Advertising and Design MA

at University of Leeds

You’ll begin to develop your understanding of advertising principles from the start of the programme, when you’ll study consumer behaviour and explore how brands can adopt these different theories to inform their marketing strategies.

Focusing on contemporary issues, you’ll look at the process of strategic marketing communications and how strategic marketing works on the global stage. At the same time, you’ll study practical design modules where you’ll learn to visualise creative communications ideas and consider how compelling text within an advertising concept can influence consumers. You will also have the chance to present your ideas in our feedback sessions which simulate the professional environment of client pitches and presentations.
 

In Semester 2 you’ll build on this foundation by exploring integrated communication, developing creative concepts that can work for a range of different media outlets, as well as the broader aspects of campaign planning, print, radio and TV ad production and the ethics of advertising campaigns.

You’ll think about reach, frequency and the often complex question of return on investment and even choose from specialist modules on topics such as social media, sales promotion, brand management and direct marketing.
 

At the end of the programme you’ll submit a substantial project that demonstrates the knowledge and skills that you’ve gained. You can either complete a dissertation – an independent research project on a related topic of your choice – or develop a communication campaign concept of your own.

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Integrated Communication   
• Effective Creative Communication    
• Consumer Behaviour  
• Marketing Communications    
• Advertising    
• Global Strategic Marketing    
• Media Planning and Strategy    

You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification in art or design (such as graphics, photography, film studies), psychology, marketing, business, English, sociology, or philosophy.
 

You’ll be required to submit a portfolio of recent practical work, and to explain your interest in the course in response to the questions provided in the supporting statement of your application.
 

Applicants with degrees in other subjects may be considered on an individual basis. In exceptional circumstances we may also consider people who do not have a degree, but do have relevant work experience.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.
 

Documents and information you’ll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying (including an official English translation if necessary)
• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form, which explains why you wish to study this particular course and your future career plans
• Evidence of your English language qualifications, if English is not your first language
• An electronic link or pdf to your digital portfolio. The portfolio will demonstrate research, idea development and presentation of final concepts for each project. If any group work is included, the candidate must clearly state this and indicate what their individual role in the project was.
• Applicants from non-design backgrounds must also have a portfolio – this can include a variety of materials which you feel best demonstrates your creative ability

Fees

• UK: £13,250 (total)
• International: £25,750 (total)
   

This programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a dynamic and expanding sector.
 

You’ll be a confident strategist, planner, account executive or creative advertiser or designer who also understands the relationship between advertising, brand development and consumers. In addition, you’ll have important skills such as oral and written communication, presentations, research, analysis and commercial awareness.
 

We’ve designed the programme to prepare you for a range of opportunities working in the creative industries, traditional advertising and design agencies, digital and social media. Alternatively, you may want to explore different elements of advertising and design at PhD level.
 

Students from this programme have successfully gained employment at both traditional and non-traditional advertising agencies all over the world, and in a wide variety of roles including brand management, marketing and more.