Public Relations and Journalism with Foundation Year BA (Hons)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
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.
University of Derby Summary
Overview:
The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.
Services Offered:
The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.Campus and Facilities:
Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.Fees and Finance:
Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Employability:
Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Clubs and Societies:
A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Sport at Derby:
Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.Union of Students:
A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.Key Reasons to Study There:
Teaching Excellence:
The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.Applied Research:
The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.Student Satisfaction:
The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.Academic Programs:
The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.Postgraduate Programs:
MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.Short Courses:
A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.Other:
The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
