Digital Media Production - BSc (Hons)

About this course

About

Digital Media Production focuses on nurturing students' creative talent, and developing the historical, theoretical and professional knowledges needed to create thoughtful and engaging content for a diverse range of audiences. The course encourages students to experiment, explore their creativity, disrupt and innovate.

Assessed through authentic, applied problem-based coursework and real world briefs, the course helps students reflect on their own production work and develop a portfolio of contemporary creative outputs aligned to the ever developing job market. Through mentorship and a strong creative community, the course champions students to develop their expertise and talent within a supportive community.

Students are exposed to a wide range of media forms in Year 1 to help them understand the established codes and conventions of each form and situate their practice historically and socially, whilst developing core visual, information and digital literacies. Throughout Year 1 students are taught to take measured, informed creative risks and foster critical thinking. In Year 2, these forms are put to work in a set of design contexts to help students deepen their understanding of the effect media have socially, culturally and politically. In Year 3, students are able to put these skills and knowledges to work in the field, through a Diploma of Professional Practice, helping them develop creative confidence, and vocational literacies.

The final year of the degree focuses on outward facing projects with clients, for external exhibition and for external stakeholders through the development of business plans. This means that every student will leave the course with a comprehensive portfolio of creative practice which can be used to demonstrate their skills and creativity for roles in the creative, cultural and media industries or used as a plan to help them establish themselves as a creative start-up.

The course focuses on sustainable and ethical production practices which are future-focused to help address current and developing global inequalities. It challenges students to explore local social, cultural, political and environmental inequalities and injustices and how they reflect larger entanglements.

The course helps students understand the history of a wide variety of media forms; print, motion design, video production, web design, visual culture, data visualisation, immersive media, business development, media management and social enterprise and how these media histories help us understand potential cultural, technological, aesthetic futures and professional vectors.

Through a deep understanding of our shared media pasts, our current social injustices, and a view to some of our probable collective futures, the program of study fosters thoughtful, considered, socially responsible, creatively confident, digitally skilled and media literate graduates that are empowered to meet the fast changing regional, national and international professional challenges and drive positive disruption and change in the creative industries.

Modules you will study:

Visual Cultures (Year 1, Semester 1, September-January)

This module introduces students to some of the core theories of visual media, fostering research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Students explore themes across various visual and digital media forms, analysing their impact on society. Through image analysis and creative exercises, students develop a nuanced understanding of visual communication's power and influence.

Video Production (Yr1/S1)

This module teaches the fundamental elements of screen storytelling: composition, camerawork, structure, editing, sound, and post-production. They develop technical proficiency in lighting, camera work, sound capture, and editing software, culminating in a video interview challenge. Through hands-on experience, students learn video production from writing to delivery, including planning, shooting, and editing an emotionally engaging piece of moving image work. Students develop and refine their skills in video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro

Graphic Design (Yr1/S1)

This module familiarizes students with essential graphic design principles for effective communication across print and digital platforms. They'll practice industry-standard design techniques, software proficiency, and the principles of visual communication. Through hands-on projects, they'll craft visual identities for media events, products, or businesses, honing their ability to shape project aesthetics, develop an understanding of the importance of Art Direction and convey value to audiences. Students develop practical design skills utilizing industry standard software Adobe InDesign and Photoshop

Media and SocialChange (Year 1, Semester 2, January-May)

This module explores how digital media influences society and its potential for facilitating or impeding social change. It examines key aspects of media and cultural studies to analyse shifts in human interaction, identity, and perception. Through academic writing exercises, students explore these themes, culminating in a case study on a contemporary digital media campaign addressing human rights. Finally, they learn and apply scripting, sound recording, and editing skills to create an audio project highlighting a critical human rights issue.

Web Design (Yr1/S2)

This module traces the evolution of the internet from its origins to present-day, examining its shaping forces. Students delve into the technological underpinnings of the web and its impact on the aesthetics and functionality of media online. Through workshops and resources, they acquire web design skills in HTML and CSS, which is tested using authentic industry informed assessment. Additionally, students learn contemporary AI Generative code techniques, and debate the ethical, creative and practical implications, to create interactive online media and design driven experiences, enhancing their foundational knowledge.

