DIGITAL MARKETING, ADVERTISING AND COMMUNICATIONS Level 6 (Hons) Degree HLA (Top Up)

Level 6
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Banbridge Campus
The Open University

Overview

Digital marketing is a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry, creating exciting opportunities for skilled professionals. The BSc (Hons) in Digital Marketing, Advertising and Communications (Top-up) has been developed to meet the demands of this dynamic sector, equipping students with the strategic knowledge and practical skills required to succeed in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Throughout the programme, students will be supported by experienced lecturers with extensive industry expertise. Learning takes place in a supportive and innovative environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and the practical application of digital marketing concepts in real-world contexts.

Students will also have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals through guest lectures, workshops, and networking events, helping them to develop valuable professional connections while enhancing their practical understanding of the sector.

Attendance at SRC is required for one full day per week during term time, allowing students to balance their studies with existing work commitments.

This degree provides a strong platform for a wide range of career opportunities in the digital marketing field. Upon successful completion, graduates will be well positioned to pursue roles such as Digital Marketing Manager, Social Media Strategist, Digital Advertising Specialist, Marketing Analyst, and other related positions within the communications and marketing industries.

Programme Specification

SRC HE Attendance Guidelines

SRC OU Admissions Guidelines

SRC OU Assessment Handbook

SRC OU Extenuating Circumstances Procedures

SRC OU Regulations for Validated Awards

SRC Student Protection Plan

SRC Level 6 Descriptors

Southern Regional College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to this course, is evidence that the learner is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Applicants must:

At least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
Foundation Degree, Diploma in Higher Education, or a Higher National Diploma
in a Digital Marketing-related subject, based on a 55% merit or above profile.
Be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, with a Northern Ireland based company
Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language. For entry to this programme, applicants should have attained a C grade in GCSE English language and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent)
Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in place allocation

For those entering a Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLA), employers may further enhance the entry criteria at their discretion. All applicants for HLAs will be interviewed by prospective employers to decide their suitability prior to being employed by a company. Each the applicant must secure employment with a Northern Ireland based company with a minimum contract of 21 hours. Entrance to HLAs is subject to meeting DfE Operational requirements.

Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/ A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

To find out more about the application process for Higher Level Apprenticeships please see Information on Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Modules include:

Strategic Digital Marketing
Global Marketing
Research Methods
Digital Optimisation
Research Project

Students will be assessed on a regular basis throughout the programme using a range of appropriate assessment methods such as:

Written and practical assignments
Projects
Case studies
Presentations
Live briefs

This Higher Level Apprenticeship is FREE, fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

Students who want to study this course but not complete the Higher Level Apprenticeship, may study on a part-time basis and self fund.

On successful completion of this course, graduates may go on to further study at Masters level in a related subject areas or may decide to undertake chartered professional qualifications.

The BSc (Hons) Digital Marketing, Advertising, and Communications (Top Up) Degree provides a strong foundation for students to pursue various career paths in the digital marketing industry. On successful completion of the program, graduates will be well-prepared for roles which include: