OCN NI Level 4 Award in Social Media and Digital Marketing

General Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application. You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment. Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process.

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills- Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

• Level 2 Award in Social Media

OR

• An equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

OR

• Demonstrate 2 years’ experience working in a digital marketing role

AND              

• A pass in a level 3 qualification or an approved alternative qualification (examples include A-Levels/ Level 3 Awards/ Certificates/ Diplomas)

AND

• Learners must be 18 years of age by the start date of the course.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE admissions process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

International Students English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
• PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
• Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk.

This is a single Module Qualification in: 

Social Media and Digital Marketing (M/618/4686)

Digital Marketing/ Social Media qual contact time

• 12-week programme with 3.5 hours of learning each week through practical classes, group activities, and supported independent learning.

Tutorial Support Sessions

• Over the 12 weeks, you will have the opportunity to meet with your tutor to discuss your assignment; presentation and marketing plan.

Independent Study

• Independent study outside of class is expected to support completion of the assignment and presentation.

During your course you will complete:

• Social Media and Digital Marketing Assignment Portfolio (5 Questions)
• A 2,000-word Digital Marketing Plan for your organisation (or a chosen business), incorporating key strategic elements such as SMART objectives, target audience profiling, customer journey mapping, marketing tactics, competitor analysis, KPIs, and return on investment (ROI) measures.
• A 15-minute presentation exploring Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), the integration of online and offline marketing channels, and the evaluation of effective and ineffective website design from a user and marketing perspective.

Successful completion of the OCN NI Level 4 Award in Social Media and Digital Marketing can lead to various career and progression opportunities:

Further Study

Learners may choose to deepen their expertise through further study in advanced digital marketing, social media strategy, or related business and marketing qualifications.

Employment

This course equips you with in-demand digital marketing skills that are highly valued across industries. Career options include:

• Digital Marketing Assistant: Support digital marketing campaigns, analyze performance metrics, and assist with online promotional efforts.
• Social Media Coordinator: Manage and create content for social media channels, helping to engage audiences and build brand awareness.
• Marketing Executive: Integrate digital marketing strategies with traditional marketing to enhance business outreach and sales.
• Freelance Digital Marketer: Work independently to provide digital marketing services to various clients and businesses.
• Content Marketing Specialist: Develop engaging content across multiple platforms to drive audience engagement and conversions.

This course provides practical skills and knowledge in digital marketing and social media, preparing you for various roles in the digital landscape. Key skills developed may include:

Technical Skills

• Digital Marketing Strategy Development and Execution
• Competitor Analysis and Market Research
• Social Media Campaign Planning and Risk Assessment
• Evaluation of Online and Offline Marketing Integration
• Website Design Analysis for Customer and Marketing Optimization
• Understanding of Digital Marketing Frameworks, Models, and Theory

Employability Skills

• Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving
• Presentation and Communication Skills
• Creative and Strategic Planning
• Decision-Making and Risk Assessment
• Independent Study and Research Abilities
• Practical Experience with Digital Marketing Tools and Platforms

The course is offered under SKILL UP - there are no costs if you meet the following criteria:

(a) over 18 years of age;

(b) eligible to work in Northern Ireland;

(c) ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or

(d) is a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.