School
Business:
Start date(s)
September 2025
Study Mode
Part-time (3 years)
Location
Leeds City Campus

Course overview

This work-based programme is designed to provide the essential knowledge, understanding and skills required to operate effectively and lead on the creation and execution of digital marketing content and strategy.

Core areas of the programme focus on developing a broad understanding of the principles for digital marketing, web technologies and consumer behaviours.

The apprentice will need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a relevant role and have the support of their employer.

The Student Contract

About this course

This apprenticeship is suitable for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in digital marketing, or to those already in marketing roles who are ready to develop their skills further, such as:

  • Digital marketing executives
  • SEO specialists
  • Digital marketing account managers

It will allow apprentices to combine work-based learning opportunities with academic knowledge gained through formal workshops and projects relevant to the organisation where they work.

The Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeship is:

  • Designed by industry professionals
  • Suitable as a way to upskill existing members of staff or as a pathway for new employees
  • Delivered in small groups with specially designed learning sessions ensuring that apprentices get the most out of their time in workshops and lectures
  • Required to include a minimum of six hours a week off-the-job learning
  • Funded through the Apprenticeship Levy - no fees are paid by the apprentice

Successful apprentices will gain a BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Digital Marketing, and will be eligible to apply for membership of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

It will typically take three years to complete the apprenticeship, however, there may also be opportunities to join part-way through the programme if candidates have considerable experience in a particular area.

Apprentices will receive all the benefits of being a student at Leeds Trinity University, while also earning a full-time salary from their employer.

This apprenticeship is delivered through a blended learning approach. Apprentices benefit from face-to-face and online lectures and seminars, delivered by Leeds Trinity University. In addition to this, apprentices will also complete independent research activities which can be undertaken in the workplace.

 

Note: This course will only run if minimum student numbers are met.

Course modules

You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Year 1

During the first year, the apprentice will study four core modules.

Introduction to your Professional Degree Apprenticeship - Core

This module equips apprentices with essential study skills for navigating higher education and fosters reflective practice by introducing key models and theories. Learners will engage with academic conventions such as writing, note-taking, literature searching, presentation skills, and referencing.

The module emphasizes building a Portfolio of Evidence, guiding apprentices to map their workplace activities to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) outlined in their apprenticeship standard.

Additionally, apprentices will develop a Negotiated Learning Plan that aligns with both personal and professional development needs, benefiting their employer while meeting academic standards. 

Negotiated Learning: Principles and Theory of Digital Marketing - Core

This module introduces apprentices to the foundational concepts and strategies behind effective digital marketing.

Apprentices will explore key theories, including consumer behaviour, digital branding, and campaign management, to develop a comprehensive understanding of how to reach and engage online audiences.

The apprenticeship structure allows for a practical application of these principles in real-world marketing environments.

Negotiated Learning: Content Creation - Core

This module equips apprentices with practical skills in digital content creation, focusing on producing engaging multimedia content for diverse platforms.

Through hands-on experience, students will learn to plan, develop, and refine digital media while understanding the principles of audience engagement and storytelling.

The apprenticeship format provides real-world opportunities to apply these skills in a professional setting, preparing students for careers in the digital media industry.

Negotiated Learning: Projects in the Workplace - Core

Sharpen your awareness of small-scale work-based project stages and processes in this module.

You'll cover work-based project types, ethical data use, project design, stakeholder communication, and more.

You and your tutor will customise your aims and objectives in the Learning Agreement to align with your unique projects and professional context.

Year 2

During the second year, the apprentice will study five core modules.

Apprenticeship Portfolio Review - Core

This module supports apprentices in reflecting on their professional experiences, identifying valuable insights from both formal education and workplace learning.

Apprentices will explore methods to analyse and evaluate their work-based knowledge, developing skills in presenting their learning achievements clearly and coherently. The module emphasises the connection between personal learning outcomes and professional growth, encouraging apprentices to map their experiences to their apprenticeship standards.

