Media and Communication with Foundation Year

Media and communication is a discipline that examines how information and meaning travel through the channels, platforms, and institutions that connect people and shape public life. It draws on sociology, cultural studies, linguistics, and political economy to understand how media are produced and consumed, how they relate to power and culture, and how digital transformation is reshaping those relationships at speed. Studied with a practical emphasis, the discipline also develops the creative and technical skills needed to produce media content professionally.

At the University of Derby, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year that introduces key media and communications knowledge and skills, including writing, podcasting, and basic video production. In subsequent years, you will develop your specialism, choosing between public relations, scriptwriting, and audio, while continuing to build your critical understanding of the media landscape. The final year includes the opportunity to undertake a long-term project for a media organisation, giving you real professional experience that is integrated into the academic work of the degree.

A sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities are all built into the programme, meaning you accumulate substantial professional and international experience before you graduate. The typical entry tariff of 104 points reflects the broad and accessible character of the foundation entry route.

You will develop both critical analytical skills and practical production capabilities, emerging as a graduate who can think clearly about media while also producing it professionally.

Graduates pursue careers in journalism, public relations, digital content creation, broadcasting, social media management, corporate communications, advertising, and the cultural sector. Postgraduate study in media studies, journalism, or communications is a natural continuation for those seeking specialist expertise.