Professional Certificate in Content Design

• Writers and journalists who want to enhance their skills for the digital world
• UX and UI designers who want to become more rounded professionals
• Content designers looking for a formal qualification that validates their expertise
• Digital marketers who need content design skills to succeed in their roles
• Anybody with a writing, content or design background looking for a creative tech job

Who this course is for

This course is a gateway for anyone who wants to work in the vibrant content design industry.

• Be in demand. Certified qualifications will help you stand out in a fast-growing industry
• Build a career with impact. Design content experiences that will influence users worldwide
• Broaden your opportunities. Optimise your skills to get hired at leading companies
• Get qualified. Earn a university credit-rated certification approved by industry leaders
• Gain the confidence you need to succeed. Our mentors, career advisors and student community will support you all the way

Module 1

Introduction to content design

This module will provide you with a broad overview of the world of Content Design. You will begin by understanding the importance of content design in the digital era. You will also be introduced to some of its fundamental concepts. You’ll learn about what content designers do and how they fit into organisations.

• The mission of content design

• What is content design?

• Beyond the user

• Content design or UX writing?

• The content designer’s role

Module 2

Principles of good content design

This module focuses on the six principles of good content design. You will explore these principles through the lens of real world examples to gain a firm understanding of their application and the different challenges associated with each one.

• Principle 1: Clear

• Principle 2: Accurate

• Principle 3: Context sensitive

• Principle 4: Transparent

• Principle 5: Cohesive

• Principle 6: Inclusive

• Assessing content design

Module 3

Voice, tone and style

In this module, you’ll learn about the importance of voice, tone and style while creating a personality for your product or service. You’ll learn how to define each of these concepts and how to leverage them to create a compelling experience for your users.

• Understanding voice

• Understanding tone

• Understanding style

• Documenting voice, tone, and style

Module 4

Understanding your users

This module takes an in-depth look at user research in content design. We begin with a look at the importance of user research for content design. You will then learn about the different research methods that are available to you as a content designer.

• Types of research

• Three stories about research

• Depth interviews

• Online surveys

• Survey deep-dive

• Card sorting

• Conversation mining

• Internal research

• Conversational sketching

• Mapping content needs to the journey

Module 5

Writing for interfaces

In this module, you’ll explore key design components such as buttons, lists, and notifications, learning best practices for writing microcopy for these element types. You’ll also learn how to make your content accessible.

• Design components

• Writing for buttons

• Writing for lists

• Writing for notifications

• Design patterns

• Writing for forms

• Writing for empty states

• But, is it accessible?

Module 6

The product mindset

This module looks at ways to embed content into the product development process. You’ll learn about design systems and how you can contribute to them effectively to scale the impact of your work as a content designer. You’ll also get introduced to product design tools like Figma.

• Design systems

• Reviewing design systems

• Design tools

• Asking for feedback

• Considering SEO

Module 7

Testing content

In this module, you’ll learn key techniques for testing the effectiveness of your content. We start by exploring methods for testing interface content, include usability tests and A/B tests. Next, you’ll learn how to assess longer pieces of content for readability and clarity.

• Testing interface content

• Usability testing

• A/B testing

• Testing content on its own

• Cloze testing

• Comprehension testing

• Highlighter testing

Module 8

AI for content design

In this module you’ll learn about the practical applications of AI tools like ChatGPT for content design. You learn how to get the most out of AI with prompt engineering. This module will also teach you how to accelerate your content design workflow by integrating AI into your day-to-day methods. Finally, we’ll cover the ethical implications of using AI.

• AI for content design

• Prompt engineering

• Supercharging your workflow

• AI and Ethics

Module 9

Working in content design

Learn how to be the content champion within your organisation.

In this final module, you’ll learn valuable tips for becoming a content champion within your organisation, and how to build your profile as a content designer. You’ll get advice from experts on the skills a content designer needs and what your portfolio should include. This closing module will prepare you to continue exploring and growing in the dynamic field of content design.

• Being a content champion

• Ask the experts: Working in content design

• Exam included
• Dedicated tutor support via email during your course from expert instructors