Media and Marketing

The media landscape is changing more rapidly than ever before, with new challenges and opportunities, raised by digital technologies, making the media and communications sector one of the most exciting and dynamic environments for graduate work. The development of digital communications and distribution, the internet and social media have reshaped the way that we produce, market, distribute and consume media and information and will continue to do so. You’ll embrace and explore these landscapes, which will give you the chance to develop the knowledge and skills for a graduate career in the media and marketing field.  

A particular emphasis throughout this course is on writing and creativity for different media forms. You will learn the different strategies and conventions of narrative script and treatment writing, documentary, blogging, journalism and public relations, marketing and advertising. These practices are supported and enhanced with skills in the production of web video, basic website production and social media use, all designed to enable you to understand, create and manage communications projects in the new digital cultural economies. 

Build your confidence with hands-on experience 

Real-world learning is a key feature of the course and you will have the opportunity to work with local and national organisations and employers, engaging in projects such as public relations and promotional campaigns and media and marketing research. You will learn how to write for different media platforms, such as journalism, promotional and PR writing, with an emphasis on digital media platforms such as web content writing, blogging and social media. You could also develop your creativity through the planning or design of media and marketing projects such as film and television documentary or advertising, learning essential skills in script or treatment writing, digital video and editing. 

Employers recognise that employability derives not just from applied and practical experience but also from the transferable critical, analytical, research and communication skills. This is fostered by academic study from the personal curiosity, enthusiasm for knowledge, confident problem solving and critical thinking that drives interdisciplinary subjects such as media and marketing. Helping you develop these skills is at the heart of the course where you will be taught by an enthusiastic team of experienced academics and practitioners with industry links and experience. Our creative and innovative range of teaching and assessments, personal and careers support and opportunities such as employability events, industry guest speakers and work experience opportunities will help you gain the most from your studies and understand how your learning will prepare you for a graduate career. 

Study aboard 

This programme provides modules that are internationally focused and engaged with global cultures. You can also study a semester abroad as this is a great chance to explore a different country and culture and develop innovative ideas. 

The Government’s Turing Scheme is also available and offers students a funded once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand their personal and professional development.  

Boost your employability with a placement year

Take an optional placement year to put your skills into practice in a real-world setting. We’ll support you in finding a placement and throughout your time in industry. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience for your CV, build contacts, and explore career options before you graduate.

Choose your pathway

Studying a Media and Marketing Joint Honours degree allows you to choose whether you major in one subject or study them both equally.    

You begin this degree by studying both subjects equally in your first year. By the end of your first year, you will then decide whether you would like to major or minor in a chosen subject or continue to study them both equally.

What is a Joint Honours degree?

A Joint Honours degree offers students the opportunity to study two subjects.

A Joint Honours degree is a great option if:

• You want to study two subjects you’re passionate about
• You’ve got a specific career in mind and want to create a tailored degree to prepare you for the future
• You want to study a new subject alongside one you’re already familiar with

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.

Our teaching methods will be varied, interactive and engaging. You will take part in: 

• Lectures, tutorials and seminars — led by our own tutors as well as occasionally by guest speakers from the marketing world 
• Individual and group-based practical assignments, such as creating advertising slogans, blogs, infographics, social media profiles, videos and TV commercials. Many of these will be for real company briefs 
• Visits to exhibitions, trade fairs and companies 
• Work experience 
• Research projects 
• Screenings 
• Self-directed study 
• Workshops 

How you are assessed 

You will be assessed through coursework, which will incorporate individual assignments as well as group tasks. These focus on applying what you have learned to real business scenarios and producing the kind of work that might be expected in a marketing role, for example: 

• Written reports like review writing 
• Script or treatment writing 
• Creative media projects 
• Visual presentations 
• Creative outputs such as infographics, short advertisements, films or bespoke projects for clients 
• Online assessments 
• Video essays or short production pieces 

At levels 4 and 5, you will take part in a lot of group work, which prepares you for the marketing workplace, but at level 6, you will be working independently more so you can deepen your research and critical analysis skills. 

There is a wide range of exciting careers in Media and Marketing which include: 

• Brand Manager 
• Internal Communications Executive 
• SEO Analyst 
• Social Media Manager 
• Market Analyst 
• Consultancy work 
• Agency roles like Account Executive, Account Manager and Content Manager 
• Media or market researcher 
• Journalist 
• Digital content producer; such as web content writing, web video 
• Advertising, marketing, promotions and public relations 
• Digital and print publishing; including books, newspapers, magazines, and journals and periodicals 
• Self-employment and freelance work 
• Media distribution, e.g. promotion, cinema management 
• Film and television graduate level entry, e.g. internships 
• Teaching 

You can also go into postgraduate study and start our MSc Marketing Management to develop specialised knowledge. 

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

You will typically study your two subjects equally at stage one, before choosing whether you want to major in one subject at stages two and three.

Teaching hours

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.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

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.