Digital Media (Placement Year) BA Hons

At Lancaster University, the Digital Media (Placement Year) BA Hons program immerses students in a highly practical learning environment, allowing them to develop creative and technical skills that are directly applicable in the digital media industry. Students gain hands-on experience using professional-standard software, collaborative projects, and industry placements that enhance both their knowledge and employability. The program emphasizes real-world applications, preparing students for the dynamic demands of digital media careers:

• Professional Software Training: Access to industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects), 3D modeling software, and web development platforms.

• Group Projects: Collaborative coursework that simulates real-world digital media production environments.

• Placement Year: A dedicated year-long industry placement to gain practical experience and build professional networks.

• Digital Tools and Studios: Use of specialist media studios, editing suites, sound recording facilities, and motion capture labs.

• Field Trips: Visits to media companies and creative industries to observe professional workflows and industry practices.

• Research and Production Facilities: Access to the Lancaster Arts facilities, media labs, and production equipment for both individual and group projects.

• Libraries and Learning Resources: Comprehensive library resources, including digital media archives and research databases, supporting both creative and theoretical study.

This structured combination of classroom learning, technical training, and professional exposure ensures students leave Lancaster not just with a degree, but with a robust portfolio and real-world experience highly valued by employers.

Graduates of the Digital Media (Placement Year) BA Hons at Lancaster University are well-prepared to thrive in the fast-paced digital media industry. The program combines strong academic foundations with a year-long industry placement, giving students the chance to apply their learning in real-world settings. This practical experience, alongside theoretical knowledge, helps graduates stand out and succeed in a range of professional roles.

Typical career paths include:

• Digital Content Producer

• Social Media Manager

• Digital Marketing Specialist

• Multimedia Designer

University Support and Industry Connections:

• Placement Year: Students spend a full year in an industry placement, gaining valuable hands-on experience and a clearer understanding of their chosen field.

• Career Services: Lancaster University offers tailored support, including CV workshops, interview coaching, and guidance on job hunting to help students transition smoothly into the workforce.

• Industry Partnerships: The university works closely with a wide range of industry partners, giving students opportunities to work on live projects and build professional networks.

• Accreditation: The program is accredited by relevant professional bodies, ensuring that its curriculum meets industry standards and that the degree is highly respected.

• Graduate Outcomes: Lancaster University is widely recognized by graduate employers, highlighting the strong employability and industry readiness of its graduates.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates of the Digital Media (Placement Year) BA Hons can also choose to continue their studies in specialized postgraduate programs, such as:

• Digital Media MA

• Digital Marketing MSc

• Creative Industries MA

• Media and Communication MA

These courses allow graduates to deepen their expertise and enhance their qualifications, opening doors to more advanced and specialized roles in the digital media sector.