Develop practical skills to create compelling content to get noticed in the competitive and diverse world of media. Work on exciting real-world briefs to gain industry experience and build an impressive portfolio.
In this practical course, you’ll produce a substantial portfolio of high-quality media production work to impress potential employers.
From exciting competitions to collaborative projects with industry, you’ll be challenged to come up with innovative solutions in a range of inter-related media. Our students work regularly with organisations such as Derby County FC, Film City, Derby Jazz & the BBC. You’ll hone your skills in our professional TV & Radio media studios, supported by an enthusiastic teaching team with extensive experience in the broadcast and new media industries.
If you want to create compelling Digital Media be that TV, radio, print or online products, the possibilities are endless on this course. We’ll help you develop original, challenging and inspired work which will get you noticed in a fast-moving world where new media platforms are constantly evolving. This innovative programme has been designed to support you in developing professional skills in both media production and content creation.
The course will prepare you to take on a wide range of different roles within an ever-changing media landscape and media industry, dealing with the development of digital content for both traditional and convergent media platforms. You will graduate from this course as a professional who not only understands the production processes, but who is also proficient in content creation and production. Graduates will be equipped to work with media and communications in a wide range of industries.
As a media graduate you will be ideally suited to work independently to create media artifacts in many small, medium and large organisations. However, the eclectic range of skills you will develop on this degree also puts you in a unique position to manage many other enterprise projects where your specialist area is combined with a wide range of other disciplines. Very few graduates will have both the breadth and depth of focus that you will develop on this course!
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Undergraduate Open Days
The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.
This is a practical course so a significant proportion of your learning and assessment will be project-based. You will be given a wide variety of briefs which set out a problem, situation and context, and you will need to respond to these with creative and considered solutions. This may involve animation, illustration, live performance, photography and video. Some projects will be devised by tutors while others will be set by external parties, such as employers.
There are a variety of assessments which play to a number of strengths. You will get the opportunity to succeed in digital publishing, radio and television production work, written work, oral presentations, group work, work based learning and independent study. Whilst some assessments are designed to demonstrate cumulative understandings and key skills, for example critical essays, presentations or production work, others require reflection on the creative production or learning process such as the completion of digital journals, research reports and formal cogent presentations. Feedback is always constructive and encouraging whilst adhering to rigorous assessment criteria.
Learning and assessment
The course incorporates lectures, research exercises, screenings, self-directed study, seminars, studio work, tutorials, work experience opportunities and visits to venues such as BBC Broadcasting studios. There is the chance to specialise in the aspects of media production which most interest you, while developing broader transferable skills in areas such as research and management.
Our focus is on providing you with exciting hands-on experience of designing and creating media texts. This includes professional live briefs set by a variety of organisations to give you a real insight into the rewards and pressures of media industry careers.
You’ll hone your skills by recording major events, both at the University and in the wider community. Recent examples include Derby Caribbean Carnival and live streamed sports events.
Film and TV Studios
Our Markeaton Street site has a dedicated film and television studio space for teaching and student projects - and experienced technicians who provide support.
One team of students produced such impressive work while capturing the Royal Shrovetide Football game in Ashbourne that it featured on BBC East Midlands Today.
Other intriguing projects have seen our students shooting music videos and conducting interviews with artists for the launch of digital channel Shaanti’s Eastern Electronic Music TV Show which gained a nomination in the Best Entertainment Category at the Midland Royal Television Society Awards and helping The Boparan Charitable Trust to develop a new website and social media content to support its work for Children in Need.
Our continuing success in The Royal Television Society Awards is testimony of the high levels of work produced here at Derby by our students:
Assessment is based entirely on your coursework, there are no examinations.
Joining in Year 2
For September 2021 entry only there is the option to join this course in Year 2 where you will study the following core modules:
Interfacing with the Truth: With the ever-growing ownership of ubiquitous mobile devices, smart TV’s, as well as wearable tech, you'll explore creating new methods of communication and media consumption
Focusing on the Facts: This module forms part of the television practice strand in the programme and will allow you to further expand and develop your skills in television production
Voice of Reason: You will further develop your editorial and technical skills in radio production using a variety of techniques: location recordings, crafted packages, live interviews and in-studio production skills.
and choose from the following optional modules:
From Premise to Page: You will have the opportunity to acquire techniques and methodologies in screenwriting and explore techniques of structuring and developing narrative for the screen to apply to case studies and your own work
Researching the Audience: This module will develop your skills and understanding of critical concepts surrounding audiences and practical methods of audience research.
People you will meet
This Media Production course is taught by active researchers and practitioners who will inspire, challenge and help you get the most out of your studies. Practical elements are delivered and supported by tutors with first-hand experience of working in the media industries while theoretical modules are taught by research-active staff who publish on a regular basis.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
You need to have either a HND, Foundation Degree, equivalent to an Advanced Diploma or a 3 Year Diploma in a relevant subject. When you apply, please send us a transcript of the modules you have already studied so that we can make sure that the qualifications are compatible with the top-up programme.
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
You’ll be equipped for a career in the broad world of media production, with the key practical skills and knowledge you need to work as a self-starter or as part of a production team. There are wide-ranging opportunities to specialise in areas such as TV, radio, and online media.
Our graduates now work in fields such as TV studio production, public relations and online content production across radio and web.
University of Derby Media Production graduate Yue Liu's Drama Documentary depicts the story of rural China and how new technology is aiding communication etween absent parents and their children in the school environment.
Contact us
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
Please also note that due to the current Covid-19 situation, if your course offers fieldtrips, the location of these may change or be cancelled. If this happens, you will be communicated to in advance and we will do our very best to seek out other practical opportunities to ensure your experience is not affected.
The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2021 - August 2022 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.
Included in your fees
High-end studio and production facilities camera and edit suites
Here at Derby, we provide excellent learning resources, libraries and specialist laboratories and studios
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
You will need to purchase a Hard Drive 500G minimum USB 3. You will also need two SD Cards: one Micro SD 32G and one standard SD Card 32G. Both need to be Class 10 minimum (approx. £50 - £75)
There will be occasions when you will be expected to attend exhibitions, screenings, performances and festivals. You will need to budget for these
Optional costs not included in your fees
Additional course related publications (approx. costs £100)
Project costs (costs determined by student £200-£600)
Travel for work placement opportunities (costs will vary dependant on location)
Field trips (approx. cost £200-£400)
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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