Web Design (UX Design, Digital Marketing & Content Creation) - Level 5 Higher National Diploma

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 15th September 2025
End date: 4th June 2027
Information Event: Yes

Course fees for each year.

Fees are payable annually.
The fees for year 2 may be subject to change.

Find out more about eligibility for reduced course fees, payment options and financial support available in our fees and funding page.

Course Content

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, the ability to create engaging user experiences, captivating content, and effective digital marketing strategies is crucial for success. Our comprehensive course, "UX Design, Digital Marketing & Content Creation," will equip students with the essential skills in graphic design, user experience (UX) design, user interface (UI) design, content creation, and digital marketing, and front-end development (coding). Through hands-on learning, real-world projects, and expert guidance, students will develop a versatile skill set that opens doors to exciting career opportunities in the creative media sector.

Key Learning Objectives

Graphic Design: Students will learn the fundamentals of graphic design, mastering the principles of visual communication, typography, and colour theory. They will become proficient in industry- standard design tools, enabling them to create stunning visuals for print and digital media.

User Experience (UX) Design: Understanding the user's perspective is at the heart of successful digital products and services. Students will learn how to conduct user research, create wireframes, prototypes, and usability testing. They'll develop the skills needed to craft intuitive and user-centric experiences.

User Interface (UI) Design: Building upon UX principles, students will delve into UI design, focusing on the visual and interactive aspects of digital interfaces. They will learn how to create aesthetically pleasing and functional user interfaces that enhance user engagement and satisfaction.

Content Creation: Students will explore methods of content creation, focusing on product photography, video and motion graphics for web design, social media, and digital marketing campaigns. They will develop the ability to craft compelling, relevant, and shareable content that resonates with target audiences.

Digital Marketing Strategies: Students will gain a deep understanding of digital marketing techniques, including SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), social media marketing, email marketing and paid advertising. They will learn how to create and implement effective digital marketing campaigns that drive traffic, engagement, and conversions.

No Traditional Exams

We believe in a holistic approach to assessment. Instead of exams, students will showcase their skills through projects that reflect real-world scenarios, with a focus on building a portfolio of work to kick-start your career in the creative media industries. It's a pathway to join the ranks of industry professionals who graduate from our Higher Education program in UX & UI Design, Digital Marketing and Content Creation.

Course Benefits

Upon completing this course, students will have acquired a diverse skill set and practical experience to excel in the fields of graphic design, UX design, UI design, content creation, and digital marketing. They will be ready to tackle real-world projects, create compelling digital experiences, and drive digital success for businesses and organisations across many industries.

If you're ready to step into the world of digital creativity, where learning goes beyond the textbook, apply now. Your journey begins here.

Gallaher Trust Scholarship  

The Gallaher Trust Scholarship aims to improve educational and employment opportunities for young adults (18+ years) living within the wider Ballymena area (BT42/BT43 and some areas within BT44).  The Gallaher Trust will pay course fees of up to a maximum of two years.  Details including selection criteria and conditions are outlined within the application form.  Completed application forms must be submitted to scholarships@nrc.ac.uk by 22 August. 

Special Features

Delivered by skilled industry professionals

You will be guided by instructors who bring real-world expertise and a wealth of practical knowledge to the classroom. Drawing on their extensive industry experience, our educators provide invaluable insights, current industry practices, and hands-on training, ensuring that you are not just acquiring theoretical knowledge but gaining the practical skills demanded by the dynamic landscape of the digital and creative sectors.

Industry Partner Engagement

Our course content is not just delivered by industry professionals; it's shaped by an extensive network of industry contacts. Our lecturers have cultivated relationships with professionals who actively contribute to the course structure, share insights through guest lectures, and offer valuable placement opportunities for our students.

Our close ties with industry professionals ensure that the training we provide is not only relevant but at the forefront of what the Creative Digital Media industry demands. By tapping into the expertise of our network, we guarantee that our students receive the most up-to-date and pertinent knowledge, preparing them for the dynamic landscape of digital creativity.

Real World Projects

On this course, you won't just study theories, you'll engage directly with industry partners, collaborating on real-world client projects. This immersive learning experience is designed to bridge classroom teachings with the practical skills required by the industry. By working on real-world client projects, you will gain a deep understanding of industry expectations and learn the importance of client relationships, project management, and delivering solutions that align with industry standards.

Digital Learning Environment and Software Access (Canvas)

Beyond the classroom, our students access an interactive digital learning environment (Canvas) that enables students to access lesson content, assessments, and other resources online. Additionally, all students at the Northern Regional College benefit from full access to the full suite of Office 365 apps, including OneDrive for Cloud Storage.

Work Experience Integration

For HND students, the journey extends to hands-on industry experience. In semester 2 of year 2, students embark on work experience within the industry. This immersive opportunity allows them to apply their skills, build professional networks, and gain valuable insights into the day-to-day workings of the creative digital media sector.

Assessment Methods

As well as classroom support, you will have access to interactive learning materials on the college’s digital learning environment (DLE). This enables students to access learning materials both inside and outside of the classroom.

Assessment will be carried out via real and realistic projects and there will be no exams. If you want to join the expanding number of industry professionals that graduate from the college’s digital interactive media department, then apply now.

• A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Creative Media, Games Design, Animation or Computing/IT.
• A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent).
• Other related Level 3 qualifications.
• An Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution.
• Related work experience.
• An international equivalent of the above.

Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.

Upon successful completion of all year one modules, students will achieve a full Level 4 HNC award. On completion of all year 2 modules, students will leave the course with a full level 5 HND diploma. Typical progression routes would be to University in a related subject area or students may secure employment within the creative media industry.

Past students have found employment before the end of year 2 through placement opportunities and other industry contacts from the course.