How you’d get it
How you’d get this certificate
- Zavmo teaches you. You learn the units one-to-one with an AI tutor, on your own work.
- You register with an approved centre. That is a college, training provider or employer Pearson Education Ltd has approved to offer this qualification. Zavmo is not an approved centre, so you register with them, not with us.
- The centre assesses, and Pearson Education Ltd awards. A qualified assessor at the centre judges your evidence, and the certificate comes from Pearson Education Ltd.
01What it is
BTEC Nationals are level 3 vocational qualifications that provide specialist, work-related learning in a range of sectors.
These are the units Pearson Education Ltd registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated. Zavmo teaches towards them on your own work, and work done here is recognised as prior learning under the agreements we hold.
Zavmo is not an awarding body, is not an approved centre, and is not affiliated with Pearson Education Ltd. It does the teaching and the mapping. Pearson Education Ltd sets this qualification and awards it, and a qualified human assessor makes the assessment decision.
Free first step
Try a free Future Fluency lesson first
The free part is a Future Fluency lesson on using AI at work. It is not part of this qualification. Next, a free account. We build your plan for this qualification as you set up. Teaching towards this qualification begins when you subscribe.
No card · Nothing to commit to
02The units
What each unit actually teaches you to do
2D Animation Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study the principles and techniques of 2D animation, including timing and movement. The unit covers different animation types and software use, enabling learners to create and evaluate 2D animations for effective message conveyance.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of 2D animation
- Identify different 2D animation techniques
- Create 2D animations using appropriate software
- Apply principles of timing and movement to 2D animation
- Evaluate the effectiveness of 2D animation in conveying a message
2D Digital Graphics Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore the principles of 2D digital graphics, including colour theory, composition, and typography. They will use various software tools to create and manipulate images and evaluate their effectiveness for different purposes and accessibility.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of 2D digital graphics
- Explore different software and tools used in 2D digital graphics
- Apply techniques to create and manipulate 2D digital images
- Evaluate the effectiveness of 2D digital graphics for different purposes
3D Digital Animation Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study the principles of 3D digital animation, using software and tools to create, animate, render, and present 3D models and characters. The unit covers the animation pipeline and troubleshooting techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of 3D digital animation
- Use 3D animation software and tools effectively
- Create 3D models and characters
- Animate 3D models and characters using appropriate techniques
- Render and present 3D digital animations effectively
3D Environments Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the principles of creating 3D environments, including design, modelling, texturing, lighting, and rendering. You'll use relevant software and hardware to develop projects and evaluate the realism and effectiveness of their environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of creating 3D environments
- Explore different software and hardware used in 3D environment creation
- Design and plan a 3D environment project
- Create and manipulate 3D models and textures
- Implement lighting and rendering techniques in a 3D environment
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a created 3D environment
3D Modelling Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces the principles of 3D modelling, exploring software and techniques. You'll create and manipulate 3D models, apply textures and materials, and evaluate the quality and suitability of models for different applications.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of 3D modelling
- Explore different 3D modelling software and techniques
- Create and manipulate 3D models using appropriate tools
- Apply textures and materials to 3D models
- Evaluate the quality and suitability of 3D models for different applications
Advertising Production Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the principles of advertising production, including planning and producing advertising campaigns and materials. You'll also develop skills to evaluate the effectiveness of advertising content and media strategies.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of advertising production
- Plan an advertising campaign
- Produce advertising materials
- Evaluate the effectiveness of advertising materials
App Production Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to plan, design, develop, test, and debug an app, considering target audience and functionality. You'll gain skills in UI/UX design, programming languages, and documentation throughout the app development process.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan the development of an app, considering target audience and functionality
- Design the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of an app
- Develop the app using appropriate programming languages and tools
- Test the app for functionality, usability, and performance
- Debug and refine the app based on testing results
- Document the app development process
Coding for Web Based Media Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to understand and apply coding principles for web-based media using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You'll create, test, debug, and evaluate web media with attention to functionality, usability, and accessibility.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of coding for web-based media
- Apply coding techniques to create web-based media
- Test and debug code for web-based media
