This course is part of the Clare Business School. The first year will give you a clear overview of all aspects of marketing communications, so that you fully understand the different types of specialisations, such as above and below-the-line advertising and promotions, and events, PR and sponsorship. This is linked with a study of marketing's role in the modern economy to ensure that you are fully aware of how marketing interfaces with business. In the second year you will build on this knowledge in highly practical hands-on work, which will involve you in preparing advertising campaigns in both traditional and digital media. You will learn how to set up and run your own advertising agency, so you understand the techniques involved in working with clients and the various job roles on offer. This work will dovetail into other areas, such as researching the consumer, assessing the effectiveness of campaigns, and planning and buying major media campaigns. A key aspect of this will be linked to work on Web 2.0 technologies to develop creative and analytical skills in digital media. In the final year you will carry out more individual study linked to researching the concepts of the brand and how this relates to the development of advertising and integrated marketing strategies, plus of course, a dissertation based upon a subject of your choice. During your time with us you will gain regular access to speakers from the industry and have the opportunity to work on both live briefs and have work experience opportunities in different types of agency. All of this is well-supported by a teaching team with both practical experience in the industry and with a variety of academic research interests across advertising and marketing communications.

Having successfully completed the course you could begin a career working in a variety of areas. These include working in advertising, media or digital agencies as an account executive, and in digital creation and production. Opportunities would also exist in consumer insight, branding and direct marketing agencies whilst these skills would also enable you to develop a career working in the commercial and planning arms of major TV, radio and press media owners. Past students have gained positions as account handlers, media buyers, account planners, researchers, magazine publishing executives and digital executives in companies such as Mediacom, Universal McCanns, Publicis, Initials, IPC Magazines, Haymarket Publishing, DunHumby, and BMRB.