Digital Content Development

In today's digital age, industry's need for digital content development has increased exponentially. Technical writing, content developers, digital content specialists, e-learning specialists and other professionals specialising in creating digital content are in high demand. Companies now rely on digital content to reach their customers, employees, and stakeholders. Digital content is critical for businesses to promote their products and services, educate their employees and customers, and communicate their values and vision. Therefore, the need for skilled professionals who can develop high-quality digital content that is engaging, informative, and user-friendly is essential for companies to succeed in today's competitive marketplace. As a result, the demand for digital content developers is expected to grow in the coming years.

This NEW Professional Diploma in Digital Content Development is a great choice if you create content as part of your job and want to improve your skills or get a qualification to move into a similar role. This part-time online programme is for people who want to begin or advance their careers as technical writers, content developers, information developers, e-learning developers, UX writers, instructional designers, and training specialists.

UL@Work programmes are co-designed with industry to ensure skills transfers are industry-responsive for current and future needs. Our programmes are developed for working professionals and are designed to be flexible and accessible. You can take it online and from anywhere worldwide.

On this NFQ Level 9 programme, you will learn how to create high-quality digital content that engages and educates your audience. You'll develop your professional writing skills, specifically focusing on digital content delivery and new writing paradigms. You'll develop skills in writing clear and concise copy, with emphasis on inclusive writing strategies such as the Plain English initiative. You'll learn to structure your content for maximum impact and design visually appealing multimedia presentations. You'll also learn about the latest trends and best practices in digital content creation, including how to optimise your content for search engines and how to create engaging online experiences through well-considered content. Strong communication skills are positively associated with career advancement and organisational reputation.

Each week, you will review pre-recorded lectures and take part in online activities/e-activities. Our online classes will teach you about theories, best practices, and how to apply them. Practical assignments designed to mirror the communication challenges you will encounter in the real world will strengthen your learning experience on this programme.

On completion of this programme, you'll have the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a successful career in digital content creation. You'll be able to create compelling digital content that engages and educates your audience, and you'll be able to work in a variety of roles, such as technical writer, content developer, information developer, e-learning developer, UX writer, instructional designer, or training specialist.

Award: Professional Diploma
Qualification: NFQ Level 9 Minor Award

Here are some of the key topics that you'll cover in this course:

Professional Writing: You will learn how to elevate your professional writing skills, focusing on writing for digital content delivery and new writing frameworks, such as topic-based writing, UX writing, and microcontent. You'll discover how to write audience-focused digital media content, placing importance on how to use inclusive writing strategies like plain language. As part of this module, you'll have a masterclass on writing on a specific topic.

Workplace Communication Skills: You'll learn how to put communication theories to use and develop communication and collaboration skills that are essential for success. We will focus on interpersonal, intercultural, and nonverbal communication theories and their practical applications in professional settings, including delivering presentations, conducting interviewing, and working in virtual teams. Communication across platforms, media, genres, and formats, in groups (both virtual and in-person) and with internal and external stakeholders, is a critical skill for all digital content professionals in the industry 4.0 era. You will enjoy a masterclass on developing effective presentations, an essential skill for digital content professionals.

Information Design: You'll master the fundamentals of information design, including typography, colour, graphics, illustrations, screen layout, information design theories, and design with the end user in mind. Brochures, websites, and online courses are just a few examples of how information design principles can be applied to other types of content creation.

Learning design: This module will introduce you to the principles of learning design and how they may be used to create training materials and online courses.

Autumn Semester
EL5002 Professional Writing
EL5023 Information Design
MN5141 Future Focused Professional Portfolio 1

Spring Semester
EL5012 Workplace Communications
EL5003 Learning Design
MN5152 Future Focused Professional Portfolio 2

This programme is particularly suited to professionals whose roles involve creating technical, e-learning, or specialised content for online delivery. Applicants are normally expected to hold a primary honours degree in any discipline (minimum H2.2), and must have at least two years of relevant work experience.

Alternative Entry Route:

In accordance with the University's policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning, candidates who do not meet the minimum entry criteria may be considered.

Application Deadline: Thursday, August 17, 2023

What to Include with your Application

Qualification transcripts and certificates

A copy of your birth certificate or passport

If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:

English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
AND English language competency certificate

This programme starts in September 2023 and finishes in May 2024. It is part-time and delivered online.