This programme incorporates classroom-based study with work-based learning to prepare you for entry to the workplace or full-time Further or Higher Education. Students who have completed the FA have also gone directly into paid apprenticeships which have led to industry roles. The course is funded by Skills Development Scotland.
Creative and Digital media encompasses a wide range of creative roles where interactive media storytelling and commerce collide.
The utilisation of creative digital content to enable either a product of another service such as marketing, advertising, or information gathering, offers a vast array of job roles ranging from purely creative to more technical and data-driven responsibilities within film, TV, VFX, animation, games, radio, advertising and marketing communications, publishing, print and fashion and textiles.
In addition to all of this – and more importantly – this growing sector needs people! One-third of tech companies cite talent shortages as an inhibiter to expansion and there are significant opportunities for young creative people whose interest in digital media extends beyond consuming content and into creating it and getting it out to audiences.
Find out more about this course from Skills Development Scotland
The Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media is for pupils in S5 and S6.
Over one or two years you will complete a National Progression Award at SCQF Level 6 in Creative and Digital Media: Technologies, Processes and Practices and a large part of the Diploma in Creative Digital Media.
Units covered on the course include:
You will design work utilising video and audio skills to present films, podcasts, and presentations. There will also be opportunities to learn basic skills in graphic design, animation, photography, and website development.
Gaining an understanding of how the Creative Industries work while working with practicing industry professionals and artists. The creative industries encompass architecture, fashion, videogames, art, literature, music, museums and galleries, publishing, and advertising
In the second year of the course, pupils will gain experience working with clients to create digital visual and audio products, furthering their understanding of how to build professional relationships and develop creative solutions.
Pupils completing this Foundation Apprenticeship on a Short Duration Delivery Model (1-year programme) will be expected to undertake both coursework and work-based learning elements within the same year, generally spending the equivalent of a day a week in a College staff-delivered class and a day a week on placement.
Our previous placements and client briefs have included SPECTRA, Aberdeen City Council and Grey Hope Bay, Press & Journal, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Central Library, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Transition Extreme, and the hospitality sector.
We recommend that applicants for the one-year delivery model only study 3 additional school-based courses alongside the Foundation Apprenticeship.
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
This course is suitable for students who are entering their Senior Phase at School and who are on track to achieve passes in related National 5 awards in S4. Related areas of prior study would include Computing, Art, Graphic Communication and Design and Technology.
Applicants need to be capable of working at SCQF level 6 and have a good level of written and spoken English.
Pupils would benefit from studying subjects such as Higher Computing, Higher Art, Higher Graphic Communication and NPA Digital Media alongside the Foundation Apprenticeship during S5 and S6.
This course involves a work based learning experience and will require the equivalent of 6 hours per week allocated to this in the second year of study, or during the first year if studying the full Foundation Apprenticeship over one year.
For the one-year pathway, pupils need two additional half days or one full day per week for completion of a work placement. Pupils may also be expected to have short online meetings with staff on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning.
A selection process will be applied to all applicants.
Whilst you are on the course, you will be required to:
Eating and drinking are not permitted in classrooms. Drinking water is available from water dispensers in the corridors within the College buildings.
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.
Upon successful completion of this course, you may be able to progress to one of the following full-time courses at North East Scotland College:
This course will prepare you to access a range of university degree programmes. Foundation Apprenticeships are accepted by all Scottish Universities as equivalent to at least one Higher. For further information you should consult the entry criteria for individual courses at the institution of your choice.
A Foundation Apprenticeship forms the skills, knowledge and competence which can be built on to progress to employment via a Modern Apprenticeship.
“I’ve had a passion for computing from a very young age. I decided when my son was starting school that it was the best time to go back and follow a dream I had put on hold.”
“Coming to College turned out to be the best decision I could have made. I grew in confidence, and it really prepared me for university.”
“I really enjoyed the course and the hands on nature of the learning. Being able to build websites was great and I got a real sense of achievement from the work we were asked to produce.”
“I feel the course has prepared me well for my new role and I’m excited to put my new skills into practice and have the opportunity to do something I love every day! “
“I really have so much to thank NESCol for. I’m sure it is an experience that will have a positive impact throughout my life.”
Shay’s HND has given him knowledge and skills that are vital for running a business today including cyber resilience, e-commerce solutions and social media and knows the course has given him a solid grounding in business operations, technology and project management which will serve him well for the continued success of their family business.
“I’m living proof that it is never too late to follow your dreams. I’m amazed at how far I’ve come in such a short time and studying at NESCol really gave me the confidence to go on to university.”
“Never stop learning. Life is what you make of it. When you grow older, your priorities change. I decided to follow my heart and I am so much happier learning and being creative.”
“Coming to NESCol couldn’t have worked out better for me – I’m enjoying the experience, getting a qualification and have found related employment, I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
“I’m a huge champion of the College and the value of practical courses they offer. My time there undoubtedly contributed to the career I have today and there is a large alumni of talented creatives working in agencies and freelance both locally, nationally and indeed globally who started out from NESCol.”
This course is only available to pupils in S4 to S6 across Aberdeen City and Shire, giving pupils the opportunity to experience life as a College student whilst staying on at school.
Please note, applications for schools courses must be submitted by a member of school staff.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
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Please note that courses are subject to minimum viability levels. In the event of insufficient numbers of applications, courses may be withdrawn from the programme. Certain courses are arranged with schools working in a consortium arrangement – in such cases, pupils from consortium schools will be given priority in the allocation of places.
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