This course provides students with a practical introduction to business principles tailored for the creative industries. Through the first two units—Business Essentials for Creatives and Managing Your Business, students build a strong foundation in finance, legal frameworks, ethical practices, and resource management. In Marketing, Brand & Identity, they explore how to reach audiences, build brand trust, and communicate value through creative thinking and digital tools. These combined skills prepare students to confidently approach their final 'Your Business Project', where they apply their learning to develop, plan, and pitch a creative business concept, turning their ideas into viable and responsible enterprises.
Everything you need to know about this course at a glance
November, February, June
1 year
Full Time
Manchester, Canary Wharf
£9535
Arts University Plymouth
Explore the modules for each year and find key admissions information.
Everything you need to know about applying and studying
Standard Academic Route
72 UCAS tariff points (or above) or 60 Credit Ofqual qualification at Level 3
For international qualifications, ENIC (formerly NARIC) will be used to establish equivalence to their comparable level in the UK.
Non-standard Academic Route
For applicants aged 21 and above who may not meet the standard entry requirements, we also welcome those with significant contextual experience or relevant job roles. Applicants could be considered for admission if they possess at least two years of industry-related work experience in the UK, which demonstrates transferable skills and knowledge necessary for entry onto the course (a professional CV is required).
Assessment Requirement
All applicants must undergo an interview with the admission team, which aims to provide a holistic assessment to evaluate the applicant’s academic potential, English proficiency, self-motivation and enthusiasm for the subject.
Documents Required
Valid passport/ national ID card
Evidence of immigration status if not UK/ Irish national
Evidence of qualifications/ English language tests, including highest qualification on entry (if any)
Professional CV (if required)
Commuting Consent form
To meet the demanding academic content of a UK degree, all applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency at the B2 level or above of the Common European Framework (CEFR).
A wide range of academic English qualifications and English tests are accepted as evidence of applicant’s English language ability, which include:
GCSE English Language grade 4/C or above
IELTS 5.5 overall
Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in English
VCAD Internal English Assessment
For further details, please see the VCAD English Assessment policy.
Entry-Level Roles
The certificate equips you with practical skills and knowledge applicable to entry-level positions in various creative and business-related fields.
Creative Industries
You can explore roles in advertising, marketing, content creation, event organization, and more.
Business Roles
The business-focused modules within the certificate can lead to opportunities in areas like marketing, finance, and project management.
Entrepreneurship
The certificate can also serve as a foundation for starting your own creative business or freelance career.
Please note: Applicants will only be accepted onto the course if they are eligible for a Student Loans Company (SLC) Tuition Fee Loan. Self-funded students are not eligible to study on this programme
Take the next step in your creative journey and join Victoria College of Arts and Design.