FA Creative & Digital Media (Schools) - One Year Option
Please note that only secondary school pupils staying on at school and who will be starting S5 or S6 in August 2026 are eligible to apply for this course.
The Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative Digital Media involves practical work like video recording and editing, sound recording, magazine layout creation, story work and some animation. The theory work centres on learning about the creative industries in Scotland, useful organisations that support creative sectors, how to understand creative briefs to produce relevant practical work, how the creative process works within the TV industry and storytelling for different platforms and audiences. Every year we have real world clients we produce video production work for, so students can show they have had a taste of industry experience - which is incredibly useful when applying to college or university. The FACDM is counted as 1 or 2 Highers by different colleges and universities and students should enquire with the relevant institution themselves for specific information.
This course is open to pupils throughout Forth Valley but will only run on our Stirling Campus.
The creative industries sector in Scotland combines technical skills and storytelling, and is an excellent option for anyone with a creative focus.
A Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative & Digital Media is a great way to get hands-on experience and also gain a qualification at the same level as a Higher. Pupils will have the unique chance to develop skills and knowledge across a range of creative and digital media topics in the classroom, alongside the experience of an industry reflective work placement with the in house Forth Dimension Media production agency.
This course will run on Tuesday & Thursday 10.30am - 4.25pm (placement - travel provided) or 1.30pm - 4.25pm (no travel provided)
Please note that the course you are applying for is split across two sessions. When submitting your application, the dates displayed will be for the June Induction in session 2025/26. Once successfully enrolled on this session, you will automatically be transferred to the 2026/27 session, which begins in August, for the remainder of the course.
Content
What qualifications will pupils achieve?
On successful completion, pupils will achieve a Foundation Apprenticeship (Group Award) in Creative & Digital Media at SCQF Level 6 (the same level as a Higher), which includes:
- A National Progression Award in Creative & Digital Media: Technologies, Processes and Practices at SCQF Level 6 (4 units)
- Four work-based units from the Diploma in Creative & Digital Media at SCQF Level 7
- A Media Project unit at SCQF Level 6
Pupils will be working on a live client brief, supported by the Creative & Digital Media delivery team, as an emergent Production House. Forth Valley College will represent a media workplace and act as placement host.
Placement element will be for one half day per week throughout the year and a lecturer from the College will regularly assess their competency of the work-based units.
(Please note that this course continues throughout periods of study leave from school and it is very important that pupils attend during these periods, except on exam days).
This fast track programme requires a commitment of two days per week from pupils.
Any necessary travel to college or placement for workshops or meetings, as defined bythe programme, is funded.
Career Paths
- Entry level media industry roles in audio and visual content creation.
Progression
- FA Media students successfully completing their course may progress (subject to meeting full entry requirements) to a range of Media related programmes including NC Media; and HND Media.
- Many College and Universities accept the FA Media qualification as one or two Highers. Full details can be found here
Entry requirements
- The Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media is aimed at pupils with an interest and enthusiasm in exploring this area of work. Although set at SCQF L6, due to the contextualised learning experience where underpinning theory and practice are aligned with industry, learners operating at SCQF L5 or above on arrival are encouraged.
- Pupils need to be reasonably confident in English, so we preferthem to have achieved at least National 5 in English while they are in S5
- It would also be beneficial if pupils had some previous experience of subjects related to creative industries at National 4 or above.
More Info
Further advice for School College Programme and Foundation Apprenticeship applications:
• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited to an information session
• If your application is unsuccessful, you should speak to a guidance teacher or SDS school liaison officer.
• If you are unable to attend the information session or wish to withdraw your application, please email the School Partnership team - school.partnership@forthvalley.ac.uk