MSc/Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate Marketing Communications

This course develops thinking skills and will give you a general introduction to marketing with a focus on marketing communications. It is suitable for students wishing to work in a marketing communications agency or as a communications specialist, whatever your background or UG degree subject area.

The digital revolution has resulted in a widening of the number and types of organisations involved in communications. Previously advertising was often confined to larger commercial organisations, however, there is now a need to have a strong web presence. Organisations of all kinds have had to become far more professional in how they communicate with customers, the public and other audiences.

The MSc in Marketing Communications will give you a solid grounding in marketing, while also allowing you to position yourself as a marketing communications specialist. Whether you choose to go on to work in an agency, in house as part of a communications team, or as a freelance consultant, the course will help you gain the skills and insight needed to establish yourself confidently in this field.

The skills you need to succeed

We take a structured approach to developing the professional skills you need to be successful in this field. This includes both intellectual skills exploring different ways of thinking; and practical skills, such as communication, numerical and presentation capabilities.

A real-world focus

The course draws heavily on real-world issues, so you will learn the theory but also how to apply it to real-life situations. You will also have plenty of opportunity to engage with employers, with guest lecturers from industry, and research opportunities where you can work on real marketing problems.

• an honours degree of 2:2 or above) in any subject; or
• an equivalent academic qualification; or
• an academic or professional qualification such as the Advanced Certificate in Marketing, a BTEC or HND plus significant marketing or management experience.

If English is not your first language, you will be required to meet the UK Border Agency and Universities minimum English Language requirements such as the International English Language Test (IELTS) overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component.

Getting the right message across to the right people is fundamental to business success and those with expertise in marketing communications are always going to be in demand in roles such as advertising copywriter, PR manager, direct marketing executive, senior brand manager, account manager and marketing communications manager.

If you are already working in the sector, the course will help you take that vital step up the ladder or move into a more specialist role. Graduates of this course have gone on to work with employers such as Creative England, SCISYS and Telefónica UK. Many of our graduates also go on to further academic study by embarking on a PhD.

You will have access to careers support while you are studying with us (and for three years after you graduate). Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.