A group of students collaborating in a modern digital media studio, surrounded by cameras and bright studio lights.

Graphic Design and Digital Media - Certificate of Higher Education*

Summary

The Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) in Graphic Design and Digital Media provides a practical route into the digital creative industries, including graphic design, digital media, and visual effects (VFX).

Designed with industry input and employer feedback, this course helps you build the skills, knowledge and professional awareness needed for entry‑level roles or progression onto a full degree.

The Cert HE forms Year 1 of a three‑year degree pathway, giving you a broad foundation before specialising.

What you’ll study

Core digital design and media skills

You’ll develop a wide range of digital media and graphic design skills through hands‑on, project‑based learning that reflects real industry practice. The course focuses on:

  • Digital design and production techniques
  • Creative concept development
  • Industry‑relevant workflows
  • Enterprise and professional skills for creative careers

This broad first year helps you explore your strengths and interests before choosing a specialist pathway.

Specialist pathways

Graphic Design OR VFX and Media Technology

In Semester 2, you’ll choose elective modules that allow you to specialise in one of two areas:

  • Graphic Design and Content Creation
  • VFX and Media Technology

Specialist skills may include:

  • Moving image creation
  • Media graphics and visual effects
  • Animation and motion capture
  • Digital and graphic content creation

Your chosen pathway prepares you to progress into entry‑level digital media and design roles or continue onto the Foundation Degree in your selected specialism in Years 2 and 3.

Why study at Blackpool and The Fylde College?

Industry‑informed learning with clear progression

By choosing Blackpool and The Fylde College, you’ll study a course shaped by industry collaboration and employer expectations, within a supportive and professional learning environment.

You’ll benefit from:

  • A broad, flexible first year with clear progression routes
  • Teaching informed by digital media and design industries
  • Personalised academic and career guidance
  • A practical pathway into creative employment or further study

This course is ideal for anyone looking to begin a career in graphic design, digital media, or creative production, with the flexibility to shape their future direction.

This course is currently Subject to Validation. For more information please visit our Subject to Validation, Revalidation and Approval page.

Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.

  • £29,100 Average annual salary in this sector
  • 11,152 Annual job openings in the North West
  • Access ot state-of-the-art equipment, theatre space, recording and art studios

Black and white logo for Lancashire & Cumbria Institute of Technology.

A media student strikes a dance pose in an immersive virtual pod.
In a dark recording room, two media students engage with a computer, immersed in their work.
A student in a headset stands behind a recording camera, showcasing a hands-on learning environment.
A student searches for an image to use in her graphic design work.
Three media students, supervised by a tutor, observe multiple camera angles in a computer room.
A dedicated student works on a storyboard sketch at a desk, enhancing their graphic design skills.
A media student strikes a dance pose in an immersive virtual pod. In a dark recording room, two media students engage with a computer, immersed in their work. A student in a headset stands behind a recording camera, showcasing a hands-on learning environment. A student searches for an image to use in her graphic design work. Three media students, supervised by a tutor, observe multiple camera angles in a computer room. A dedicated student works on a storyboard sketch at a desk, enhancing their graphic design skills.
A media student strikes a dance pose in an immersive virtual pod.
In a dark recording room, two media students engage with a computer, immersed in their work.
A student in a headset stands behind a recording camera, showcasing a hands-on learning environment.
A student searches for an image to use in her graphic design work.
Three media students, supervised by a tutor, observe multiple camera angles in a computer room.
A dedicated student works on a storyboard sketch at a desk, enhancing their graphic design skills.

Entry Requirements

For this course, you require:

  • 64 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline
  • English Language and maths at GCSE grade C/4 or above or equivalent
  • Plus successful portfolio review
  • Significant work experience
  • Considered with relevant vocational level 2

In addition to:

  • Successful portfolio review at Blackpool & The Fylde College or the forwarding of an electronic portfolio.

Applicants who can demonstrate a significant amount of work experience in the sector and hold a level 2 vocational qualification in a related subject will be considered on an individual basis.

  • Course code DA1HE0001
  • UCAS code P909
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Day/s of week Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday
  • Time 09:45 - 16:30

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
07 Sep 2026
University Centre
1 Year
13 Sep 2027
University Centre
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This programme is designed to prepare you for further study and a successful career in the digital creative industries, equipping you with the skills needed to secure industry-based work. Throughout the course, you will develop a professional outlook and build a strong portfolio. You will gain a broad and exciting skillset that will enable you to progress to junior and early entry-level careers in the industry.

The programme will set you up to progress to higher level study on the Foundation and BA (Hons) degrees, supporting progression into more senior entry levels to the creative industries.

