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Level 1 Extended Certificate Vocational Studies GATEWAY (Digital)
Your introduction to the digital, IT and creative media side of things. No previous knowledge needed. You'll try imaging software, website design, digital graphics, moving image, cybersecurity and IT support fundamentals, all through practical projects. By the end of the year you'll have a portfolio, 30 hours of work experience, and a much clearer idea of whether you're heading toward creative media or IT at Level 2.
Got a question? Ask us
How you’ll learn
Try Everything. Find Your Direction.
This is a 7-unit introduction across the digital, IT and creative media world. You’ll try imaging software, website design, IT support fundamentals, digital graphics, cybersecurity and moving image, before finishing on a creative industries project of your own. Everything runs through practical projects, and assessment is by portfolio, not exams.
You’ll also complete 30 hours of work experience. Some students find their direction is clearly creative media (games, animation, film). Others realise they’re more into IT (networks, support, cyber). Either way, by the end of the year you’ll have a portfolio, a clearer sense of your direction, and the qualification to move up to Level 2.
Core Skills
- Imaging Software
- Website Design
- IT Support Fundamentals
- Digital Graphics
- Cybersecurity
- Moving Image
Final project
- Creative Industries Project (bring the year’s skills together into your own work)
Entry and progression
What you need and where it leads
- Entry requirements
- This course Level 1
- Further study
Entry requirements
- No previous knowledge or qualifications required
- A genuine interest in Digital, IT Skills or Creative Industries as a profession
- Successful interview with our team
Maths and English support is built into the year for students who don't already hold Grade 4 in either. You'll keep working towards them alongside the practical course content.
Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 2 Level 2 Diploma in Digital and Creative Industries At this college
- Level 2 Level 2 Diploma ICT Systems and Principles for IT Professionals CG At this college
See all 14 courses
At this college
- Level 2 Diploma in Digital and Creative Industries
- Level 2 Diploma ICT Systems and Principles for IT Professionals CG
- Level 2 Award in Digital and IT Skills Gateway
- Level 2 Certificate in Digital Marketing - Online
- Level 2 Certificate in Digital Promotion for Business - Online
- Level 2 Certificate in The Principles of Cyber Security - Online
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Coding - Online
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Data Protection and Data Security - Online
At North Lindsey College
- Level 2 Certificate in Digital Marketing - Online
- Level 2 Certificate in Digital Promotion for Business - Online
- Level 2 Certificate in The Principles of Cyber Security - Online
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Climate Change and Environmental Awareness - Online
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Coding - Online
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Data Protection and Data Security - Online
Careers it can lead to
With further study or experience
- Graphic and Multimedia Designers £26,400 a year
- Web Design Professionals £34,100 a year
- Computer System and Equipment Installers and Servicers £33,600 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
Life on the course
See what it’s really like
Our facilities
Modern High-Tech Computer Labs
You'll be based in our upgraded computer labs, kitted out for both the practical creative work and the IT side of the course.
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Modern high-tech computer labs
recently upgraded, with gaming chairs, LED lighting, and industry-standard software.
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State-of-the-Art Equipment
the wider Digital Technologies studios were recently upgraded through a £1.5 million investment from Sheffield City Region.
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30-hour work experience placement
built into the year.
Upgraded Studios · Industry Software · 30hr Placement
Student Voice
“
Studying here has been amazing. We get to use Adobe software, I’ve improved my time management and organisational skills, made new friends, worked on fun projects, and now I’m thinking about either getting an apprenticeship or going to uni.
For parents and carers
Supporting your child’s journey
Qualifications That Count
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listLearning Support
If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.
About learning supportGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable, not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportYour next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
Want to visit first?
FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Got a question?
Ask us about the course, entry requirements or funding.
Call 0800 358 7575
What happens after you apply
1
You apply
Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.
2
You meet your tutor
We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.
3
You get an offer
We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.
4
You get ready to start
Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.