Open College Network Northern Ireland · RQF Level 1

OCN NI Level 1 Certificate in Creative Arts and Digital Technologies

You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.

  • LevelRQF Level 1
  • Total credits13
  • Guided learning117 hours
  • Units in this qualification28

Awarded by Open College Network Northern Ireland · on the Ofqual register

Start here

See how this course maps onto your role

Ten quick questions, one per Future Fluency, asked against this qualification rather than a generic one.

Check my fluency, free

About 5 minutes · No card · Nothing to commit to

What you’ll learn

What each unit actually teaches you to do

Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI) is a Nationally Recognised Awarding organisation which offer high quality flexible, credit based qualifications

These are the units Open College Network Northern Ireland 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, and every one you earn is yours to keep.

Assist With Event OrganisationReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll participate in planning, publicising, and running events, understanding the roles and responsibilities of event managers and other individuals involved. This unit develops skills in contributing ideas, following instructions, and supporting event organisation.

What you'll be able to do

  • Participate in the planning of an event
  • Understand the role of the event manager and the roles of others involved in the event
  • Participate in publicising an event
  • Participate in running an event
Capturing and Editing Audio SequencesReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll learn to capture, edit, and present audio sequences using appropriate hardware and software. The unit includes recording audio, using software tools to manipulate audio content, applying effects, and exporting audio in suitable formats for playback and presentation.

What you'll be able to do

  • Use audio hardware and software to capture audio sequences effectively
  • Use audio software tools to edit and manipulate audio sequences
  • Apply audio effects to enhance the quality of audio sequences
  • Play and present audio sequences using appropriate equipment
  • Save and export audio sequences in appropriate formats
Capturing and Editing Video SequencesReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
It teaches you to capture and edit video sequences using appropriate hardware and software. You'll manipulate footage with editing tools, apply effects and transitions, and present the final video in a suitable format for the intended audience.

What you'll be able to do

  • Utilise video hardware and software to capture video sequences effectively.
  • Use a range of video software tools to manipulate and enhance video footage.
  • Play and present video sequences in a suitable format for the intended audience.
CompositionReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit equips learners with skills to create original musical compositions by identifying suitable starting points, assessing instrumentation, and applying hooks, melodies, and rhythms. You'll also implement arrangement and structuring techniques to produce cohesive compositions.

What you'll be able to do

  • Identify a suitable starting point for an original composition
  • Assess instrumentation for a musical composition
  • Use hook, melody and rhythm effectively in music
  • Implement arrangement and structuring techniques in a musical composition
Developing WebsitesReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll learn to plan, create, and publish basic websites. The unit covers identifying website purpose and audience, structuring and formatting web pages using markup languages, and ensuring accessibility and functionality when publishing online.

What you'll be able to do

  • Plan the structure and content of web pages
  • Create web pages using appropriate technologies
  • Structure web pages using appropriate markup languages
  • Format web pages to enhance visual appeal and usability
  • Publish web pages to the Internet or an Intranet, ensuring accessibility and functionality
Digital FabricationReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll understand health and safety considerations in digital fabrication and use software to create designs. The unit includes demonstrating fabrication techniques safely to produce designs using digital fabrication tools and equipment.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand health and safety issues associated with digital fabrication processes and equipment.
  • Use software to create designs suitable for digital fabrication.
  • Demonstrate the fabrication of a design using appropriate digital fabrication techniques.
Film and Video ProductionReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit covers the film and video production process, including pre-production, production, and post-production stages. You'll learn to follow pre-production materials, produce production materials, and assist in creating a final short film or sequence.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know the film and video production process, from pre-production to post-production.
  • Follow pre-production materials, such as scripts and storyboards.
  • Produce production materials, such as call sheets and shot lists.
  • Assist with the development of a final version of a short film or sequence of a film, contributing to the editing process.
Health and Safety in PracticeReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit covers health and safety requirements, procedures, and equipment within practical environments. You'll gain knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies, and develop the ability to follow and manage safe working practices effectively.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know about health and safety requirements, procedures and equipment in a practical environment, in line with current legislation and organisational policies.
  • Follow and manage safe working practices, identifying and minimising potential hazards in the workplace.
Life DrawingReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll explore different life drawing approaches and techniques, applying principles of proportion when drawing from a life model. The unit emphasises maintaining a personal sketchbook for practice and adhering to safe working practices.

