Digital Design and Media - Fast Track to Degree
Summary
This intensive adult fast-track programme is your gateway to mastering the essential software, design and media skills needed to thrive in the creative industries - and to confidently progress into Higher Education or a career in the media and design industries.
Whether you're returning to education, switching careers or accelerating your creative ambitions, this course offers a dynamic and immersive experience that blends practical skill-building with conceptual exploration. Moving through key software in the Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, and Lightroom to name just a few , you will explore design and media principles and develop the academic skills needed to progress to higher level study.
You will learn how to design inspirational layouts, create innovative content, develop post-production photographic techniques and edit videos to a professional standard, all to help you build an exciting portfolio of creative work to demonstrate your newly acquired skills set. With like-minded adult learners, in focused, evening sessions, you will, with the support of an expert tutor, develop the confidence and abilities you need to chase your dream career in the creative industries.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
Successful completion of this fast-track Level 3 Certificate supports progression to one of Blackpool School of Arts’ exciting Level 4 programmes: the HNC in Illustration & Visual Communication or the Certificate of Higher Education in Graphic Design & Digital Media, starting September 2026.
These pathways open doors to careers in creative industries such as publishing, branding, advertising, and digital content creation. Students will build on their foundational skills, deepen their creative practice, and gain industry-relevant experience—preparing them for further study or employment in the dynamic world of visual communication and design.
Next steps at B&FC
Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared to:
- Progress to a BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) or degree-level study in creative disciplines.
- Enter the creative industries with a strong foundation in design thinking and digital media.
- Continue developing their practice in a specialist area such as graphic design, fashion, photography, or interactive media.
Other study options
Completion of this programme will also prepare you to apply for study at other institutions or pursue a career in the industry. Advice and support will be offered during the programme on the best next-step for you.
Employment Opportunities
Employment in the creative industries in competitive, and while this programme is aimed at supporting your progression to Higher Education, it is possible that some applicants may seek to enter the creative industries:
Freelance Creative
Start your own small business as a freelance designer, building a client base and portfolio as you progress.
Digital Content Creator
Produce visual content for websites, blogs, and social media, using your skills in image editing, layout, and visual storytelling.
Key information
Entry Requirements
Applicants to this programme will have the following qualifications
- A L2 qualification in a relevant discipline, or
- Industry experience in a relevant discipline
As well asGrade 4/C in both GCSE Maths and English, or L2 equivalent, along with the following:
- A successful interview with a tutor
- The ability to study independently
- A genuine interest in the subject
- Good communication skills
- Hardworking approach towards the industry
Anyone who can demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge can also be considered on an individual basis. Recognised prior learning may also be considered in accordance with the awarding body’s regulations.
If English is not your first language, you will need to achieve an IELTS score of at least 5.5.
Qualification obtained
BTEC National Certificate in Art and DesignFees and funding
Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.
To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.
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:
- 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 your work at home. However, computers are available in the Learning Resource Centre and college laptops are accessible through the library loan system.
We are keen to support all our students and recognise that, in this current climate, you may need you may need extra financial support to enable you to achieve to your potential. Please refer to the fees and funding section for further advice.
What will I learn?
On this fast-track Digital Design and Media course, you’ll master essential creative software, explore digital imaging and interactive media, developing your own design projects from concept to completion. You’ll build a portfolio, experiment with industry-standard tools, and gain a solid grounding in visual communication, creative problem-solving and digital storytelling. The curriculum is designed to give you the confidence and technical skills needed for higher education, with a focus on creative briefs and creative challenges that reflect current industry practice.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
As an fast-track evening class, there is no placement attached to this programme. However, you'll benefit from the strong industry links that Blackpool School of Arts and its staff maintain, broadening your perspective and inspiring your practice. Live brief content and visiting lecturers will support and inspire you with industry insights, to support career progression and help youunderstand the realities of working in digital design and media. These experiences are designed to build your professional network and prepare you for the next step in your creative career.
How will I learn?
Learning is hands-on, collaborative, and tailored to adult learners. You’ll work on practical projects in our specialist studios, using the latest software and equipment. Workshops, demonstrations, and group critiques encourage experimentation and peer learning. You’ll also engage in independent study, supported by expert tutors who understand the needs of adult returners and career changers. The course is structured to fit around busy lives, with flexible delivery and a supportive, inclusive environment that values your experience and ambitions.
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.
How will I be assessed?
There are no formal exams; instead you will present your work in critiques and digital showcases, receiving constructive feedback from tutors and peers. This approach ensures you’re ready for the demands of higher education and the creative industries, with a strong portfolio and the confidence to progress. Your work will be assessed as a portfolio, which will capture your journey through the programme and document your learning experience, your creative outputs and your reflective and evaluative work.