Motion Graphics (Yr1/S2)

This module familiarizes students with fundamental concepts and methods in motion design, applicable to animation, special effects, and web video. Through lectures, students study a diverse array of historical and contemporary motion design examples. In workshops, they gain proficiency in Adobe After Effects software, enabling them to conceptualize, design, and create their own motion graphics projects.

Industry Placement - Optional (Year 2, Semester 1&2)
This reflective module aids students in crafting professional development plans to align with employer expectations and map out their careers aspirations. It supports students in defining their professional identity and specialization to focus their digital creativity. By exploring post-graduation employment prospects and requisite skills, students prepare for the job market. The module facilitates discussions on contemporary professional topics like Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Burnout, Remote Work, and Work/Life Balance, fostering preparedness for media, creative, and cultural industries. Assessment includes evaluating professional planning, self-improvement in specializations, and a short work placement to validate skills and knowledge.

Media Law and Regulation – Optional (Year 2, Semester 1)

This interdisciplinary module, spanning Journalism and Digital Media Production, familiarizes students with crucial legal and regulatory frameworks influencing media creation and consumption. Through interactive lectures and case studies, students delve into key aspects of Media Law for practitioners: defamation, privacy, contempt, and copyright. Assessment entails applying legal knowledge to real-world scenarios, honing written communication skills and subject expertise.

Interactive Media (Yr2, S1)
Expanding on Graphic Design, Web Design, and Visual Cultures, this module advances students' grasp of interactive design. Guided by industry best practices, students learn to conceptualize, pitch, and then develop interactive web experiences. Emphasizing design process, coding, and audience engagement, the module equips students to craft innovative websites tailored to specific media audiences. Through producing professional design documents, presenting ideas, and iteratively refining solutions based on feedback, students gain practical skills in creating real-world web solutions.

Audience Development (Yr2, S1)
Leveraging prior studies in Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, and Visual Cultures, this module focuses on strategizing and pitching audience engagement methods for the Arts and Cultural sectors. Collaborating with outside organisation such as National Museums Northern Ireland and Thrive, students receive mentorship from experienced staff versed in digital innovation in museum projects and audience development. Through the Design Thinking framework and data-driven design, students develop projects addressing real-world challenges. They learn audience measurement techniques and tailor designs accordingly, gaining insight into professional approaches to media production.

Digital Storytelling (Yr2, S2)

This module builds upon Web Design, Video Production, Graphic Design, and Motion Graphics to examine the influence of interactivity and emerging media on storytelling. Students analyse how interactivity, choice, presence, and agency shape narratives and audience experiences. Exploring award-winning experimental content, students experiment with innovative storytelling forms. The module guides students through ideation, planning, communication of design decisions, coding, and delivery of interactive stories.

Immersive Media (Yr2, S2)

Building on knowledge from Web Design, Graphic Design, Cinematic Practice, and Visual Cultures, this module prompts students to craft a portfolio of accessible immersive experiences utilizing Virtual, Augmented, and Extended Reality. Students develop skills in generating ideas, capturing immersive content, and coding innovative experiences for public display. The module delves into how immersion transforms storytelling and communicates meaning to audiences, and creates engaging and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences

Data Storytelling (Yr2, S2)
Integrating concepts from Media and Social Change, Graphic Design, and Web Design, this module challenges students to explore significant social issues through information design and digital storytelling. Employing data visualisation, storytelling techniques, connected campaigns, and social media outreach, students develop public-facing projects that communicate important messages of social justice developed from real world datasets. These initiatives aim to foster audience interaction with data, encourage critical thinking and ethical responses to social and economic inequalities and climate crisis.

Industry Placement (Year) – Optional
This module offers students a chance to apply their accumulated skills and knowledge in a real-world setting, fostering professionalism and exposing them to new approaches through work-based learning. Students engage with various workplaces, including Design Agencies, Video Production Houses, Multi-Nationals, Tech Incubators, Sports Teams, and Media organizations like the BBC, gaining valuable industry experience. Completion of this module earns students a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) alongside their degree, enabling them to demonstrate their professional competencies effectively.

Study Abroad (Year) - Optional
Providing students with learning experiences beyond the course and exposure to life beyond Northern Ireland is invaluable. This broadens their understanding of media in diverse global contexts. Through partner institutions in the USA, India, China, and Europe, students can study similar courses. Additionally, they have the chance to pursue an extra qualification, the Diploma in Area Studies (DIAS), enhancing their employability, particularly for those considering careers outside Northern Ireland post-graduation.

