Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Vocational Studies – Creative Digital Pathway
COURSE OVERVIEW
This one-year Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Vocational Studies provides learners with a practical introduction to creative and digital industries through a combination of essential employability skills and specialist vocational units. The qualification helps learners develop confidence, organisation, teamwork, research skills and personal progression planning while exploring creative technology and digital media disciplines.
Students will complete core units that focus on being organised and developing a personal progression plan, alongside specialist units from Art and Design, Digital Media and Information Technology. Learners will create digital content, design products, produce mood boards, develop websites, use communication technologies, create spreadsheets, design interactive presentations, develop storyboards and create digital animations.
The course is project-based and encourages creativity, problem solving and independent learning. It provides an excellent foundation for progression onto Level 2 programmes in Computing, Information Technology, Digital Media, Creative Media, Art and Design, or related vocational pathways.
You’ll need to have an interest in Digital Technologies and Computing, along with a good understanding of spoken and written English.
If English isn’t your first language, you may also be able to meet this requirement by being enrolled on an ESOL course.
No formal minimum qualifications needed for entry on this programme.
Units of work will be assessed through coursework/practical assessments.
English and Maths will be assessed through exams.
Students who pass the course can progress onto our Level 2 Digital subjects, including Computing/IT, Media and Games.
The Digital Department offers programmes in all three areas ranging from Level 2 and 3 Further Education up to Higher Education at levels 4 and 5 with top-up Degrees being completed at University.
Job Opportunities in the Digital Sector
This qualification is an introductory qualification to get you on the right pathway to start a career in the below jobs (split by sector). Please note, jobs often in the digital sector do require higher education.
Media: The UK media sector includes journalism, digital media, publishing, TV, film, marketing, and content creation. Common roles include:
• Social Media Manager
• Digital Marketing Executive
• Journalist
• Content Creator
• Video Editor
• Graphic Designer
• Web Designer
• Media Researcher
• TV/Film Production Assistant
• Broadcast Presenter
• Photographer/Videographer
• UX Designer
Games: The games industry combines creative, technical, and business roles.
Popular careers include:
• Game Developer / Programmer
• Game Designer
• Level Designer
• Game Artist
• 3D Animator
• Concept Artist
• QA Tester (Game Tester)
• Technical Artist
• Audio Designer / Sound Engineer
• Game Producer
• Narrative Designer / Writer
• Esports Manager
Computing: Computing remains one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors, with strong demand across software, data, cybersecurity, and AI.
Common roles include:
• Software Developer
• Web Developer
• Data Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Network Engineer
• Cloud Engineer
• AI/Machine Learning Engineer
• Systems Analyst
• Database Administrator
• IT Support Technician
• DevOps Engineer
What You’ll Study:
Typical Units include:
- Being Organised
- Developing a Personal Progression Plan
- Art and Design: Designing a Product
- Art and Design: Creating a Mood Board
- Digital Media: Creating a Storyboard
- Digital Media: Designing an Interactive Presentation
- Digital Media: Creating an Animation
- Information Technology: Developing Digital Information Using IT
- Information Technology: Using Digital Communication Technologies
- Information Technology: Creating a Spreadsheet to Solve Problems
- Information Technology: Creating a Website
Alongside your vocational units, you will develop core skills across Media, Games Development and Computing. You’ll also take part in our enrichment programme, which includes careers education, work placement opportunities, wellbeing activities and personal development sessions.
*Students who have not yet achieved a Grade 4 or above in English and/or Maths will work towards the appropriate Functional Skills qualification as part of their programme.
You will also have access to online learning through Moodle, helping you develop your digital skills and access additional learning resources.
Should you require any further information on this course, you can also email Craig Taylor (Deputy Head) by emailing craig.taylor@tynecoast.ac.uk
For students aged 16-18 who have not yet achieved a grade 4 in Maths or English, these subjects will be included in your timetable along with your main course. Improving your skills in Maths and English is essential, as these qualifications open doors to further study and career opportunities.
Our teaching team will work with you to help you achieve the grades you need, building confidence in these key areas to support your future success.
All 16-18 students must study maths and/or English as part of their main study programme, there is no option to study maths and/or English on its own.
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