- Evaluate the functionality and usability of web-based media
Concept Art for Computer Games Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore the fundamental principles of concept art for computer games, investigating styles and techniques. The unit includes developing and presenting concept art designs for game environments and characters.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of concept art for computer games
- Investigate different styles and techniques used in concept art for computer games
- Develop concept art designs for computer game environments
- Develop concept art designs for computer game characters
- Present concept art designs effectively, using appropriate media and techniques
Digital Games Production Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of digital games production principles, including planning, asset creation, testing, and refinement. You'll understand game design, development roles, and target audience considerations.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of digital games production
- Plan the development of a digital game
- Create assets for a digital game
- Test and refine a digital game
Digital Magazine Production Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of digital magazine production, covering planning, content creation, layout design, publishing, and distribution. The unit addresses team roles and legal and ethical considerations.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of digital magazine production
- Plan the production of a digital magazine
- Create content for a digital magazine
- Design the layout of a digital magazine
- Publish and distribute a digital magazine
Digital Media Skills Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop fundamental digital media production skills, including planning, creation, and distribution. The unit covers the use of relevant software and hardware, collabouration, roles within production teams, and legal considerations.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental skills required for digital media production
- Develop skills in using digital media software and hardware
- Apply digital media skills to create a range of media products
- Evaluate the effectiveness of digital media products in meeting specific objectives
- Understand legal and ethical considerations in digital media
Digital Photography Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll understand digital photography principles, including composition and lighting, and develop skills in using digital cameras and editing software. The unit covers capturing and presenting photographs across various settings.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of digital photography, including composition and lighting
- Use digital cameras and related equipment effectively
- Capture digital photographs in a variety of settings and conditions
- Edit and enhance digital photographs using appropriate software
- Present digital photographs effectively, considering audience and purpose
Factual Production Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of factual production principles and techniques. You'll plan, capture, edit, and present factual content, considering audience and ethical issues, and refine their production based on evaluation and feedback.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles and techniques of factual production.
- Plan and develop a factual production, considering audience and purpose.
- Apply practical skills to capture and record factual content.
- Edit and present factual material in a clear and engaging manner.
- Review and refine the factual production based on feedback and evaluation.
Film Production - Fiction Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study the key stages of fiction film production, including pre-production, production, and post-production. The unit covers planning, technical filming skills, resource management, and evaluation of the completed fiction film production.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key stages involved in film production for fiction.
- Plan and prepare for a fiction film production, considering resources and logistics.
- Apply technical skills and knowledge to film a fiction production.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the completed fiction film production.
Film Editing Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll understand fundamental film editing principles and techniques, including continuity, pacing, and rhythm. The unit involves applying various editing methods to achieve desired effects and evaluating editing choices against professional standards.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of film editing
- Identify different types of film editing techniques
- Apply film editing techniques to create a desired effect
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different film editing choices
- Demonstrate professional standards in film editing practices
Game Engine Scripting Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with an understanding of game engine scripting principles and syntax. You'll apply scripting techniques to control game elements, debug scripts, and evaluate scripting effectiveness in achieving desired game mechanics.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of game engine scripting
- Learn the syntax and structure of a game engine scripting language
- Apply scripting techniques to control game elements and interactions
- Debug and troubleshoot game engine scripts
- Evaluate the effectiveness of scripting in achieving desired game mechanics
Games Testing Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces the principles and methodologies of games testing. You'll plan and conduct testing activities, analyse and document results, and evaluate the effectiveness of testing processes within the games development lifecycle.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of games testing
- Identify different types of games testing methodologies
- Plan and prepare for games testing activities
- Conduct games testing using appropriate techniques
- Analyse and document games testing results
- Evaluate the effectiveness of games testing processes
