Sociology and Media at the University of Derby
How are identities constructed through our engagement with media? How do disability, class, ethnicity, gender, religion, nationality, sexuality and other social divisions play key roles in both access to the media and modes of representation within the media?
Study key themes such as political economy, representation, discourse and identity to understand human behaviour through the lens of media and society.
Real-world learning
Practical learning is built into your learning, 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’ll also develop your creativity through the planning, design and creation of media projects, learning essential skills in script or treatment writing, digital video and editing. You will bring Sociology to life through work placements, community engagement, an active student society, and fascinating guest speakers and relevant study visits to bring to life the many applications of the subject.
Bringing your subject to life
What makes a Derby Sociologist? You’ll apply sociology to the world around you, visiting local religious centres, taking sociological walking tours of the city, and going on exciting field trips to bring sociology to life nationally or globally. You will not just study in Derby, you will study Derby City and the County as well as taking national and international perspectives. It is our classroom and our living laboratory!
Our media modules have a strong focus on understanding the dynamics of the media and communication industries, and you will be encouraged to consider philosophical questions of identity, ethics and responsibility in the context of global citizenship.
Choose your pathway
Studying a Sociology and Media 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
The modules below indicate the range of modules you may study as part of this combination, however prescribed and optional modules will vary depending on whether you choose to study both subjects equally, or choose to major or minor in a subject. To find out exactly which modules you would study as part of your chosen combination please contact jhs@derby.ac.uk.
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 tutors use a varied approach to teaching which is engaging and interactive. You'll get to hear the latest insights and advice from industry guest speakers and start to build your contacts.
You will learn in a variety of ways, including through:
- workshops
- news days
- work experience/real projects for employers
- lectures and seminars, including guest lectures from key industry figures
- field trips
- multimedia presentations
- online collaboration
- class debates.
How you are assessed
You’ll be assessed through a broad range of methods which allows you to demonstrate your individual strengths and abilities. These include:
- essays
- case studies
- project work
- group work presentations
- online discussions
- creative media projects
- video essays or short production pieces.
Who will teach you
You will be taught by our team of engaging, passionate and inspiring subject experts.
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.
Find out more about personal academic tutoring
2024 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry. Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 112 |
| A Level | BBC |
| T Level | Merit |
| BTEC | DMM |
| GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Access to HE | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6 |
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
2024/25
| | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £9,250 per year | N/A |
| International | £14,900 per year | N/A |
Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.
You will be well-suited to roles in:
- Politics
- Content Creation
- Marketing
- Communications and Public Relations
- Social Media
- The wider creative industries
- Law
- Public Administration.
In fact, the research and communication skills you'll graduate with, are transferable to a huge variety of graduate-level jobs.
Careers and Employment Service
Our Careers and Employment Service can help you boost your employment skills by connecting you with employers for work placements, part-time jobs, and volunteering. They can also offer guidance on career options, CV writing, or starting your own business.
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.
Contact us Contact us 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.
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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