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CREATIVE + DIGITALMEDIA

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ABOUT

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Have you ever watched a perfectly executed film scene or played a hyper-realistic computer game and thought, “I want to do that?” It doesn’t have to be a dream – you can gain the skills you need to achieve your ambitions right here at The Manchester College

The creative and digital media sector is incredibly diverse – there are so many opportunities open to you if you have the talent, abilities and drive to succeed. We can teach you everything from 3D animation to graphic design and film production.

You’ll learn from tutors who are specialists in their fields, and such as DSLR cameras, graphics tablets, animation scripts and 3D modeling software. Our classrooms are set up as design and production studios with industry standard software. You’ll also gain practical experience in our film studios and recording rooms.

Alos, you’ll be putting those new skills into practice, by working on live briefs set by broadcasters, games studios, digital agencies and international advertising firms.

Work experience is crucial in this competitive industry. Luckily, we have close ties to the sector, so you’ll benefit from work placements in your chosen field, as well as networking opportunities, trips out and visits from local employers. In fact, if you become part of our Industry Excellence Academy for Creative and Digital Media, you’ll benefit from courses that are co-designed and co-delivered by local agencies. Plus, a number of our courses also include industry placements for two days a week throughout the year, so that you can master your skills on the job.

You could even progress to The Manchester Film School to study degree level qualifications with our higher education partner UCEN Manchester.

Whether you want to see your name in the credits of a hit Netflix series, create social media content that’s shared by millions, or find a job in DevOps, the first step is to choose your course. So let’s get started…

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If you’ve obtained the necessary entry requirements prior to joining us or during your time in our Centre of Excellence, you may have the opportunity to progress into our Industry Excellence Academy for Creative and Digital Media.

The programme of study within our Industry Excellence Academy has been co-developed with industry partners. Working so closely with employers means you’ll benefit from courses that are aligned with current industry skills demands as well as a range of industry-level activities and lessons.

This will include masterclasses and lessons delivered by industry experts, visits from guest speakers at the forefront of the industry and ‘live briefs’ to industry standard that will see you working on the kind of projects you’d be completing once you begin your career in business.

In our Industry Excellence Academy for Creative and Digital Media you’ll complete a placement with an industry employer of at least 15 days and, in many cases, you’ll receive a mentor from your chosen industry to support you along the way.

Once you complete your journey in our Industry Excellence Academy for Creative and Digital Media, you will have the qualifications you need to take the next steps towards an amazing career as well as the experience and skills that will help you stand out to future employers.

INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE ACADEMY FOR CREATIVE AND DIGITAL MEDIA

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LEVEL 3Content Creation and Digital Film Production in partnership with Pie Analysis | Shena Simon | Two years This course is aimed at students who want a career producing short films and other content for social media platforms. You’ll explore, develop and test your creativity, as well as learning tried and tested formulas for engagement.

We want to give you a first-hand insight into what employers are looking for, so have developed this course in partnership with a leading digital agency – Pie Analysis. Based at The Sharp Project, Manchester, Pie Analysis specialises in a range of services, from influencer marketing to digital strategies, and they’re willing to share their knowledge with our students.

Once you’ve achieved your qualification, you’ll be ready to progress to a degree-level course or find your first paid job in the sector.

LEVEL 3Creative Digital Design in Partnership with Creative Cow | Openshaw | Two yearsDo you want to see your designs on social media campaigns or gracing the pages of websites? This course could help make your dreams a reality. It’s designed and delivered with Creative Cow, a Manchester-based creative agency, to ensure you get the practical skills and experience that employers are looking for.

Creative Cow offers a range of services, from graphic design, advertising and branding to social design, so you’ll build a diverse skillset that will prove invaluable throughout your career.

Once you’ve achieved your qualification, you’ll be ready to move onto a degree-level course, or out into the workplace.

LEVEL 3Creative Digital Animation in Partnership with Flow Creative | Openshaw | Two yearsDigital animation is crucial to so many sectors. You could use this course as a springboard to working in animation, motion design and advertising. You’ll master the software you need to bring your ideas to life, and gain skills that you’ll use throughout your career.

We’ve partnered with Flow Creative to design and deliver this Level 3 course. The award winning creative studio specialises in animation and moving image production, so will make sure you’re gaining the exact skills and abilities that the industry is looking for.

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We passionately believe in helping you reach your ultimate goal, focussing on your future employability and developing the skills you need to have a successful career.

