BA (Hons) Media Content Creation with Foundation Year

Choosing the BA (Hons) Media Content Creation with Foundation Year at the University of Derby is a smart move if you’re eager to develop real, hands-on skills that prepare you for the fast-moving world of media. From your very first day, you’ll be creating—whether that’s producing podcasts, editing videos, designing social media campaigns or experimenting with digital storytelling tools. The University’s studios, TV-set facilities, edit suites and digital labs become your creative space to explore, produce and innovate. You won’t just study theory—you’ll live it. Every project is designed to help you build confidence, work on real briefs, collaborate with professionals, and graduate with a strong portfolio that proves your talent.

Here’s how experiential learning is woven into your degree:

• Specialist facilities: You’ll work in professional-standard film and TV studios, edit suites, and digital labs at the Markeaton Street site, gaining practical experience with the same tools used across the industry.

• Real-world briefs: Throughout your course, you’ll take on live media projects for local and national clients, giving you the chance to understand genuine industry demands and start building valuable professional connections.

• Optional placement year: You can spend a year working in the media sector—putting your skills to use in a real workplace, gaining experience, and shaping your future career direction.

• Professional tools and training: Every student gets access to Adobe Creative Cloud and LinkedIn Learning, helping you master the industry’s most essential software and continue learning at your own pace.

• Collaborative projects: You’ll take part in both group and individual production work across video, podcasting, design, and social media formats—developing teamwork and creative communication skills that employers value.

• Media Loan Hub: Need professional gear? You’ll have access to cameras, lighting, and sound equipment through the University’s Media Loan Hub—so you can bring your creative ideas to life with professional-quality results.

• Industry partnerships: You’ll collaborate with real clients and creative organisations such as Bloc Digital, Avit Media, Rams TV, Derby County F.C., Derby Theatre and QUAD, giving you direct insight into professional media practice.

• Field visits and competitions: Visits to studios, exhibitions, and industry events, plus creative competitions, will expand your understanding of how media production works beyond the classroom.

If you’re passionate about creating content, mastering media tools, working with others, gaining real-world experience, and building a professional portfolio, this course gives you everything you need to turn your creativity into a career.

Future Progression & Opportunities

Graduates from this degree often go on to build exciting, creative careers where storytelling, digital production, and multimedia content skills are in high demand. You could find yourself working as a Video Producer, Multimedia Content Creator, Social Media Manager, or Broadcast Journalist — roles that let you turn your passion for media into a meaningful, real-world career across industries like film, advertising, communications, and online media.

How This Program Sets You Up for Success

University Support for Employment
From the start, you’ll have access to the University’s Careers and Employability Service, which helps you find placements, prepare for interviews, and explore career options. What’s great is that this support doesn’t stop when you graduate — you can access career advice and services for up to three years after completing your degree.

You’ll also be assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) from your first day. They’ll help you reflect on your personal and professional goals, connect you with opportunities, and guide you as you build your portfolio and confidence throughout your studies.

With access to industry-standard film and TV studios, editing suites, and recording labs, you’ll gain hands-on experience that strengthens your portfolio and shows employers what you can do.

Employment Statistics & Salary Figures

• 95% of Derby’s media studies graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.

• Average graduate earnings are around £23,000, typically ranging between £21,500–£27,000 after 15 months.

• In the longer term (around five years post-graduation), earnings for media graduates average around £24,500, depending on role and sector.

These numbers show that a Derby media degree opens real, sustainable career paths with room for growth.

University–Industry Connections

The course is designed with industry collaboration at its core. You’ll take on live media briefs from real employers — both local and national — giving you authentic experience in working to professional standards.

Derby also maintains strong partnerships with over 20 key employers across a range of sectors. These collaborations often lead to opportunities for mentoring, internships, work placements, and even graduate roles, helping you step confidently into the media world after university.

Accreditation & Long-Term Value

This degree is built around employability — it’s not just about theory, but about developing practical, career-ready skills that employers genuinely value. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a well-developed creative portfolio backed by real-world project experience, which can give you a strong advantage in today’s competitive media industry.

Graduate Outcomes

• Around 75% of media graduates are in highly skilled roles 15 months after finishing.

• Common career paths include media production, digital design, broadcasting, journalism, marketing, and public communications.

• Graduates report high satisfaction with their careers — 80% say their work feels meaningful, and 70% feel they actively use the skills learned during their studies.

Further Study Options

If you’d like to continue developing your expertise after your BA (Hons) in Media Content Creation, you’ll have plenty of options:

• Master’s Degrees such as MA Media Production, Digital Storytelling, or Journalism, to deepen your understanding of content creation and strategy.

• Postgraduate Diplomas or Certificates (PGDip/PGCert) in areas like digital marketing, broadcasting, or media management — ideal if you prefer a shorter qualification.

• Professional certifications in video production, social media, or UX design, to enhance your skill set and stand out to employers.

Why This Matters for You

This program doesn’t just teach you media — it helps you live it. You’ll be supported by dedicated tutors, gain practical experience on real projects, and graduate with a professional portfolio that showcases your talent. The foundation year gives you a strong starting point even if you’re new to media, while optional placements help you build valuable industry experience before stepping into your career.

In short, this is a degree that prepares you not just to graduate — but to thrive in the fast-moving, creative world of media and digital content.