Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 2 Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements | 4 GCSEs at Grades 3 or above, (to include Mathematics or English at the minimum of Grade 4) or evidence of relevant work experience. You will be asked to attend an interview and complete a project prior to starting the course as part of the entry requirements. Please bring any filming projects you have done for your interview. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Work experience opportunities. |
Is it for me?
This vocational focused course gives you an introduction to the world of film and television. You'll learn the basic aspects of video and audio production, animation techniques and broaden your understanding of the creative media sector.
You'll work on several exciting projects which will incorporate all the skills you need to gain both a practical application and a realistic experience of the film and television industry.
After the successful completion of this course, you may be able to progress on to the Level 3 Media & Film Production Diploma or Level 3 Social Media and Journalism course.
You will have access to high-end Apple Mac suites, high-definition cameras, and other production resources while being taught by experienced tutors who will support you while you develop your productions. You'll be encouraged to work in groups, learning about the different roles and responsibilities of crew members within a production.
What you'll learn
You will learn about each stage of a film production, covering a range of topics like editing, camera, lighting, and audio techniques. You'll have the opportunity to experiment with techniques and equipment ensuring you can achieve the best production level possible.
You will also be taught how to analyse films from both a structural and visual point of view and conduct research to ensure you understand your audiences. You will be encouraged to regularly reflect and analyse your work to help develop your projects and build problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
You'll design and develop your own web site to showcase your process and coursework – and this will be used as your portfolio.
Equipment required for the course
- External SSD hard drive (1 TB min)
- Memory card - class 10
- Headphones
- Total approximate cost of £150
Work experience placements
You will be required to undertake a range of work experience while completing the course to help give you the opportunity to make connections and learn more about the industry.
Assessment
Throughout the course you will be assessed in a variety of ways with a lot of emphasis on the practical work, supported by research and evaluation. Assignments are industry focussed and relevant - we don't ask you to do anything which doesn't develop the necessary skills to be successful within the industry.
You final graded project may be anything from making a documentary to a short film - it's an opportunity for you to play to your strengths and prepare you fully for Level 3.
Further study
- Media and Film Production Level 3 Extended Diploma
- Social Media and Journalism Level 3 Extended Diploma
Example careers
- Producer
- Director
- Casting Director
- Set Runner
- Camera Operator
- Journalist
- Correspondent
- Social Media Producer
- Sound Editor
- Grip Crew Supervisor
- Video Editor
- Special Effects Supervisor
- CGI Animator
- Cinematographer
- Location Manager
- Lighting Director
Days & times
Starting September 2025