What you'll be able to do

  • Recognise and differentiate between different life drawing approaches and techniques.
  • Understand and apply principles of proportion when drawing from a life model, accurately representing the human form.
  • Understand the importance of maintaining a personal sketchbook for practice, experimentation, and development of artistic skills.
  • Understand and adhere to safe working practices within a life drawing studio environment.
Live Sound EngineeringReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
It teaches you to set optimal signal-to-noise ratios and maintain balanced audio mixes during live performances. You'll assist in communication with performers and support performance activities to ensure sound quality and smooth operation.

What you'll be able to do

  • Set an optimal signal-to-noise ratio for live sound engineering.
  • Maintain a balanced and clear audio mix during a live performance.
  • Assist in maintaining clear communication with performers on stage.
  • Assist with the smooth running of performance activities during a live event.
Location Sound RecordingReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll understand microphone types, their applications, and principles of high-quality sound recording. The unit includes planning and executing location sound recording for short productions and reflecting on performance to improve future practice.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the properties of different types of microphones, their appropriate applications, and the basic principles of recording high-quality sound in various locations.
  • Participate effectively in the development of a detailed plan for location sound recording for a short production, considering all relevant factors.
  • Record sound effectively for a short production, ensuring optimal audio quality and clarity.
  • Reflect critically on own performance during location sound recording activities, identifying areas for improvement and future development.
Multi-track RecordingReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit equips learners with the skills to plan and conduct multi-track recording sessions, including selecting equipment and recording spaces. You'll understand health and safety considerations, microphone use, and review recorded material.

What you'll be able to do

  • Plan a multi-track recording session, considering equipment, space, and artistic goals.
  • Understand health and safety regulations and best practices when working with recording equipment and in a studio environment.
  • Understand the different types of microphones and their appropriate uses in various recording scenarios.
  • Understand the stages involved in the multi-track recording process, from initial setup to final mix.
  • Record a multi-track audio project and critically review the recording for quality and areas for improvement.
Musical Ensemble SkillsReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll perform as part of a musical ensemble, contributing to the overall sound and performance. The unit includes undertaking and adhering to a rehearsal schedule and demonstrating musical ability and commitment during rehearsals.

What you'll be able to do

  • Perform effectively as part of a musical ensemble, contributing to the overall sound and performance.
  • Undertake and adhere to a successful rehearsal schedule, demonstrating commitment and preparation.
  • Demonstrate musical ability as part of an ensemble, showcasing skills in areas such as rhythm, pitch, and dynamics.
Performance Realisation SkillsReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit provides an understanding of disciplines and techniques related to performance realisation, such as acting and singing. You'll assess their own performance and recognise the value of feedback from audiences and production teams to enhance their skills.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the disciplines relating to performance realisation
  • Understand the techniques relating to performance realisation
  • Assess own performance effectively
  • Recognise the value of audience critique in performance
  • Recognise the value of production team critique in performance
Practical Presentation SkillsReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll develop knowledge and skills to plan, prepare, and deliver presentations using various visual aids and delivery styles. The unit emphasises audience engagement and includes reflection on presentation effectiveness to identify areas for improvement.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know the skills involved in preparing presentations
  • Know the skills involved in delivering presentations
  • Use different visual aids effectively in presentations
  • Use different delivery styles effectively in presentations
  • Plan a presentation effectively
  • Deliver a presentation effectively
  • Identify areas for improvement in presentation skills
Preparing for a Career or Further Study in the Creative IndustriesReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll identify employment and education opportunities within the creative industries and develop a professional CV tailored to this sector. The unit supports understanding of job roles, responsibilities, and education pathways to enhance career prospects.

What you'll be able to do

  • Identify a range of employment and education opportunities available within the creative industries sector.
  • Develop a professional and effective CV tailored for the creative industries, highlighting relevant skills and experience.
Song Writing SkillsReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll explore popular music genres, lyrical themes, and songwriting techniques. The unit covers the identification of genre characteristics and the use of lyrical and compositional devices in songwriting.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know popular music genres and their characteristics.
  • Know common subject matter explored in popular music lyrics.
  • Know the use of lyrical devices in songwriting, such as metaphor and simile.
  • Know the use of compositional devices in songwriting, such as melody, harmony, and rhythm.
Sound Checking an EnsembleReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit provides knowledge and skills to assist in sound checking an ensemble, including preparing PA systems and checking instruments. You'll work with performers to create a balanced audio mix and understand the sound check procedure.

