BA (Hons) Media and Marketing

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Derby

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Media and Marketing at the University of Derby blends creative storytelling with strategic marketing insight, preparing you for the fast-evolving media and communications landscape. Ideal for students who want to understand how brands communicate and connect with audiences, this joint honours course develops both your creative and analytical skills across diverse media platforms.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by exploring the foundations of media production, marketing principles, and communication theory. Modules such as Introduction to Media and Communication, Principles of Marketing, and Understanding Audiences help you build core knowledge and confidence in analysing how messages are crafted and received across media channels.

Year 2:
The second year deepens your understanding through modules like Digital Marketing, Media Production: Practices and Techniques, and Brand Storytelling. You’ll work on practical projects that bring theory to life — learning to design campaigns, create digital content, and evaluate audience engagement across platforms.

Year 3:
In your final year, you’ll refine your professional skills and complete an independent project. Modules such as Marketing Strategy and Planning, Contemporary Media Issues, and the Independent Study Project encourage you to apply your creativity and strategic thinking to real-world marketing and media challenges. You’ll graduate with a strong portfolio showcasing your work and insight.


Focus areas: digital marketing, brand strategy, content creation, media production, audience analysis, communication strategy

Learning outcomes: develop creative and strategic communication skills, master media production tools, apply marketing theories to real campaigns, critically evaluate global media trends

Professional alignment (accreditation): aligned with professional standards from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Derby ranks among the Top 20 in the UK for Marketing and Public Relations (Guardian University Guide 2024), with strong graduate employability and industry links

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you study BA (Hons) Media & Marketing at the University of Derby, you’ll be part of a hands-on, creative, and professionally focused course where you don’t just learn theory—you live it. From day one, you’ll get to use the same tools and technologies that media and marketing professionals rely on, including digital video production, web content creation, and social media campaign management.

You’ll be based across the University’s Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street campuses, where you’ll have access to industry-standard studios, editing suites, Mac labs, and a media loan hub stocked with cameras, lighting, and sound equipment—everything you need to bring your ideas to life.

You won’t just be working on classroom assignments either. You’ll collaborate on live briefs with real clients, from local businesses to national organisations, gaining genuine experience in campaign planning, PR activities, and media research.

Here’s how experiential learning takes shape in this programme:

  • Real-world client projects: You’ll work on campaigns, promotional content, and media research tasks that directly respond to the needs of external organisations—so your work has real impact beyond the classroom.

  • Industry-standard production tools: Throughout your modules, you’ll create videos, manage social media content, design basic websites, and edit audio/visual materials—building a strong technical skillset for your portfolio.

  • Access to top-class facilities: From film and TV studios to photography labs and editing suites, you’ll use professional-grade spaces that mirror real media workplaces.

  • Collaborative teamwork: You’ll regularly team up with classmates to develop creative ideas, pitch marketing strategies, and produce multimedia projects—just like in an agency environment.

  • Global opportunities: While there’s no mandatory placement year, you can take advantage of study abroad options through the Turing Scheme, giving you international experience and perspective.

  • Outstanding resources: The University’s four-storey library and dedicated media equipment loan services make it easy to access everything you need, from specialist software to production tools. In fact, 100% of students agreed it’s easy to access subject-specific resources when needed (NSS data).

Altogether, this degree offers a dynamic mix of creativity, strategy, and real-world practice—preparing you to step confidently into the fast-paced world of media and marketing.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Choosing the BA (Hons) Media and Marketing at the University of Derby is a smart step toward an exciting career where creativity meets strategic business thinking. This degree doesn’t just prepare you for a job — it sets you up for a career where you can grow, innovate, and lead. Many graduates go on to roles such as Brand Manager, Social Media Manager, Account Executive, or Marketing Analyst, with many quickly progressing into leadership positions, managing campaigns, or even launching their own ventures.


How the programme supports your future progression and opportunities

Career support and employability services
From day one, you’ll have access to Derby’s dedicated Careers & Employment Service, which provides one-to-one career coaching, help with CVs and interview preparation, job-search guidance, and ongoing support for up to three years after you graduate. This ensures you’re ready to make a confident transition into the professional world.

Employment success and salary outcomes
The University of Derby is proud of its strong graduate outcomes — 96% of UK graduates are in employment or further study soon after completing their degree. For marketing-related careers, typical salaries average around £27,000 within 15 months of graduation, rising to approximately £30,000 after five years, showing clear progression potential.

Industry experience and real-world links
A key strength of this degree is its hands-on approach. You’ll work with local and national organisations on live projects such as promotional campaigns, PR activities, and media research. These real-world collaborations help you build your portfolio, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable experience that employers look for.

Professional recognition and accreditation
The marketing element of the course is aligned with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), a respected professional body in the field. This gives your degree added credibility and offers the chance to gain exemptions toward future CIM qualifications — a valuable advantage for advancing your career.

Graduate destinations
By the time you graduate, you’ll have a powerful blend of creative and analytical skills — from digital content production and social media strategy to brand development and market analysis. You’ll be ready to pursue roles such as Brand Manager, SEO Analyst, Social Media Manager, Digital Content Producer, Media Researcher, or Account Manager, working in agencies, corporate marketing teams, media organisations, or as a freelancer.

Further academic progression
If you’re keen to continue your studies, you can take your expertise further with postgraduate options like an MSc in Digital Marketing, Marketing Management, or Media and Communication. These pathways can lead you into senior leadership, consultancy, or research roles within the media and marketing sectors.

Program Key Stats

£17,500
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

BBC
3.0
28
65

N/A
N/A
6.0
79

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Marketing Executive
  • Media Planner
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Social Media Manager
  • Advertising Executive
  • Brand Manager
  • Content Creator
  • Copywriter
  • Digital Marketing Specialist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Communications Officer
  • Event Manager
  • Media Buyer
  • Campaign Strategist
  • Influencer Marketing Coordinator

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