DIGITAL MARKETING, ADVERTISING AND COMMUNICATIONS Foundation Degree

Level 5
Higher Education
Newry Campus
Banbridge Campus
The Open University

Overview

The Digital Marketing, Advertising, and Communications Foundation Degree is a comprehensive programme designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the rapidly evolving field of digital marketing and communications. This degree course focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the digital advertising and communication industry.

Throughout the course, students will explore the core principles and practices of digital marketing and advertising. They will study subjects such as marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, branding, market research, and digital analytics. Students will gain insights into the various digital marketing channels, platforms, and tools used to reach and engage target audiences effectively.

Digital advertising and media planning are key components of the programme. Students will learn to develop integrated advertising campaigns across various digital channels, such as search engines, social media, display advertising, and video platforms. They will explore targeting and segmentation strategies, ad copywriting, creative design, and media buying. Students will also gain an understanding of ad campaign measurement and optimisation techniques.

The programme also covers the role of communications in digital marketing. Students will study topics such as brand communication, content marketing, and social media management. They will learn to create compelling and engaging content, manage online communities, and build brand reputation through effective communication strategies. Students will also explore the ethical considerations and legal aspects of digital marketing and advertising.

In addition to digital marketing and advertising, the programme covers broader business and marketing principles. Students will gain an understanding of marketing management, market research, marketing communications, and strategic planning. They will explore the impact of technology on marketing and the integration of digital strategies within the overall marketing mix. Students will also develop skills in data analysis, reporting, and data-driven decision-making.

The course is delivered for 8 hours per week (normally over 1 full day) across 2.5 years as a part-time study route.

Throughout the course, students will be supported by experienced faculty who are experts in the field. They will benefit from a supportive learning environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and the application of digital marketing principles in real-world scenarios.

There is an emphasis on the practical skills required by industry to enhance employability prospects. These practical skills will be developed through workshops based on an ever-changing digital toolkit and application of such skills and knowledge through meaningful work experience with relevant organisations.

Further information on Open University regulations can be found at this link or below.

Programme Specification

SRC HE Attendance Guidelines

SRC OU Admissions Guidelines

SRC OU Assessment Handbook

SRC OU Extenuating Circumstances Procedures

SRC OU RPL Guidelines

SRC Student Protection Plan

SRC Regulations for Validated Awards

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

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 the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants should normally have obtained a minimum of 64UCAS points achieved through the completion of A-Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.
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)

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. 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. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

The entrance criteria above may change subject to awarding body regulations. The College reserves the right to enhance the entrance requirements where demand exceeds the number of available places. In addition, where places remain available the College reserves the right to offer places to candidates with a profile less than that listed above.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Modules include:

Brand Management and Integrated Marketing Communications
Creative Communications
Digital Advertising and Content
Digital Disruption in the External Environment
Digital Innovation
Essentials of Digital Marketing Communications
Ethics and Legalities of Digital Marketing
Event Management
Interpersonal Communication Skills
Marketing Fundamentals and Consumer Behaviour
Mobile Marketing
Advanced Digital Toolkit (practical workshops)
Basic Digital Toolkit (practical workshops)
Productivity in Business
Professional Placement Level 4
Professional Placement Level 5

Students will be assessed on a regular basis throughout the programme, using a range of appropriate assessment methods which include:

Written assignments
Exams
Projects
Practical assignments
Case studies
Presentations
Live briefs

Where the exam/awarding body fee is listed as TBC in the full fee breakdown, the information has not yet been released by our partner awarding bodies for 25/26. This fee will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

Fees displayed for each course represent fees to be charged for year 1 of each programme. Please note that fees may increase in year 2 or 3 of the course. Read more in our Fees Policy at https://www.src.ac.uk/about-us...

The qualification provides a pathway for students to enter the digital marketing and advertising industry or continue their studies at a higher level such as SRC's Level 6 HLA top-up degree course and gain maximum exemption for the subjects taken on the Foundation Degree.

Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be well-prepared for positions in:

Digital marketing agencies
Advertising firms
Media companies
Various organisations as digital marketing assistants

They may secure roles which include:

Digital marketing assistants
Social media coordinators
Content creators
Marketing analysts

Faculty of Professional Services

FacultyPRSE@src.ac.uk 028 3025 9683

Newry Campus

Apply

P1266ND
Code

Part Time
Mode of Study

Day
Class Type

3 Years
Duration

9.00
Hours Per Week

08/09/2025 09:15
Start Date & Time

Mon
Day/s

TBC
Total Full Fee Per Year

Full Fee Breakdown

Course Fee

£945

Exam/Awarding Body Fee

TBC

Total Fee

TBC

Fees Payable Each Year

Banbridge Campus

Apply

P3868BD
Code

Part Time
Mode of Study

Day
Class Type

2 Years
Duration

13.00
Hours Per Week

08/09/2025 09:15
Start Date & Time

Mon
Day/s

TBC
Total Full Fee Per Year

Full Fee Breakdown

Course Fee

£1008

Exam/Awarding Body Fee

TBC

Total Fee

TBC

Fees Payable Each Year

2 Available Sessions

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