Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma?

[jennylamb1]

Son is looking at sixth form college options. Had pretty much settled on geography, computer science and history however in a careers session at school his head has been turned by the possibility of a Cambridge Technical Diploma in Media- creative digital technologies. He wants to do computer science at university and we had Reading and University of Sussex as potential options.
the Diploma covers all of the things that he’s interested in- games design, 3D digital animation etc. however he is academic and working at 5-8 grade level at the moment in Y10 and I can’t see that many universities accept the Cambridge Technical Diploma and the sixth form college also advises that it is subject to government change which doesn’t give me much faith in it.
The computer science A level doesn’t seem to offer games design, 3D digital animation etc, so I’m wondering how he could follow this interest.

DS is about to start a technical diploma in computing because he felt that A Level computer science was not a good fit for him as it is "sooo old fashioned". He also didn't enjoy GCSE computing.
He's more 5-7 GCSEs and no plans to go to university (intends doing a cyber apprenticeship or similar at 18).
I'm not much help to you really but I am here for other responses.

That’s good advice Larkspur, it’s a fast-moving industry so I’m finding it a challenge to see how what he’s interested in (games design, 3D animation), can translate into a worthwhile and long-term qualification/career path. Had a look at IT apprenticeships however they seemed competitive and quite niche to each companies needs.

There are plenty of degrees in game design, 3D animation.
Is an A Level in creative media an option?
I'd advise most kids planning to go to university to do traditional A Levels.

I support my DS's choice to opt out of that, but really I would prefer he did A levels.

Apprenticeships are very competitive. I am hoping DS comes up with something over the next 2 years to give him an edge.

It sounds like he’s following his interests which is key, there are lots of options nowadays. We’re going to apply for the two good local sixth form colleges and then consider courses after mocks.
I think that a Computer Science degree would give DS a solid grounding from which to pursue specialist areas of interest, however this also involves taking on a lot of student debt which could be avoided via apprenticeships and other routes so kudos to that.

Your best bet is for him to contact admissions tutors at target universities and ask them.

I presume his maths isn't going to be up to doing A level, as Maths is considered v helpful for Computer science.

Is this the Extended Diploma (3 A level equivalent) or Diploma or Certificate?