L3 Media Studies

Level 3 Media Studies (3MED)

In this course, you’ll take your creativity, storytelling, and production skills to the next level. You’ll explore how media shapes the way we see the world.  

You’ll analyse how meaning is made, how audiences respond, and how media connects to culture and society.

But this isn’t just about studying media – you’ll be making it. You’ll develop, plan, and produce your own media product, working through the full creative process from concept to completion. Whether it’s a short film, a podcast, or a magazine, you’ll get to apply advanced media conventions and showcase your unique voice.

This course is for students who enjoy thinking critically, being creative, and working with technology. You’ll gain skills in research, analysis, communication, and project management – the same skills valued in careers like filmmaking, journalism, marketing, game design, social media management, and more.

"Taking Level 3 Media Studies was one of the best choices I made in my final year. I loved having the freedom to be creative while still learning real-world skills. We planned and produced our own media projects — I chose to make a short film — and I got to try everything from scriptwriting and storyboarding to filming and editing. We also learned how media shapes the way people think and how it reflects what’s happening in society.” - Kaipara College Student

This is a ‘stand-alone’ course. You do not need to have taken Level 2 Media Studies to successfully complete this course. 

Curriculum Skills and Key Competencies

Thinking: Students will develop critical thinking by analysing how media products are shaped by cultural, historical, and political contexts, and how they influence audiences. They will also use creative thinking to solve production challenges and develop original concepts for their own media products. Metacognitive skills are fostered as students reflect on their creative process, evaluate their own work, and refine it for maximum impact.

Using language, symbols, and texts: Students will interpret and create a wide range of media forms – from written scripts and storyboards to visual imagery. They will learn how visual language (camera shots, composition, colour, typography) and symbolism convey meaning, and how to use these effectively to engage a specific target audience.

Managing self: Large-scale, self-directed projects require students to plan timelines, meet milestones, and manage resources independently. Students will build resilience when facing technical or creative obstacles and learn strategies to adapt their plans while keeping the end goal in sight.

Relating to others: Collaborative production work will require students to communicate ideas clearly, negotiate creative decisions, and give and receive constructive feedback. They will develop interpersonal skills by working with peers in roles that simulate real-world media production teams.

Participating and contributing: Students will create media products that connect with local, national, or global issues, giving them a platform to contribute meaningfully to cultural conversations. By sharing their work with authentic audiences—such as peers, school events, or community platforms—they will see the role media can play in influencing, informing, or inspiring others.

Careers and Pathways

Level 3 Media Studies is a University-approved subject that provides students with skills and qualifications that open a wide range of pathways both within Kaipara College and beyond. Successful completion of this course can contribute towards NCEA Level 3, University Entrance (UE) Literacy requirements    (reading and writing), and supports entry into a variety of tertiary and vocational opportunities.

While at Kaipara College:

• Media Studies skills link strongly with Digital Technology, English, Art, Drama, and Business Studies.

Careers

This course develops skills in communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creative production – essential for careers in:

• Film, television, and streaming media production
• Journalism, broadcasting, and podcasting
• Advertising, marketing, and social media management
• Public relations and corporate communications
• Photography, videography, and content creation
• Game design and interactive media
• Event management and creative industries coordination

Tertiary Education & Training

• University: Level 3 Media Studies supports entry to Bachelor's degrees in Communication Studies, Media & Screen Production, Journalism, Marketing, and Film Studies. It also provides UE Literacy reading and writing credits towards university admission.
• Polytechnic/Diploma Pathways: Qualifications in Screen and Media Production, Digital Media Design, Creative Technologies, Broadcasting, or Applied Journalism (e.g. Unitec, AUT, Yoobee Colleges, South Seas Film School).
• Trades & Apprenticeships: While not a direct trades course, the practical production skills can lead to technical apprenticeships in sound, lighting, broadcasting, and stage/event production.
• Private Training Establishments (PTEs): Specialist schools in film-making, visual effects, animation, and game design.

Real-world Applications

• Producing promotional content for local businesses or community groups
• Applying editing, scripting, and production skills to online platforms (YouTube, TikTok, podcasting)
• Understanding media, ethics, and audience targeting for professional contexts
• Managing projects from concept to delivery, mirroring workplace production pipelines

NCEA & UE Links

• Contributes to NCEA Level 3 and can be used towards University Entrance (14 credits in an approved subject).
• Achievement standards include 3 Writing and 4 Reading or Writing UE Literacy credits.
• Builds a portfolio of work demonstrating creativity, problem-solving, and technical skill – valuable for scholarship applications and tertiary entry.