Entry requirements
- Two Highers, preferably including English
Or
- Completion of SCQF Level 6 Creative Media
- For those returning to education, relevant life skills and experience in the workplace may allow entry (subject to interview).
Why take this course?
This course is ideal for those seeking the skills to begin a career in a communications role — whether that is in radio, journalism, marketing, television, public relations (PR) or advertising — and for those wishing to continue their education in these fields at university.
The course combines a mix of theory and practical skills and will thoroughly prepare you for a career in the fast-paced media industry, while giving you a taste of what life is like in the workplace.
What you will experience
- Learn how to write for the media and promote and pitch ideas
- Develop journalism skills in writing for magazines, radio and television
- Gain a knowledge of digital media such as blogging.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
What you will get
HND Media & Communication (SCQF Level 8)
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time advanced course (HNC, HND or above), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on 15 March 2025.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
This course is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme. This means that you are required to have access to your own laptop computer, netbook or similar device in class each day that you are in college.
If you do not already own a suitable device you can apply for a student loan from SAAS, if eligible, to fund the cost of purchasing a device.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
University
Our university partnerships ensure a smooth progression to further study. Subject to meeting conditions, entry to the following degrees may be possible after completing this course:
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Film and Media - Year 3
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Digital Marketing - Year 3
- Queen Margaret University - BA (Hons) Media and Communications - Year 3
- Queen Margaret University - BA (Hons) PR and Marketing Communications - Year 3
- Queen Margaret University - BA (Hons) Film and Media - Year 3
Employment
Employment opportunities are available in a wide range of areas including television, communications, public relations, advertising and journalism.
Student Stories
Roberto Bellini & Jack Gordon
Media, Communication & TV
HND Creative Industries: TV
“The course was absolutely fantastic and the facilities they have at City Campus are excellent. ” – Roberto Bellini
“I learned so much both in terms of theory and practical skills and the fact that I’ve already found related employment is great. “ – Jack Gordon
Read more about Roberto and Jack's story
Jill Murray
Creative Industries
HND Media & Communication
“I think College is an excellent next step as although you have moved on from school and enjoy learning in an adult environment, the class sizes are still small so you really get to know your fellow students. I just felt so much better prepared for Uni having been at College. I don’t know if I would have stuck it out if I’d gone there straight from school to be honest as it is quite a big jump. My NESCol experience undoubtedly gave me the confidence to manage the demands of the degree.”
Read more about Jill's story
Guy Ingerson
Business & Management
HND Advertising & PR
“The course provides you the skills to communicate whatever it is that you’re trying to sell. It’s been fantastic. It gives you a really supportive environment – especially if you are coming back into the world of education from work. That’s the route that I took and it’s been really fantastic in that regard. But if you’re a school leaver as well, College gives you practical skills alongside the theory that you’re learning, so even if you decide not to go to uni, you’ve got those skills there and you can utilise them to go into work. It’s really, really valuable in that way.”
Read more about Guy's story
Mark Dalgarno
Media, Communication & TV
HND Advertising & PR
“I would 100% recommend NESCol. First and foremost for the obvious academic reasons and achieving a qualification. But also for being a stepping stone to lead to other opportunities, professionally and personally. It’s an environment where you’re supported and encouraged to make your own success. With the right attitude and the help of the staff and your peers, you can make that happen. “
Read more about Mark's story
Cheryl Buchan
Media, Communication & TV
HNC Media, Analysis & Production
“The lecturers are genuine professionals and have endless experience within the industry. They also come from quite impressive backgrounds which is inspiring. Also, I must say, the college doesn’t hold back when it comes to buying the best equipment – it’s actually as good as the equipment I work with now.”
Read more about Cheryl's story
Andrew MacLellan
Media, Communication & TV
HND Creative Industries: TV
“I will always cherish my time at North East Scotland College. Over two years I was introduced to the key skills behind the production of Film and Television; skills that I still use and value to this day, such as camera operation and video editing. We received great mentorship from our lecturers, all of whom were experienced in their field and highly knowledgeable. The course really encouraged your creativity, getting to create short films, music videos and even a multi-camera live show, on a weekly basis. It was a lot of fun.”
Read more about Andrew's story
Ami Batchelor
Business & Management
HND Advertising & PR
“This course will benefit you in more ways than one and the lecturers are some of the best people you’ll get to meet.”
Read more about Ami's story
Alix Jamieson
Media, Communication & TV
HND Creative Industries: TV
“I have grown as a person. I loved my time at NESCol, being around like-minded people, collaborating with them and focusing on my passion.”
Read more about Alix's story
Mark Dawson
Creative Industries
HND Media & Communications
“The HND is an excellent hands-on grounding in Media & Communications and has taught me so much about the industry. As well as learning the theory, the course allows you to gain practical experience which is invaluable for progressing your career.”
Read more about Mark's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Aberdeen City Campus
-
Starts Aug 2025
-
Duration 2 years
-
Course Code C00024
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Full-time Application Form
Full-time Application Process
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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