Enterprise Placement (Year) - Optional

Working with mentors from the Careers Department and Industry, students are supported in starting their own creative business for a year. Students have worked as event photographers, digital designers, videographers, wedding stationary designers, and content marketers and are supported in business planning, working with clients, and finance so they can apply their subject knowledge to a new business.

Research Design (Year 4, Semester1)

Students will delve into various quantitative and qualitative methods to examine and validate their concepts through an independent Research Project. They'll learn to formulate hypotheses about media communication's impact on audiences, collect relevant data, and present their findings effectively. This module marks a pivotal stage in students' learning, where they engage in open inquiry, applying skills honed throughout the course to generate novel research insights.

Project-Social (Yr 4, S1)
In the final year of the degree, this 'double-weighted module' carries twice the credits of previous ones. It challenges students to collaborate in teams with real-world clients, partnering with the Science Shop initiative to tackle briefs from Charities and NPOs. Through teamwork, project management, and time management, students deliver outcomes that assess their technical and subject expertise. Mentored within a studio context by staff, they design, pitch, and execute projects with tangible organizational impact for a real world client. Past projects from this module can be viewed at https://project-social.co.uk/.

Enterprise Project (Yr 4, S2)
In their final semester, students engage in the Enterprise Project module, where they leverage their acquired skills and subject knowledge to cultivate a new business venture. They learn to develop a business concept aligned with audience or technology trends in the creative media sector, culminating in a pitch and business plan for assessment. Past projects from this module have garnered accolades in regional business startup competitions, enabling graduates to establish and run their own companies incubated within the course under staff mentorship.

Digital Research and Development (Yr4, S2)
In tandem with the Enterprise Project, students undertake a double-weighted module in the course's final stages. Here, they craft an independent practical project, showcasing their skills and subject expertise through a significant body of work. While working autonomously, students receive mentorship from a staff member, aiming to create an experimental, innovative, and captivating media project for public display. This project culminates in the End of Year Showcase, serving as a portfolio centrepiece and fostering further growth in students' chosen specializations.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Attendance

A full time 3-year course (4 years with optional work placement or study abroad year), students are expected to be in attendance during the normal working week. In line with the University’s attendance policy, attendance at all taught sessions is compulsory. In addition, students working on projects and in independent work may be required occasionally to attend for group meetings/seminars in the evenings and at weekends.

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

On Digital Media Production, we are committed to providing students with a dynamic and enriching learning experience that combines academic rigor with real-world application. Our program is designed to nurture creativity, foster critical thinking, and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving media landscape.

Learning:

Our curriculum is carefully crafted to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of digital media production, from theory to practice. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and hands-on projects, students engage with a wide range of topics, including media history, digital storytelling, design principles, and ethical production practices. By exploring these areas, students develop a deep appreciation for the role of media in shaping society and culture, while also honing their technical skills and creative abilities.

Central to our approach is the emphasis on experiential learning. We believe that students learn best by doing, so they can explore their ideas through making, which is why our program incorporates practical projects and real-world briefs from day one. Whether it's producing a short film, designing a multimedia campaign, or developing a web application, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways and see the direct impact of their work.

Additionally, we recognise the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Our small class sizes allow for personalized attention and mentorship, while our diverse faculty bring a wealth of expertise and perspectives to the table. Through collaboration and peer feedback, students learn not only from their instructors but also from each other, creating a dynamic community of learners.

Teaching:

Our faculty are not just educators; they are media professionals, academics and researchers with years of experience in the field of digital media production. From award-winning designers to seasoned film makers, our instructors bring a wealth of real-world expertise to the classroom, ensuring that students are exposed to a wealth of media experience as well as the latest trends, techniques, and best practices in the industry.

Our teaching philosophy is rooted in active engagement and student-centered learning. Rather than relying solely on traditional lectures, our instructors utilize a variety of teaching methods, including group discussions, hands-on workshops, and guest lectures. This multifaceted approach allows students to explore complex concepts from different angles and encourages active participation and critical inquiry.

