Real-world Skills Over Theory:  Whether you’re producing content, leveraging AI tools, or crafting marketing strategies, this course emphasizes practical, hands-on experience over theory. It will equip you for future success by connecting you with existing businesses, enabling you to address and resolve their real-world challenges using multiple industry tools.

Creation-Focused Learning: The best way to learn is to do! In this course, you’ll get the opportunity to utilise the skills you learn immediately, by developing real content and digital assets, executing campaigns, and designing marketing strategies – EVERY week! This consistent practice will allow you to refine your abilities faster and gain a deeper understanding of industry-relevant techniques through practical application.

Diverse Industry Tools & Techniques: There’s a huge amount of variation when it comes to marketing software – it can be hard to know where to start and which ones to invest time and money into. Luckily our expert tutors keep their fingers on the pulse of current trends and technology, and so will you!

You will learn various marketing tools from the industry – from well-known ones like Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, InDesign, and similar), to newer AI integrations like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, to social media management tools like Meta Business suite, TikTok & Google Ads Managers, Notion, and heaps more!

Flexible Leaning – If essays aren’t your thing, no worries! This course is all about playing to your strengths while still reaching those learning outcomes. What makes our assessments unique is the freedom we give students to choose the way they want to submit their work. Whether you’re into writing, presenting, making awesome graphics, or creating a captivating video to get your point across, YOU get to pick the format that works best for you. It’s all about playing to your strengths while still hitting the learning goals!

Whether you strive to become a social media influencer, build a powerful personal brand, or stand out in a competitive corporate environment, our Diploma in Social Media Marketing and Content Creation will equip you with the essential skills to become an in-demand digital marketer and content creator.

Graduates of this course can look forward to pursuing a variety of exciting career paths that support flexible working, are lifestyle-driven and allow you to work anywhere, anytime!

Common Social Media and Content Marketing Roles: 

• Social Media Coordinators
• Content Marketing Coordinators
• Content Creators
• Digital Marketing Specialists
• Junior content producer
• Junior brand advisor
• Junior account manager
• Social media planner

*based on The Digital Store New Zealand Salary Survey 2023

(410) Authentic Content Creation with Tutor Shawn. 

This foundational course serves as an introduction to content creation, exploring current trends while emphasizing the importance of culture and accessibility in your work. Students will learn how to integrate cultural elements into their content and develop their creativity, with strategies for staying inspired. We’ll cover essential design principles, including colour theory, form, and proportion, examining how these aspects influence a brand’s messaging. Additionally, students will explore user-generated content, community management, and copywriting, along with a comprehensive overview of social media platforms. This course provides a solid foundation for students as they progress through the rest of the program.

(411) Digital Design for Social Media with Tutor Janelle. 

Shape your design skills and understanding of branding as well as maintaining consistency across platforms – focusing on trends, formats, and audience engagement. We cover essential elements like color theory, typography, and imagery, and teach students how to become proficient in Photoshop. You’ll become familiar with principles of design and explore the social, political, economic, and cultural implications of creative work, as well as develop an understanding on intellectual property and copyright – particularly around content created with AI.

(510) Video Production For Social Media with Tutor Shay.

This class covers the entire video production process, from scripting and filming to post-production, using the latest tools and techniques to create compelling video content. Students will learn about storytelling, visual aesthetics, and sound design, along with practical skills in storyboarding, lighting, editing (using Premiere Pro), adding music and sound effects, and incorporating graphics.

(511) Live Content Creation with Tutor Shay.

Explore the world of live streaming and podcasting, as well as learn how to plan engaging broadcasts and connect with your audience in real-time. You’ll learn how to pitch ideas to clients and gain hands-on experience with the technical aspects of production, like lighting and camera setup. Learn how to manage both scripted and unscripted content, create effective presentations and set up a functional recording space.

(512) Social Media Future Technology with Tutor Alla.

Ever been told you’re not allowed to use AI for an assignment? You SHOULD be using it in this class! Our main focus here is to provide students with the skills to utilise AI for any aspect of their digital marketing journey. You’ll learn how to work with AI tools, (primarily ChatGPT and Claude), to streamline content creation, audience analysis, and campaign management. Key topics include machine learning, large language models, and the principles of effective prompt writing. We’ll also explore generative AI, assistive AI, and the importance of understanding AI bias, along with techniques for AI image generation and audience targeting. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into the differences between AI and automation, learn how to use API keys, and discover effective ways to leverage AI for job searches and interview preparation!

(513) Paid Social Media Advertising with Tutor Shawn. 

This class equips students with the essential skills to create successful marketing campaigns. Explore paid media strategies, including how to set up, manage, and optimize ads across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Students will develop their own campaign from scratch, covering goal setting, budgeting, content creation, campaign reporting, and paid advertising strategies. The class also covers affiliate and influencer marketing, teaching students how to engage communities and build brand loyalty. 

(514) Presenting Social Media Data with Tutor Tyler.

Numbers might seem daunting to some, but there’s nothing to worry about! In this class, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how to track performance and interpret analytics to make data-driven decisions (it’s easier than it sounds)! We’ll investigate different types of key social media metrics, such as reach, impressions, and engagement, and explore data visualization techniques to present this information effectively and aesthetically, using tools like Canva, Excel, PowerPoint, and Illustrator. Students will learn to create various infographic styles and design elements while familiarising themselves with typical data collection methods. Additionally, we’ll examine future technologies for data analysis and discover trends to help inform and improve your strategy. The course will also cover foundational aspects of paid media, including campaign performance, return on investment, and optimisation strategies.

(610) Industry Project with Tutor Matt.

In this class, you’ll showcase your skills by compiling a final portfolio that highlights your best work. You’ll engage in an industry project that simulates real-world marketing tasks, collaborating with an existing business to identify areas for improvement in their strategy. You will build a comprehensive campaign from start to finish (guided by course blueprints and tutor checklists). You’ll work with your chosen business to define their target market, develop buyer personas, and enhance their content marketing. This hands-on experience will allow you to demonstrate your abilities and complete your portfolio – ready to make a strong impression as a top candidate in a competitive job market.

Student loan available through Study Link. Check if you are eligible here.

Course Related Costs:

Adobe Creative Cloud Education Edition Approximately $25.00 per month or $300 per year which includes a 70% discount if you click on the link https://www.adobe.com/nz/creativecloud/buy/students.html

Canva Pro $180.00 per year https://www.canva.com/en_gb/

Microsoft Office 365 (Personal) $129.00 per year https://www.microsoft.com/en-NZ/microsoft-365/buy/compare-all-microsoft-365-products

Course Related Costs are subject to currency changes. Please check the fee at the time of enrolment.

Check your Fees Free eligibility.

If you are a first-time tertiary learner, you may be able to get up to $12,000 of your fees covered for one year’s study or two years’ training. Check if you are eligible by visiting FeesFree.govt.nz.

Note: The Government has confirmed Fees Free for the first year of study will finish at the end of 2024 and will operate under transition rules until 31 December 2025.   A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace first-year Fees Free starting from 1 January 2025. Learn more by visiting FeesFree.govt.nz.

• A fully practical and interactive learning experience
• Tuition by experienced industry experts
• Career assistance through our Student Services
• Part-time study options for domestic students
• Approved and Accredited by NZQA and TEC