Universities are now offering specialist degrees in content creation, teaching students how to build audiences, create digital content and earn money online. But with tuition fees approaching £30,000, the rise of influencer-focused courses is dividing opinion. The growing creator economy has made social media a viable career path for thousands of people, prompting some universities to launch dedicated content creation degrees aimed at preparing students for work in the digital world.

Nottingham Trent University is among the institutions offering a BA in Content Creation, covering areas including video production, social media strategy, audience growth, branding, analytics and monetisation. The course is designed to equip students with skills that can be applied across marketing, communications and digital media careers.

One graduate who believes the course has paid off is 21-year-old Destiny McGowan, who completed her degree this summer. According to reports, she is already earning income through fashion content, producing videos for clients and presenting live shopping streams online.

Supporters argue that content creation is no longer simply about becoming an influencer. They say the skills taught on these courses are increasingly valuable for businesses, charities and organisations looking to strengthen their digital presence.

However, critics question whether students need to spend tens of thousands of pounds to learn skills that many creators have mastered through online tutorials, work experience and self-teaching.

The debate has sparked strong reactions from TSB residents, with many raising concerns about student debt and the realities of building a career online.

One resident commented: "The government knows how to get yutes in debt."

Another echoed the sentiment, writing: "Another student debt trap. Content creation is hard work and luck."

Others felt the subject has value but questioned whether it warrants an entire degree programme.

One resident said: "A full degree might be a stretch, but I do think business and marketing degrees (and adjacent degrees) should include content creation as marketing evolves."

They continued: "When I did my Executive MBA at Oxford, one module covered social media marketing, and even then the material was already outdated. As someone who now gets most of my clients through content, a proper module on content creation for marketers and business owners would be hugely valuable."

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