Apprentices will also take ownership of planning a coherent learning programme that aligns with their academic goals and job responsibilities, ensuring continuous development throughout their apprenticeship.

Negotiated Learning: Digital Experience (UI and UX) - Core

This module centres on creating impactful customer experiences by focusing on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.

Apprentices will learn how to gather and apply customer insights, develop strategic relationships, and manage e-commerce strategies.

Key skills include promoting content marketing across digital channels, leading digital marketing projects, and ensuring data security. This module helps apprentices understand customer retention and loyalty while fostering a high level of professionalism and integrity in digital environments.

Negotiated Learning: Disruptive Digital Environment and Emerging Technologies - Core

Apprentices in this module will explore the strategic impact of disruptive technologies and how to adapt to rapid changes in the digital marketing landscape.

Topics include professional bodies' insights into emerging trends, the use of paid, owned, and earned media, and the ethics of digital marketing. The module will cultivate an ability to synthesize business intelligence and embrace change in evolving markets. 

Apprentices will develop skills in content creation, applying research methodologies, and understanding regulatory requirements.

Negotiated Learning: E-Commerce - Core

This module provides apprentices with in-depth knowledge of e-commerce environments, focusing on organic and paid marketing strategies to enhance online visibility.

Apprentices will gain expertise in fostering B2B relationships, creating effective product descriptions, and utilizing interface design for improved user experiences.

The course emphasizes the importance of applying marketing principles, managing digital supply chains, and using data analytics tools to optimize e-commerce performance and provide insights for business decisions.

Level 5 Work-based Project

This module enables apprentices to choose the most appropriate assessment method for their project, with guidance from the module tutor. Learners can select from multiple options, tailoring their submission to the nature of their project.

One option involves submitting a full report detailing the project's planning, implementation, and outcomes. Alternatively, apprentices who produce a report (such as a strategic plan or new process) can submit this alongside a shorter report analyzing key stages. Another option combines a written report with a professional discussion, which are assessed together for a final grade.

In addition, apprentices will present a project evaluation, reflecting on its success and how it demonstrated their competence in key knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs).

Year 3

In the third year, the apprentice will study five core modules.

Advancing Your Portfolio Towards End Point Assessment - Core

This module guides apprentices in consolidating learning and workplace experiences, introducing them to Gateway and End Point Assessment requirements.

Through reflection and gap analysis, apprentices build a project proposal, aligning outcomes with occupational standards, and ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Emphasising learning articulation, progression reflection, and project proposal creation, this module prepares apprentices for the Work-Based Project module.

Negotiated Learning: Omni-channel Management and Marketing - Core

In this module, apprentices will master omni-channel marketing strategies by analysing customer segmentation, brand management, and international marketing environments.

Apprentices will apply concepts of sales funnels and customer attribution to develop comprehensive marketing plans across multiple channels. By utilizing a variety of research methodologies, they will learn how to optimize customer journeys and achieve brand equity.

Practical experience will be gained through real-world application of campaign performance analysis and return on investment (ROI) measurements.

Negotiated Learning: Digital Marketing - Analytics, Planning and Strategy - Core

Focusing on digital marketing analytics and strategic planning, this module equips apprentices with the skills to analyse customer data and craft impactful marketing strategies.

Key topics include applying the marketing mix to meet customer expectations, managing digital projects, and utilizing statistical tools for campaign analysis.

Apprentices will also learn to navigate the complex digital landscape by integrating natural and paid marketing tactics, understanding customer behaviors, and aligning business objectives with digital marketing outcomes.

Gateway Preparation Module

This module is designed to guide apprentices through the final stages of their apprenticeship, preparing them for the End-Point Assessment (EPA). Apprentices will review and consolidate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) acquired throughout the programme, aligning them with the requirements of their apprenticeship standard.

Work-Based Project for Apprentices

Learning and Teaching

At Leeds Trinity we aim to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.

Our Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy delivers excellence by providing the framework for:

  • high quality teaching
  • an engaging and inclusive approach to learning, assessment and achievement
  • a clear structure through which you progress in your academic studies, your personal development and towards professional-level employment or further study.

