Web Design (UX Design, Digital Marketing & Content Creation) - Level 5 Higher National Diploma
Course Type
Higher Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End Date
14 September 2026
2 June 2028
Location
Newtownabbey
Interview Required
Yes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 £1,000 for IT equipment and £1,500 per year of study (up to two years) for the successful candidates to the scheme. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | £2773 |
| Year 2 | £2773 |
| Total |
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please make sure they upload an Employer Consent Form to your online Prospect account.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Full details are available on our fees and funding page.
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.
All tutors are qualified and experienced counsellors. This underpins the authenticity of teaching and learning activities as students engage with practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the counselling role. The following teaching team deliver this course at Northern Regional College:
Staff Team
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 £1,000 for IT equipment and £1,500 per year of study (up to two years) for the successful candidates to the scheme. 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.
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.
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.
Course Fees
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | £2773 |
| Year 2 | £2773 |
| Total |
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please make sure they upload an Employer Consent Form to your online Prospect account.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Full details are available on our fees and funding page.
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.