What you'll be able to do

  • Perform a sound check procedure effectively.
  • Assist in preparing a PA system for a sound check, ensuring all components are correctly connected and functioning.
  • Assist with the sound checking of various instruments, adjusting levels and EQ as required.
  • Assist with working with performers during a sound check, addressing their needs and concerns.
  • Assist with creating a balanced mix during a sound check, ensuring all instruments and vocals are clearly audible.
Sound for Moving ImageReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit introduces learners to the relationship between sound and picture in film, covering sound types and their impact on audience experience. You'll learn to assist in planning and recording sound for short film productions.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know the relationship between sound and picture in film, including the impact of sound design.
  • Assist with the development of a plan for sound in a short film production, contributing to the planning process.
  • Assist in recording sound for a short film production, following instructions and using appropriate equipment.
Studio MixingReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll gain an understanding of audio mixing principles and demonstrate practical mixing techniques. The unit includes adjusting audio levels, applying equalisation, and using panning to create balanced music mixes.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the fundamental principles of audio mixing and its purpose in music production.
  • Demonstrate practical mixing techniques, including adjusting levels, EQ, and panning.
Teamwork Skills in PracticeReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit develops understanding of team roles and responsibilities and skills to contribute to team and individual goals. You'll practise effective communication, recognise the importance of co-operation, and review overall team performance.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the different roles and responsibilities of individuals within a team.
  • Contribute to the setting of team goals and own individual goals within the team context.
  • Be aware of others' rights to communicate their views and opinions within a team.
  • Recognise the importance of co-operation and collaboration within a team to achieve common objectives.
  • Review team performance, identifying areas for improvement and celebrating successes.
Technical Sound and Audio ProductionReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit covers health and safety issues and professional working methods in sound and audio production. You'll use production equipment safely and effectively, follow production plans, and work collabouratively within group situations.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know the health and safety issues relating to sound and audio production within a professional environment.
  • Use sound and audio production equipment safely and effectively.
  • Follow a production plan accurately and efficiently.
  • Know professional working methods within the sound and audio production industry.
  • Work effectively within a group situation, contributing to the overall production goals.
Two Dimensional AnimationReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit covers the historical development of computer-based 2D animation and relevant health and safety procedures. You'll apply animation concepts to build and rig simple 2D characters and scenes, animate them, and produce a final rendered animation.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know about the historical development of computer-based 2D animation techniques and technologies.
  • Apply fundamental 2D animation drawing concepts to the construction of a simple 2D scene.
  • Build a simple 2D character and add a basic rigging system for animation.
  • Utilise various 2D character animation techniques to create movement and render a final animated sequence.
  • Understand relevant Health and Safety procedures and safe studio practices applicable to 2D animation environments.
  • Reflect critically on own performance throughout the 2D animation process, identifying strengths and areas for development.
Undertaking a Solo PerformanceReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll develop basic technical skills on an instrument and establish effective practice routines. The unit also fosters appreciation of music from various periods and styles, and understanding of musical competence and performance elements.

What you'll be able to do

  • Demonstrate basic technical skills when playing an instrument.
  • Develop and implement effective practice routines to improve musical skills.
  • Develop an appreciation of music from different periods and styles, demonstrating understanding of their characteristics.
  • Understand the elements of musical competence and performance, including technique, expression, and stage presence.
Using Cameras and Accessories for Film and VideoReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll gain knowledge of safe photographic and video-making practices and learn to use camera features and accessories effectively. The unit covers capturing images and video, as well as transferring content safely from cameras.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand safe photographic practice
  • Understand safe video making practice
  • Use the features of a camera
  • Use camera accessories
  • Use a camera to capture images effectively
  • Use a camera to capture video effectively
  • Use camera accessories to capture images effectively
  • Use camera accessories to capture video effectively
  • Transfer captured content from a camera to another device
Using Imaging Software ToolsReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
It teaches you to capture and manipulate images using imaging software tools. You'll apply techniques to adjust image properties, crop, resize, and retouch images, and save them in appropriate formats while understanding image resolution principles.

