Get The Nation Learning Week: Q&A with HE Digital Content Creation Learner Isla McFadzean

It's a dynamic course that offers transferable skills for a wide variety of creative careers. I previously studied the Level 3 BTEC in Photography and the HNC in Digital Content Creation so this was the natural choice as I knew that I would benefit from more contact time with tutors and smaller class sizes compared to universities. I've had a positive learning experience at NSCG and studying the HND has been no exception.

I felt excited to be able to access industry standard, professional equipment in such an advanced environment. Instantly, I could see the potential opportunities available to me just from looking around - especially in the studio. Everything is brand new, clean and top spec. The building definitely feels like a university setting but with the warm welcome I'm used to from NSCG.

The facilities, equipment and standards of teaching are really inspiring. Everything is so easy to use but also of a higher standard. We have access to industry equipment including mirrorless cameras, advanced lighting systems and audio equipment. This will benefit us in our future careers as we will have the experience of using technology that fits the industry standard before we graduate.

We have been working on an advertisement project with Dentsu as part of a live brief which has shown me how crucial the creative aspects of advertising are for a successful campaign. Another project has included creating visuals for Ingestre Park Golf Club that can be used across their social media channels and on their website. The live briefs we get set are great for professional practice as we get to liaise with clients to discuss how making still and moving image content can increase engagement for their target audiences. Looking forward in my career, these different experiences have given me lots of thought on where I see my career going including design agency work which is something I've not thought about before.

Small class sizes mean that as a group we get more out of our learning and questions that we do have can be answered promptly. There is no waiting around as our tutors are always on hand to guide us through projects, whilst giving us the space to consider our own thought processes, ideas and concepts.

The course content is really thought out so that the projects we are working on give us the skills that are relevant to the industry and the technology we're using in everyday life. I'm excited to start shooting portraits and perfecting interview techniques using the equipment in the studio. As a whole, the course feels very commercial and up to date with the industry standards which is important for life after the HND. 

Independent study and workload outside of timetabled hours compared to the HNC has been challenging. We do more work in our own time which can be hard if you're juggling part tome jobs whilst trying to maintain communications with clients and their projects.

Yes, I applied for the student loan alongside my tuition loan, This has helped me to purchase the essential equipment needed for the course and to help me to work with my own clients and advance my services. These purchases included a laptop, mirrorless camera, lenses and microphones which have really helped me to grow and create high quality content.

After I graduate from the HND, I want to head out into full-time employment ideally in a creative agency where there is opportunity for progression.