Start dates: January, April, July and October each year.
Duration and mode of study: Two years by distance learning.
Entry Requirements

About this course

Each of our distance learning programmes shares a common first year (on successful completion of which you may choose to conclude your studies for the time being with the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Mass Communications). The second year makes provision for more specialized study in the topic area identified in each programme’s title with the opportunity of further specialization through the pursuit of a dissertation (for an MA) or for early exit on completion of coursework (for a Postgraduate Diploma).

This programme places the academic study of advertising in a broad media context and is designed for graduates with experience in advertising, marketing or related sectors who seek to enhance their qualifications and for those with an academic background in the social sciences or humanities who aspire to careers, or to teach in, these sectors. The specialist modules explore the advertising industry in a global context, examining advertising as a form of communication shaped by economic, cultural and social factors, and as an occupational practice. These modules will examine how advertising works in different media; advertising history and development; ethical, regulatory and social issues; the nature and impact of advertising; and consumer behaviour and marketing research.

Course modules

Year one modules

Module 1  Key Issues and Approaches in Media Study

Module 2  Media History and Social Regulation

Module 3  Media in Global Context

Module 4  Communications and Globalisation

Module 5  Investigating Media

Module 6  Media Industries: Convergence, Divergence

Year two modules

Module 7  Professional Practices

Module 8  Audience and Reception

Option J  Advertising: industry, contexts, impacts

Option K  Advertising as Communication

Dissertation

Read more about the modules

Teaching and assessment methods

The course is studied by distance learning. In Year one there are five written assignments and one examination. In Year two there are four written assignments and a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words.

Entry requirements

You should normally have a minimum of a good second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. If you do not possess a good first degree or an equivalent qualification, relevant professional experience will also be taken into account. Exceptionally, applicants with limited academic qualifications but with suitable professional experience can be admitted (sometimes via initial registration for the Postgraduate Certificate). You may be invited to submit an entry assignment in support of your application.

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