Promotional Media MA

Course overview

This course will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the promotional media and communication industries and their role in social, cultural and economic life. You’ll closely examine the social impacts of promotional communication on areas as diverse as journalism, the music industry and political communication.

Promotion has become a fundamental activity in modern society. From the marketing of goods and products to raising funds for a local hospice, promotional culture is everywhere, spanning distinctive yet intertwined areas such as public relations, marketing communication, advertising, branding and others.

But how does promotional communication shape the way we understand the world? Rather than learning promotional communication practices, you’ll critically analyse them and their influence within society from different perspectives.

Throughout the course, you’ll critically examine the ethics of those who play a role in shaping the culture of promotion activities such as PR, marketing communication and branding.

Please refer to the application deadlines.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons) in one of the following: a (theory focused) media-related course, communication studies, cultural studies, international relations, literature, politics, public relations, or sociology.

Relevant professional experience from an applicant with a degree in a preferred subject may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

International qualifications

To see equivalent entry requirements for your country, check our international entry requirement directory.

For more information contact the School of Media and Communication admissions team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Communication and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Communication and Society (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

Career opportunities

This isn't a practical training course, but it gives you a real insight into the construction, influence and impact of promotional media in a range of contexts.

You’ll acquire or refine high-level skills in areas such as research, critical analysis, interpretation and oral and written communication, as well as having good cultural, political and critical awareness.

You’ll be well prepared for a career in promotional media in a wide range of sectors, working in-house for large or small organisations or in an agency context. There are also opportunities for promotional media professionals in specialist sectors such as finance or the non-profit sector.

You’ll also be equipped to continue with further research at PhD level and pursue an academic career.