Creative Media - Level 1 Diploma (UAL)

This is an exciting and practical introduction to the world of media. Designed for students who are just starting out on their creative journey, this course helps you explore the wide range of skills and careers available in media production — including video, photography, sound, graphics, and digital storytelling.

You’ll work on hands-on projects that build your confidence, creativity and communication skills, using professional tools and equipment in a supportive learning environment. Whether you’re interested in making videos, designing posters, taking photos, or creating digital content, this course gives you the opportunity to try it all.

This course is designed to help you explore your creativity and build practical skills through media-based projects, with a strong focus on storytelling, digital tools, photography, video and sound. You’ll experiment with different techniques while developing your confidence and preparing for further study in media production.

You’ll complete a series of engaging and hands-on units:

• Unit 1: Introduction to Materials, Processes and Skills in Art, Design and Media: Explore the tools, materials and equipment used in media production — including cameras, tripods, lighting, audio recorders, and editing software — through short, guided experiments and tasks.
• Unit 2: Introduction to Contextual Research in Art, Design and Media: Learn how to research artists, designers, filmmakers and media producers. Use this research to inform your own creative media work and understand how media connects to culture and audience.
• Unit 3: Introduction to Communication Skills in Art, Design and Media: Build your ability to communicate your ideas visually and verbally. You’ll use storyboards, mind maps, and presentations to plan and share your media concepts.
• Unit 4: Solving Creative Problems in Art, Design and Media: Develop creative thinking skills by responding to mini-media briefs. You’ll explore how to take risks, experiment and come up with original solutions through digital storytelling, photography, or sound-based work.
• Unit 5: Exploring and Developing Art, Design and Media Skills: Take your skills further by combining different media processes to create more developed work. This might include short video edits, posters with photography, or multimedia presentations.
• Unit 6: Building a Personal Portfolio in Art, Design and Media: Start curating your best work into a digital or physical portfolio. You’ll reflect on your development and showcase your technical and creative skills across your media projects.
• Unit 7: Personal Project in Art, Design and Media: Bring everything together in a final media-based project of your own choice. You’ll plan, research, and produce a finished piece of media, such as a short film, a podcast episode, a social media campaign or a photo essay, showing what you’ve learned across the course.

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 2 or above

All applicants must have an initial assessment and interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

The UAL Level 1 Diploma in Creative Media is entirely coursework-based, with no formal exams. You will be assessed through a combination of practical projects, written reflections, and creative development work across all seven units.

You will build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your progress and achievements.

This course is designed to help students build confidence, develop creative and technical skills, and prepare for progression into further education. Upon successful completion of the UAL Level 1 Diploma in Creative Media learners are well prepared to move on to a Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media or a related subject such as Art & Design, IT, Performing Arts, or Digital Skills.

The course provides a strong foundation in photography, video, sound, design and research skills, giving students the experience they need to decide which creative path is right for them. Students also develop transferable skills that are essential for success in education and employment, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.

For learners who wish to eventually work in the creative industries — such as film, TV, journalism, social media, design, gaming, or marketing — this course is a great first step. It helps students understand how the media industry works, explore their interests, and gain confidence using professional tools and processes.

This course opens the door to a wide range of opportunities for personal and creative growth, supporting students on their journey to Level 2 and beyond.