What you'll be able to do

  • Capture information for images using appropriate methods
  • Use imaging software to manipulate and enhance images
  • Apply various imaging software tools to achieve desired effects
  • Save and export images in appropriate formats
  • Understand the principles of image resolution and file size
Using Multimedia SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll learn to plan, capture, and organise multimedia content effectively. The unit includes using multimedia software tools to edit and manipulate content, and presenting the final multimedia product to suit the target audience.

What you'll be able to do

  • Plan the content, structure, and organisation of multimedia products effectively, considering the target audience and purpose.
  • Capture content from a variety of sources, including audio, video, and images, ensuring appropriate quality and format.
  • Use multimedia software tools proficiently to edit, manipulate, and integrate various media elements into a cohesive multimedia product.
  • Play and present completed multimedia outcomes effectively, demonstrating functionality and achieving the intended communication goals.
Using Problem Solving Skills in the WorkplaceReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
It teaches you to recognise common workplace problems and identify potential solutions. You'll understand the importance of prompt problem identification and develop skills to implement and review the effectiveness of solutions.

What you'll be able to do

  • Recognise a range of common problems that may arise in a workplace setting.
  • Recognise potential solutions to identified workplace problems and review their effectiveness in addressing the issues.

The honest bit

You’ve started things before

Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.

There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.

And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.

Your passport

Every credit is a stamp you keep

Level 1 credits are regulated. 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’ve earned and what’s next.

Assist With Event OrganisationCapturing and Editing Audio SequencesCapturing and Editing Video SequencesCompositionDeveloping WebsitesDigital FabricationFilm and Video ProductionHealth and Safety in Practice

Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.

Who’d teach you this

The Evidence Evaluator

Assessor

Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.

Meet all twelve tutors

Where this connects

Where these credits take you

A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.

Where this can lead

Events Assistant

Your journey starts here, learning the foundations of what makes an event successful. We're excited to see where you take it and will support you in building a rewarding career in events marketing.

See the whole journey →

Showing 6 roles, drawn from 25 job records mapped to this qualification.

Skills it covers

What the job actually needs. These are the standards the units are built against, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.

Position and operate microphones

How you’ll actually learn this

One-to-one, on your own real work

A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.

One-to-one, on your real workNo lectures, no past-papers. Every unit is practised on the actual tasks your job throws at you, a tutor beside you, not a video in front of you.
Taught to the top, not the testMost courses stop at remembering. Your companion keeps climbing: analysing, judging, creating. That’s the part a machine can’t do for you.
Credits you keep, a map that continuesEvery unit is regulated and yours for good. The day you finish, Zavmo already knows the next role your new credits open.
Assist With Event OrganisationLevel 1

Applied to your work in any of these jobs

Learners will participate in planning, publicising, and running events, understanding the roles and responsibilities of event managers and other individuals involved. This unit develops skills in contributing ideas, following instructions, and supporting event organisation.

How the thinking builds
  1. Remember
  2. Understand
  3. Apply
  4. Analyse
  5. Evaluate
  6. Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.
Your PlanIllustration

Built for OCN NI Level 1 Certificate in Creative Arts and Digital Technologies

28 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Open College Network Northern Ireland.

  1. Assist With Event Organisation
  2. Capturing and Editing Audio Sequences
  3. Capturing and Editing Video Sequences
  4. Composition
  5. Developing Websites
  6. Digital Fabrication

and 22 more in the full unit list below.

These are the real units of this credential, in its own order. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

One to one, not one to many

No two people run this the same way

A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.

  1. Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
  2. What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
  3. The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
  4. How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
  5. Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.

See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.

Why it sticks

Most courses stop at remembering

There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.

  1. 6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
  2. 5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
  3. 4AnalyseThe Analyst
  4. 3ApplyThe Coach
  5. 2UnderstandThe Connector
  6. 1RememberThe Builder

Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you

Why this matters: AI can already remember and understand for you. What it can’t do is take your real problem and judge the right call. So the only learning worth paying for is the learning that takes you to the top. That’s exactly what a tutor doing it with you, on your real work, is for.

The value

Why the companion is worth £70 a month

You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.

That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.

Earned on your own work, taught to the top.

Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it.

Build my plan, free

No 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.