CTEC Digital Media

Examination Board: OCR

This is a new course and results will be published in due course.

The Digital Media qualification equips students with a broad and practical understanding of the media landscape. Key areas of study include: 

• Advertising and distribution strategies across both traditional and digital platforms 

• How media language and production techniques shape meaning in media products 

• Audience profiling and targeting using demographic and psychographic tools 

• Legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks, including the role of regulators and intellectual property rights 

• Interpreting client briefs and analysing target audiences using tools like SWOT analysis and mood boards 

• Project planning methods including production schedules, call sheets, and resource management 

• Creation of industry-standard pre-production documents such as scripts, storyboards, risk assessments, and wireframes 

 

The Digital Media qualification requires students to develop a knowledge and understanding of: 

• Advertising and distribution methods across traditional and digital platforms 

• How meaning is created in media products through production techniques and media language 

• Audience categorisation and targeting using demographic and psychographic profiling 

• Legal, ethical and regulatory issues affecting media products, including the role of regulators and intellectual property rights 

• Client brief interpretation and target audience analysis using tools such as SWOT analysis and mood boards 

• Project planning techniques including production schedules, call sheets, and resource allocation 

• Creation of industry-standard pre-production documents such as scripts, storyboards, risk assessments, and wireframes 

Skills 

This course offers a hands-on, vocational alternative to traditional A Level Media, ideal for students who thrive in creative and practical environments. Through project-based assignments and real-world scenarios, you’ll build a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and technical skills across a range of media formats. 

You’ll gain experience in planning, producing, and evaluating media products, while developing contemporary skills that are highly valued in the creative industries. The course also supports the development of a professional portfolio—an excellent asset for university applications, apprenticeships, or direct entry into employment. 

Through this course you will develop your: 

• Creativity 

• Practical media skills e.g. camera operation, film and photo editing 

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: approaching problems by applying creative solutions and using technology 

• Interpersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-managing, adapting and showing resilience, and self-monitoring and development. 

Assessment 

Students take between five and seven units, two are written examinations and the remainder are assessed through practical coursework. 

The units with written examinations are: 

Unit 1: Media Products and Audiences 

• Duration: 2 hours 

• Format: Short, medium, and extended response questions based on a range of media products 

Unit 2: Pre-production and Planning 

• Duration: 2 hours 

• Format: Case study-based exam requiring analysis and creation of two pre-production documents 

Course Entry Requirements & Guidelines 

Whilst the previous study of Digital iMedia is not a compulsory requirement, it is recommended. We expect a minimum grade of 6 in GCSE English Language. 

Career options include roles such as content creator, social media manager, digital marketer, production assistant, broadcast journalist, or even launching your own media venture.

The skills you develop are also highly transferable to sectors like business, education, and technology.