Female student drawing on Wacom tablet at University of Portsmouth

UCAS code

P3P3

Mode of Study

Full-time

Duration

2 years

Start date

September 2024

Creative Media Production HND

Overview

If you want to work as a creator or technical expert in fields such as animation, web design or film without completing a full undergraduate degree, this Creative Media Production Higher National Diploma (HND) is ideal.

You'll get experience with the tools of the trade, plus expert teaching, and the chance to network with like-minded students and creative media professionals. We've designed the course to meet the demands of digital media employers, and give you a flexible skill set that allows you to adapt to the changing needs of the creative media industry.

By focussing on the creative and technical sides of digital media, you'll develop the skills and professional expertise you need to go into various types of work in the creative industry, or top up your HND to a full Bachelor's degree.

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This course takes place at Isle of Wight College in Newport.

Isle of Wight College

While studying at Isle of Wight College, you can access University of Portsmouth student support services and community including study support, the Students’ Union and our library's online resources.

Entry requirements

HND Creative Media Production entry requirements

Typical offers

  • An A level in a computing or creative media related subject, or Level 3 vocational equivalent (diploma/extended diploma), or equivalent industry experience in a relevant field. All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview, to which you should bring a portfolio of recent work. This interview will include an admissions test.
  • T-levels – Pass (D or E in the core) - Merit
    Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Digital: Digital Production, Design and Development
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – PPP

Selection process

All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview, to which you should bring a portfolio of recent work. This interview will include an admissions test.

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 6.0.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

What you'll experience

On this Creative Media Production HND, you'll:

  • Use industry-standard audio-visual software, to get the experience necessary to work in fields such as animation, film and web development
  • Work on tasks based on professional briefs, giving you a taste of the challenges you'll face and work you'll do in employment
  • Have the opportunity to network and show your work at the end of year show, which is open to the general public, prospective employers and other institutions
  • Study at Isle of Wight College, Newport

You'll learn practical skills you'll apply in your career, such as:

  • 3D modelling for animation
  • Video editing and post production
  • Web design
  • Concept art production
  • Business development

Transferable skills you'll develop, which you can use in any area of your life and career, include:

  • Creative and critical thinking
  • Team working
  • Project management
  • Problem solving
  • Multimedia communication skills

Careers and opportunities

When you finish this Creative Media Production HND course, our careers and employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry.

By adding your skills to the industry, you'll play a part in informing, educating and entertaining society.

Areas that you could go on to work in include:

  • Web design
  • Animation
  • TV and film production
  • Advertising
  • Marketing
  • Digital asset creation 

You'll also learn how to develop 3D assets on the course, taking you closer to working as a 3D modeller.

You'll have the opportunity to continue your studies to full Bachelor's degree level, opening the door to MSc or PhD study, or set up a business with help and support from the University.

After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

Work experience and career planning

We can help you identify work experience opportunities that will complement your studies and build your portfolio. We'll support you in seeking work experience – whether for a summer or for 1 day a week for several weeks.

What you'll study

Each module on this course is worth 20 or 40 credits.

In each year, you study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

Modules

Core modules

  • Genre Analysis (20 credits)
  • Foundations of 3D Graphics (20 credits)
  • Concept Art (20 credits)
  • Team Development Project (20 credits)
  • Web and Video Technologies (40 credits)

Core modules

  • Business Enterprise (20 credits)
  • ePortfolio (20 credits)
  • Asset Production (20 credits)
  • Digital Identities in the Creative Industries (20 credits)
  • Data Visualisation (20 credits)
  • Animation (20 credits)

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry.

Teaching

Teaching on this course includes:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Practical demonstration and experimentation

Teaching staff have experience in:

  • 3D modelling
  • Graphic design
  • Animation
  • Website design
  • Television and filmmaking

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a web connection.

How you're assessed

You'll be assessed through:

  • Practical assessment
  • Written reports
  • Individual and group presentations and videos

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

How you'll spend your time

On this course, you'll spend time in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical demonstration and experimentation. You’ll also do lots of independent study with support from our staff when you need it.

A typical week

You'll normally have 6–10 hours of timetabled activities, with up to 10 hours of self-directed study each week.

Self-directed study typically consists of:

  • Conducting research
  • Developing software skills
  • Working on group projects
  • Designing, sketching and modelling
  • Reading and writing

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to course events in the evenings and at weekends.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Academic skills support

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • academic writing
  • note taking
  • time management
  • critical thinking
  • presentation skills
  • referencing
  • working in groups
  • revision, memory and exam techniques

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Even though you'll study your course at one of our partner colleges, you'll still be a student of the University of Portsmouth.

You'll have access to support via video, phone and face-to-face from University teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following University services:

Library support

University library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees (2024 start)

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £6,165 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £6,165 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £18,800 per year (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Additional costs

Contact our Housing Support Team if you need help and advice about accommodation.

You’ll study up to 6 units a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each unit.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

There may be 2–3 voluntary visits and trips, which will cost around £30 a trip.

You'll need some art kit and materials. This will cost around £50 at the start of the course, then around £10 a year.

Some software subscriptions will be advantageous but not essential. These will cost around £20 per month.

Apply

How to apply

To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – P3P3
  • our institution code – P80

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

How to apply from outside the UK

See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section. 

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.