Image Manipulation Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the principles and ethical considerations of image manipulation, exploring various software and tools. You'll apply techniques such as retouching, compositing, and colour correction to create and evaluate manipulated images.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of image manipulation
- Explore different image manipulation software and tools
- Apply various image manipulation techniques, such as retouching, compositing, and colour correction
- Understand the ethical considerations of image manipulation
- Create and present manipulated images for a specific purpose
- Evaluate the effectiveness of image manipulation techniques used
Interviewing Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop an understanding of interviewing techniques, including their purpose, types, and ethical considerations. The unit focuses on planning, conducting, analysing interviews, and evaluating the effectiveness of different approaches.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the purpose and importance of interviewing techniques
- Identify different types of interview techniques
- Plan and prepare for conducting interviews
- Demonstrate effective interviewing techniques
- Analyse and interpret information gathered from interviews
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different interviewing techniques
Media Campaigns Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides knowledge of media campaigns, including their purpose, objectives, and media channels. You'll analyse target audiences, develop campaign plans with budgets and timelines, and evaluate campaign effectiveness.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the purpose and objectives of media campaigns
- Identify different types of media channels used in campaigns
- Analyse the target audience for a specific media campaign
- Develop a media campaign plan, including budget and timeline
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a media campaign
Media Representations Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll identify and analyse different types of media representations and their construction of meaning. The unit includes evaluating the impact on audiences within social, cultural, and political contexts and critically assessing representations of diverse groups.
What you'll be able to do
- Identify different types of media representations
- Analyse how media representations construct meaning
- Evaluate the impact of media representations on audiences
- Explain the social, cultural, and political contexts of media representations
- Critically assess the representation of different groups and issues in the media
- Apply theoretical frameworks to the analysis of media representations
Multi Camera Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore the principles of multi-camera techniques and the roles within a multi-camera production team. The unit develops skills in operating multi-camera equipment for live or studio productions and evaluating the effectiveness of these techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of multi-camera techniques
- Identify the roles and responsibilities within a multi-camera production team
- Operate multi-camera equipment effectively
- Apply multi-camera techniques to record live events or studio productions
- Evaluate the effectiveness of multi-camera techniques in capturing different types of content
News Production Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll understand news production structure and conventions, researching and gathering information to create news content. The unit includes journalistic writing, presentation across media formats, and evaluating news accuracy and impact.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the structure and conventions of news production.
- Research and gather information for a news story.
- Apply journalistic writing skills to create news content.
- Present news stories effectively using appropriate media formats.
- Evaluate the impact and accuracy of news production.
Page Layout and Design for Digital Media Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study the principles of page layout and design for digital media, learning to plan and create effective layouts using design principles and software tools. The unit includes evaluating designs for different digital platforms and devices.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of page layout and design for digital media
- Identify different elements of page layout and design
- Plan and create page layouts for digital media
- Apply design principles to enhance visual communication
- Use appropriate software tools for page layout and design
- Evaluate the effectiveness of page layouts and designs
Pre Production Portfolio Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll understand the importance of pre-production in media projects and develop comprehensive plans including storyboards, resource management, and logistics. The unit culminates in presenting a pre-production portfolio demonstrating effective project preparation.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the purpose and importance of pre-production in media projects.
- Develop a comprehensive pre-production plan for a media project.
- Create storyboards and visualisations to communicate ideas.
- Manage resources and logistics for a media production.
- Present a pre-production portfolio that demonstrates planning and preparation skills.
Radio Production - Fiction Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the principles of radio production for fiction, enabling learners to plan, develop, record, and edit radio dramas or fictional audio pieces. You'll direct voice artists and evaluate the effectiveness of their productions.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of radio production for fiction.
- Plan and develop a radio drama or fictional audio piece.
- Apply sound recording and editing techniques to create a radio production.
- Direct and manage actors or voice artists in a radio production.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the completed radio fiction production.
