FdA Business with Digital Marketing

Standard Entry requirements

The following admissions criteria will apply at level 4:

• All students will require a standard interview.

• Students applying for this programme will be a minimum age of 18 years old and are expected to hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in a related subject with a minimum of 32 UCAS points (For example A level Business Studies, BTEC Diploma in Business Studies or a digital marketing qualification).

• Students will require 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, you are also required to have at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English, or equivalent, or to have demonstrated ability in maths and English within further studies (such as Level 2 functional skills).

Non-Standard Entry Requirements (including Mature students)

• Mature students (aged at least 21 by the start of year of admission) or applicants with non-standard qualifications and/or experience and whose qualifications and/or experience is deemed to be appropriate to gain entry onto a named foundation degree may be admitted onto a foundation degree programme. All students will require a standard interview.

• For applicants with non-standard backgrounds, we consider relevant work experience and demonstrated skills that indicate an ability to engage with the programme material at this level. Non-standard entry criteria include the following:

• qualifications in non-business areas at Level 3

• no Level 3 qualifications but evidence of employer references that can support an application with any relevant working experience

• students are normally also required to have at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English, or equivalent, or to have demonstrated ability in maths and English within further studies (such as Level 2 functional skills).

International Applicants: Applicants applying at Level 4 who do not currently have permission to study in the UK will need to prove their English Language ability as part of the College application process and the UK Visa and Immigration process (UKVI).

New College Durham require students to take an English language test from one of the UKVI's approved test centres at an approved test centre location. For example this could be an IELTS test or a Pearson test. A full list of approved tests and approved test centre providers can be?found here:

Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The test must have been taken in the last two years.

Applicants will be required to achieve a score of IELTS 5.5 or comparable to B2 on the European Qualification Framework (CEFR).

The Admissions Tutor will, where necessary, liaise, with the International Office to determine the academic standing of the applicant’s qualification.

The following admissions criteria will apply:

All applicants will have a standardised admission interview (online or in-person).

A personal statement submission is mandatory, allowing the admissions tutor to assess academic writing, grammar, and motivation to join the programme

•Explore core concepts in organisational behaviour, digital and traditional marketing.

•Illustrate fundamental problem-solving and decision-making techniques to common digital marketing and operational issues.

•Build a strong foundation in areas such as business environment analysis, finance, and strategic planning tailored to small enterprises.

•Examine core digital marketing principles and entrepreneurial strategies to launch, promote, and scale small businesses, leveraging tools such as social media marketing, SEO, content strategy, and paid advertising.

•Develop essential professional skills in communication, digital collaboration, customer engagement, and conflict resolution, with an emphasis on remote and tech enabled work environments.

•Engage with current collaboration trends, digital technologies, and organisational development strategies to adapt to evolving business needs.

Level 4 modules Business Environment
Within this module, you will be introduced to the internal and external factors which influence business operations. You will gain awareness of the competitive business environment and be equipped with the knowledge to assess external challenges and respond effectively through entrepreneurial thinking.
Perfect for developing commercial awareness and acumen.

Digital Consumer Behaviour
During this module, you will be introduced to key concepts, theories, and practices underpinning digital consumer behaviour. You will explore how consumers interact with digital technologies, social media, and online platforms, and how these behaviours influence marketing strategies and business decision-making.
Great for gaining the insights needed to understand your audiences and customers.

Digital Marketing Communications This module will help you understand how organisations plan, create, and manage effective digital marketing communications. It explores the principles, tools, and channels used to engage target audiences across digital platforms, including social media, email, mobile, and web-based media.
The ideal introduction to the tools you'll need as a digital marketer.

Human Resource Management The aims of this module are to provide you with an understanding of how effective HRM practices contribute to organisational success, even in environments where resources, time, and infrastructure are limited.
Fundamental to developing an understanding of people management.

Principles of Marketing During this module, you will be taken through fundamental areas of marketing including market research, consumer behaviour, branding, and marketing strategy development.
The perfect introduction to the underpinnings of marketing.

Professional Skills Within this module, you will develop essential professional skills and behaviours, all of which are expected in modern workplaces. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of communication, ethical judgement, decision-making, teamwork, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills within a business.
Personal and professional development to ensure you develop all the skills you'll need.

