Industry Sectors

Creative & Digital Media

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Industry Summary

The UK’s creative industries are hugely important to the economy – not only do they employ three million people, but they contribute more than £80 billion a year to the economy; making it massively important to our society. This is the sector that is responsible for all the content you consume online, on the TV or even listen to or read. Without the creative and digital media industry it’s fair to say that our everyday lives would be a little bit more boring. Life would be dull without blockbuster films, binge-worthy TV shows, catchy music or cheesy West End musicals – what on earth would we do to entertain ourselves?

If technology’s your thing, then studio engineering or broadcasting might be for you. Or how about a future in digital design? And for those who thrive on pressure and tight deadlines, nothing beats journalism. You may think your career has to be in London, but large employers in the industry can be found in other big cities. There is also a growing number of smaller creative businesses spread across the country that you’ll love too – these may even give you more of a chance to progress.

As your career develops, you’ll be able to harness your creativity and turn it into something that other people can access and enjoy. Whether that's capturing sound, producing a radio show or working in social media, new ways are constantly being developed to make the world a more exciting place. It is a competitive industry but if it’s something you love and can throw yourself into, you’re bound to succeed.

 

What options can I take for a career in Creative & Digital Media?

 

Work Experience

Work experience in creative and digital media will be really important to you as you start looking for opportunities in the industry. This is a very competitive sector where every organisation does things slightly differently to get the edge – having some practical experience to demonstrate your skills will really ensure that you’re put ahead of others who may not have any. It will also help you learn if you like the industry or job and whether you want to start your career in it!

Unsure about what a work placement could involve? You should’ve asked!

 

Apprenticeships

As a creative and digital media apprentice, you’ll be working towards a qualification while in a full-time role and getting real experience whilst you’re paid a salary! You’ll have a job working alongside experienced professionals in the sector, learning the ins-and-outs of the role. Everything you learn through your qualification you’ll also be able to apply to your job, and you may even get your own projects or shows to manage. Some apprenticeships in creative and digital media apprenticeships include;

  • Level 3 – Advertising and Media Executive
  • Level 3 – Broadcast Production Assistant
  • Level 3 – Digital Marketer
  • Level 3 – Creative Venue Technician
  • Level 4 – Junior 2D Visual Effects
  • Level 4 – Assistant Technical Director=

Want to know what apprenticeships are all about? We have you covered!

 

Degree Apprenticeships

There is the opportunity for you to do a degree apprenticeship in the creative and digital media industry. As a degree apprentice, you get the chance to work alongside experienced professionals while you spend 20% of your time studying towards a degree. The best part is that you’ll be earning a salary and your employer will pay for the tuition fees – no student debt here! The academic knowledge you learn from the degree you’ll also be able to apply to your job. These are some of the creative and digital media degree apprenticeships you could do:

  • Level 6 – Digital Marketer (degree)
  • Level 6 – Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer (degree)         

Is a degree apprenticeship up your street? We’ll help you know!

 

University

Lots of people choose to find their passion for the creative and digital media industry by going to university. You’ll learn the theoretical knowledge behind the industry that you’ll be able to apply to your job when you graduate and start in your full-time role. If you choose to go to university, you’ll also be able to choose the units that you want to study allowing you to specialise in the area that interests you the most. Degrees in creative and digital media include:

  • Creative Advertising BA (Hons)
  • Creative Computing BA
  • Creative Writing BA (Hons)
  • Creative Studies BA (Hons)
  • Digital Media BSc (Hons)
  • Digital Media Design BA (Hons)
  • Media Production BA (Hons)
  • Digital Media Computing BSc (Hons)
  • Computer Science (Digital Media and Games) BSc (Hons)
  • Digital Media and Web Technologies BSc (Hons)

Want to find out what University could offer you? We have your back!

 

Graduate Jobs

There are many graduate schemes and internship opportunities available to graduates in the creative and digital media industry to give you the chance to develop within a company. This is a flourishing sector, with new roles being created every day. If you’ve only just stared your university career, or perhaps you’re about to graduate, it may be possible that your ideal role hasn’t even been created yet, so don’t worry!

Want to know what graduate jobs are all about? We can help!

 

Other routes

It is possible to go straight into a career in creative and digital media, however, because the industry is so competitive, it can be difficult without previous experience or qualifications. But, creative and digital media is an industry where the people you know plays a massive part in the opportunities you get, so it’s a great idea to go to networking events or gain some work experience to start making connections.



Career Progression, Discover Your Future

Work Description

Jobholders in this unit group design, develop and maintain websites to meet a client’s specified requirements.

Qualification

Entrants usually possess a degree or equivalent qualification, although entry with other academic qualifications and/or significant relevant experience is possible. There is a variety of relevant vocational, professional and postgraduate qualifications available.