Furthermore, our faculty are deeply invested in the success of our students. Through one-on-one mentoring, career guidance, and networking opportunities, they provide personalized support and guidance every step of the way. Whether it's helping students refine their creative vision, navigate technical challenges, or explore career pathways, our faculty are dedicated to helping students reach their full potential.

Assessment:

Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, providing students with valuable feedback and opportunities for growth. Our assessment strategies are designed to be practical, applied, and aligned with real-world expectations. They push students to be experimental, take creative risks and produce a portfolio of work to help showcase their skills. Rather than relying solely on traditional exams and essays, we utilize a variety of assessment methods, including project-based assignments, portfolio crits, presentations, and peer evaluations.

This approach not only allows students to demonstrate their understanding of course material in practical contexts but also prepares them for the demands of the professional world. By working on real-world projects and engaging with industry standards and expectations, students develop the skills and competencies needed to succeed in their future careers.

Attendance and Independent Study

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

• Attendance and Independent Study

  As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

  Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.

  The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

  Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

  Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

• Assessment

  Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes.  You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.

  Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

  Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.

• Calculation of the Final Award

  The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

  Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

  All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.

  In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

  Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.

Academic profile

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Media and Social Change

Year: 1

Status: C

This module delves into how digital media influences society, and its potential for facilitating or impeding social change. It examines key aspects of media and cultural studies to analyse shifts in human interaction, identity, and perception. Through academic writing exercises, students explore these themes, producing in a case study on a contemporary digital media campaign addressing human rights. Finally, they learn and apply scripting, sound recording, and editing skills to create an audio project highlighting a critical human rights issue.

Motion Graphics

Year: 1

Status: C

This module will introduce students to concepts and techniques surrounding the production of type-based motion graphics used in computer animation, special effects and web video etc. During the lectures students will explore the aesthetic and narrative forms of these types of moving images. During the workshops students will become familiar with Adobe After Effects software through the production of their own motion graphics.

Web Design

Year: 1

Status: C

This module traces the evolution of the internet from its origins to present-day, examining its shaping forces. Students delve into the technological underpinnings of the web and its impact on the aesthetics and functionality of media online. Through workshops and resources, they acquire web design skills in HTML and CSS, which is tested using authentic industry informed assessment. Additionally, students learn contemporary AI Generative code techniques, and debate the ethical, creative and practical implications, to create interactive online media and design driven experiences, enhancing their foundational knowledge.

Graphic Design

Year: 1

Status: C

This module introduces students to graphic design and aims to develop their creative and technical skills through the production of their own graphic design work. The workshop series will cover visual language, principles and techniques involved in graphic design while during workshop sessions, students will undertake graphic design challenges using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign software to conceptualise, draft and complete their graphic designs.

Video Production

Year: 1

Status: C

This module teaches the fundamental elements of screen storytelling: composition, camerawork, structure, editing, sound, and post-production. They develop technical proficiency in lighting, camera work, sound capture, and editing software, undertaking a video interview challenge. Through hands-on experience, students learn video production from writing to delivery, including planning, shooting, and editing an emotionally engaging piece of moving image work.

Visual Culture

Year: 1

Status: C

This module introduces students to some of the core theories of visual media, fostering research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Students explore themes across various visual and digital media forms, analysing their impact on society. Through image analysis and creative exercises, students develop a nuanced understanding of visual communication's power and influence.

Year two

Interactive Media

Year: 2

Status: C

This module will allow students to explore the creative design processes inherent in the design, planning and production of interactive media formats and their associated interactive media theories, and to respond to these concepts and methods in the creation of a small-scale interactive media outcome.

Digital Storytelling

Year: 2

Status: C

The module provides students with the opportunity to investigate and experience the how digital storytelling operates in contemporary public spheres, and the skills and techniques to enable students to create their own digital story.

Transmedia Storytelling

Year: 2

Status: C

This module draws on a range of disciplines and media forms to deliver a participatory narrative which is delivered through a number of platforms. Students are asked to consider new approaches to story and how audience responses to narratives can be evaluated and analysed. The module engages with forms of story-telling and narrative delivery in which audiences become active and help to shape the story as it unfolds.

