Access to HE Diploma (Creative Industries)

Key Facts

Level:
Level 3
Subject Sector:
9.2 Crafts, Creative Arts and Design
Credits:
60
Qualification No:
QAAQ003537
Price:
View price list
Age Range:
19+
QAA aim code:
40012657

Qualification Summary

The Diploma provides learners with a wide choice of units to support progression into Creative Industries degree programmes. The mandatory group of units ensures that learners have a good understanding of themes relevant to Creative Industries including key topics in The Creative Media Industry. Learners can choose from a variety of optional units linked to Creative Industries.
In addition to the graded units, learners must choose from a selection of mandatory and optional ungraded units to support underpinning skills for work within the sector and for further academic study.

Learners must achieve a total of 60 credits, of which 45 credits must be achieved at level 3 from graded units which are concerned with academic subject content and the remaining 15 credits must be achieved at level 3 from units which are ungraded. All learners must register for at least one 6-credit or one 9-credit unit as part of their programme of study; this can be a graded or ungraded unit. The maximum number of credits that can be made up from 6-credit or 9-credit units is 30 credits; this can be from graded and ungraded 6-credit and 9-credit units.

Why choose this qualification?

This Access to HE Diploma has been fully reviewed and revalidated for the 2024-25 academic year. Updated teaching and learning support materials are also available to Gateway Qualifications recognised centres.

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is an academic qualification that is designed to prepare learners for study at degree level. The diploma is designed to give the learner the relevant academic subject knowledge and underpinning study skills required to progress onto a relevant degree programme.

As an Access Validating Agency (AVA), all of our Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas are compliant with Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulations.

Units

Graded Academic Subject Content Units

Learners must complete 45 credits from the Mandatory Units: Graded Academic Subject Content, Optional Units: Research Graded Academic Subject Content and Optional Units: Graded Academic Subject Content groups.

Mandatory Units: Graded Academic Subject Content

Learners must complete 3 credits from the mandatory graded units.

The Creative Media Industry

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035319
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Optional Units: Research Graded Academic Subject Content

Learners must complete 6 credits from this group.

Final Major Project for Performing Arts

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035228
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Research and Creative Development

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035286
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Visual Research for Creative Industries

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035345
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Optional Units: Graded Academic Subject Content

Learners must achieve 36 credits across the optional graded unit groups. Only two 6 credit units may be taken from this group.

3D Design

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035188
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Choreograph Dance

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035196
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Costume Design: Development

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035200
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Developing Contemporary Dance Techniques

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035204
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Digital Sound and Video Capture

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035214
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Event Management

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035220
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Exploring Different Journalistic Genres

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035224
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Film Editing

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035226
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Graphics and Animation

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035240
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Interpret Designs for Sets and Props

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035244
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Introduction to News Journalism

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035250
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Local News Journalism

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035254
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Multimedia Practice

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035262
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Music Performance Skills

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035264
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Operating Lighting for a Live Performance

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035266
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Performing Arts in the Community

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035268
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Produce copy for Digital Media Communication

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035272
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Radio Journalism

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035274
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Radio Production

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035276
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Remixing and Reworking Music

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035278
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Script Writing

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035300
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Self Promotion and Contracts

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035302
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Sound Effect Techniques

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035310
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Source Costumes, Materials and Equipment for a Performance

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035312
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Stage Management

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035314
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Studio Recording Techniques

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035317
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The Design Process

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035112
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Using Context to Adapt Performance

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035337
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Video Pre-Production

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035341
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Visual Studies

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035146
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Writing for Magazines

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035349
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Ungraded Units

Learners must achieve 6 credits from this group.

Mandatory Units: Ungraded

Learners must achieve 9 credits from this group.

Preparation for Higher Education

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034710
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Study Skills for the Creative Arts

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035365
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Optional Units: Ungraded

Learners must complete 9 credits from this group

Academic Reading Skills

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035351
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Academic Writing Skills

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034692
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Craft Tools, Equipment, Materials and Techniques

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035353
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Developing Professional Attributes

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034702
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Introduction to 3D

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035162
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Mathematics - Calculations

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034706
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Presentation Skills

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034712
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Presenting Information Using ICT

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034714
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Professional Interpersonal Behaviours

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034718
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Promoting Wellbeing and Building Resilience

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034720
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References and Reliability of Sources

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034722
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Speaking and Listening Skills

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035363
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Study Skills for Higher Education

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034730
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Sustainability Project

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034732
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The Fundamentals of Environmental Sustainability

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034734
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Writing Reports

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034736
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Intended learner groups

a) Adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances may have achieved few, if any, prior qualifications and wish to progress to HE
b) Adults who have gone straight into industry (perhaps following apprenticeship routes) who wish to progress to HE.
c) To provide preparation for study in UK HEIs.

How this diploma meets learners' needs

The Diploma will provide them with underpinning skills to support academic study and provide a level 3 qualification linked to their proposed HE study. A broad range of knowledge will be acquired which support an understanding of creative industries’ topics including practical, creativity-based units, technical units and those linked to different aspects of media, this will ensure that the learner is fully prepared for progression onto the relevant degrees.

What this diploma covers

The units include a balance of units which allow the learners to keep their options open until they have fully decided on their preferred route at degree level. The ungraded units have been chosen to support both progression into higher education and also to allow the learners to develop skills relevant to the subject area.

Delivery methods

Face to face
Blended learning
Online

Work placements would also be beneficial to widen opportunities.

Throughout the diploma, learners should research the work of other artists/ /specialists in the medium as a way of underpinning knowledge and to use as a means of developing own style.

Assessment Methods
Essays, projects, presentations, self-evaluation, sketchbooks, artefacts, portfolio of evidence, report, creation of scripts, articles, production diary, worksheets, promotional campaign, recording campaign

Successful completion criteria

Learners will probably require a pass in maths and English at GCSE level or a Functional Skills qualification in English and Maths to progress onto a degree course.

Progression routes

• BA (Hons) Animation
• BSc (Hons) Creative Computing
• BSc (Hons) Digital Television Technology
• BA (Hons) Digital Photography
• BA (Hons) Graphic Design
• BA (Hons) Acting
• BA (Hons) Dance and Professional Practice
• BA (Hons) Film and Television Production
• BA (Hons) Media Performance for Film, TV and Theatre
• BA (Hons) Music Technology
• Filmmaking BA (Hons)
• Photography, Video and Digital Imaging BA (Hons)
• BA (Hons) Business of the Creative Industries
• BA (Hons) Journalism and Media Production

Provider approval criteria

Depending on the choice of unit, centres will require access to relevant software, hardware and technical equipment as well as facilities for productions of films and performance.

Funding information

There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.

The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:

View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website

The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).

View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search

How to find a learning aim

If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:

How to Use: Find a learning Aim

We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.

This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.

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