You’ll follow a flexible programme of study, which introduces you to the methods and approaches of different disciplines, allowing you to concentrate on areas you find especially interesting. The courses are stimulating and innovative, allowing you to make rewarding connections between the two disciplines. There is also CV-building potential through work placements and extra-curricular activities. 

In your first year, you’ll be introduced to a variety of ways in which communication can be achieved and presented to different audiences. You’ll learn to think critically by examining reasoning and persuasion and how that might be inflected by the medium in which it is conveyed, including the use of rhetoric and propaganda. You’ll be introduced to key theorists in media cultures and study social and political philosophy, covering topics such as freedom of speech, as well as examine the nature of knowledge and reality. There is also a philosophy module dedicated to exploring the scope and limits of film and literature in what they can represent about reality. In addition to the insights into theory, core media modules introduce you to practice, such as how to use text, graphics, or software such as Photoshop. 

In your second year, your ability to work as an effective and confident researcher is honed across both disciplines. You’ll learn about research methods in the communications industry and you will be able to select areas on which to focus, such as on influential works of philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, the philosophy of mind, and social and political philosophy. There is also a philosophy of art module, which tackles the question of the relation between artistic representations (in various media) and reality. In addition, there are practical opportunities to learn about publishing and radio. 

Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or do a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about but will also give your CV a boost. If you’d rather go straight to your final year, that’s absolutely fine too. You’ll decide in your second year with us, so there is still plenty of time to think about this. 

In your final year, the opportunity to delve deeper into specialist areas is offered. In media, specific skills from pitching to business, campaigning for a cause or to advertise a product or service, content creation, web design or magazine production all help hone skills transferable to the world of work. In Philosophy, there is the opportunity to develop your understanding of the nature of communication in the philosophy of language module, or on the nature of the representation of women in the module on feminist philosophy. 

Work placement

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.  

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.  

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it. 

What's next for my career?

Studying philosophy teaches you to ask penetrating questions and identify flawed arguments – skills integral to many professions, such as law and journalism. You’ll develop many other transferable skills sought by employers, such as creative and critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to communicate ideas in a structured, productive way. In also studying Media, you will have practical and theoretical knowledge which will be suitable for a career in the media industry.

Our graduates have an excellent record of securing roles in a range of industries including teaching, the media, publishing and information management. For those interested in teaching, all Humanities graduates are guaranteed an interview with our School of Education. Many graduates go on to higher levels of study, engaging in research in their chosen fields.

Studying philosophy teaches you to ask penetrating questions and identify flawed arguments – skills integral to many professions, such as law and journalism. You’ll develop many other transferable skills sought by employers, such as creative and critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to communicate ideas in a structured, productive way. In also studying Media, you will have practical and theoretical knowledge which will be suitable for a career in the media industry.

Our graduates have an excellent record of securing roles in a range of industries including teaching, the media, publishing and information management. For those interested in teaching, all Humanities graduates are guaranteed an interview with our School of Education. Many graduates go on to higher levels of study, engaging in research in their chosen fields.