Level 5 modules Performance Management for Small Businesses - This module provides students with an understanding of performance management and organisational development, specifically within small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. Students will explore the key principles and practices of performance management, including setting performance expectations, goal alignment, conducting performance appraisals, and creating constructive feedback mechanisms that support individual and team development. Students will recognise that small businesses often operate with limited resources, flatter hierarchies, and fast changing environments, the module examines how performance management systems can be designed to be flexible, inclusive, and aligned with business objectives while comparing these to large organisations. Students will explore positive workplace cultures that value continuous feedback, employee motivation, and skills development. Students will also consider the role of leadership in building trust and guiding performance, particularly when managing a diverse and dynamic workforce.

Social Media Marketing - The aim of this module is to provide students with a practical and theoretical understanding of how social media platforms are used strategically within digital marketing. It explores how organisations create, manage, and evaluate social media campaigns to build brand awareness, use AI, foster engagement, and drive consumer action. The module enables students to develop the skills to plan, implement, and assess social media marketing activities using a range of tools, analytics, and creative content strategies relevant to contemporary digital environments.

Business Finance - This module aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of financial strategies, procurement approaches, commercial contexts, and financial data analysis. It prepares them to make informed decisions and contribute to effective financial management and strategic planning within an organisation. Students will explore and evaluate approaches to procurement and contracting within organisations.

Customer Relationship Management - The aim of this module is to develop students’ understanding of how organisations build, manage, and sustain relationships with customers through the effective use of data, technology, and communication strategies. It explores the principles and practices of customer relationship management, including customer retention, loyalty programmes, and personalised marketing. The module enables students to analyse customer data, evaluate CRM systems and tools, and apply strategies that enhance customer satisfaction and long-term business value within a digital marketing context.

Entrepreneurship for Small Business Startup - This module explores the principles and practice of entrepreneurship, with a focus on starting and growing small businesses within the UK economy. Students will examine the entrepreneurial landscape, including business planning, financing, innovation, and risk management. Emphasis is placed on developing the knowledge and skills needed to identify opportunities, evaluate the viability of new business ideas, and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurial ventures. Through critical research and market analysis, students will explore trends and gaps to inform innovative product or service development. The module also delves into the entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to adapt to the uncertainties and complexities of running a small business

The programme has two delivery methods:

Face to Face: This would be two full days a week on campus

Blended: Blended learning will be combining the flexibility of online learning with the depth and engagement of face to face interaction, ensuring that students actively construct knowledge through meaningful interaction, real world application, and critical reflection. Study days and times are to be confirmed.

Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of the programme.

Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.

Our programme uses a range of engaging assessment methods to support different learning styles and real world skill development. Learners will complete written reports to demonstrate their understanding and ability to apply theory in a structured and professional format. Professional discussions allow learners to showcase their knowledge verbally, reflect on their learning, and communicate ideas confidently. Throughout the course, students will also take part in presentations, developing their ability to deliver information clearly to an audience, and work through case studies that mirror real workplace scenarios, encouraging problem solving, critical thinking, and practical application of knowledge. This varied approach ensures a well rounded assessment experience that prepares learners for both academic progression and employment.

The FdA Business with Digital Marketing programme has been developed by industry experts with decades of experience in business, marketing, and digital marketing. From strategy and operations through the being on the tools, seasoned experts with experience across all areas of business and digital marketing have directly contributed to the development and delivery of this course.

During your time as a student, you will have direct exposure to industry professionals, including consultants, agencies, and organisations who utilise the knowledge, skills, and tools which you will learn about during your time studying this programme.

The FdA in Business with Digital Marketing has been carefully designed to articulate with the BA (Hons) Management [top-up] FT/PT at New College Durham

Upon successful completion of this programme students may consider other *progression routes to achieve a qualification at level 6:

·BSc (Hons) Business Management (Top up)

·BA (Hons) Business and Digital Management (Top up)

·Professional qualifications at level 6

Upon successful completion of an appropriate level 6 qualification students may wish to *progress their studies to level 7:

·Professional qualifications at level 7

*Please note progression into studies at both level 6 and 7 are subject to the admissions policy and programme requirements of the HEI to which a student applies.