CertHE Creative and Digital Media at University of Salford

This one-year course trains you to become a digital media technician - skilled in all the tools necessary for delivering and distributing video content across platforms including business, government and the charity sector.

Faculty: Creative Digital Media and Gaming  |  Duration: Full-time: One year; Part-time: Two years; Overview; How you'll learn; Future careers; Modules; Entry requirements; Fees and funding; How to apply; to this course; Ask a question; Overview; This one-year, CertHE programme trains you to become a digital media creative whilst also developing the required skills for delivering and distributing video content across platforms including business, government and the charity sector.; This course focuses on mastering the software and hardware you need in order to be an indispensable team member in this fast-growing field as well as developing your creative abilities and understanding.; Find out more by; signing up to our upcoming Open Day; , of if you have any general questions please contact; course enquiries; .; What is a 'CertHE'?; A Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) at Level 4 is awarded after one year of full-time study at university. Our CertHE programmes are hands-on and practical, with flexible learning options available so you can choose to study full or part time.; CertHEs are a great choice for a wide range of reasons. Your personal or professional goals might mean that you don’t want or need a full degree but know that some higher education in your chosen field would be beneficial. You might want to experience university level study, including support and access to facilities, without the commitment of a three year degree.; You can take a CertHE straight from college when you have completed qualifications like BTECs or A-Levels. Some people choose to take a gap year first or spend some time working before they start a CertHE.; A CertHE can lead directly to a career as you will have gained valued skills and experience, or you might choose to continue with further studies.; The course is also available as a; two year Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE).; You will:; Learn how to produce content, create stories and put ideas together to develop digital and creative content; Edit video, using industry standard software; Develop immersive content; Learn the skills necessary to develop a small business and run your affairs as a freelancer; Be a part of a creative and supportive community; All our Creative Digital Media and Gaming courses are delivered by the; School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology; . We are a creative community with a focus on creating a collaborative environment where you can thrive and gain the skills needed to pursue your dreams.; Our Engagement Team coordinates school-wide events such as the; Create Student Awards; , academic conferences, networking and volunteering opportunities, welcoming and wellbeing fairs and exhibitions like our annual Degree Show.; For non-course matters, you will have access to our university-wide support service; askUS; , who will support and guide you to be successful in all aspects of your life.; Throughout your time at Salford, you’ll be mentored and supported by experts. And once you graduate, it won’t end there. You’ll join a thriving alumni network across Greater Manchester and beyond, meaning you’ll be supported professionally and personally whenever you need it.; GMIoT; Located across England, Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are a national network of partnerships between local colleges, universities, and leading employers.; We are a proud partner in the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology. This means as a student on this course you will benefit from being part of the University of Salford community, with access to our facilities and support, and taught by our tutors. You will also be part of the GMIoT network, with access to additional events and activities.; How you'll learn; What will I be doing?; The course will be a mix of six key elements: practical demonstration, hands-on skill training, realistic video and podcast project creation and delivery, individual work, industry projects and teamwork.; The course will be delivered by our academic team, supported by established industry contacts, who will help to inform the content and direction of the curriculum and other learning and professional development opportunities.; Future careers; Graduates can go straight into industry, working for a wide range of employers in various junior creative digital media roles.; A typical employer might be Channel 4, or one of the production companies that produce content for that channel. Alternatively, you might work for the marketing department of an e-commerce company, or for a sports team, or public sector body. You might also consider a role within the hundreds of advertising, marketing, and production agencies which serve the industry.; In the North there is a substantial and growing market which includes media companies such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Lime Pictures, as well as online companies like Rental Cars, The Hut Group, AO.com, Money Supermarket, Beauty Bay, Auto Trader, Missguided, BooHoo, and other organisations including Manchester United, Liverpool FC and Manchester City.; Graduates of the programme could also find roles in government, large organisations including the police, or major charities, who are all strongly represented in the region.; A taste of what you could become; A broadcaster; An editor; A digital content producer; A producer; And more...; Career Links; We have industry links with a range of media organisations, including Channel 4, ITV, BBC Sport and The Hut Group.; Modules; This course has been designed by media industry content developers and producers. Modules that make up the programme have been developed as new learning experiences bespoke to the course, which will give you a concentrated two-year experience to prepare you for employment or top-up study.; The structure below reflects a one year route. Modules may include:; Year one; Mobile, Media and Marketing; This module will cover:; Contemporary marketing in a mobile-first world; Anticipating, understanding and fulfilling customer needs and desires; Creating and curating social media content to engage audiences; Video Shoot and Sound; In this module you will learn how to create