Advertising and Public Relations

Advertising and Public Relations (PR) are thriving and increasingly competitive industries which offer a growing variety of exciting international employment opportunities.

5 facts of the programme

A one year programme based in central London

A global and critical perspective on the thriving, rapidly evolving and increasingly competitive global industries of Advertising and PR

Professional training for work in Advertising and PR including an optional internship and professional research project including live PR work and associated advertising materials

Internationally recognised, research and professionally active faculty

Small class sizes and faculty supervision

About the Programme

Richmond University’s MA in Advertising and Public Relations brings together practical skills and academic work. It is taught at our Kensington Campus in central London, the hub of the Advertising and PR industries.

Practical Content

The MA emphasises practical skills in both advertising and PR from the outset, with students developing and presenting their own bodies of professional work. The practical aspect of the course will culminate in an optional accredited internship and mandatory professional research project, including live PR work and associated advertising materials and, at its end, a critical reflection which will require students to relate their work to wider thinking about these industries.

At the same time the programme provides an in-depth academic examination of the advertising and PR industries, their histories, how they function in the contemporary world and the role they play in international society and economic life – especially in relation to the media, business and the full range of marketing disciplines.

Explore

Students examine the issues these industries face and explore different views of both advertising and PR. Students also benefit from a range of optional courses in the second semester of the programme, which enable them to develop knowledge and skills in specific areas of interest.

Industry Networking &Internships

The programme benefits from exceptionally strong links with the advertising and PR industries in London, with teaching by practitioners, a wide range of distinguished guest speakers, and events involving both industries. These links not only ensure that students are aware of the latest developments in London’s advertising and PR industries, but facilitate internships and help students with their career development.

Develop skills to assist in career progression

A broad education of this kind equips graduates for a wide range of careers internationally while enabling them to develop specialist expertise in areas of particular interest. By ensuring that they are critical and reflective practitioners it prepares them for challenging leadership roles in a world of diversity and rapidly changing opportunities, in keeping with the university’s wider mission.

The tentative structure of the programme is organised as follows – all three courses in the Fall semester are core, in the Spring semester there is one core course in addition to which students choose one electives. Students who wish to opt out of the internship choose a third elective in the Spring semester. Spring semester electives run depending on demand and faculty availability.

Fall Semester

THREE core courses:

• Advertising Practice
• Public Relations Practice
• Advertising and Public Relations in Context

Spring Semester

ONE core course:

• Advertising and Public Relations in the Global Marketing Communications Mix

TWO electives:
Specific to MA Advertising and Public Relations

• Political Communication
• Advertising and PR for Fashion and Luxury Brands
• Celebrities, Marketing and the Media

From other programmes:

• Leadership and Corporate Strategy
• Entrepreneurship Management
• Organisational Behaviour
• Corporate Governance
• Crisis Management
• International Relations and the Media
• Development Methodologies and Practices
• Gender, Labour and Development
• International Art Market
• Professional Practices in the Visual Arts

Summer Semester

Internship
Professional Research Project (equivalent to 10,000-12,000 words)

Students who for any reason are unable to undertake the internship will undertake an extended professional research project (12 credits, equivalent to 15,000-20,000 words) which will include additional research on career opportunities.

Academic BackgroundUS Bachelors degree from an accredited institution, or UK first degree with minimum second class honours, or an overseas equivalent as determined by the University. Relevant work experience is welcomed and may on occasion be accepted in lieu of a first degree, but is not required.Professional StatementWe seek students who are committed to engaging in serious research and who demonstrate a curiosity and interest in their chosen field. Therefore, all applicants must submit a Personal Statement of 1,500 words addressing their reasons for wishing to undertake the Masters programme at Richmond.Academic ReferencesTo help us evaluate your potential for success in the Richmond graduate programme, we require at least one academic references from an academic who know you and who knows your work.English Language ProficiencyThe language of instruction at Richmond is English, and non-native English speakers are asked to provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson Academic Test of English language examination results as proof of their fluency in written and spoken English. We look for an IELTS of 6.5 overall with no element below 6.0 or iBT TOEFL of 88 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in listening, 21 in speaking and 20 in writing, or Pearson Academic Test of English with 61 overall and 56 in each element. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test: 88 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.