Undergraduate course

Creative and Digital Design Professional Degree Apprenticeship

Gain hands-on experience while earning a full Bachelor’s degree, all while employed in a relevant digital or creative role.

Combine real-world practice with academic study to grow as a creative professional in the digital sector. Designed in collaboration with industry, this course equips you with the creative and technical skills needed to thrive across design, media, marketing, and digital services.

York campus

Duration – 3.5 years including End Point Assessment (EPA) or 2 years Advanced Entry (subject to Accredited Prior Learning)
Start date – September 2026

Course overview

This programme is aligned to the Level 6 Creative and Digital Design Professional Apprenticeship Standard, developed in collaboration with industry. By combining academic study with real-world practice, the apprenticeship enables learners to build confidence, capability,and independence in creative digital roles. It is suitable for employees across sectors including design, media, marketing, and digital services.

This programme is ideal for employers looking to invest their levy in a structured degree pathway that supports the development of new or early-career creative professionals. It provides a comprehensive foundation in creative digital design, preparing apprentices for a wide range of roles in the creative industries

Our online lectures are designed to facilitate discussion and help you to develop your critical thinking skills alongside other professional competencies. You will also learn through face to face work shops and participation in active and supportive forums. You will have 24/7 on demand access to learning resources, so you can work on them whenever is best for you.

You will study for the Degree Apprenticeship over 3.5 years alongside your work-based professional development. Completing this course means you will graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Creative Digital Design.

Course structure

Year 1

In the first year, apprentices are introduced to the core principles of creative digital
design through three modules. These modules are designed to build foundational
knowledge, develop technical skills, and foster creative confidence through hands-on,
industry-relevant projects.

Modules

This module provides a foundational introduction to creative digital design within professional industry contexts. Delivered in Semester 1, it equips apprentices with essential knowledge and skills that underpin the rest of the programme. It runs alongside the Visual Communication and Design Techniques module, ensuring apprentices are introduced to the holistic nature of design through both conceptual and practical approaches. Apprentices will explore a broad range of working methods and design theories, developing a solid framework in digital design research, user experience, interaction design, usability testing, prototyping, and reflective review. The module also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting apprentices in developing, conceptualising, planning, and strategically thinking about digital design across the creative industries.

This module introduces apprentices to the universal process of design and encourages them to develop their own individualised approach to creative problem-solving. Delivered in Semester 1, it runs alongside Introduction to Creative Digital Design and provides a conceptual and practical foundation for future modules. Apprentices will explore a range of design methods and techniques, undertaking both primary and secondary research to inform their creative responses. Through lectures, seminars, and critiques, they will be supported to develop their own design process, applying it to live briefs and contemporary design challenges.

This enables apprentices to apply the knowledge and skills developed in Semester 1 to practical, project-based work. Apprentices will engage with experimental and simulated briefs to develop digital media projects that demonstrate their understanding of design development, interaction, and production. Topics include layout fundamentals, information architecture, and universal design principles such as accessibility and sustainability. Apprentices will be introduced to the concept of Citizen Design and will be encouraged to consider the social and environmental impact of their work. Learning is supported through studio-based teaching, group critiques, and individual tutorials.

Year 2

In Year Two, apprentices deepen their understanding of the design process by applying
advanced techniques in prototyping, user research, and project management. The focus
shifts toward strategic thinking, user-centred design, and managing creative workflows in
professional contexts.

Modules

This module explores sophisticated design and rapid prototyping methods, enabling apprentices to test, evaluate, and refine their creative outputs. Apprentices will develop reflective and adaptive approaches to design development, learning how to respond positively to feedback and change. Running in parallel with User Experience and Market Research, this module ensures apprentices gain a holistic understanding of the design process from concept to prototype. It lays the groundwork for leading and managing creative projects in the subsequent Creative Digital Project Management module.

This module introduces apprentices to the importance of understanding user needs, behaviours, and preferences through effective UX market research. Apprentices will explore how evidence based insights can inform the design of user-centric products and optimise customer journeys. The module focuses on the practical application of research methods in real-world scenarios, enabling apprentices to conduct research that drives design decisions and delivers measurable improvements in areas such as customer satisfaction, retention, and brand loyalty. Ethical research practices and critical thinking are embedded throughout. Running alongside Advanced Digital Design and Prototyping, this module ensures apprentices develop a comprehensive understanding of the full design development process

With the rapid evolution of digital technologies across sectors such as advertising, media, marketing, and design, the ability to manage complex, innovation driven projects is essential. This module introduces apprentices to the principles and practices of managing digital creative projects. Apprentices will explore project management techniques, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative working within creative contexts. The module equips them with the tools to manage creativity within structured processes, adapt methodologies to suit dynamic environments, and evaluate project success from both strategic and creative perspectives. This module provides the platform for practical project delivery in subsequent modules and supports the development of leadership skills in managing digital design projects.

Level 3

Year Three prepares apprentices for leadership roles in the creative industries. Modules
focus on strategic direction, innovation, and professional development, culminating in a
portfolio of industry-standard work for the End Point Assessment.

Modules

This module enables apprentices to work within a professional context, producing work that responds directly to the needs of external stakeholders such as clients, user groups, and audiences. Apprentices will engage with real-world briefs, aligning their project strategies with the goals of their organisation and industry. The module focuses on the development of strategic, technical, and communication skills required to lead and deliver client-centred design projects. Apprentices will explore how to create and present action plans that include budgeting, sustainability, resource planning, and marketing strategies. Through this module, apprentices will enhance their professional identity, expand their networks, and situate their practice within a wider industry context, preparing them for leadership roles in strategy, project delivery, and creative direction.

