE passes at grade 4/C or above, preferably to include Maths and English or an equivalent vocational qualification at merit grade, and Functional Skills Maths and English, preferably at Level 2.

Students who have not yet achieved grade 4/C in GCSE Maths and English, will study Functional Skills or GCSE Maths and English as part of their course.

You should be creative, able to generate and develop new content ideas, and have strong communication abilities for pitching ideas and collaborating. Some technical skills in video production and editing software would be an advantage, but these skills will be covered on the programme.

T Level Technical Qualification in Media, Broadcast and Production

Completing this T Level opens doors to a range of opportunities. You might go straight into the media and broadcast industries in roles such as production assistant, broadcast technician, or junior content creator. Alternatively, you can pursue higher education, such as a degree in media production, journalism, or film studies, or enter a higher apprenticeship to continue developing your professional skills.

There are multiple parts to any T-Level qualification, the core component, the industry placement, and a few other requirements. Your assessment will be a mix of practical tasks, projects, and exams, allowing you to demonstrate both your technical knowledge and your ability to apply it on the job. The Employer Set Project (ESP) is designed to assess the knowledge and skills you have gained during the 'Core' element of your course. Developed in collaboration with industry employers, the ESP involves a series of tasks that reflect real-world scenarios and challenges relevant to the specific sector. Your occupational specialism will be assessed through a Practical Summative Assessment (PSA). The PSA is externally set and marked, focusing on the practical application of the skills and knowledge gained during the course, allowing you to demonstrate your competence in your chosen occupational specialism. The grades for the core are given in A*-E, similarly to A-Levels, while the occupational specialism is graded as pass, merit, or distinction, similarly to BTECs. These grades are then combined to give an overall grade.

Expect to spend 6 - 10 hours per week reviewing technical concepts covered in class and completing assignments that build on your practical and theoretical learning. This may include case studies, research on new technologies, and hands-on projects to apply your skills.

Industry placements are a fundamental part of T Levels, designed to give you practical experience in your chosen field. Each placement lasts a minimum of 315 hours, or roughly 45 days, spending 80% of your course in the classroom and 20% on placement. These placements are organised with employers who provide meaningful tasks and projects that reflect the normal requirements of the industry. The goal is for you to develop up-to-date knowledge and skills relevant to your T Level, enhancing your employability and readiness for the workplace.

All students are asked to contribute £15 towards the College Subscription Fund. You may also be offered the opportunity to visit location sites, exhibitions and shows. These may require you to pay entrance fees and coach costs. If you would benefit from purchasing textbooks or other subject-specific resources, the details of this will be discussed prior to enrolment.