Media Content Creation with Foundation Year

We’ll help you decide what kind of content creator you want to be and arm you with the applied knowledge and vocational skills to make your vision a reality. You’ll explore commercial video production, documentary and factual production, non-linear narratives and storytelling, media content writing and scripting, podcasting and audio design, interactive and convergent media, social media and entrepreneurship, AI and the creative process, AR and how it can impact legacy media as well as simply learning to appreciate Media Content Creation in its many forms, formats and contexts. 

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

Opportunities and experiences

 This programme offers endless variety with overlapping methods of delivery and consumption, and this will be evident when working with local and national employers on live media briefs. Visit studios and exhibitions and Take part in high-profile competitions and follow in the footsteps of our award-winning graduates. 

Outstanding facilities

You will be based at our Markeaton Street Campus, studying in classrooms, computer labs, radio studios and our TV studio. The facilities include three radio studios, a fully equipped television studio, video editing suites, Mac suites and access to Adobe Creative Suite. All of this means you’ll be confident using industry-standard technology, giving you an advantage when you're looking for a job. 

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.

Make the cutting-edge recording facilities, TV studio and edit suites your second home. Explore and experiment with digital practices within our digital labs as well as exploring and understand how the media industry’s function. Hone your skills by being on Assignment with our external media partners on professional briefs and commercial projects and be able to create potential award-winning content for entry into the annual Royal Television Society Awards.

Our focus is on professional practice and employability by developing not only your own unique creative practice, but also nurturing a ‘go get it’ attitude. We’ll help you develop your network of contacts that can help identify, support and grow your strengths to promote yourself in the media industries. You could develop and advance your career in areas such as Commercial Video, Documentary and Factual Production, non-Linear Narratives, Podcasting and the Audio Industries, Editorial design, Branding, Visual Communication, new media technologies and online design.

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

2025/26

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

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

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.

Other courses you might like

• Media Content Creation BA (Hons)
• Film and High-end Television Production BA (Hons)
• Film and High-end Television Production with Foundation Year BA (Hons)
• Media and Communication BA (Hons)
• Media and Communication with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

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.