Job Tasks

liaises with internal/external client in order to define the requirements for the website; presents design options to the client; designs web pages including graphics, animation and functionality to maximise visual effectiveness and facilitate appropriate access; develops the website and applications; designs and develops web interfaces for relational database systems; establishes methods to ensure appropriate website security and recovery; writes and publishes content for the website; tests website interaction and performance prior to going ‘live’, and monitors and maintains functionality of the website; activates the ‘live’ website.

Related Jobs

Architect, experience, user Consultant, design, web Consultant, experience, user Consultant, internet Creator, content Designer, app, web Designer, application, web Designer, applications, web Designer, experience, user Designer, interface, user Designer, media, interactive Designer, media, new Designer, UI Designer, UX Designer, visual Designer, web Designer, website Developer, app, web Developer, application, web Developer, applications, web Developer, Drupal Developer, e-learning Developer, internet Developer, multimedia Developer, site, web Developer, web, end, front Developer, web, technical Developer, web Editor, content, digital Editor, content, online Editor, content, web Editor, content Editor, web Engineer, hosting, web Executive, communications, web Executive, content Manager, content, digital Manager, content, web Manager, content, website Manager, site, web Manager, web Manager, website Master, web Officer, content Officer, development, web Producer, content, digital Producer, content Producer, digital Producer, web Publisher, desktop Publisher, top, desk Researcher, experience, user Researcher, UX Technician, web Webmaster, online, education Webmaster Writer, content 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Advertising accounts managers and creative directors plan, design, organise and direct the advertising activities of an organisation.

Qualification

Entry is generally via career progression from related occupations. There are no pre-set entry standards, but in practice most directors hold a degree. Off- and on-the-job training is provided.

Job Tasks

liaises with client to discuss product/service to be marketed, defines target group and assesses the suitability of various media; conceives advertising campaign to impart the desired product image in an effective and economical way; reviews and revises campaign in light of sales figures, surveys, etc.; stays abreast of changes in media, readership or viewing figures and advertising rates; arranges conferences, exhibitions, seminars, etc. to promote the image of a product, service or organisation.

Related Jobs

Consultant, creative Director, art, digital Director, art Director, creative, digital Director, creative Director, design Manager, account, advertising Manager, account Manager, advertisement Manager, advertising, online Manager, advertising, sales Manager, advertising Manager, appeal Manager, appeals Manager, campaign, marketing Manager, campaign Manager, fundraising Manager, lottery Manager, portfolio Manager, press Manager, production Manager, projects Manager, raising, fund Manager, traffic Manager 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Workers in this unit group operate and assist with still, cine and television cameras and operate other equipment to record, manipulate and project sound and vision for entertainment, cultural, commercial and industrial purposes.

Qualification

There are no set academic requirements although entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades, A levels/H grades and are able to demonstrate proof of pre- entry work experience. A variety of diplomas, degrees and postgraduate qualifications are available. NVQs/SVQs in Photography are available at Levels 2, 3 and 4.

Job Tasks

selects subject and conceives composition of picture or discusses composition with colleagues; arranges subject, lighting, camera equipment and any microphones; inserts lenses and adjusts aperture and speed settings as necessary; operates scanning equipment to transfer image to computer and manipulates image to achieve the desired effect; photographs subject or follows action by moving camera; takes, records and manipulates digital images and digital video footage; controls transmission, broadcasting and satellite systems for television and radio programmes, identifies and solves related technical problems; checks operation and positioning of projectors, vision and sound recording equipment, and mixing and dubbing equipment; operates equipment to record, edit and play back films and television programmes; manages health and safety issues; operates sound mixing and dubbing equipment to obtain desired mix, level and balance of sound.

Related Jobs

Artist, photographic Assistant, camera, first Assistant, camera, second Assistant, cameraman's Assistant, film Assistant, photographer's Assistant, photographic Assistant, sound Assistant, studio Balancer, sound Cameraman, chief Cameraman Cinematographer Controller, sound Designer, lighting Designer, sound Director, lighting, technical Director, lighting, theatre Director of photography Editor, camera, video Editor, dubbing Editor, sound Engineer, audio Engineer, camera, video Engineer, control, vision Engineer, recording Engineer, sound Engineer, studio Engineer, vision Manager, audio-visual Manager, lighting Manager, lighting Manager, sound, theatre Manager, technical Manager, visual, audio Mixer, dubbing Mixer, sound Mixer, vision Mixer Officer, aids, visual Officer, resources, media Operator, aids, audio-visual Operator, boom Operator, camera, video Operator, camera Operator, camera Operator, camera Operator, camera Operator, cinema Operator, cinematograph Operator, control, sound Operator, equipment, video Operator, limelight Operator, photo Operator, photo-litho Operator, photographic Operator, recorder, film Operator, recorder, videotape Operator, studio, photogravure Operator, tape Operator, technical Operator, telecine Operator, video Operator, VT Photographer Pilot, drone, commercial Projectionist Puller, focus Recorder Recordist, sound Rigger Soundman Supervisor, vision Technician, aids, visual Technician, backline Technician, camera, video Technician, cine Technician, film Technician, imaging, digital Technician, media Technician, photographic Technician, sound Technician, stage, theatre Technician, theatre Technician, visual, audio Technician Videographer Writer, subtitle 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Graphic designers use illustrative, sound, visual and multimedia techniques to convey a message for information, entertainment, advertising, promotion or publicity purposes, and create special visual effects and animations for computer games, film, interactive and other media.

