Digital Marketer
Become fully equipped to lead the creation and execution of a digital marketing strategy with an award-winning degree apprenticeship provider.
Employers and apprentices information
Employers
- Develop confident and creative marketing professionals who are fully equipped for a rapidly changing digital world
- Apprentices benefit from industry best practice and cutting-edge academic thinking, enabling them to take a leading role in strategy creation and implementation
- Manchester Metropolitan was named Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year at the AAC Apprenticeship Awards 2023
Our employers say
“Nestlé embraces the opportunity to attract driven young people who want to harness their energy to embark on their career… It’s a privilege to watch these individuals bring their talents to bear and take our business forward,” says Jill Coyle of Nestlé.
Apprentices
- Get the skills to lead on the creation and execution of a digital marketing strategy, having learned from industry best practice and cutting edge academic thinking
- Be a full-time employee in a digital marketing role while studying - our apprentices earn a salary of at least the applicable National Minimum Wage and they get paid time off to learn
- Taught units are complemented by work-based projects, helping make sure you can apply your learning to real life business challenges
Our apprentices say
“I chose to study a Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeship as I wanted to gain practical experience whilst studying, the combination of both on and off the job learning is a great alternative to full-time education,” says Holly March from Aqueous Digital.
About this programme
Developed with leading employers, the Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeship will equip graduates with the skills, knowledge and behaviours to lead on the creation and execution of digital marketing strategy.
This forward-thinking programme will enable apprentices to recognise and respond to business opportunities and customer requirements through a range of digital channels. They will actively employ content marketing and campaign management principles, and financial and analytical tools, to deliver successful initiatives that meet the needs and aspirations of their organisation.
This programme is perfect for those already in a digital marketing role or people looking to start an exciting new career in this dynamic profession, including:
- Digital Marketing Executive or Content Marketing Executive
- Social Media Manager or Digital Marketing Account Manager
- Search Engine Optimisation Specialist
- Digital Marketing Strategist/Analyst
We use Sitechecker, a must-have professional toolkit for digital marketers, to support practical work on a number of our units as an SEO platform to measure, track, and improve apprentice assessment project search engine ranking.
Apprentices will be prepared for the challenges of operating in a rapidly changing digital world, benefiting from real-world best practice and innovative academic thinking.
To find out more about how you can partner with us to offer degree apprenticeships within your organisation, fill out our contact form, email [email protected], or call 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday).
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Programme content
Apprentices will develop the fundamental skills for a successful career in digital marketing. The curriculum covers the key principles of marketing, web technology and consumer behaviour.
Year one
- Principles of Digital-first Marketing
- Platform Essentials
- Introduction to Digital Communications
- Introduction to Digital Marketing Analytics
- Platform and Channel Practice
- Introduction to User Experience
Year two
- Principles of e-Commerce
- Understanding Customer Engagement
- Digital Human and Audiences
- Key Issues in the Digital Environment
- Audience Acquisition
- Managing Social Media Practice
Year three
- Managing Digital Brands
- Content Marketing
- Measurement and Performance of Digital Marketing
- Conversion Marketing
- Digital Value Proposition Design
- Digital Communications Strategy
Year four
- Digital Business Model Design
- Digital Communications Campaign Management
- End-Point Assessment and Synoptic Project
The programme will also help develop transferable skills in communication, presentation and team working, quickly building the confidence to work successfully with clients and colleagues.
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Programme length and approach
The programme is taught over four years in state-of-the-art facilities on our campus in central Manchester.
Apprentices will be taught in University for approximately 24 days per year, with two sets of two-day blocks per 15-credit unit, with additional online support, as well as independent study assignments.
A skills coach at the University and a workplace supervisor undertake regular progress reviews and support apprentices in their work and studies.
Off campus, our skills coaches will stay in regular contact by phone or video chat, helping apprentices apply what they have learned.
There is also an induction week to help apprentices get to know each other and balance undergraduate-level study with working full-time.
Apprentices will complete projects in their workplace, tackling challenges relevant to their role.
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Qualifications awarded
All successful graduates are awarded a BSc Digital Marketing degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as a Level 6 degree apprenticeship.
Graduates can apply for Associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Marketing or Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing.
The British Computer Society will also recognise this apprenticeship for entry onto the Register of IT Technicians, confirming Skills Framework for the Information Age Level 3 professional competence.
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Entry requirements
Applicants can be existing employees looking to develop their careers or new recruits aiming to get working life off to a flying start. They must:
- be 18 or older
- have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for funding
- meet programme entry requirements
Applicants should have a minimum of 104 UCAS points at A level (grades BCC) or an equivalent (eg BTEC DMM).
We also welcome applicants who hold Level 3 professional qualifications, such as:
- CIM Level 3 Digital Marketing Professional
- Level 3 Digital Marketer Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Junior Content Producer Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Multi-Marketer Apprenticeship (new for 2025/26)
They also need GCSE Mathematics and English Language (grade A*-C / 9-4) or equivalent – or must complete Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications alongside the apprenticeship. There are no additional costs for these qualifications.
We will evaluate any applicants who do not have these qualifications, but have relevant workplace experience or have completed an equivalent Level 3 apprenticeship.
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Funding
Degree apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.
Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
Any business with a payroll below £3 million is eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship programme.
Additional incentives are also available to employers who take on young apprentices.
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Next steps
If you are an employer
We will support you every step of the way to offer apprenticeships at your organisation, whether you intend to upskill current employees or attract new recruits.
You can speak to us via our contact form, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday).
If you are an employee
If you are already employed, encourage your employer to contact us to discuss offering an apprenticeship.
If you are a student
Sign up to our Degree Apprenticeship mailing list to get alerts about vacancies and events.
For more information and advice on applying for an apprenticeship, visit our guide.
Current vacancies
Apprenticeship vacancies with our partner employers will be advertised below.
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Upcoming Events
Degree Apprenticeship Careers Fair
I have been given the opportunity to accelerate my career with my current employers through the degree apprenticeship and take on more responsibility each year. I feel like the degree apprenticeship has definitely prepared me for that.
I have been given the opportunity to accelerate my career with my current employers through the degree apprenticeship and take on more responsibility each year. I feel like the degree apprenticeship has definitely prepared me for that.