This module explores the impact of emerging technologies on creative digital practice and the wider global economy. Apprentices will examine how businesses are transforming through the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable design, and how these developments influence innovation in products, services, and systems. Apprentices will critically engage with technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, and virtual and augmented reality. The module equips them with the knowledge and skills to evaluate and apply these technologies in a professional context, while also considering their potential to drive innovation, enable new business models, and address complex global challenges. This module prepares apprentices to think strategically about the opportunities and challenges presented by technological change and to apply this thinking in subsequent modules

This final module enables apprentices to consolidate their learning and demonstrate their professional capabilities through a portfolio of industry-standard work. Apprentices will respond to real-world briefs from external stakeholders such as clients, competitions, user groups, and audiences, showcasing their ability to manage and deliver client-centred design projects.

The module focuses on the development of transferable and professional skills, enhancing employability and supporting continuous professional development. Apprentices will reflect on their professional identity, expand their networks, and situate their practice within a wider industry context.

This module forms the End Point Assessment, where apprentices present a portfolio of practical work that evidences their technical, material, aesthetic, and strategic decision making. It marks the culmination of the programme and demonstrates readiness for professional practice.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning

All of your modules will be delivered using a combination of face to face and online teaching sessions. This will include:

Live teaching supported by digital platforms
Interactive presentations
Discussions and debates
Online study groups
Online resources and virtual design studios (e.g. Miro, Figma)
Recorded lectures
Access to a wide range of resources using our virtual learning environment, Moodle, which means that you can access the materials when you need them.

You will be expected to commit around 1 day per week to your studies, though this may vary depending on your individual needs. You will receive regular feedback to inform your work and help you prepare for the final assessment. Your academic tutor will support you throughout your degree apprenticeship.

Workplace Learning

In addition to your academic studies, you will learn and develop knowledge and skills in the workplace, including:

Engaging in continuous professional development
Observing and learning from best practices
Participating in mentoring sessions
Taking part in performance reviews and gathering evidence of your achievements

You will be supported by a work based mentor who will guide your progress. This combination of theory and practice will help you to gain a thorough understanding of creative and digital design in the workplace.

Assessment

This course offers an authentic assessment strategy to help you to develop essential skills. Each module includes assessments that reflect real workplace task. You will receive detailed feedback to support your development, encouraging continuous improvement throughout the course. You will have opportunities to submit drafts and have 1 to 1 tutorials to refine your work before final submission.

Entry requirements

Apprenticeship applicants must hold an offer of employment prior to enrolling on the course.

New employees including school and non-school leavers:

A Levels in Maths (PASS) and two other subjects (PASS).

Existing Employees: The candidate must be fully suited to undertake the substantial challenge of an apprenticeship combined with the rigorous academic study at degree level, with either:

A levels in Maths (PASS) and two other subjects (PASS), or
Where applicants do not hold a Maths A level qualification, they will be asked to take a Mathematics, Statistics and Computing test at application stage.
Where applicants have significant experience in this area and have already completed higher level study in a similar subject (e.g. Maths degree), applicants will be asked to provide further details at application stage if they think they have covered any of the areas on the Modules & Outcomes check list (available on website). Please note Data Analyst Level 4, and similar qualifications are not at the same standard as A-level in Maths.

Additional Entry Requirements

Completion of a skills scan to provide information on qualifications, skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to the apprenticeship.
Proof that you live and work in England
Evidence that your job role is relevant to the programme of study for the apprenticeship
Support from your employer. Please note that you can only apply for the apprenticeship through your employer and not directly to the university.

Career outcomes

Your future with a degree in Creative and Digital Design

This course will help those already in employment to further their career. Learning the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed by creative and digital design professionals will put you in a strong position for future development. Through your study you will be able to bring new tools, techniques and solutions to your organisation.

Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.

Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

Employer events
LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
Workshops on application writing and interview skills
Work experience and volunteering opportunities
Personalised career advice

This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed. It's your career, your way.

For Employers

Develop and upskill your workforce in a cost-effective way. Increase retention by offering your employees the chance to develop and progress. There is no age limit for apprentices and you can tailor their learning to meet the goals of your business. You can also recruit and train apprentices to fill skills gaps in your organisation.

Tuition fees are paid for by a combination of you and the government.

Levy payers

Employers with a payroll of over £3 million a year are required to pay a levy to HMRC through the PAYE process. This tax will be 0.5% of their annual payroll and these funds will be used to pay for degree apprenticeships. The government will top up an employer’s levy payment by 10%, meaning for every £1 you put in you get £1.10 to spend. These levy payments will be ring fenced and held in an online account for employers to reclaim and use to purchase apprenticeship training from approved providers called the Apprenticeship Service.

Non-Levy payers

Employers with a payroll of under £3m are not required to pay the Apprenticeship Levy but can still access apprenticeship funding. This can be done through a levy transfer from a levy paying employer or through co-investment.

You could be eligible for additional funding also, depending on both your and your apprentice’s circumstances:

If you have apprentices aged 16 to 18
If you have apprentices aged up to 24 with a health care plan
If you have fewer than 50 staff
If your apprentices require Level 2 Maths and English training and learning support

Course Highlights

Learn without student loans

Study without debt with a degree apprenticeship. Your fees are paid for by your employer and the government.

Develop your career

Show your ambition and increase your earning potential.

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Creative and Digital Design Professional Degree Apprenticeship

Course overview