Qualification

Entrants have usually completed a foundation course, a BTEC/SQA award, a degree and/or postgraduate qualification. NVQs/SVQs in Design (in various disciplines) are available at Levels 2 and 3. Portfolio work is also important for entry.

Job Tasks

liaises with client to clarify aims of project brief, discusses media, software and technology to be used, establishes timetable for project and defines budgetary constraints; undertakes research into project, considers previous related projects and compares costs of using different processes; prepares sketches, scale drawings, models, colour schemes and other mock-ups to show clients and discusses any required alterations; prepares specification and instructions for realisation of the project; liaises with other parts of the production team to ensure graphic design fits with other elements, processes and timescales; produces or oversees creation of the final product.

Related Jobs

Animator, 2D, computer Animator, 2D Animator, 3D, computer Animator, 3D Animator, computer Animator, effects, visual Animator, motion, stop Animator, VFX Artist, 3D Artist, commercial Artist, computer Artist, digital Artist, effects, digital Artist, effects, visual Artist, environment Artist, games, computer Artist, graphic Artist, layout Artist, lettering Artist, litho Artist, lithographic Artist, Mac Artist, stereo Artist, technical Artist, texture Artist, VFX Artworker, digital Artworker, senior Artworker Assistant, graphics Assistant, publications Assistant, publishing Consultant, design, graphic Controller, display Coordinator, design, graphic Copier, design Copyist, design Copyist, designer's Copyist Decorator, display Designer, 3D Designer, advert Designer, art Designer, digital Designer, display Designer, exhibition Designer, graphic Designer, graphic and web Designer, graphics, motion Designer, infographic Designer, multi-media Designer, visualisation, data Designer Illuminator Illustrator, technical Modeller, environment Officer, graphics Officer, services, creative Operator, DTP Operator, Mac, Apple Operator, Mac Operator, publishing, top, desk Setter-out Supervisor, effects, visual Supervisor, VFX Technician, graphics Visualiser, 3D Visualiser 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Product, clothing and related designers plan, direct and undertake the creation of designs for new industrial and commercial products, clothing and related fashion accessories, costumes and wigs, and for building interiors and stage sets.

Qualification

Entrants have usually completed a foundation course, BTEC/SQA award, degree and or postgraduate qualification. NVQs/SVQs in Fashion Design and Design are available at Level 2, as are apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3.

Job Tasks

liaises with client to determine the purpose, cost, technical specification and potential uses/users of product; undertakes research to determine market trends, production requirements, availability of resources and formulates design concepts; prepares sketches, designs, patterns or prototypes for textiles, clothing, footwear, jewellery, fashion accessories, set props, wigs, ceramics, plastics, motor vehicles, domestic appliances and engineering products; prepares sketches, designs, mock-ups and storyboards for consideration by theatre/film director or client; submits design to management, sales department or client for approval, communicates design rationale and makes any necessary alterations; specifies materials, production method and finish for aesthetic or functional effect, and oversees production of sample and/or finished product; observes and manages intellectual property issues.

Related Jobs

Adviser, fashion Artist, boot and shoe Artist, shoe Consultant, bridal Consultant, design, interior Consultant, design Consultant, fashion Consultant, packaging Couturier Decorator, interior Designer, apparel Designer, applications Designer, bathroom Designer, body Designer, book Designer, bridalwear Designer, ceramic Designer, cloth Designer, clothes Designer, clothing Designer, commercial Designer, costume Designer, craft Designer, décor Designer, dress Designer, embroidery Designer, fashion Designer, footwear Designer, furnishing, soft Designer, furniture Designer, games Designer, gem Designer, glass Designer, handbag Designer, hat Designer, industrial Designer, instrument Designer, instrumentation Designer, interior Designer, interior and spatial Designer, jewellery Designer, kitchen Designer, knitwear Designer, lithographic Designer, metalwork Designer, packaging Designer, pattern Designer, pottery Designer, printer's Designer, product Designer, set Designer, shopfitting Designer, silversmith Designer, stage Designer, textile Designer, toy Designer, wallpaper Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Designer Developer, product Dresser, set Leader, team Manager, display, visual Planner, footwear Planner, kitchen Predictor, fashion Stylist, colour Stylist, interior Stylist Technologist, packaging 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

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