Alumni

Dave Head

Career Path: Founder & Creative Director of Northern Design and Digital
Location: Durham, UK

I’ve always had a passion for creative problem-solving—and that’s exactly what led me into the world of digital design and marketing. Early in my career, I worked across different areas, from UX design to branding to conversion rate optimisation (CRO), getting a solid understanding of what makes businesses tick online.

After gaining experience in both agency and in-house roles, I saw a gap in the market—businesses needed websites and marketing strategies that didn’t just look good, but actually worked. So, I took the leap and launched Northern Design & Digital Marketing, an agency focused on high-performing digital experiences. Since then, we’ve worked with businesses across the UK, increasing their conversion rates, brand engagement, and online visibility. Every project is about making an impact—whether that’s driving sales, generating leads, or creating a brand that people genuinely connect with.

What are you doing now?

Right now, I run Northern Design & Digital Marketing, a creative agency based in the North East. My role involves everything from creative direction to digital strategy—essentially, making sure our clients’ brands, websites, and campaigns work seamlessly together.

A typical day might include:

Planning a new brand identity for a client in hospitality. Overseeing the UX design of an e-commerce store to improve sales. Launching a PPC campaign to increase leads for a finance brand. Collaborating with developers and content creators to bring a website to life. Working on CRO (Conversion Rate Optimisation)—testing and refining designs to maximise user engagement. At Northern, we’re all about creating digital experiences that drive real results—and every project is about solving business challenges in a creative way.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Northumbria stood out because of its strong industry connections and practical approach. It wasn’t just about learning design and marketing theory—it was about applying it. The course structure included real-world projects, guest lectures from industry pros, and opportunities to collaborate with businesses.

Also, Newcastle is an incredible place to study—great creative scene, loads of networking opportunities, and a buzzing student life. It felt like the perfect balance of academic learning and real-world experience

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

The course was a mix of lectures, seminars, team projects, and real client work. Unlike traditional courses that are all about exams, this was hands-on and practical.

Some of the best parts:

Industry projects—We worked on live briefs, solving actual business challenges.

Workshops & feedback—Lecturers didn’t just mark work; they gave actionable feedback to improve it.

Team-based learning—Lots of collaboration, just like in real agency settings.

Independent research—Learning how to adapt and stay ahead of industry trends.

It was fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding—the kind of learning that prepares you for the real world.

How connected was your course with industry?

Super connected. From guest speakers to live client briefs, we were constantly engaging with professionals in the field.

Some of the key industry connections included:

Placements & internships—I got hands-on experience working with businesses while studying.

Live projects—We designed and pitched solutions for actual companies.

Networking events—We met designers, marketers, and business owners, getting insights into the industry.

Guest lectures—Hearing from experts in UX, branding, and marketing was invaluable.

This real-world exposure made it clear how the industry works and gave me a head start in my career.

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?

Placements were a game-changer. You can learn theory all day, but nothing beats actually working with clients, meeting deadlines, and adapting to challenges.

For me, my placement:

Gave me real-world confidence—I wasn’t just a student anymore; I was working in the industry.

Helped me build a network—Connections I made during my placement opened doors after graduation.

Taught me client communication—One of the most important skills in digital marketing.

What was the best thing about your course?

That it wasn’t just about learning—it was about doing. We were constantly creating, problem-solving, and working on things that had real impact.

Some highlights:

- Working on live projects instead of just theory
- Getting real feedback from professionals in the field
- Collaborating with students from other creative disciplines—just like in a real agency

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

It gave me the confidence, skills, and industry experience to launch my own agency. The biggest takeaway was how to think strategically—not just make things look good, but make them work for a business.

It also meant that when I graduated, I already had:

A portfolio of real-world work.

Industry contacts and experience.

The mindset to start something of my own.

Without that practical foundation, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Which skills/ knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most throughout your career?

User Experience (UX) & Web Design – Making websites that work seamlessly.
Branding & Positioning – Helping businesses stand out in a crowded market.
Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO) – Analysing and improving website performance.
Marketing Strategy – Running successful PPC, SEO, and content campaigns.
Client Management & Communication – The ability to listen, advise, and deliver.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

The creative freedom—We weren’t just following templates; we were encouraged to experiment. The people—Both lecturers and classmates pushed me to improve and think bigger. Newcastle itself—One of the best cities to study and start a career in design and marketing.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

- Get involved in as much as possible. Don’t just stick to the coursework—go to events, build your portfolio, and network.

- Treat your projects like real work. The more effort you put in now, the easier your career will be later.

- Learn outside the course. Stay curious—follow industry trends, take online courses, and experiment with new tools.