Industry Placement

Year: 2

Status: C

This reflective module aids students in crafting professional development plans to align with employer expectations and map out their careers aspirations. It supports students in defining their professional identity and specialization to focus their digital creativity. By exploring post-graduation employment prospects and requisite skills, students prepare for the job market. The module facilitates discussions on contemporary professional topics like Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Burnout, Remote Work, and Work/Life Balance, fostering preparedness for media, creative, and cultural industries. Assessment includes evaluating professional planning, self-improvement in specializations, and the opportunity a short work placement to validate skills and knowledge. Students will complete a 70 hour placement, or piece of work based learning as part of the module where they will apply their skills and subject knowledge to a professional context, reflect on their experiences and apply the learning from the module to a real world learning context.

Data Storytelling

Year: 2

Status: C

Integrating concepts from Media and Social Change, Graphic Design, and Web Design, this module challenges students to explore significant social issues through information design and digital storytelling. Employing data visualisation, storytelling techniques, connected campaigns, and social media outreach, students develop public-facing projects. These initiatives aim to foster audience interaction with data and encourage critical thinking and ethical responses to social and economic inequalities and climate crises.

Innovation Newsroom

Year: 2

Status: C

This module will help students prepare for Work Based Learning opportunities or Industry Placement in the Media and Creative Industries and create a professional portfolio and gain working newsroom experience that will aid them when seeking employment.

The module provides students with the opportunity to explore media industry roles, and plan future career trajectories.

The module helps to give industrial contexts to students prior learning and helps students to prepare a portfolio of work to apply for a placement.

Media: Study Internationally (2nd yr)

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the Erasmus Plus area such as the Americas, Australia or China. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline of Media whilst generating educational and cultural networks.

Year three

Industrial Placement: Media

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module offers students a chance to apply their accumulated skills and knowledge in a real-world setting, fostering professionalism and exposure to new approaches through work-based learning. Students engage with various workplaces, including Design Agencies, Video Production Houses, Multi-Nationals, Tech Incubators, Sports Teams, and Media organizations like the BBC, gaining valuable experience. Completion of this module earns students a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) alongside their degree, enabling them to demonstrate their professional competencies effectively.

Media: Study Abroad (DIAS)

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

Providing students with learning experiences beyond the course and exposure to life beyond Northern Ireland is vital. This broadens their understanding of media in diverse global contexts. Through partner institutions in the USA, India, China, and Europe, students can study similar courses. Additionally, they have the chance to pursue an extra qualification, the Diploma in Area Studies (DIAS), enhancing their employability, particularly for those considering careers outside Northern Ireland post-graduation.

Year four

Research Design

Year: 4

Status: C

The model provides students with the opportunity to explore key aspects of digital media research and put into place a small-scale independent research project.

Digital, Research and Development (Major Project)

Year: 4

Status: C

In tandem with the Enterprise Project, students undertake a double-weighted module in the course's final stages. Here, they craft an independent practice project, showcasing their skills and subject expertise through a significant body of work. While working autonomously, students receive mentorship from a staff member, aiming to create an experimental, innovative, and captivating media piece. This project culminates in the End of Year Showcase, serving as a portfolio center piece and fostering further growth in students' chosen specializations.

Project-Social

Year: 4

Status: C

Located at the end point of the Interactive Media programme this module will integrate to an advanced level the knowledge and skills acquired to that point around a group project of some complexity for a 'live' community partner or non-profit agency. The module will have a supporting series of agency sessions designed to support the students develop their interactive project to a complex and innovative level. This is an opportunity for the learner to evaluate their own work in a reflective manner, with reference to the academic and/or professional issues and debates explored in the degree programme as a whole.

Enterprise Project

Year: 4

Status: C

The module provides students with the opportunity to investigate and experience the processes involved in the development of a new enterprise idea that addresses audience and/or technology trends in the creative media sector.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grades BCC

Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an A level C grade by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

Applied General Qualifications

*** To note that only qualifications defined as “Applied General” will be accepted for entry onto any undergraduate course at Ulster University.***

BTEC Awards

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of Distinction Distinction Merit

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of Distinction Merit Merit

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma(2012 Suite)

Award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade B or award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade B

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade C

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades BC

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)

Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades BC

Diploma, National Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

Irish Leaving Certificate

104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

• View tariff point chart

Scottish Highers

The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is grades

BCCCC

Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is grades

CDD

Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum of

24 points to include 12 at higher level.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 60% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access course)

Overall profile of 12 credits at distinction, 30 credits at merit and 3 credits at pass (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course)

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above English Language.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Additional Entry Requirements

HND - Overall Merit with distinctions in 30 Level 5 credits for Year 1 entry. Those applicants holding a subject-related HND with an overall merit may be considered for entry to Year 2.

