Year 9 and Year 12 Open Evening

Welcome to the Year 9 and Year 12 Open Evening at UTC@MediaCityUK! Join us for an exciting event where you can explore our campus, meet our staff, and learn about the amazing opportunities we offer for students in Year 9 and Year 12. Discover our state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programs designed to help you succeed in your academic journey. Don't miss this chance to get a glimpse of life at UTC@MediaCityUK and see why we are the perfect choice for your future education. We can't wait to see you there!

What we do here:

TV & Film Production

This pathway gives students the opportunity to develop skills across all stages of media production. From writing scripts and planning storyboards to filming on set and editing in post-production, learners gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and software. They explore a wide range of genres, including documentaries, trailers, and short films, while also learning about sound design, lighting, and visual storytelling techniques. The course is designed to build both creative and technical confidence, preparing students for careers in film, television, and digital content creation.

Interactive Media & Gaming

Students choosing this pathway dive into the world of interactive media and game design. They learn how to design, build, and test their own games and digital experiences, using modern tools such as Unity and Adobe Creative Suite. Alongside technical skills like coding, animation, and 3D modelling, the pathway also encourages innovation and creativity—giving students the freedom to develop original characters, worlds, and interactive storylines. This route is ideal for anyone interested in careers in gaming, app development, or interactive entertainment, with a strong focus on problem-solving and digital creativity.

Digital Design

Focused on visual communication and creative problem-solving, this pathway allows students to explore photography, graphics, branding, and digital illustration. They work with professional design software to produce high-quality creative outcomes such as advertising campaigns, posters, digital art, and visual media projects. The pathway encourages students to experiment with different styles and techniques while developing a strong understanding of how design is used across industries. It’s an excellent foundation for careers in graphic design, photography, marketing, or digital content creation, combining artistic flair with technical expertise.

KS4

Core GCSEs

All students study a strong academic core to keep their future options open:

• English Language & Literature
• Mathematics
• Science (Combined or Triple, depending on ability)

This ensures that alongside creative specialisms, students build a solid academic foundation.

Specialist Pathways

Students then choose one of three creative/digital pathways that they study in depth:

• TV & Film Production – learning the craft of filmmaking, editing, sound, and storytelling.
• Interactive Media & Gaming – designing and building games and interactive content with industry tools.
• Digital Design – exploring photography, graphics, branding, and creative digital media.

These pathways are taught through practical projects, live briefs, and real-world creative tasks.

Optional Subjects

To personalise their curriculum, students can pick from a range of additional GCSEs or BTECs, such as:

• Photography
• Graphics
• Computer Science
• Film Studies
• Digital Information Technology

Industry Links & Real-World Learning

Being based at MediaCityUK, students get exposure to the creative and digital industries through:

• Guest lectures from professionals (BBC, ITV, Adobe, Unity, etc.)
• Employer-led projects and live briefs
• Opportunities to use industry-standard software and equipment

Personal Development

Alongside academic and specialist study, KS4 includes:

• PSHE & enrichment – supporting wellbeing, resilience, and life skills.
• Careers guidance – tailored advice on progression to KS5, apprenticeships, or employment.