BA (Hons) Media Production
Why choose this course?
- We're an accredited centre for Digidesign Pro Tools, the industry standard recording and editing software that's used worldwide, so you'll get relevant practical experience that will give you a real advantage when you're looking for a job.
- All our courses are taught by active researchers and practitioners, who will inspire and challenge you and help you to get the most out of your studies. The staff who teach the theoretical courses and modules have all published, and those who deliver the practical components have first hand experience of working in the media industries.
- It's a practical course which gives you knowledge across a range of inter-related media.
Fact file
UCAS code: P310 - for full time September start. If you aren't a full time September starter apply directly at www.derby.ac.uk/applyonline using course code P311
Start date: September
Course length: full time: three years, part time: four-six years.
Campus: Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street, Derby
This course is available to international students
About this course
This course will introduce you to the study and practice of a range of media forms and institutions. It focuses on how media engages with society, with practice based modules encouraging your creativity and understanding of the shaping of media products.
You'll develop a broad understanding of producing media products as you'll receive hands on experience of production and the process of designing and producing media texts.
During stage one you will be introduced to a range of theoretical and methodological approaches in the study of the media, including theories of language and meaning, audience based research and the historical contextualisation of media forms and institutions. You will also study practice based modules covering television, radio and print and digital production.
During stage two the course focuses on a range of production skills and features an emphasis on the production process from commission and design to funding and implementation.
During stage three you will have the chance to focus more specifically on production areas of your choice. You will also complete the Independent Research Project in an area of your choice and be able to choose optional modules that look at topics such as documentary, television scheduling or engage in work experience.
What you will cover
You'll study a total of 120 credits per year. This will be made up of single or double modules.
Stage one
You'll study modules such as:
- Mass Media 1: Text and Context (PDP)*
- Digital Publishing 1
- TV Production 1
- Radio Production 1
- Audiences and Audience Research
- Introduction to Professional Writing
Stage two
You'll study modules such as:
- Issues in Production (PDP)*
- TV Production 2
- Radio Production 2
- Digital Publishing 2: Media Convergence
- Media Ethics
- Media Law
- Media Writing Workshop
- Print Production
- Work Based Learning in the Creative and Cultural Industries
Stage three
You'll study modules such as:
- Independent Research Project in Media Production
- Digital Publishing 3: Professional Digital Portfolio (double module)
- Radio Production 3 (double module)
- TV Production 3: TV Drama (double module)
- Documentary and Factual Production: Poetics and Praxis
- Media Writing Portfolio
- Management Experience in the Creative and Cultural Industries
- Schedules and Margins
* Personal Development Planning
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.
We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.
We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.
We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.
Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.
The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.
How to apply
UK/EU students
- Full time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
- Part time students should apply directly to the University.
International students
- If you want to start in September, you usually need to apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Information for international applicants
Fees and finance
This is a specialist course.
UK/EU students
- Full time: £8,800 (each year)
We'll be announcing our part time and international fees for 2013/14 later in the year.
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.
Careers and employability
The BA (Hons) Media Production course prepares you for a career in the media by giving you lots of practical skills and knowledge. What you learn on this course could help you go on to find work as a producer or maker of media products, such as TV or radio programmes, newspapers or websites.