Potential Earnings
£53,131.01
Key details
- Student type
- Courses for 19+ students
- Course type
-
Full-time Further Education course
- Course level
-
Level 3
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1st September 2026
- Location
- City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
- Course code
- Parent course code:C000302 Child course code: Q001830
Course introduction
This course is perfect if you are aged 19+ and want the skills and insight necessary for a career in the exciting world of still/moving image creation, traditional and film journalism, podcasting and content creation using digital technology.
The course will explore a range of media subjects to offer you the chance to develop your skills and knowledge ready for your next step whether that be study or work.
You will learn about:
- Online content creation
- Graphics
- Journalism and film journalism
- Studio and location photography for commercial or artistic use
- Pod casting
- Documentary/film making
To help develop your portfolio for future study or work you will have the opportunity to work on live client briefs to further your work experience for industry.
You will have access to a personal tutor who will have regular 1:1 meetings with you to discuss progress and support your learning.
You’ll have access to our state of the art photography studios, TV studio and audio spaces for developing your projects as well as computer suites with the latest Adobe software.
You can expect to develop your creative writing and journalism skills and expand your computer software knowledge including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere and InDesign.
You will be able to develop your understanding of film and photography by working through projects which will allow you to explore technology such as using a broadcast studio, professional photography studios and drones.
The course culminates in a final major project with the option to showcase your talent in a public exhibition.
Course information
1 year
CAVA Access to HE Diploma: Creative Industries
You must be aged 19 or over to apply for this course.
As the majority of our Access students are returning to learning as adults, we consider a range of experience when accepting students onto an Access programme. All students will be assessed to see what level they are learning at, particularly the level of English and maths skills, as these will be key to success whilst on a programme at Nottingham College. Your experience and level of study will be assessed at interview and this will determine your offer of a place at College.
You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 –4 (A*–C) including English and Maths (equivalents may be considered), or Level 2 BTEC Diploma in related area at Merit. A GCSE in English and Maths is preferable, but Functional Skills may be acceptable instead. You’ll be asked to showcase a portfolio of work or demonstrate a passion for a particular subject area.
It is not possible to study both GCSE English and Maths on this course.
Assessment will be through several project briefs that will explore the theory and practical knowledge application delivered in lessons to create outcomes such as podcasts, film/documentary, vlogging, journalistic writing and photography.
You may look to continue studying in a variety of media-based subjects at degree-level in:
- Journalism
- TV and Film
- Media Production
- Photography
- Digital Marketing
- Creative Writing
- Media
You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of your Access to HE course. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks.
If you progress on to degree level study and complete a full degree, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe. This means you do not have to repay it.
You may be able to study this course for free if you are aged 19-23 and planning to study towards your first full Level 2 or first full Level 3.
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.
Careers related to this course
Select career:
Newspaper and Periodical Broadcast Journalists and Reporters
Average Earnings
£29,212.56
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Pathways
Media, Publishing and Information Services
People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.
Skills
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
Related courses
Access to Higher Education: Business (19+) - Full-time
Course Areas:
Access to Higher Education and EmploymentBusiness and Accounts
Student Type:
Courses for 19+ students
Course Type:
Full-time Further Education course
Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Art and Design Route) (19+) - Full-time
Course Areas:
Access to Higher Education and EmploymentArt and Design
Student Type:
Courses for 19+ students
Course Type:
Full-time Further Education course
Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Computer Games Production Route) (19+) - Full-time
Course Areas:
Access to Higher Education and EmploymentMedia, Digital and Photography
Student Type:
Courses for 19+ students
Course Type:
Full-time Further Education course
