What you will study
This Marketing Communications and Advertising MSc is made up of seven modules worth a total of 180 credits.
Year 1
Core modules
Buyer Behaviour
15 credits
This module focuses on how people buy and use products, and how they react to marketing action. You will:
- apply this buyer behaviour information to specify marketing goals and define an effective services strategy;
- critically evaluate the latest research developments in buyer behaviour, such as customer loyalty, satisfaction, advertising effectiveness, branding, pricing and store atmospherics;
- take a scientific approach, based on evidence and theory, to understand the practical application of research findings and to identify areas where further investigation may be needed; and
- evaluate the most appropriate methods of investigation and analysis.
Global Marketing Management
15 credits
Examine how marketing management theories and methods can be applied to ensure long-term success for a broad range of organisations, private or not-for-profit, with a global context.
Global Marketing Management is the discipline of planning, organising and managing marketing resources across international regions, to achieve an organisation's marketing objectives. This module is delivered through lectures, case study seminars and workshops and is supported by professional guest speakers.
Market Research and Data Analysis
30 credits
Understand the elements of effective market research. Collect primary data that is valid and reliable for management purposes. Develop practical skills in data analysis to transform this raw data into information that guides marketing decisions. This module can act as a launch pad for a career in market research within the wider marketing industry.
The skills you learn in this module also prepare you for your dissertation. Learn to critically evaluate commercial and academic published research, construct and execute a programme of research, and analyse and present the results.
The module is delivered through a combination of class sessions, workshops and computer mediated practical sessions covering both quantitative and quantitative aspects of data collection and analysis.
Research Proposal and Dissertation
60 credits
You will research a specific area of marketing in depth by indentifying a topical issue or problem using appropriate theory and research methods. You will put the knowledge you've developed during the course to the test by writing a research proposal and dissertation that combine academic rigour with practical marketing implications. You will then communicate these findings as you would do in the workplace – by writing a management report.
This module teaches you how to select appropriate research methods and leads to a theoretically-grounded research project which generates findings that inform management decisions. It will teach you to apply your research skills and gain experience managing a large-scale research project. These advanced research skills will prepare you for a highly adaptable career in marketing, and differentiate you as a future business leader.
Digital Communications and Analytics
15 credits
Discover new ways to engage with your audience and generate brand awareness, loyalty and sales. Combine theoretical perspectives and research with case studies and practical exercises to understand which interactive approaches work in which situations - from tried-and-tested direct marketing and sales promotion techniques to the latest advances in mobile and social media. This module will prepare you to determine the value of new tools available for contemporary marketing communications: social media, viral marketing, gamification, mobile marketing, brand advocacy, buzz and engagement.
You will become familiar with new rules and dynamics that have been generated through multiple brand touch-points, and learn to devise effective multi-platform campaigns. This module is delivered with a strong emphasis on student-centred learning through regular research projects, presentations and practical assignments.
Marketing Communications and Advertising Strategy
30 credits
This module is relevant to all students who want to equip themselves for a career in marketing communications and advertising, either on the client or agency side. It focuses on the integration of the key components of the marketing communications mix; namely, advertising, sales promotion, public relations and interactive marketing, within the wider context of strategic marketing planning. The module incorporates theoretical and conceptual considerations with the operational aspects of marketing communications strategy and planning, required for those students considering a career in marketing communications. The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, guest speaker sessions, workshops, case study analysis and student presentations which support your learning experience
Public Relations
15 credits
In this module, you will examine the theory of public relations and investigate the tools and techniques used to build and maintain reputation. Careers in PR require a rigorous mind that can understand and react to complex situations as they develop, so the application of theory in practice is particularly important on this module. Delivery is through a combination of lectures, guest speakers, case study tutorials and group presentations, with a strong emphasis on student-centred learning such as regular research projects and practical assignments.
Year 2 (optional placement year)
The professional placement year is optional. It takes place after the full time year. It enables students to do a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The work placement is an assessed part of the course and is therefore covered by a Student Route visa.
Module
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a Master's programme that incorporates an extended professional placement that follows completion of the first 180 credits of taught modules and project or dissertation. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and to develop and enhance key employability skills and subject specific skills in their chosen subject.
It is the responsibility of individual students to locate and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this will normally involve one placement which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the module leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability.