Responding to a Commission Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll learn to understand and respond to commissions by researching and interpreting briefs, developing ideas, presenting proposals, and negotiating terms within relevant legal and ethical frameworks.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the requirements of a commission
- Research and interpret a commission brief
- Develop ideas in response to a commission
- Present proposals for a commission
- Negotiate and agree terms for a commission
Scriptwriting Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study the principles of scriptwriting, developing ideas and writing scripts for various media. The unit includes evaluating and refining scripts, focusing on character, plot, dialogue, and audience considerations.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of scriptwriting
- Develop ideas for scripts
- Write scripts for different media
- Evaluate and refine scripts
Single Camera Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the principles and application of single camera techniques, including identifying various shot types and movements. You'll develop skills in controlling lighting and sound during shoots and evaluate how these techniques influence the final production.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of single camera techniques
- Identify different types of single camera shots and movements
- Apply single camera techniques to capture footage effectively
- Control lighting and sound for single camera shoots
- Evaluate the impact of single camera techniques on the final product
Sound Editing Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the principles and techniques of sound editing in media production. You'll select appropriate software and equipment, apply editing techniques to enhance audio quality, and evaluate the effectiveness of sound elements.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of sound editing and its application in media production
- Identify and select appropriate sound editing software and equipment
- Apply sound editing techniques to enhance audio quality
- Manipulate sound elements to create desired effects
- Evaluate the effectiveness of sound editing in a given context
Sound Mixing Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers sound mixing principles, techniques, and equipment. You'll apply mixing methods to create balanced audio for various media formats and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of their sound mixes.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of sound mixing
- Explore different sound mixing techniques and equipment
- Apply sound mixing techniques to create balanced and effective audio
- Evaluate the quality of sound mixes for different media formats
Sound Recording Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll understand the principles of sound recording, including the use of different microphones and equipment. They will develop skills to set up, operate, record, edit, and mix sound in various environments and for diverse purposes.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of sound recording
- Explore different types of microphones and recording equipment
- Set up and operate sound recording equipment effectively
- Record sound in various environments and for different purposes
- Edit and mix recorded sound using appropriate software
- Evaluate the quality of sound recordings and identify areas for improvement
Specialist Subject Investigation Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit equips learners with the skills to conduct specialist subject investigations, covering planning, research methodologies, ethical considerations, analysis, and presentation of findings relevant to their interests and career goals.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of conducting a specialist subject investigation
- Identify a suitable specialist subject for investigation
- Plan and prepare for the specialist subject investigation
- Conduct research using appropriate methodologies
- Analyse and interpret findings from the investigation
- Present the findings of the specialist subject investigation in a clear and concise manner
- Evaluate the investigation process and outcomes
Storyboarding for Digital Media Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the purpose and function of storyboards in digital media production. You'll identify key storyboard elements, create storyboards for diverse projects using appropriate software, and evaluate their effectiveness in pre-production planning.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the purpose and function of storyboards in digital media production
- Identify the key elements of an effective storyboard
- Create storyboards for different types of digital media projects
- Use storyboarding software and tools effectively
- Evaluate the effectiveness of storyboards in pre-visualising digital media content
Website Production Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain knowledge of website production principles, including planning, designing, developing, testing, and reviewing functional websites. The unit emphasises usability, accessibility, and appropriate coding techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of website production
- Plan the production of a website
- Develop a functional website
- Test and review a website
Working in the Creative Media Industry Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides an understanding of the creative media industry's structure, roles, legal and ethical considerations. You'll develop communication and teamwork skills and explore career pathways within the industry.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the structure and organisation of the creative media industry
- Identify different roles and responsibilities within the creative media industry
- Understand the legal and ethical considerations of working in the creative media industry
- Develop effective communication and teamwork skills
- Explore career pathways and opportunities within the creative media industry
- Understand the importance of professional development in the creative media industry
Writing Copy Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit focuses on effective copywriting principles, enabling learners to research target audiences and develop copy for print and digital media. You'll adapt writing styles to suit different purposes and evaluate copy effectiveness.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of effective copywriting
- Research target audiences and their needs
- Develop copy for a range of media, including print and digital platforms
- Adapt writing style and tone to suit different audiences and purposes
- Evaluate the effectiveness of copy in achieving its intended objectives
03The standards
The national standards these units are built against
What the job actually needs, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
- Standard
Carry out editing projects to brief Legacy
- Standard
Carry out functional testing of games and interactive media project outputs
- Standard
Conduct user testing of games and interactive media projects outputs
- Standard
Devise and evaluate user testing of games and interactive media project outputs
- Standard
Edit Sound
- Standard
Mix recorded sound
- Standard
Support and manage junior colleagues in the creative industries
- Standard
Use scripting languages to develop functionality of content for games and interactive media projects
- Standard
Work effectively in the creative industries
- Standard
Work effectively with colleagues, partners and suppliers in the creative industries
04Where it leads
The jobs these credits are mapped to
A qualification is never a dead end here. Each of these is a job record this qualification is a mapped route into.
