BA (Hons) Media and Sociology

If you’re thinking about studying the BA (Hons) Media and Sociology at the University of Derby, you’re looking at a course that’s all about learning by doing. It’s not just about lectures and essays — it’s about getting involved, creating, analysing, and connecting what you learn to the real world.

Right from the start, you’ll be developing your voice across different media — writing for journalism, PR, blogs, and social media — while also producing creative projects like short films, scripts, and digital videos. The city and campus become your “living laboratory,” where you’ll explore real social issues such as identity, class, gender, ethnicity, and how these themes play out in today’s media.

Here’s how your experiential learning comes to life:

Work with professional media tools and spaces:
You’ll use the University’s media labs and digital production facilities to plan and create projects — learning hands-on skills in video production, editing, and digital storytelling for online and social platforms.

Collaborate and create together:
Through group projects and creative modules, you’ll work with classmates on presentations, video essays, and short production pieces that form part of your coursework. These experiences help you think creatively and communicate ideas effectively.

Take learning beyond the classroom:
You’ll go on field trips and take part in sociological activities — from visiting local religious centres and exploring the city through sociological walking tours to joining national or international study visits that bring your learning to life.

Learn from industry voices:
Guest lectures and workshops with media professionals give you real insight into the field. You’ll work on live projects set by employers and take part in collaborative activities that help you build valuable connections and career confidence.

Gain work experience and placements:
There’s the option to take a placement year, where you can apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting, gain hands-on industry experience, and boost your CV before you graduate.

Study in inspiring spaces:
At Derby’s Kedleston Road campus, you’ll have access to excellent facilities — from TV and radio studios to Mac suites, editing rooms, and newsroom-style environments. It’s a creative, supportive setting designed to help your ideas grow.

In short: this degree is as much about doing as it is about studying. You’ll create media, explore society, develop digital skills, and graduate with the kind of practical experience that employers are looking for.

Career & Future Opportunities
Graduates from this programme are ready to take on a wide variety of roles — from content creation and communications to public relations, social research, and policy advice. With the unique blend of media and sociology, you’ll develop both creative and analytical skills, preparing you to work in roles that connect storytelling, media strategy, and social understanding.

Here’s how the University of Derby sets you up for success:

University-run services:
The University’s Careers and Employability team is there to support you every step of the way — offering one-to-one guidance with CV writing, interview practice, networking opportunities, and job-search workshops. They also run the Graduate Outcomes survey, which helps track the real-world success of Derby graduates and keeps the support relevant to current industry trends.

Employment stats & salary figures:
Fifteen months after completing their degree, sociology graduates from Derby report average earnings of around £25,000, with most earning between £22,000 and £28,500. Around 65% are in employment and/or further study, and across the University overall, nearly 90% of Derby graduates are working or studying within the same period — a strong indicator of employability.

Industry links & applied experience:
This joint honours course combines academic learning with hands-on experience. You’ll gain practical media production skills like writing for digital platforms, video editing, and blogging, while also taking part in field-based sociology activities such as community engagement projects, study visits, and optional placements. These experiences help you build a portfolio that reflects both creative and social awareness.

Accreditation & long-term value:
While the degree itself isn’t tied to a specific accreditation, its subjects are highly respected — the University of Derby ranks among the top two in the UK for Journalism (Daily Mail University Guide) and in the top 25 for Sociology and Social Policy (Guardian University Guide). This reflects both academic quality and strong industry recognition.

Graduation outcomes:
You’ll graduate with an impressive mix of creative production expertise and deep sociological insight into identity, representation, ethics, and society. According to the national Discover Uni survey, 84% of students agreed that their course helped them develop the knowledge and skills needed for their future — a strong endorsement of the programme’s practical and academic impact.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA (Hons) Media and Sociology, you’ll have many opportunities to take your studies further, including:

• Master’s degrees in Media Studies, Communication, or Digital Media & Culture

• Postgraduate study in Sociology, Social Policy, or Social Research

• Specialised master’s programmes in Public Relations, Marketing Communications, or Media Production

• Progression to PhD research exploring the intersections between media and society