Program Overview

Public Relations and Journalism with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Course Description

This course equips graduates to find employment in both Public Relations and Journalism. In the PR field, our former students work as content creators, social media managers and copywriters for international agencies, major sport, fashion and high-street brands. Many also go into PR agencies as account executives. In journalism recent graduates have become researchers on national BBC political programmes, reporters for Derbyshire Live and Nottinghamshire Live, station sound producers and broadcast journalists on regional BBC Radio.

Foundation Year

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.

Study Options

• Full-time:
  • UK fee: £9,250 per year (2025/26)
  • International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
  • UCAS points: 72 (September 2025 entry)
  • Start date: September
  • Location: Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

What You Will Study

• Foundation Year
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Core Modules

• Literature
• Study Skills
• Creative Project
• Law

Optional Modules

• English
• Mathematics
• Culture and Ideas
• Political Studies

How You Will Learn

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
• Technical visits
• Conferences

How You Are Assessed

You will be assessed by coursework assignments, which may include:

• PR and marketing plans
• Features and news articles
• Videography and podcasting
• Live broadcasting
• Social media campaigns
• Smartphone and smart speaker journalism
• Academic essays

Careers

This course equips graduates to find employment in both Public Relations and Journalism. In the PR field, our former students work as content creators, social media managers and copywriters for international agencies, major sport, fashion and high-street brands. Many also go into PR agencies as account executives. In journalism recent graduates have become researchers on national BBC political programmes, reporters for Derbyshire Live and Nottinghamshire Live, station sound producers and broadcast journalists on regional BBC Radio.

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 72
• A Level: DDD
• T Level: Pass
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 7.0 (with at least 6.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• Full-time:
  • UK: £9,250 per year
  • International: £16,900 per year
• Part-time: N/A

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

• UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University.
• International students: Apply through our online application portal or through one of our trusted local representatives.

Additional Information

• 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.
• 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.