- 1 record
- 1 record
Where this can lead
Principal Technical Artist
From here, the path can lead to a Distinguished Technical Artist or Technical Fellow role. That path focuses on deep individual expertise. It can also lead into leadership, as a CTO or Head of Research and Development.
See the whole journey05The credits
The credits, and who awards them
Level 3 credits are regulated, and they are awarded by Pearson Education Ltd rather than by Zavmo. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you have covered and what is next.
What you would be collecting
2D Animation2D Digital Graphics3D Digital Animation3D Environments3D ModellingAdvertising ProductionApp ProductionCoding for Web Based Media
Each one is a real unit registered against this qualification.
How you’d practise it
You don’t watch this. You do it.
You are not assessed on remembering this. You are assessed on applying it, analysing it, evaluating it and producing something. So that is what the practice is: projects, role play and your own live cases, with a tutor in the room.
The Coach · your practice partner Illustration The Coach You have to open the conversation in “Interviewing Techniques”. Say the first line to me, exactly as you would say it to them.
You I wanted to have a quick chat about how things have been going recently.
The Coach That is the warning shot, and they will spend it worrying. Try the version that says what this is about in the first sentence.
- Rehearse the conversation Apply
“Interviewing Techniques” is a conversation before it is a document. You have it with Zavmo playing the other person, badly at first, then again once you know what you actually want to say.
- Pitch it Evaluate
“Media Campaigns” gets practised as a pitch. You make the case out loud, Zavmo asks the question the room would ask, and you make it again.
- Draft the real one Create
You do “Sound Recording” on a real document of your own. Zavmo works on the draft you have to send anyway, so the coursework and the job are the same piece of work.
What you leave holding
The standards this credential builds, in the shape the product keeps them
Nothing here is marked learned. There is no learner on a public page, so the map shows what the qualification covers rather than what anybody has done.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production
- Carry out editing projects to brief Legacy
- Carry out functional testing of games and interactive media project outputs
- Conduct user testing of games and interactive media projects outputs
- Devise and evaluate user testing of games and interactive media project outputs
- Edit Sound
- Mix recorded sound
- Support and manage junior colleagues in the creative industries
- Use scripting languages to develop functionality of content for games and interactive media projects
How you would learn this
One to one, on the work you already do
A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.
A lesson from 2D Animation, one of this qualification's own units.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
Which job do you mean?
Learners will study the principles and techniques of 2D animation, including timing and movement. The unit covers different animation types and software use, enabling learners to create and evaluate 2D animations for effective message conveyance.
How the thinking builds
- 1 Remember
- 2 Understand
- 3 Apply
- 4 Analyse
- 5 Evaluate
- 6 Create
It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time. Teaching towards this qualification begins when you subscribe.
Built for Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production
38 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Pearson Education Ltd.
- 2D Animation
- 2D Digital Graphics
- 3D Digital Animation
- 3D Environments
- 3D Modelling
- Advertising Production
and 32 more in the full unit list below.
Free tools
Want a read on where you stand?
Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.
Learned on your own work, taught one-to-one.
Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your free first module is Future Fluency, so you can see how the teaching works before you pay for anything.
Build my plan, freeNo card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.
The title, level, credits, guided learning hours and unit learning outcomes on this page are taken from the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Where this data comes from.