1. Courses The NWRC offer a range of media programmes: Level 2 Diploma in Media. Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Media Production (iMedia) Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Media Production Offering an extensive choice for the media palette: Structured to provide clear progression routes Constantly restructured to reflect current media trends.

2. Resources All campuses are facilitated with custom designed rooms for television and radio production. The College boasts ‘State of the Art’ Software, Videography Equipment, Mac Labs, Radio Studio, Media Practice Room, Design Hub, T.V. Studio, Green-Screen and Photographic Backdrop Facilities. All combined produce professional quality productions from an industry standard environment.

3. Staff Expertise A vast range of full time, part time and technical staff ensure the effective running of the media department. Teaching staff profiles contain industry professionals who have worked extensively in print journalism, the film and radio industry and graphic design to name but a few. Technical staff consist of a highly trained team who provide invaluable and indispensable support and facilitate the smooth running of the department.

4. The Students The student body is attracted through: Reputation of the course Direct targeting of schools - Occupational Studies (VEP) Direct Marketing of Schools through HOS and Team Visits Open Days Parents Evenings Careers Events

5. Intake Application numbers have consistently improved in the last 3 years shown in Level 2 and Level 3 Media Courses.

6. Retention You can see a dramatic rise in retention from 39% in 07/08 to 62% in 08/09 with an encouraging increase to 68% in 2010. All signs would indicate that this trend will continue in consideration of the healthy intake of students in both campuses this year.

7. Improvements This steady increase is attributable to Rigorous practice of course evaluation Attention to student feedback Restructured course content resulting in more defined courses A shift from unit based assignments to project based assessments This combined with Consistent course teams Improved facilities/new resources Quality of teaching and technical staff Appointment of key full-time staff Adopting new approaches to teaching and learning have resulted in a more successful model for retention.

8. Achievement The three years illustrated show a marked improvement from 07/08 – 09/10

9. Progression Taking this year as an example there is successful progression within the Media Course Structure: 14 students progressed from the Level 2 programme and enrolled on the Level 3 programmes. 11 students from Level 3 Programmes progressed onto the HND programmes in the NWRC.

10. Destination Students have achieved places at some of the top Universities in Ireland and the UK including University of Ulster, Bournemouth University and Dun Laoghaire College of Art and Design Jobs in Industry include: TORQ Interactive, Zing Design, Riada Design, Commercial Television Networks, Teaching and Technical Posts.

11. Strengths Resources Staff Development Lecturers into Industry Guest Speakers Field Trips Competition Briefs Student Support (SLDD) ILT/Moodle/Web texting Strong Team Ethos Innovative learning styles Live briefs / Industry Contacts

12. Curriculum Project Richard Curran Sunday Business Post and RTE presenter Michael Dowling (International Artist) Barry Bodeker (IDI Director) Kathy Donaghy -RTE Edwina Forkin - Zanaibar Derek O’Connor Darklight Film Festival Director

13. Embedded Career Opportunities Quality enhancement iNews / 3CR/3CTV BBC headroom / IFH Foyle Film Festival Darklight Film Festival 2D Festival Northern Design Competitions Cinemagic Belfast / Dublin

14. Opportunities City of Culture Age of Diversity European Youth Capital

15. Opportunities Global recession Geographic location Project Kelvin / New career platforms

16. Weaknesses Ever changing media environment / training Requirements constant Room: Heat Air Quality Improved and updated online learning resources

17. Consistent Achievement Investing for Health Awards / Ulster Media Awards From the IFH awards inception in 2005 Media students have every year secured 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in Moving Image, Photography and Animation. This competition has entrants from Universities and colleges from all over Northern Ireland.

18. Vision for the Future Converging Creative Technologies Course Developments Enterprise / Innovation Economic Regeneration: Film, Animation Red Button Technology Quality Brand = NWRC