a video including how to use a camera, how to light a scene, how to focus and how to record sound to a professional standard.; Client Communications; This module will show you how to communicate with and nurture relationships with clients. This will include how to understand, articulate and interpret live briefs and projects and progress to delivering appropriately constructed and designed content to a deadline.; Motion and Interactive Design; This module will teach the creative elements and processes required to visualise user journeys for web interaction and motion design. It is underpinned by the technical knowledge learned in Innovation and Technologies module, and will focus on narrative processes in combination with motion design.; Video Edit; This module will accompany 'Video Shoot and Sound' by studying the process of video editing in parallel. The student will use their footage from 'Video Shoot and Sound' to help inform the video edit process. The beginning of the module will outline the fundamental processes of video editing, from a perspective of workflow and terminology rather than specific software training. This allows students to approach any video editing software with knowledge and understanding. The individual edit will develop the individual learners fundamental skills, where the group project will emulate project management and team processes as found in a small scale production business.; Planning, Pre-Production and Ethics; The art of planning and pre-production is essential to the success of any production. This module introduces the student to the beginning of that journey. Having a thorough understanding of budgets, costings, planning, and the logistical requirements of a production will enable content to be delivered successfully. Equally important is an awareness of ethical considerations, including responsible resource use, transparent decision-making, fair treatment of contributors and crew, and the social impact of the content being produced. By integrating ethical practice into every stage of planning, students can ensure their productions are not only efficient and well-managed but also respectful, responsible, and aligned with professional standards.; We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.; Our undergraduate courses are normally made up of 20 credit modules which are equal to 200 hours of learning time. A three-year degree qualification typically comprises a total of 360 credits (120 credits per year).; Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.; Entry requirements; As an applicant for this course, you will:; be an enthusiast for digital media content, and curious about how it is created, measured and used to bring about success for broadcasters, production companies, sports teams, government and charities.; know who the major broadcasters are and what their video-on-demand sites (like iPlayer and ITV Player) do.; have a good working knowledge of social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and any other social platforms people are using. You might also know something about big ecommerce sites like Amazon, MyProtein and PrettyLittleThing.; possibly have experimented with making videos or podcasts already and seen the potential of them.; be aware of TV shows and podcasts and already have a set of favourites you could discuss – thinking about what makes them good, which target audience they are focusing on, and what challenges might have been involved in producing them.; be curious to know about how to shoot and edit video, how to look at social media analytics, how to work out which channel to use, and how to create content that resonates with very different target audiences.; Standard entry requirements; GCSE; English Language at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent) is required. Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) is preferred but not essential.; You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below; UCAS tariff points; 64 points; A Level; 64 points; BTEC Extended Diploma; MPP; Scottish Highers; 64 points; Irish Leaving Certificate; 64 points; Access to HE; Pass Level 3 Access to HE Diploma with 64 UCAS points; Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design); Pass = 80 points; T Levels; Pass (D/E in core subject); International Baccalaureate; Equivalent to 64 UCAS tariff points; European Baccalaureate; Equivalent to 64 UCAS tariff points; Alternative entry requirements; Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES); We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.; There are two different routes through the; Salford Alternative Entry Scheme; and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.; Not sure how many UCAS points you have?; Use our UCAS Tariff Calculator; to find out.; Fees and funding; See below for fees information.; 2027/28; Type of study; Fees; Full-time; £10,050; per year; Part-time; The part-time fee is calculated on a pro rata basis; The tuition fees shown are for the first year only. If your course lasts longer than one year, fees may increase each year in line with inflation, up to the maximum limits set by the UK Government.; Additional costs; You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.; How to apply; Enrolment dates; September 2027; Student information; Terms and conditions; UCAS information; Course ID; PW89; Institution; S03; How to apply; Related courses; Looking for more?; DipHE; Social Media Content Creation; This two-year course trains you to become a social media content creator - highly skilled...; DipHE; Creative and Digital Media; This two-year course trains you to become a digital media technician - highly skilled in...; Popular links; Find a course; Open Days; Virtual tour; Accommodation; Student support teams; Get in touch; Contact us; Course enquiries; Travel to the university; Quick links; Campus accessibility; Data protection and privacy; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Legal and regulatory information; Modern slavery statement; Student complaints; Term dates; Web Accessibility statement; Questions; How do I apply for an undergraduate course?; How do I apply for a postgraduate course?; How much does a course cost?; How do I change my course?; Facebook; Instagram; LinkedIn; TikTok; X; Youtube; Copyright ©; 2026; University of Salford; Manage privacy settings  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Salford, England, United Kingdom

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