BA (Hons) Media and English

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Derby

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Media and English at the University of Derby combines creative storytelling, critical thinking, and media expertise. It’s perfect for students who are passionate about culture, communication, and content creation — blending traditional literary study with hands-on media production to prepare you for diverse roles in the modern creative industries.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll develop strong foundations in both media and literature. Core modules such as Introduction to Media Studies and Understanding the Media help you explore the role of communication in society, while English modules like Studying Literature build your analytical reading and writing skills. This year encourages you to think critically about how stories — both written and visual — shape public understanding.

Year 2:
The second year allows you to specialize and apply your knowledge through creative and analytical projects. Modules such as Media Production, Digital Media and Society, and Literature and Identity deepen your understanding of how culture, technology, and storytelling intersect. You’ll engage in practical media work and literary analysis, developing your voice as both a creator and critic.

Year 3:
Your final year focuses on independence and professional preparation. Through advanced modules like Media Futures, Professional Media Practice, and English Independent Study, you’ll produce a major creative or research project that showcases your skills. This is your chance to bring together your learning in media production, communication, and literature to prepare for careers in journalism, publishing, media production, or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas:
Media production, digital communication, cultural analysis, creative writing, literary criticism.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates develop strong creative communication skills, critical analysis, media production expertise, and an understanding of cultural and literary contexts that inform modern storytelling.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The program reflects industry needs and integrates practical experience, supported by the University of Derby’s strong links with local and national media and cultural organizations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Derby is Top 20 in the UK for student experience (Times Good University Guide 2025) and Top 20 for teaching quality (Guardian University Guide 2024), highlighting its strong reputation for graduate success and career readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re thinking about applying for the BA (Hons) Media and English at the University of Derby, you’re looking at a degree designed around real, hands-on learning, creative development, and experience in genuine media environments. You won’t just study how media and language shape the world—you’ll actively create, analyse, and experiment within it.

Experiential Learning

From your very first day, you’ll be combining practical, creative work with the kind of critical thinking that employers truly value. You’ll use professional media tools, collaborate on live projects, and explore cultural spaces that bring your studies to life.

Here’s how your learning will take shape:

Adobe Creative Cloud access — You’ll get a full subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud for home use, giving you the same industry-standard software professionals use for design, video, and audio content creation.
Media production practice — You’ll work through modules in video production, podcasting, and editing, using the University’s dedicated media studios to develop your technical and storytelling skills.
Real client experience — Join the student-run communications agency through media and PR modules, where you’ll create campaigns and content for real clients and local organisations.
Field visits and cultural immersion — Explore museums, literary festivals, and heritage institutions through your English modules, connecting theory to real-world culture and creativity.
Optional placement year — You’ll have the chance to take a year out for professional work experience, building valuable contacts and confidence before graduation.
Active, creative learning — Your studies will be brought to life through workshops, “news days,” group presentations, and collaborative projects—so you’re doing, not just listening.
Rich academic resources — You’ll have access to extensive library facilities and technology-enhanced learning spaces for both media and English studies.

This combination of creativity, communication, and analytical depth means you’ll graduate with a powerful mix of skills—ready to move confidently into careers in media, writing, communications, culture, and beyond.

Progression & Future Opportunities

By the time you finish this course, you’ll be ready to step confidently into roles that draw on your creativity, communication and critical thinking skills — whether that’s in content creation, marketing or communications. Your degree opens doors to a wide range of professional paths.

You could build a career as a:

Media content creator or digital producer
Communications or PR officer
Social media strategist or marketing specialist
Editorial assistant or publishing executive

Here’s how the programme sets you up — and what you can realistically expect after graduation:

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Derby, you’ll have access to the Careers & Employment Service from the moment you start your course — and for up to three years after you graduate. The team provides one-to-one career guidance, CV and interview support, plus help finding placements and job opportunities.

Employment data for Derby shows strong graduate outcomes: around 95% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree. Graduates from related subject areas typically earn around £25,000 after 15 months — with most earning between £21,000 and £28,000.

Derby is also recognised as being in the top 10% of UK universities for working with businesses, meaning you’ll have plenty of chances to gain hands-on experience through internships, placements and live projects. In fact, the course itself builds this in — you’ll take part in real projects set by businesses, giving you the confidence and experience employers look for.

This combination of English and Media makes your degree especially valuable. You’ll graduate with versatile skills — not just technical know-how, but the ability to think critically, communicate effectively and adapt to new challenges — all of which are highly prized across industries.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have both academic knowledge (in media, culture, communication, English language and literature) and practical experience (through content creation, placements and industry briefs). This balance prepares you equally well for entering the workforce or continuing your studies.

Further Academic Progression

If you decide to keep learning after your BA (Hons) Media and English, there are plenty of options ahead:

Master’s degrees — in Media, Communication Studies, Cultural Studies, English Literature, or Digital Marketing.
Professional postgraduate qualifications — in areas like Publishing, PR, Journalism, Creative Writing or Media Production, building on your combined skillset.
Doctoral research (PhD) — if you develop a deep interest in a specialised area such as digital cultures, language and society, or media representations.
Short professional courses or certificates — to upskill in new areas like data-driven marketing, UX writing, or video production, helping you stay ahead in fast-changing media industries.