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Design & Digital Marketing

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
The Northern School of Art

Course summary

Digital designer, art director, visual communicator, content creator, social media manager, creative advertiser.

We believe in shaping visionary digital creatives ready to challenge conventions and inspire change. On this programme you will explore branding, campaign design, social media marketing, content creation, motion graphics, digital advertising, app development and product enterprise. You will be provided with the techniques to build skills in problem-solving, consumer-driven strategy, digital campaigns and social media platforms. You will master tools and techniques that drive modern marketing. The Design & Digital Marketing programme works closely with the Graphic Design programme, in a dynamic, studio environment.

Our approach nurtures creativity and innovation, pushing boundaries through cutting-edge design and experimentation. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, industry-standard software, and hands-on mentoring, you’ll create impactful work from day one. Regular live projects, industry speakers, and competition opportunities will enrich your experience, while collaborations and placements build your network and practical expertise. Graduating as part of our supportive creative community, you’ll have the skills, confidence, and portfolio to stand out in the fast-paced world of digital design and marketing.

Modules

Year One - Design and Digital Marketing Foundation and Orientation
In your first year (Level 4), you will be introduced to the core concepts, skills, and techniques that form the foundation of your design and marketing practices. You’ll explore a variety of mediums, software, and approaches to help you understand the wide possibilities within digital processes required as a digital designer and marketing professional. This year focuses on developing your approach to visual communication and technical ability including, motion, social media, app development, branding and more.

•Creative Processes and Experimentation
• Conceptual Marketing
• Creative Thinking
• Visual Communication
• Design Impact

Year Two - Development and Exploration
Your second year (Level 5) builds on this digital foundation, allowing you to develop more advanced, industry-standard skills and a deeper understanding of the digital sector. You will begin to define your personal direction through live briefs and self-directed projects, while building a professional portfolio that reflects your developing specialism. During this stage, you are also encouraged to seek relevant work experience and internships.

• Advanced Design Production
• Marketing Communications
• Design Specialism & Innovation
• Future Industries

Year Three - Consolidation and Expertise
In your final year (Level 6), you will consolidate your skills, experience, and creative identity as a digital design and marketing professional. Working on self-initiated projects, you will refine your skills and explore your future professional direction. This year provides the opportunity to realise your creative ambitions, demonstrate your digital proficiency work towards an industry role or further study.

• Specialist Practice 1
• Specialist Practice 2
• Professional Futures and Final Show
• Dissertation and Report

Assessment method

In course assessment. Each module is assessed upon completion and given a percentage mark.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W213
Institution code:
C71
Campus name:
The Northern School of Art
Campus Code:
H

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

International applicants

We do not currently accept students from outside of the UK. However, we can accept applications from those have evidence of pre-settled status to live, work and study in the UK. Please contact admissions@northernart.ac.uk for more information.

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 96 - 112 points

UCAS tariff points can be made up of a mixture of Level 3 qualifications.

A level - CCC - BBC

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM - DMM

Access to HE Diploma

Successfully complete Access to HE Diploma

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Successfully complete Foundation Diploma

T Level - Pass (C and above)

Your potential is our main focus when assessing your suitability for the programme you have applied to. Because of this, we take into account all aspects of your application and not just your academic profile.
If you are a mature applicant (i.e. 21+ years), we will place more emphasis on your portfolio and the skills and experience you can demonstrate at interview.
Your portfolio, which you bring to interview, is an integral part of the assessment. It should demonstrate your current skills, interests and knowledge where appropriate.
It is also expected that you will bring evidence of written work to interview and/or have a Level 2 qualification in English/Literacy.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Interview
https://northernart.ac.uk/study-with-us/hartlepool-campus/supporting-you/how-to-apply/
Portfolio
https://northernart.ac.uk/study-with-us/hartlepool-campus/supporting-you/how-to-apply/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Due to the creative nature of our programmes, we treat all applications on their own merit and welcome anyone who has the ability and aspirations to achieve at higher education. Applicants have the opportunity to demonstrate their potential to us by showing their portfolio at an interview. If you are predicted points below the stipulated range, or if you have any other qualifications or professional experience, please get in touch as we still may be able to consider you.

Learn more on the The Northern School of Art website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 8 other creative arts and design courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

82% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

85 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

95 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

As with most creative programmes delivered at higher education, this programme will have additional costs such as material and basic tools and contribution towards educational visits to ensure successful completion of the programme. The School offers financial support packages to help with this, whether this be through means-tested bursaries and/or grants. In addition, the School offers subsidised resale of course materials, free use of studios etc. More detailed information is provided at the interview stage; however, if you require this sooner please contact interviews@northernart.ac.uk

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