Digital and Creative Industries Level 3 (with Digital V Level)

Quick facts

Qualifications:

• Level 3 Digital V Level
• Pearson Level 3 Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media
• Pearson Level 3 Extended Certificate in Games Production

Ideal for: Anyone interested in digital technology, web development, games design, animation, 3D modelling, cybersecurity and creative digital industries.

Progression: University, Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), higher and degree apprenticeships, further technical study or employment.

Entry requirements: Either GCSE passes in five subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English at grade 4 or above: or current WSC students an appropriate Level 2 qualification at Merit grade and one of either GCSE Mathematics or English at grade 4 or above.

Is it for me?

Are you interested in technology, creating websites, developing games or producing digital content? Do you enjoy being creative, solving problems and learning how technology works?

Our Level 3 Digital and Creative Industries study programme combines technical digital knowledge with practical creative skills, giving you the opportunity to explore different areas of the digital and creative sectors.

You'll study three qualifications as part of one larger study programme, developing your understanding of digital systems alongside practical skills in web development, games production, animation and 3D modelling.

Whether you're interested in becoming a web developer, games designer, animator, cybersecurity specialist or working in another area of the digital industry, this course will help you discover your strengths and interests while keeping your future career options open.

You don't need to have decided on a specific career yet. The combination of technical and creative subjects will allow you to explore different pathways before progressing to university, an apprenticeship or employment.

What you'll learn

Throughout the two-year programme, you'll develop a combination of technical knowledge, creative skills and practical experience through three complementary qualifications.

Level 3 Digital V Level

The Digital V Level provides the technical foundations of the programme, helping you understand how digital technologies and systems operate within organisations.

Topics will include:

• Digital systems and hardware: Understanding computer components, hardware, software, networks and how digital systems are configured and used.
• Data and information: Exploring how data is collected, analysed and used to support decisions.
• Cybersecurity: Understanding digital threats, security measures and how organisations protect their systems and information.
• Artificial intelligence: Exploring how AI is used within digital environments and its opportunities, limitations and risks.
• Problem solving: Applying computational thinking and logical approaches to digital challenges.
• Responsible technology: Considering data protection, accessibility, sustainability and the ethical use of technology.

Pearson Level 3 Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media

This qualification focuses on the creative and practical application of digital technology, allowing you to develop digital products for different audiences and purposes.

A key part of this qualification will be web development, where you'll learn how to plan, design, create and test websites.

You'll explore areas such as:

• Website design and development using HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
• User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.
• Designing digital products for specific audiences.
• Creative digital media production and development.
• Planning, developing, testing and evaluating digital projects.
• Accessibility and responsive design.

You'll have opportunities to create your own digital products and develop a portfolio of work that demonstrates your technical and creative abilities.

Pearson Level 3 Extended Certificate in Games Production

This qualification introduces you to the creative and technical processes involved in producing digital games and interactive content.

You'll develop practical skills in:

• 3D modelling: Designing and creating digital models, objects and environments.
• Animation: Developing animated assets and understanding movement within digital environments.
• Games design and development processes.
• Creating digital assets for games and interactive experiences.
• Exploring the games production pipeline, from initial concepts through to completed assets.
• Testing, reviewing and improving creative work.

You'll have opportunities to work on practical projects, develop your own ideas and build a portfolio showcasing your games production, animation and 3D modelling skills.

Bringing the three qualifications together

One of the main benefits of the Level 3 Digital and Creative Industries programme is the opportunity to develop skills across both technical and creative disciplines.

You'll learn how computer systems operate through the Digital V Level, how to design and develop websites through Creative Digital Media, and how to produce interactive digital content through Games Production.

These skills complement each other and can be applied across a wide range of industries.

For example, you might use your understanding of digital systems to support a web development project, create 3D assets for an interactive website, or apply programming and problem-solving skills to games production.

Throughout the programme, you'll also develop transferable skills including teamwork, communication, project management, creativity, critical thinking and independent working.

Equipment required for the course

You'll have access to specialist computer facilities and the software needed to complete your studies while at college.

This includes access to appropriate software for web development, games production, animation, 3D modelling and other digital activities.

We recommend having access to a computer and internet connection at home to support independent study and project work, although this is not mandatory.

You won't need to purchase specialist software for the course. Where possible, we use industry-standard, educational or freely available software and online tools.

Work experience placements

Work experience and industry engagement are important parts of the Level 3 Digital and Creative Industries programme.

Throughout your studies, you'll have opportunities to develop your employability skills and explore careers across the digital technology, creative media and games industries.

These opportunities could include:

• Employer-led projects and live industry briefs.
• Guest speakers from digital and creative organisations.
• Industry visits and networking opportunities.
• Work experience placements.
• Collaborative projects that reflect real-world industry practices.

You'll be encouraged to apply your technical and creative skills to realistic projects, helping you understand how the different areas of the digital and creative industries work together.

Assessment

You'll complete assessments across all three qualifications, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge, practical skills and creativity in different ways.

Assessment methods will include practical projects, portfolio development, written assignments, presentations and externally assessed activities, depending on the qualification.

The Digital V Level is a new qualification for September 2027, and its final assessment arrangements will be confirmed by the awarding organisation.

Further study

The Level 3 Digital and Creative Industries programme provides a broad foundation for progression into higher education, apprenticeships and further technical training.

Depending on the entry requirements of your chosen provider, you could progress to:

• A university degree.
• A Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND).
• A Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ).
• A higher or degree apprenticeship.

Possible areas of further study include:

• Computer Science and Computing
• Software and Web Development
• Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence
• Games Design and Development
• 3D Modelling and Animation
• Digital Media Production
• Creative Computing
• Digital Technologies

By combining technical and creative qualifications, you'll have the opportunity to explore a wider range of progression pathways.

Example careers

The skills developed through this programme could support progression towards careers such as:

Digital technology

• IT Support Technician
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Network Engineer
• Digital Solutions Developer
• Data Analyst

Web and creative digital media

• Web Developer
• Front-End Developer
• UI/UX Designer
• Digital Media Designer
• Interactive Media Developer

Games and animation

• Games Designer
• Games Developer
• 3D Modelling Artist
• Digital Animator
• Games Environment Artist
• Games Asset Designer

Some of these careers will require further study, training or an apprenticeship after completing the programme.

Discover more

Digital technology and creative media are increasingly connected, with industries looking for individuals who can combine technical understanding with creativity and practical problem-solving skills.

Our Level 3 Digital and Creative Industries programme brings together three qualifications to provide a varied learning experience, allowing you to develop knowledge of digital systems while gaining practical experience in web development, games production, animation and 3D modelling.

Whether you enjoy working with computers, designing websites, creating digital worlds or solving technical problems, this programme gives you the opportunity to develop your interests and explore your future career options.

If you're interested in both technology and creativity, Level 3 Digital and Creative Industries could be the ideal next step.

Days & times

Starting September 2027
Monday 09:00 - 16:15
Thursday 09:00 - 16:15
Friday 09:00 - 16:15