HNC/D Digital Content Creation

The HNC/D in Digital Content Creation runs in collaboration with the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology (SoTIoT). 

The course is ideal for anybody interested in working in digital marketing or social media, and follows a Digital Design pathway focusing on the creation of digital media content. It focuses on specialist areas including:

CINEMATOGRAPHY, MOTION GRAPHICS AND STILL IMAGE COMPOSITION: Utilising cameras & lighting to produce various cinematic and promotional moving image sequences.

NARRATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND VISUAL STORY TELLING: Producing planned sequences of still, moving or animated images to convey narrative across platforms.

DIGITAL DESIGN: From brand guidelines to user experience, this area focuses on graphic design projects using key industry relevant software for the creation of brands and ads

MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGN: The production of motion graphics will bring together your composition, movement and graphic design knowledge.

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING: As a final project you will be working directly with clients, creating content, tracking insights and engagement and preparing marketing schedules for their next campaign.

PROFESSIONAL WORKING PRACTICES: interpreting and developing productions to client’s briefs and expectations, focusing on web and social media based output.

PROMOTION AND ADVERTISING: This area brings all of your skills together. By the end of the HND you should be fully competent in the creation of still and moving promotional and advertising content, as well as fully confident in the deployment of materials to audience.

Studying at the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology, you will have access to professional, industry standard equipment and cutting-edge technology to advance your studies and help you to stand out from the crowd in this competitive sector.  Equipment including available to HE students includes mirrorless cameras, 12k Video and a state-of-the art studio wihch is equipped for live broadcasts. Our industry-trained teaching team will help you to develop a strong skillset in software from the Adobe Creative Suite, including, Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, After Effects, Audition. As well as a solid technical basis in Industry-standard equipment, such as; DSLR Cameras, cinematic digital video cameras, Chroma-key and photography studios, portable lighting and mobile sound recording equipment. 

By the end of the 2 years of study you will be fully competent in the use of a range of industry standard equipment to create effective still and moving, promotional and advertising content, as well as fully confident in the deployment of materials that communicate to audiences across multiple digital platforms including social media, and web based outputs

 

Typically, you will need to have completed a relevant BTEC Extended Diploma course in a relevant BTEC Level 3 Programme OR 2 A Levels at grade C, OR a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. The College also welcomes applications from mature students and students with relevant experience but without formal qualifications. Those already working within the creative industries who wish to obtain accreditation for their skills and to enhance them may also apply. All prospective students will be interviewed, by a specialist lecturer. You will need to bring either a printed portfolio of work to interview, or provide a link to an online digital portfolio for us to view. This will help us offer you the best guidance possible.

Specialist lecturers will use a range of delivery methods supporting your digital development and allowing you to experiment with a broad range of media content styles. Assessments will be focused around practical activities alongside reflective vlogs and discussions. You will have the opportunity to undertake real world experiences through live briefs, work experience and community projects. You will also receive regular advice regarding your continued practice and progression.

During the Level 4 HNC qualification, you will study 120 credits (over 2 units).

During the Level 5 HND qualification, you will study 120 credits (over 2 units).

Upon completion of the courses, you will receive the below certification:

BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate: Graphic Design

BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma: Graphic Design

Contact programme leader Roberto Agostinelli by emailing robb.agostinelli@nscg.ac.uk

Instagram: @nscgdcc

After successful completion of the HND (Level 5), during which you will be advised on becoming work ready, you could decide to apply for a position within the digital marketing industry in roles such as digital content creator, media content creator, video content creator, digital marketer, social media officer and content editor. Other careers include working as a freelancer, being employed as part of a creative or design agency or working in-house within a marketing team. There are so many options for you to consider.

On completion of the HNC, students may choose to progress onto a HND (Level 5) which is is equivalent to the second year of a Bachelors degree. The HND course is offered subject to numbers and could be offered at either Newcastle or Stafford campuses. You could then progress onto a ‘top-up’ degree in a digital media and communications related subject.

 

There are two types of loans to help students cover the costs of their higher education course in college - tuition fee loans and living cost loans (also called maintenance loans). You pay these loans back when you finish your course and earn over £25,000. If you earn less than that, you won’t have to repay anything. If you’re earning more than that, we’ll work out your repayments at 9% of your income over that amount. 

Maintenance loans are only available to students studying on a full-time basis. They are not available for students studying on a part-time basis. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance