OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Digital Media

Course Overview

The OCR Level 3 Digital Media course develops students’ creative, technical and analytical skills through the study and production of media content. Students explore how media organisations operate, how products target different audiences, and how ideas develop from an initial brief into a finished product. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A level.

Through practical projects, students create original media products, develop advertising campaigns and pitch their ideas. They also build a personal media profile to showcase their work and achievements. The course encourages creativity, independent thinking and effective communication, helping students prepare for further study, apprenticeships and careers in media production, advertising and digital content creation.

How is the course assessed?

Students complete six units, assessed through a combination of written examinations and practical coursework. The chosen units provide an equal balance of 50% examination and 50% coursework. Coursework is marked by teachers and externally moderated by OCR.

Externally assessed units - Total of 50%

Each unit is assessed through a two-hour written examination, worth 25% of the qualification.

  • Unit 1: Media products and audiences
    Students investigate how media organisations create, advertise and distribute their products. They explore how meaning is communicated, how audiences are researched and targeted, and the legal, ethical and regulatory issues affecting the industry.

  • Unit 2: Pre-production and planning
    Students learn how to plan media productions, interpret client briefs and manage resources, budgets and timescales. They develop an understanding of planning documents, including storyboards, scripts and production schedules.

Internally assessed units — Total of 50%

  • Unit 3: Create a media product
    Students plan, produce and edit an original media product in response to a client brief, developing practical production and editing skills.

  • Unit 20: Advertising media
    Students analyse existing advertising campaigns before planning their own campaign and creating advertising materials for a specific product or service and target audience.

  • Unit 21: Plan and deliver a pitch for a media product
    Students develop an original idea, prepare a proposal and deliver a persuasive pitch, using feedback to refine their plans.

  • Unit 23: Create a personal media profile
    Students select, adapt and present their creative work in a professional portfolio that showcases their skills to prospective employers or higher education providers.

Final qualification grades are awarded at Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* based on the combined points achieved across the six units and the qualification’s minimum achievement requirements.

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