Creative Advertising

Creative Advertising at the University of Central Lancashire offers a dynamic and innovative undergraduate programme designed to develop students' skills in the art and science of advertising, branding, and marketing communication. This course combines creative thinking, strategic planning, and practical skills to prepare graduates for a diverse range of careers within the advertising industry and beyond. Throughout the programme, students will engage with a broad spectrum of topics including advertising theory, digital media, consumer behaviour, visual communication, copywriting, media planning, and campaign development, providing a comprehensive understanding of how successful advertising campaigns are conceived, designed, and executed.

The curriculum places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience, encouraging students to work on real-world projects and collaborate with industry partners. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated studios, editing suites, and creative software, supporting the development of their technical and creative abilities. Additionally, the programme incorporates opportunities for work placements, internships, and live project briefs, enabling students to build professional networks and gain valuable industry insights.

Faculty members are experienced professionals and researchers in the fields of advertising, marketing, and media, offering expert guidance and mentorship throughout the course. The programme also emphasizes the importance of innovation, ethical practice, and social responsibility in advertising, preparing students to contribute positively to the industry and society. Graduates of Creative Advertising from the University of Central Lancashire are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to pursue careers as advertising creatives, account executives, media planners, brand managers, and digital marketing specialists.

By fostering a creative and strategic mindset, the course aims to produce graduates who can think critically and act creatively in a fast-changing advertising environment. Whether working on traditional advertising campaigns, digital marketing strategies, or integrated communications, students will develop the ability to craft compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences. The programme is ideal for individuals passionate about creativity, communication, and media who aspire to make a significant impact in the advertising world and related industries.

A 3 year degree qualification typically comprises 360 credits and each 20 credit (a standard module) equates to 200 hours of study, which comprises of a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and independent study. Independent study is an important aspect of your degree course. The exact combination of study time will be detailed within your module descriptors, and will depend on your option choices.

The programme of study is focused on generating creative ideas for a range of challenging briefs. Lectures, workshops, critiques and tutorials are used to introduce, develop and synthesise the various elements of the course.

Ideas are underpinned by exhaustive research methodologies and the emphasis shifts to developing the sound advertising strategies that are the foundation for those ideas through the Products and Campaigns modules.

In the final year, students follow an intensive TV and Radio Production Writing module. Alongside this, students will choose from a selection of external, live and competition briefs to complement self-authorised and personally-driven student-initiated briefs.

As the course progresses, you can choose to work in teams, which reflects how you will work in industry. At critiques, you will be asked to present your work and give constructive feedback on you colleagues' work. Computer skills are also an important part of the course and are necessary for competition work and final assessments.

Assessment is made up of 100 per cent coursework, which is typically based on a number of projects.

We have an enviable list of alumni with graduates employed in the creative departments of the world’s top advertising agencies such as TBWA/Chiat Day, JWT, M&C Saatchi, VCCP and the in-house creative teams at Channel 4 and the BBC.

Year 1

• Creative Thinking
• Introduction to Graphic Communication
• Communication Craft Skills
• Design: Culture and Society 1

Year 2

• Applied Advertising
• Graphic Communication in Context
• Professional Practice
• Design: Culture and Society 2

Year 3

• Advertising Set Project
• Advertising External Project
• Advertising Self-Initiated Project
• Design: Culture and Society 3

Our typical offer is 104 - 112 UCAS Points.  We operate a flexible admissions policy and treat everyone as an individual. This means that we will take into consideration your educational achievements and predicted grades (where applicable) together with your application as a whole, including work experience and personal statement. General Studies accepted

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit 
BTEC Diploma: Distinction*, Distinction - Distinction*, Distinction*
Pass Access Course: 106 - 112 UCAS Points  
International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 104 - 112 UCAS points from Higher Level Subjects
IELTS: 6.0 with no score lower than 5.5
GCSE: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths & English or equivalent

All applicants are invited to attend a Selection Day when they will be interviewed with a portfolio. You will be notified of your date for your Selection Day by our Admissions Office who will also update UCAS Track with details of your application.

The University of Central Lancashire offers a range of financing options for students enrolled in the Creative Advertising program to support their educational and living expenses. Tuition fees for domestic students are set annually and are competitive within the UK higher education sector. International students are subject to different fee structures, which are notified upon admission. To assist students financially, the university provides various sources of funding including government loans, grants, and bursaries. UK students can benefit from tuition fee loans available through Student Finance England, which cover the full cost of their studies and are repayable after graduation based on income levels. Additionally, the university offers its own bursaries and scholarships aimed at supporting students demonstrating financial need, academic merit, or exceptional talent in creative media and advertising.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as government research councils, industry sponsorships, and creative advertising associations that may provide grants or fellowships. Work placement and part-time jobs are also promoted as means to supplement income during studies. The university's Careers and Employability Service offers guidance on securing paid placements and internships within the advertising industry, which can enhance practical experience and financial stability. For international students, scholarships specific to international applicants are available, and the university’s International Office provides counseling on visa regulations affecting employment during studies.

Living costs in Preston, where the university is based, are comparatively lower than in many larger UK cities, which helps in reducing overall financial burden. The university's financial support office provides personal financial advice and resources for budgeting, student loans, and debt management. It also offers advice on accessing emergency funds in unforeseen circumstances.

Students are advised to actively seek out financial planning and support early in their academic journey to ensure complete understanding of available resources, application procedures, and eligibility criteria. Clear communication channels are maintained by the university’s student support services to aid students in navigating the complex landscape of educational financing. Overall, the university is committed to making sure that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from pursuing their passion for creative advertising.

Creative Advertising at the University of Central Lancashire is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic world of advertising and media communication. The course combines theoretical understanding with practical application, enabling students to develop innovative advertising campaigns, understand consumer behavior, and grasp the fundamental principles of branding, marketing strategies, and digital media. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including copywriting, art direction, campaign planning, media planning and buying, digital marketing, social media strategies, and creative project management. Students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and collaborate with industry professionals, which enhances their practical skills and employability upon graduation. The program emphasizes creativity, strategic thinking, and technological proficiency, preparing graduates for careers in advertising agencies, media companies, branding firms, and as freelance creative professionals. Facilities at the university include state-of-the-art digital labs, creative studios, and access to industry-standard software. The course duration is typically three years for full-time students, with an optional placement year available, allowing students to gain valuable industry experience. The faculty members are experienced practitioners and academics who bring industry insight into the classroom, mentoring students through project-based learning and portfolio development. Upon completing the program, graduates are well-positioned to pursue roles such as Creative Director, Account Executive, Media Planner, Copywriter, Art Director, or Digital Marketing Specialist. The course aims to foster innovative thinking, effective communication, and strategic problem-solving, which are essential skills in the competitive advertising industry.