Content Creation (Extended Degree)

If you want to pursue a creative degree at Arts University Plymouth but feel you have yet to acquire the experience and range of skills necessary, our Extended BA programme will prepare you for entry to one of our BA (Hons) undergraduate courses.

What is Extended BA?
Our Extended BA (Hons) Degrees offers a unique four-year route for students aiming to delve into the diverse realm of art, design, and media. This programme provides an initial exploratory year, where you'll cultivate insight into various creative skills and approaches, laying a robust foundation before advancing to a specialised degree of your choice. Whether you're returning to education after a hiatus or entering without formal qualifications, our Extended BA equips you with the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to secure a place in our full undergraduate program.

Our Intensive Extended Degree program is a dynamic blend of lectures, workshops, and practical studio sessions designed to challenge and inspire. Our diverse student body spans from fresh-faced eighteen-year-olds to seasoned creatives in their seventies, fostering a rich collaborative environment. With the freedom to take risks and experiment, you'll develop a diverse skill set through hands-on experimentation with materials, processes, and methodologies. This transformative journey hones critical skills essential for degree-level study, expanding your proficiency in drawing, visual research, contextual studies, digital imaging, and design methods. Gain invaluable experience in a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

If you love creating digital content (filming, editing, posting and sharing stories), this degree will help you turn that passion into a profession. Whether you want to grow your own personal brand, freelance for agencies, or work for employers on big campaigns, BA (Hons) Content Creation will prepare you to join the next generation of creatives.

In an era of rapid technological and cultural change, meaningful communication through digital content is vital across all industries. This fast-paced, industry-focused course equips you with the creative, technical and analytical skills to engage audiences and shape narratives through visual and interactive media.

At a glance

• Degree: BA (Hons) Content Creation*

• UCAS codes: 3-year degree CW20 / 4-year extended degree 7PW5

• Typical UCAS points: 104–120

• Validation status: *Subject to validation

What you’ll learn

Using the latest technology and software, you will learn to create content in multiple forms including moving image, photography, audio, animation and written communication.

You’ll explore marketing, branding and business development principles while examining audience engagement, data-driven content planning and platform-specific production.

Future-facing digital tools and experimentation

Through experimentation, you will investigate how digital tools such as AI, immersive media and interactive design can expand creative practice and redefine the relationship between maker and audience.

Industry briefs, live projects and professional experience

Project-based learning is central to the course. You’ll work on industry briefs and collaborative projects, often in real-world environments and at live events, gaining insight into commercial production workflows and client engagement.

Access to our extensive industry links offers opportunities for placements, internships and the development of professional networks.

Critical, contextual and ethical practice

Your practical work will be underpinned by critical and contextual studies, allowing you to explore the political, social and ethical dimensions of content creation.

You’ll examine how media shapes perception and behaviour, and how inclusive storytelling can foster positive change.

Course Modules

The first year of an Extended Degree is not a qualification in its own right, but when you successfully complete it you are guaranteed a place on our full undergraduate programme. You’ll develop confidence in your use of drawing, visual research, contextual studies, digital imaging and design methods, and you’ll have the chance to experiment with a range of materials, equipment, processes and software. As the year goes by you’ll specialise in your chosen undergraduate subject (illustration, graphic design, fine art, etc.), helping you to become a confident, independent and creative artist, designer or maker.