Next steps at B&FC

You can progress to either of the following programmes:

Graphic Design and Content Creation - Foundation Degree

Visual Effects and Media Technology - Foundation Degree

Employment Opportunities

The creative industries are extremely competitive and this Cert HE aims to give you the fundamental skills to support your progression to higher level study and a more traditional route to industry. The focus on fundamental elements of professional practice, digital competencies, and entrepreneurial skills will ensure you are versatile and adaptable and are well-placed for your next step.

Potential career paths for graduates include roles such as:

Typographer | Creative Art Worker | Junior Content Creator | Digital Media Producer | Streamer | Assistant Editor | Social Content Creator | Graphic Designer | Art Director 

This programme will provide you with the expertise and confidence to thrive in these dynamic and evolving fields at a junior level.

Key information

Qualification obtained

Graphic Design and Digital Media - Certificate of Higher Education*

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding, including additional financial support for those on low incomes, with dependent children or adults or with disabilities.

Extra costs and equipment

All resources such as industry standard software, computer equipment, AR, VR and immersive technology, motion capture and camera assets and library facilities are included in the programme cost itself.

As a predominantly digital course that specialises in digital skills we do recommend – but do not require – that you have the following items available to wear when necessary:

  • A 1TB external hard drive
  • A well-powered laptop (Mac or PC)
  • A camera for primary research purposes
  • Total cost around £250, excluding laptop

You may wish to purchase a laptop to facilitate their work at home, however, computers are available in the LRC and college laptops are accessible through the library loan system.

Blackpool and The Fylde College are keen to support all our students and recognise that in this current climate you may need extra financial support to enable you to achieve to your potential – We have a team of professionals to support you.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: N/A

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.

Logo for Blackpool School of Arts, Creative Community of Practice

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

The work-based learning (WBL) or industry focused elements of your course are integrated throughout the programme, woven into several modules and their learning outcomes. During the Cert HE at Level 4, you will engage in project-based assignments designed to mirror real-world digital and design practices, with these experiences building in complexity as you progress through the course and onto the 2nd and 3rd year of the full degree.

WBL is further enriched by live briefs provided by industry partners. These briefs will simulate professional conditions, requiring you to meet the specific demands set by external stakeholders. Engaging with these industry-sourced projects will not only expose you to authentic work environments but also help you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours essential for success in the digital design and media technology sector.

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Contemporary Issues DA4MD0001 20 No
    Short Form Content Creations DA4MD0002 20 No
    Design and Communication Exploration DA4MD0005 20 No
    Digital Practice DA4MD0006 20 No
    Principles Vfx DA4MD0007 20 No
    Immersive Environments DA4MD0008 20 No

Learning Support - at a glance

We offer a range of services to support you across all areas of student life, with specialist support available for students with disabilities.

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group learning support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Learning Support

How will I learn?

You’ll learn through project‑based, problem‑solving activities, working collaboratively with students and lecturers across graphic design, media, broadcast, technical entertainment and digital production. This reflects real‑world creative practice and builds industry awareness.

Skills you’ll develop

Throughout the programme, you’ll focus on:

  • Creative and digital processes
  • Audience engagement and concept development
  • Presentation, communication and research skills
  • Technical skills across changing digital platforms

You’ll learn how to translate ideas into effective digital and physical outcomes, preparing you for modern design and media roles.

Industry‑standard facilities

You’ll gain hands‑on experience in professional creative spaces, including:

  • Immersive 360° IGLOO
  • Motion capture studio
  • Print room and design studios
  • Large Immersive Auditorium (one of the few in the UK)

Teaching and progression

Learning takes place through workshops, lectures, seminars, tutorials and student‑led activities, with every module designed to support creativity and personal development.

With industry‑informed teaching and real‑world learning opportunities, you’ll graduate as a versatile creative practitioner, ready for entry‑level roles or further study in the digital production industries.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 448 0 0
Independent 752 0 0
Placement 0 0 0
Total 1200 0 0
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

Not the course for you?

Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination.

How will I be assessed?

You’ll experience a mix of formative assessment (feedback‑focused) and summative assessment (counts towards your final grade), including:

Creative portfolios

  • Traditional or digital portfolios built around assignment briefs

Written and reflective work

  • Essays and critical reflections
  • Annotated sketchbooks and digital journals
  • Online reflective submissions

Presentations

  • Digital and multimedia presentations

Digital media projects

You may create and submit content such as:

  • Video logs and VLOGs
  • Podcasts and video essays
  • Virtual and augmented reality presentations

Process and professional practice

  • Evaluation of your practical contribution
  • Teamwork, discipline and professional conduct

Developing industry‑ready skills

These assessment formats mirror professional creative environments and help you build skills in:

  • Creative problem‑solving
  • Written, verbal and visual communication
  • Self‑presentation and critical evaluation
  • Collaboration and teamwork

Together, they prepare you for a sustainable career in digital design and media technology.

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 86% 0% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%