How to Become a Successful Content Creator (Short Course)

• This course is FREE for most students.
• £30 membership fee applies to all students.
• The course fee listed is the maximum you could pay.
• No payment is required when you apply. After submitting your application, our customer service team will contact you to confirm your eligibility for free or discounted fees and guide you through the next steps.
• You might be surprised at how many ways you can qualify for funding. Check your eligibility here.

No formal entry requirements, though a basic understanding of content creation and IT or previous experience with technology is helpful.

Learn to plan, shoot, and edit standout short-form videos using only your smartphone. In six weeks you will master storytelling, composition, lighting, sound, and beginner-friendly apps for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, finishing with a polished 30-60s portfolio piece. No experience required.

• Set goals, define audiences, and generate strong content ideas.
• Write short scripts and shot lists that hook viewers fast.
• Use smartphone camera controls: focus, exposure, frame rates, and stabilization.
• Compose shots effectively for vertical, square, and horizontal video.
• Light scenes with natural and practical sources for a clean look.
• Record clear dialogue and ambient audio; intro to clip-on mics and noise control.
• Edit with beginner-friendly apps: trimming, pacing, transitions, and captions.
• Add music, adjust levels, and understand basic audio rights.
• Apply colour correction and simple graphics (titles, stickers, lower thirds).
• Platform best practice: TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
• Branding essentials: thumbnails, hooks, calls-to-action, and on-camera presence.
• Export settings, posting workflow, and reading basic analytics.
• Capstone project: produce a 30–60 second video for your portfolio.