We have a strong reputation for developing student employability, supporting your development towards graduate employment, with relevant skills embedded throughout your programme of study.

We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through the key themes in our Learning and Teaching Strategy:

  • Student Involvement and Engagement
  • Inclusion
  • Integrated Programme and Assessment Experience
  • Digital Literacy and Skills
  • Employability and Enterprise

To help you achieve your potential we emphasise learning as a collaborative process, with a range of student-led and real-world activities. This approach ensures that you fully engage in shaping your own learning, developing your critical thinking and reflective skills so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and use the extensive learning support system we offer to shape your own development.

We believe the secret to great learning and teaching is simple: it is about creating an inclusive learning experience that allows all students to thrive through:

  • Personalised support
  • Expert lecturers
  • Strong connections with employers
  • An international outlook
  • Understanding how to use tools and technology to support learning and development

Assessment

Throughout the programme, apprentices are assessed via various methods including:

  • Reports
  • Presentations
  • Professional discussions
  • Assignments
  • Work-based projects
  • Sales pitches

Apprentices will also create a portfolio of evidence throughout the programme to allow them to demonstrate how they have achieved the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the Apprenticeship Standard.

Evidence may include reports, reflective logs, formative assessments and learning journals.

Upon completion of the degree, each apprentice will undertake the End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment will consist of a work-based project report and presentation, a portfolio of evidence mapped to the Apprenticeship Standard KSBs and a competency-based interview.  This has been designed to enable the apprenticeship to be completed in accordance with the Degree Apprenticeship Standard. An independent assessor will assess this.

About Negotiated Learning:

All apprentices will work with their employer to agree on the central theme of their work-based learning for Negotiated Learning modules. These themes will be based on the Degree Apprenticeship Standard. Apprentices, Employers, and Mentors will come together and agree upon the preferred Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) that the apprentice will focus on during each module.

Entry Requirements

Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits.

The following information is designed to give you a general overview of the qualifications we accept. If you are taking qualifications that are not included below, please contact our Apprenticeship Student Admin team who will be happy to advise you.

Applicants must:

  • Must hold a level 2 qualification in English Language and Maths Grade 4/C or above
  • Provide evidence of the highest achieved qualifications
  • Be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a relevant role and have the support of their employer
  • Live and have the right to work in England (ID will be requested)

Once a completed evidence pack is received applicants will undertake an initial assessment interview and skills scan with the programme lead to establish their suitability for the apprenticeship

Support

We offer extensive support to all of our apprentices - whatever their background or academic experience.

This includes access to our Peer Support Champions and the Learning Hub, which offers tailored support for academic skills.

Fees and finance

Costs of programme

The cost of the full degree apprenticeship programme is £21,000.

Funding

Degree Apprenticeships are fully funded by your employer if their wage bill is over £3 million each year.

The government will fund up to 95% of the apprenticeship’s course fees, up to the relevant funding band, if the organisation has spent all its levy or has an annual wage bill below £3 million each year. Employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy contribute 5% towards the total cost of the apprenticeship, the ESFA will contribute the other 95% directly to the University. Employers must have an account with the Apprenticeship Service Account to be able to reserve Government funding for an apprenticeship. This reservation ensures that funds will be available to pay for the training from the point the apprenticeship starts.

Read more about how levy payments work at the UK Government website.

How to apply

Whether you’re looking to develop your skills with us as an apprentice, or you’re an employer looking for more information on using Leeds Trinity University as a training provider, please complete the form below and we will contact you to discuss your options.

Get in touch

About Leeds Trinity University

Our professional Apprenticeships combine part-time study at Leeds Trinity University with workplace training. We've been providing outstanding provision in higher education for over 50 years and have significant experience of delivering work-based learning programmes. We're proud to offer a personal and inclusive university experience that gives everyone the support they need to realise their potential. Our teaching staff have extensive and relevant professional experience

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