If you’re aged 16-18, our Centre of Excellence for Creative and Digital Media is set up to help you do just that

STUDY PROGRAMMEYou’ll join our Centre of Excellence for Creative and Digital Media when you enrol on any of our qualifications from Entry Level to Level 3.

If you haven’t already obtained a Grade 4 GCSE in English or maths, you’ll study a relevant qualification alongside your course. This is a mandatory requirement and essential for further study or employment.

EMPLOYABILITYTo prepare you for your future career, you’ll take part in a range of ‘employability’ activities to equip you with the knowledge and experience of careers available to you:

Employability SessionsYou’ll be assigned an Employability Tutor and will take part in dedicated ‘employability’ sessions which will help equip you with the skills you’ll need to thrive in the workplace

Work Related ActivityYou’ll learn more about the vibrant creative and digital media industry, by taking part in activities such as:

• Visits and Q&As with experts in their field • Masterclasses from leading employers • Trips to employers to find out what it’s like to work in the industry• Work Experience Placement

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR CREATIVE AND DIGITAL MEDIA

Work Experience PlacementYou’ll spend at least 35 hours working in external workplaces across the region assisting with day-to-day tasks and shadowing staff to develop your skills and broaden your knowledge of the industry.

Industry ExperienceYou may be able to apply for an industry placement offering more than 315 hours of experience with a leading employer.

A placement gives you in-depth knowledge of the industry, allows you to gain hands-on experience and gives you an insight into career pathways.

With a placement, you’re taking that all important first step onto the ladder; many of our students even go on to gain paid employment with their industryplacement employer at the end of the year.

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PROGRAMMES OF STUDY

ENTRY LEVEL 3Creative Digital Technologies | Openshaw | One year

You may not have achieved the GCSE results you were hoping for, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get started on your path towards a great career.

This entry level course will help you to develop the skills you’ll need to progress to a Level 1 course in creative media, digital or business. It’ll also give you a taster of some of the different careers open to you. Plus, as part of the course, you’ll get to head out of the College to see how digital technologies are used in your local area.

LEVEL 1Creative Media Production | Openshaw | Northenden | One year

Ready to explore just how many varied opportunities this vibrant sector can offer you? On this course, you’ll explore a range of topics, from digital art and animation, to photography, web design and video editing.

You’ll also start to develop some of the core skills you’ll need throughout your career, such as working as part of a crew, and gain valuable insights into life as a media professional.

So, if you have your heart set on a career in the media, this is the place to start.

LEVEL 1Introduction to the World of Business, Digital and Creative Media | Harpurhey | Nicholls | Northenden | Openshaw | One year

Working with industry-standard tools and software, this course will help you develop the all-round technological skills required to move onto further study of media, business or computing. You’ll explore a variety of transferable and sector specific skills such as organisational skills, research, progression plans and teamwork as well as studying creative media, business and digital industry based projects.

LEVEL 2Creative Media Production and Technology | Shena Simon | Openshaw | Northenden | One year

Do you want to find out everything the media industry has to offer, develop the key knowledge and skills required for a successful career, and explore your own creative ideas? On this Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology, you’ll do just that.

Using industry-standard software and equipment, you’ll discover how to create everything from 2D animations to TV and film productions. You’ll be set challenging briefs to really get your teeth into, and take your projects from research and idea development, right through to experimentation, creation and editing.

You’ll learn a huge variety of skills, including graphic and games design, digital photography, marketing, and how to plan, pitch, present and promote your work. The abilities you’ll develop will lay the foundations towards a future role in one of the largest and most exciting industries in the world.

Our Creative and Digital Media courses are designed to help you kick-start your journey to any one of a number of careers in this exciting industry.

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LEVEL 3Creative Media Production and Technology – TV, Film and Broadcast | Shena Simon | Two years

If you’re looking for a career in the media, then this course will give you the skills you’ll need to succeed. You’ll explore, develop and push your creative talents as you master the techniques needed to bring your ideas to the screen.

It’s a highly competitive industry, so we’ll be focusing on strengthening your CV and equipping you with everything you’ll need to land that crucial first job. You’ll work on a range of challenging briefs that reflect the demands of life in this fast-paced sector. You’ll also gain valuable work experience – previous students have collaborated with a range of organisations on a number of exciting projects.

Whether you’re planning to progress to higher education, or get straight out into the workplace when you’ve finished at TMC, you’ll soon have the confidence and ability to follow your goals.

