Creative & Digital Media

It starts with you!

Get career ready with us and unlock your potential today, view our range of Creative and Digital Media courses and enrol to study at the No.1 Further Education College in Greater Manchester for achievement*.

Aged 16-18? Apply now

The creative and digital media sector is incredibly diverse – there are so many opportunities open to you if you have the talent, ability and drive to succeed.

We have courses for all levels and abilities from Entry Level through to T Levels and can teach you everything from 3D animation and visual effects to graphic design, TV and film production.

You’ll put those new skills into practice, by working on live briefs set by broadcasters, games studios, digital agencies and international advertising firms.

Work experience is crucial in this competitive industry. Luckily, we have close ties to the sector, so you’ll benefit from work placements in your chosen field, as well as networking opportunities, trips out and visits from local employers.

If you’re 16-18 and you've obtained the necessary entry requirements, you’ll be able to join our Industry Excellence Academy for Creative and Digital Media and study a qualification co-developed with industry partners such as Pie Analysis, Creative Cow, Flow Creative or The Games Production Company plus complete an industry placement of at least 15 days.

Alternatively, you'll join our Centre of Excellence for Creative and Digital Media which is designed to help you kick-start your journey into any one of those many opportunities in this exciting industry.

Browse our courses

We demand a lot from our tutors. It’s not enough for them to be great teachers – they also need to have creativity, technical skills, relevant qualifications and industry experience.

Get to know some of our team:

Maria Foran - Assistant Principal

Maria taught Visual Arts courses across the campuses for 14 years before becoming our Head of Department in 2019. Initially graduating in Textile Design, she played a lead role in founding the ground-breaking collaborative project, Future Creatives with Manchester Art Gallery, which our students now benefit from each year.

Vanessa Simpson - Head of Department

Vanessa is a highly experienced educator with over 15 years of expertise in teaching Media in education. She holds a degree in Broadcast Media and American Studies, with a specialisation in post-production techniques for film. Her profound passion lies in the creative industries and the transformative power of education.

Louise Orgill - T Level Lead

Louise Orgill brings a wealth of experience to the team having taught TV and Film Production at the College for almost two decades. She uses her background in TV Drama and News Production, as well as her community work bringing film production to disadvantaged areas to ensure that her students receive a full and valuable creative media education.

Craig Sharp - Tutor

Craig is a Film, TV and Broadcast tutor as well as a keen musician. His specialisms lie within post-production and include areas such as video editing and sound design. Having industry experience across ITV, Cartoon Network and Lime Pictures, Craig continues to implement the latest broadcast techniques to inspire students to explore filmmaking and storytelling.

Katy Rushton - Tutor

Katy specialises in animation and has previously worked for animation company Mackinnon and Saunders. She still collaborates with other local employers to ensure her teaching is industry relevant. Through Katy’s links to the sector, her students are able to gain vital work experience and benefit from other opportunities to engage with potential employers.

Joanne Lowes - Tutor

Jo has a multidisciplinary educational background, which includes a bachelor’s degree in Graphics and Advertising and a master’s degree in Socially Engaged Photography and Digital Graphics, and has been teaching in further education and higher education for over 15 years. Jo works with students on a variety of courses and brings a wealth of experience to consistently deliver varied and engaging sessions.

Geo Norris - Tutor

Geo is an experienced and multi-skilled designer who specialises in graphics, 3D, VFX, animation and media production. He has qualifications in Creative Digital Technologies and a PGCE, and has over 15 years of teaching experience in creative media. Geo has a unique insight into the media industry and his insightful and inspirational teaching style is popular with students.

Our Industry Excellence Academy for Creative and Digital Media is based in our amazing, new, state-of-the-art, four-storey City Campus Manchester next door to the AO Arena.

You’ll have access to fully-equipped computer suites, where you’ll find all the latest software and state-of-the-art technology for 3D modelling, design, development and editing.

But that’s not all. You’ll also have the opportunity to practise in our very own on-site recording rooms, and film and TV studios. You’ll have all the industry-standard equipment that you need, including professional DSLR cameras, green screens, and specialist lighting and sound equipment. We’ve even got a full-service production vehicle for use on location!

We are dedicated to giving our students the best experience, using the latest Game Engine and 3D software to create amazing games and visual effects. Our courses host a real studio working environment, supported by an array of high spec game development PCs, 3D printers, virtual reality technology and composition suite, giving students the freedom to create what they need to develop an industry standard portfolio of work. 

You'll also have access to a TV studio with production gantry, radio and sound studios, game design and production suites and much more.

In addition to our provision at City Campus Manchester you can also enrol on a Level 1 course at our Harpurhey campus, which is well served by public transport. So, wherever you live, you’re not far from starting your journey towards a career in the creative and digital media sector.

Explore our amazing new facilities

The Manchester College is committed to ensuring all our students receive the support they may need to achieve and enjoy college. We do this in a number of different ways including:

• Student Experience Support Team
• Careers Employability & Welfare
• Pastoral Support Officers
• Supported Learning

We also offer a bespoke transition service to new applicants with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), accessibility or medical need.

Find out more about our student support offer:

Find out even more about our Creative and Digital Media department in our subject area guide or on our YouTube playlist:

Download our subject area guide

Watch our YouTube playlist

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