HNC – Overall Merit with distinctions in 60 Level 4 credits for Year 1 entry.

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met).

Foundation Degree - An overall mark of 45% in Level 5 modules for Year 1 entry. Those applicants holding a subject-related Foundation Degree may be considered for entry to Year 2.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)

The University will consider applications on the basis of experiential learning for those who do not hold the normal entry qualifications.

Transfer from degree level study at other institutions

Those applicants seeking entry with advanced standing, (eg. Transfer from another institution or year 2 entry) will be considered on an individual basis.

Exemptions and transferability

Those who wish to transfer from other institutions should apply via UCAS and will be assessed on an individual basis.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Allstate
• BNL Productions
• Media Club
• Redback Creations
• Urban Design & Print
• BBC
• Sentireal Ltd

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Media Content Producer
• Website Content Developer
• Creative Design Manager
• Social Media Officer
• Videographer
• Digital Marketing Officer
• Digital Designer

Career options

The Digital Media Production degree offers the broad base of skills that the creative industry sector needs.

As a career path you might become a Designer or Developer creating digital media content.

Your interest through the course might be more developed in relation to project management skills, and you embark on a career where you manage a creative design team as a Creative Media Manager.

You might be involved in developing media content for the web as a Web Content Developer, or be involved in creating media content for a social media campaign, as a Social Media Officer.

An interest in video production may take you to a career as a Videographer, creating visual content for television, or even the video games industry.

However is not only the media industries that need these skills. Demand for these unique skills range from broadcasters, photographers, marketing and web-development companies, to the communications departments of private companies, public sector organisations and education.

Work placement / study abroad

Work Placement:

Work placement is really important to the course team, as it helps students apply their skills, work in different contexts, and get feedback from employers on their professionalism. We have an optional module in Year 2 where students complete a 2 week (70 hour) placement and part of their marks are allocated by their placement provider. We also have a number of options for additional work-based learning such as an optional year placement, where students can put their skills and knowledge to the test in a workplace to earn an additional qualification called a Diploma of Professional Practice (DPP), and an Enterprise Year (EPY) where students start their own creative businesses with mentorship.

Study Abroad:

StudyUSA, Turing scheme, International Student Exchange Programme. Students from the programme can study a year in a number of different countries including China, America and across Europe. It is advised that students undertake this between years 2 and 3 of the programme. Studying abroad for a year generates the extra award of Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS).

Apply

Start dates

• September 2025

Contact

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For more information visit

• Visit Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Visit School of Communication and Media

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2. Although the University at all times endeavours to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses, change the campus at which they are provided and introduce new courses if such action is considered necessary by the University (acting reasonably). Not all such circumstances are entirely foreseeable but changes may be required if matters such as the following arise: industrial action interferes with the University’s ability to teach the course as planned, lack of demand makes a course economically unviable for the University, departure of key staff renders the University unable to deliver the course, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding specifically provided for the course or other unforeseeable circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
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Testimonials

Graduate Lucy Fleming, class of 2022, has been appointed by the BBC in the role of ‘Creative’.

Describing the role Lucy said:

“When I read the job description I was like “this is literally word for word my degree, I couldn’t believe it! The role is basically if Interactive Media were a job as it includes video editing, graphic design, audio work and the odd bit of motion graphics and/or illustration. It’s mainly promotion of programmes on social media but with a bit of BBC Sounds and BBC Online as well.”

Lucy also nominated the Digital Media Production course team for “Team of the Year” at the UUSU Learning and Teaching Awards 2022.

Jack Morrow, Chief technology Officer, RETìníZE describing our graduates:

“Their expertise and unique knowledge allow them to sit between and across all workflows associated with immersive technology production. They are the link between the disciplines (TV, film, storytelling, content development, pre-productions, postproduction, techies etc.). Their real strength is in that they have a wide skill basis that often reveals its strengths within management, management of workflows and peoples in large project teams.”

https://www.retinize.com/