LEVEL 3Digital Art and Animation for Film, VFX and Games | Northenden | Two years

Whether you want to work on award-winning TV programmes, blockbuster movies or hit games, this course can help you to get there.

You’ll expand your capabilities in a range of 2D and 3D techniques, using state-of-the art facilities.

You’ll learn how to work to a brief and how to take your designs from original idea through to client approval. Employment-focused skills are at the heart of the course, so you’ll be able to confidently apply for jobs as soon as you qualify.

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LEVEL 3Creative Media Production and Technology – Games Development | Openshaw | Two years

If you have a passion for gaming, a keen interest in technology and an artistic flair, look no further than this Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technologies, which is focused solely on developing all the relevant skills you’ll need to become a games developer.

You’ll be learning a variety of 3D techniques in modelling, texturing, rendering and sculpting, as you design, animate and develop your games. You’ll create characters, assets, environments and large-scale levels. Whether your interest is hyper-realistic management sims, pulse-raising racing games or immersive RPGs, you’ll have the state-of-the-art software to progress your skills and abilities to industry standards.

Throughout the course, you’ll enhance your knowledge in a number of different areas, including 2D & 3D game art, creative writing for games, design for virtual reality, digital painting, motion capture and games engine production (using Unreal and/or Unity Engines). You’ll be working to live briefs on big projects, getting a real insight into the industry and building all the skills you’ll need to succeed in this cutting-edge industry.

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Once you’ve completed one of our Level 3 Diplomas, you’ll have the opportunity to progress onto our degree level qualifications through our higher education partner – UCEN Manchester.

• HNC Animation and Motion Graphics• HND Animation and Motion Graphics• Foundation Degree Graphic Design and Advertising• Foundation Degree 3D Modelling and Animation for Games and Media • Foundation Degree Film and TV Production• BA (Hons) (Top-Up) 3D Modelling and Animation for Games and Media • BA (Hons) (Top-Up) Film and TV Production• BA (Hons) (Top Up) Creative Media and Visual Communication

For more information or to apply, visit ucenmanchester.ac.uk

DEGREE LEVEL - UCEN MANCHESTER DESIGNERAverage Salary: £24,000There are numerous opportunities for creative graphic designers. You could find yourself designing billboards, logos, leaflets or adverts. You could work in-house for a company or design for a range of clients through an agency. Or you could even be your own boss by going freelance.

ANIMATORAverage Salary: £30,000Animation features strongly in films, television, the internet and the computer games industry. While artistic ability is a must, you’d also need to be familiar with technical computer packages. Animators tend to work in 2D, 3D model-making, stop-frame or CGI.

TV/FILM PRODUCERAverage Salary: £37,000Producers are the people who make a film, TV or video project happen and look after it from concept to editing. They raise funds, hire team members and do what it takes to get the project delivered on time, within budget and to a standard that wows audiences. The producer usually gets the top credit.

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We demand a lot from our tutors. It’s not enough for them to be great teachers – they also need to have creativity, technical skills, relevant qualifications and industry experience.

MEET THE TEAM

CAROL WHITWORTHAssistant PrincipalCarol has been Assistant Principal for Creative and Digital Media since January 2017, and has been with the College for almost two decades. She has a degree in Software Development and an MSc in Digital Learning. Carol strives to ensure our Creative and Digital Media courses are the most relevant, up-to-date and industry-focused in Manchester.

KATY RUSHTONTutorKaty specialises in animation. She previously worked for animation company Mackinnon and Saunders, and still collaborates with other local employers to ensure her teaching is industry relevant. Through Katy’s links to the sector, her students are able to gain vital work experience and benefit from other opportunities to engage with potential employers.

BEN ELSONTutorWith a solid background in games art and development, Ben is well-placed to teach students a range of skills, including 3D modelling and animation, VFX, and games development. He also volunteers with WorldSkillsUK and runs the Graphic Design competition on behalf of the College and Ideas Foundation.

CRAIG SHARPTutorCraig’s background is in post-production with specialisms in Special Effects, Sound Design and Editing and he teaches Film and Broadcast at our Shena Simon campus. He uses his industry experience working at ITV as well as making and distributing films for film festivals to help his students explore narrative structure and storytelling.

CONOR HANIFIANTutorConnor has studied both media production and wildlife documentary film making, attaining a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in these areas. He’s a skilled filmmaker and has a wealth of acting experience. Connor’s style of teaching allows learners to showcase their creativity and talent.

