Media and Film – Level 2 | Carlisle College Media Course

More about the course

Are you creative with a passion for media and filmmaking and looking for an opportunity to progress in the subject?

This UAL Creative Media Production course provides an opportunity for those who have an interest in filmmaking and photography to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating and demanding and provides a supportive transition from general to more specialised study.

You won’t just learn the skills to pass the course, you will also learn creativity, storytelling, communication, leadership, empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to rapidly learn new skills.

This flexible course allows you to learn how to experiment, embrace failure as part of the creative progress, learn what you are passionate about, and develop that in a direction of your choosing. You will develop the essential soft skills that will help in any career you choose, such as team working skills, leadership, communication and public speaking.

On this course, most of the work is through independent research (supported by your tutor), practical experimentation and self-evaluation.

You will be taught by highly experienced and qualified tutors who have all worked within the media industry. There will also be opportunities to work on music or performing arts shows, as well as with external clients.

New Photography Pathway (From September)

From September, our Level 2 Media course will introduce an exciting Photography Pathway, giving learners greater choice in how they develop their creative skills.

Filmmaking will remain a core part of the course, with learners continuing to explore camera work, storytelling and production techniques. However, for most projects, students will now be able to choose between film‑based briefs or photography‑based briefs, depending on their interests.

This new pathway is designed for learners who want to focus more on photography, while still being part of the Level 2 Media course.

A small number of projects will remain strictly film‑based to ensure all learners gain essential media production experience.

Importantly, learners can try the photography pathway for a project and return to film later if they wish. There are no changes to the course title, qualification, or teaching groups, and all work is assessed using the same grading criteria.

This flexible approach allows learners to explore their strengths, build confidence, and develop a portfolio that reflects their creative interests.

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above, including English and Maths

Scottish equivalent

3 National 5s at grade D or above including English and Maths/Applications of Maths

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

On successful completion of this course you will achieve a Level 2 UAL Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology.

What will I learn?

Introduction creative media methods and skills
Introduction to production techniques in creative media
Understanding an audience in creative media production
Contextual research for creative media production
Exploring audio production and technology
Exploring visual production and technology
Personal project and presentation in creative media production

How is the course taught?

Lectures
Practical workshops
Independent learning
One-to-one tutorials
Self-directed projects

How am I assessed?

Research
Planning
Presentation
Online blogs
Practical assessment

Work experience opportunities

We regularly host guest lecture talks with visiting speakers. In addition to this, we also provide you with an opportunity to undertake weekly work experience lessons and help you secure placements and live briefs with local businesses.

English and Maths

English and maths skills are vital in media. From conducting research and developing stories, to using measurements and percentages to set up digital projects to the correct size and resolution. We embed these into your course to ensure you have every opportunity to enhance your skills.

If you have not yet achieved a grade 4 GCSE in English and/or maths, we will support you to achieve these as part of your programme.

Where can I progress?

On successful completion of this course, you can progress onto the Level 3 Diploma in Film Production, a different Level 3 course, or if you are over the age of 18, you can move onto full-time employment.

Course Costs

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.

Darren Horne

Film Production Tutor

Darren is an award-winning filmmaker and author, who has a range of experiences, from managing an independent cinema, to owning a mixed martial arts studio. His current side project is co-host of the film podcast Movies in a Nutshell. Whilst his passion is film, he has become far more interested in the power of storytelling as a tool for influence, leadership, and wellbeing. He believes art is magic, and that manipulating words, symbols, sounds, and images, makes artists modern day illusionists, alchemists, and magicians. Unsurprisingly, with this power comes great responsibility. As artists we can impact society, the eco system around us, and even people’s consciousness. He has studied leadership at post graduate level at University of Queensland, and M.I.T, has a Masters Degree in Media Futures from UCLAN, and a 1st Class Honours Degree in Photo media and Design Communication from University of Plymouth.

Peadar Sweeney

Level 3 Film Tutor

With over 15 years of experience in the film industry, I am a seasoned producer and lecturer. I run Eden Film with my wife Deborah, a production company known for producing award-winning short films for both the private and public sectors. As a film lecturer in further education, I share my knowledge and passion for the art of filmmaking with students. I bring a wealth of experience to every project, having produced work for clients ranging from private corporations to public organizations. My expertise in camera and lighting techniques, as well as cross-platform editing, allows me to create high-quality films that meet the needs of a diverse range of clients. I have an in-depth understanding of the Adobe Creative Suite, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro X, ensuring that every project I produce is polished and professional. With a talent for bringing together a team of talented freelancers, I have a proven track record of delivering results. Whether I'm producing a film for a private corporation or a public organization, I always strive to tell meaningful stories and create visually stunning films. I am always seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow as a filmmaker. Let's connect and see how we can work together

Alex Herring

Course Leader and Lecturer in Film Production

I’ve been working in Further Education since 2021, beginning as a Technician at Carlisle College. This role led to my progression to Instructor and Technician, where I trained for staff and student inductions in my main area of study: technical media and knowledge application, before becoming a full time Media lecturer in 2025. As a self-employed filmmaker based in Cumbria, I’ve worked with local and national companies as well as independent and district schools to produce promotional films, documentaries and educational videos for online classes and post-production services. I regularly use software such as DaVinci Resolve Studio, Fusion Studio, Apple Creator Studio, Affinity Studio and Adobe Creative Cloud, and apply my knowledge to impact and develop student learning. This includes making them aware of industry standards, workflows and the latest developments within the industry. My qualifications include a PGCE, a Degree in Film and Television and a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology. I also hold certificates in DaVinci Resolve Studio, including ‘Advanced Editing Certified End User’ and ‘Colour Correction Certified End User, along with a TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Self-harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention.

Call us: 01228 822 700

Email us: info@carlisle.ac.uk

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4 March 2026

Carlisle College Creative Students Explore Sustainability Through Film and Fashion

Students from Carlisle College’s Film and Art courses are exploring sustainability. Level 2 Film Production students are developing campaigns linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while Level 1 Art students are reimagining garments through deconstruction for an exhibition at Rheged.

28 October 2025

Carlisle College Film Production Alumni Wins TWO awards at Steel to Reel Film Festival

Carlisle College alumna, Ava Dickinson, has achieved outstanding success at this year’s Steel to Reel Awards in Bolton, Manchester - taking home two major titles: Best Editing and Best Overall Film.

26 January 2024

10th Annual Skills Fair Attended by 450+ Students

The 10th Annual Skills Fair was attended by a record number of exhibitors, and Carlisle College played host to the day with 75+ stands.

Your courses

Media and Film – Level 2

Start Date: 1st September 2026

Qualification Gained