BA (Hons) Media Content Creation

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Derby

Program Overview

This degree immerses you in the fast-paced world of digital storytelling—whether through video, podcasts, print, or social media. You’ll develop both the creative and strategic skills needed to capture and engage modern audiences. Perfect for imaginative thinkers, this course helps you craft compelling stories, build your own media identity, and work confidently across platforms in an ever-evolving industry.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Level 4):
Your first year lays the foundation for creative and technical success. You’ll learn how to generate ideas and bring them to life across audio, video, and print formats. Core modules like Introduction to Media Production and Storytelling for Digital Platforms build your skills in content design and visual storytelling. You’ll also explore how the media industry operates and how audiences engage with content—giving you a strong grounding for the years ahead.

Year 2 (Level 5):
In your second year, you’ll start shaping your creative direction and working on real-world projects. Through modules such as Producing for Digital Audiences, Social Media Campaigns, or Brand Storytelling and Visual Communication, you’ll take on live briefs with external partners and develop your personal media voice. The focus shifts from learning theory to hands-on creation—experimenting with formats, platforms, and storytelling strategies while sharpening your editing, podcasting, and film production skills.

Year 3 (Level 6):
Your final year is about defining your professional identity and building a portfolio that stands out. You’ll take modules like Major Media Project, Advanced Media Production, and Media Entrepreneurship or Industry Placement. This is where you’ll produce substantial creative work—such as a podcast series, video project, or digital campaign—and gain real industry experience. You’ll graduate with both a polished creative portfolio and the confidence to move into roles in media, content creation, or digital strategy.

Focus Areas

Digital media production
Visual storytelling
Social media campaigns
Podcasting and audio production
Branding and audience engagement
Industry practice and live briefs

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to create, deliver, and critically evaluate media content across multiple formats. You’ll know how to adapt stories for different platforms and audiences, collaborate effectively on professional projects, and build a strong portfolio and network that supports your career in the creative industries.

Professional Alignment

While the course isn’t tied to a specific external accreditation, it has strong industry connections. You’ll gain hands-on experience through live briefs and collaborations with organisations such as Bloc Digital and Rams TV—helping you apply your learning directly to professional practice.

Reputation and Employability

The University of Derby’s media graduates are highly employable, with 90% going on to work or further study within 15 months of graduation. The program has also earned national recognition—ranked 2nd for Journalism in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026 and placed within the top 20 for career prospects in Media and Film Studies by the Guardian University Guide 2025.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re looking for a degree that’s all about doing, not just reading, the BA (Hons) Media Content Creation at the University of Derby is built around hands-on, practical learning from day one. You’ll be creating, producing, editing and storytelling across a range of media—developing a portfolio that employers actually value.

Here’s how the experiential learning works on this course:

Work in real studios: From early in your degree, you’ll get hands-on experience in film and TV studios at the University’s Markeaton Street campus, supported by expert technicians who help bring your ideas to life.
Access professional facilities: You’ll make use of industry-standard digital labs, recording studios, and editing suites while mastering production and post-production software and workflows.
Take on live media briefs: You’ll work on real projects set by local and national employers, giving you a taste of the fast-paced media industry and helping you build valuable professional connections.
Optional placement year: You can spend a year in industry, gaining practical experience, growing your network, and building confidence before you graduate.
Create across formats: Throughout the course, you’ll produce content for print, radio, TV, podcasts, and social media—so you’ll graduate with a versatile skill set that’s relevant across multiple platforms.
Get personal support: Through the Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) scheme, you’ll receive one-to-one guidance to reflect on your progress, refine your goals, and plan your next steps.
Collaborate and create: Expect plenty of group projects, studio shoots, and editing challenges that lead to tangible, professional-quality work you can proudly show to employers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this degree are set up for exciting and fast-moving careers across the media and creative industries. With a strong mix of hands-on production skills and real-world experience, you’ll be ready to take on roles such as Content Creator, Digital Media Producer, Social Media Manager, or Multimedia Journalist.

University Support:
At the University of Derby, you won’t just graduate and be left on your own. The Careers & Employability team offers tailored guidance to help you prepare for job applications, interviews, and networking — and continues to support you for up to three years after graduation.

Employment & Salary Outlook:
Derby graduates from media-related courses are doing incredibly well — around 90% are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree. On average, media-studies graduates earn about £25,000 a year (typically between £22,500 and £28,000) just 15 months after graduating.

Industry Connections:
During your course, you’ll collaborate directly with employers on live media briefs — a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, build contacts, and add real projects to your portfolio. Derby works closely with creative partners such as Bloc Digital, Avit Media, Rams TV, Derby County F.C., Derby Theatre, and QUAD, giving you access to professionals and opportunities across the media landscape.

Reputation & Recognition:
The University of Derby holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) — the highest possible award for teaching quality and student experience. While the course isn’t tied to a specific external accreditation, its strong industry-engaged design ensures your skills stay relevant and in demand.

Graduate Outcomes:
By the time you complete your degree, you’ll have developed a solid foundation in visual storytelling, video editing, podcast production, and social media campaign creation. Many graduates move into roles such as:

Content Creator / Digital Media Producer
Social Media Manager / Brand Storyteller
Multimedia Journalist / Broadcast Producer
Editorial Designer / Online Visual Communications Specialist

Further Study Opportunities:
If you’re interested in continuing your academic journey, you can progress onto postgraduate programmes such as an MA in Media Production, Digital Media, or Journalism Studies, or pursue an MSc in Digital Communications. You could also boost your professional profile with certifications in media management or digital marketing, helping you stand out in an ever-evolving creative industry.