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LOCATION

Moss Side

Manchester

Crumpsall

Blackley

Moston

Failsworth

SHENA SIMON

NORTHENDEN

OPENSHAW

Each of our Creative and Digital Media campuses can offer you fully-equipped computer suites, where you’ll find all the latest software and state-of-the-art technology for 3D modelling, design, development and editing. But that’s not all. You’ll also have the opportunity to practise in our very own on-site recording rooms, and film and TV studios. You’ll have all the industry-standard equipment that you need, including professional DSLR cameras, green screens, and specialist lighting and sound equipment. We’ve even got a full-service production vehicle for use on location!

Northenden Campus Sale Road Northenden Manchester M23 0DH

Openshaw Campus Ashton Old Road Openshaw Manchester M11 2WH

Shena Simon Campus Whitworth Street Manchester M1 3HB

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The College, alongside higher education partner UCEN Manchester, is investing £140m in our students by transforming and restructuring our campus estate.

Our new and redeveloped campuses, set to open throughout 2021 and 2022, will provide exceptional study facilities, along with access to outstanding student services and support, allowing our students to thrive in industry-standard training environments.

By autumn 2022, all of our Creative and Digital Media provision will be taught out of a brand new campus in Manchester City Centre, opposite the Arena and Manchester Victoria Station.

The campus will give you access to industry-standard facilities, including digital, computing, gaming and animation suites, creative design studios, production studios and two film studios kitted out with all the professional equipment you’ll need, you’ll also benefit from cafés and two library/learning centres.

The building will support open, social and creative learning to help inspire the next generation of games developers, animators, film-makers and digital creatives.

BUILDING EXCELLENCE

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WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

MICHAEL KACZMARZYK Level 3 Creative and Digital Media Former St Patrick’s RC High School student

THE COLLEGE IS REALLY DIVERSE WITH A VARIETY OF COURSES TAUGHT BY GREAT TUTORS. THEY DID A BRILLIANT JOB PROVIDING US WITH ADVICE AND UNDERSTANDING OUR INDIVIDUAL AMBITIONS. THEY HELPED US GAIN WORK EXPERIENCE BY ARRANGING PLACEMENTS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY AS WELL AS ORGANISING VISITS AND WORKSHOPS. ”

ALISTAIR SHEEHAN Digital Design and Communication Former Loreto Sixth Form student

I LOVED THE COURSE SO MUCH. THE STAFF WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND IN SUPPORTING ME. THE SMALL CLASS SIZE REALLY MADE IT FEEL PERSONAL AND I FORMED WONDERFUL FRIENDSHIPS WITH EVERYONE IN MY CLASS. I’D RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK WITH BIG-NAME COMPANIES, GET REAL HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY AND BE SUPPORTED EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. BEST COURSE EVER. ”

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STEP 1 Visit tmc.ac.uk

STEP 2 Browse our range of courses and choose the course you’d like to apply for

STEP 3 Apply for the course using our application portal, making sure you complete all of the relevant information

STEP 4 Receive a conditional offer

STEP 5 Book to attend an Applicant and Parent Information Evening (16-18 year old students only)

STEP 6 Register to attend our New Student Welcome Day (16-18 year old students only)

STEP 7 Join us at enrolment on the date we specify on your invite (For 16-18 year old students applying for September this will be after you receive your results)

STEP 8 Start your journey to amazing

Applying to study at The Manchester College is really easy and can be done online via desktop, tablet or mobile. Simply follow these eight steps and you’ll be on your journey to amazing in no time at all.

HOW TO APPLYFIND OUT MORE AND APPLYTo find out more about The Manchester College and our Creative and Digital Media department and to apply for one of our courses visit: tmc.ac.uk/creative-digital-media

VISIT USJoin us at one of our Open Events throughout the year to learn more about our courses, visit the campus you could be studying at and tour our facilities, speak to our tutors, view demonstrations and work from current students and much more.

To find out when our next Open Events are taking place visit: tmc.ac.uk/events

STAY IN TOUCH The Manchester College

@TMCBCCI

@TheMcrCollege

Got a question about one of our courses or about The Manchester College or just need to get in touch?

Contact us: enquiries@tmc.ac.uk | 03333 222 444

WHAT NEXT?

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The Manchester College is committed to equality of opportunity, non-discriminatory practices and supporting individual learners.

This information is also available in a range of formats, such as large print, on request.