Creative Advertising

Creative Advertising at Falmouth University is a dynamic and innovative undergraduate programme designed to prepare students for a successful career in the fast-paced world of advertising and brand communications. This course combines creative thinking, strategic planning, and practical skills to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the advertising industry, from conceptual development to campaign execution. Throughout the programme, students explore various aspects of advertising, including copywriting, art direction, digital marketing, media planning, and client management, enabling them to develop integrated campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. The curriculum emphasizes originality, critical thinking, and collaboration, fostering an environment where students can experiment with different media, emerging technologies, and creative techniques. Students also benefit from industry placements, live briefs, and partnerships with leading brands, providing real-world experience and networking opportunities. The programme is delivered by experienced professionals and academics who are active in the field, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet industry demands. Facilities include state-of-the-art studios, editing suites, and digital labs, supporting students in their creative pursuits. Graduates of the Creative Advertising programme go on to work in advertising agencies, brand consultancies, digital marketing firms, and media companies, contributing innovative ideas and strategic solutions that influence consumer behavior. Falmouth University's emphasis on sustainability, ethical practice, and social responsibility also informs the teaching, encouraging students to consider the wider impact of their work. The programme's combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and industry engagement makes it an ideal choice for aspiring advertising professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the competitive advertising landscape.

How the course is taught

You'll be taught in small groups, through individual and team tutorials, seminars and workshops, supported by lectures from key figures in advertising and related media. The course replicates the experience of working in a typical full-service agency and your project work will be delivered within that context. As well as working individually, you'll work in copywriter/art director pairs and groups to strengthen your communication and negotiation skills. Our Virtual Learning Environment provides information to assist you with research and project work.

Course outline

This is a one-year, full-time course delivered over 45 weeks and divided into three 15-week study blocks:

Study Blocks 1 & 2

Study Block 1 focuses on strategic thinking as the first step in fulfilling clients' briefs. If your specialism is art direction, you'll learn vital layout and typography skills, as well as developing your appreciation of photography, film, illustration and fine art, and their application to advertising. For copywriters, a range of practical projects will further your writing skills, helping you write in a clear, lively and visual style to stimulate your audience.

During London Study Week, we visit a number of major advertising agencies (see Building professional experience).

Study Block 3

In Study Block 3, you'll produce a portfolio that will help your transition into this competitive industry. Working with a partner – copywriter or art director – your portfolio can include live projects negotiated with agencies and clients, supported and advised by the course team.

The course's practical elements are substantiated by theoretical studies in Visual Culture & Communication, where you'll research and analyse advertising within changing cultural contexts. The Applied Technology unit gives you hands-on IT training, including using software packages like InDesign, Photoshop, imaging, file conversion, typography and web development.

Requirements

• We welcome applications from those with relevant equivalent Level 6 qualifications, or relevant equivalent experience, and a demonstrable interest in their subject.
• We also welcome applications from prospective students who do not necessarily hold conventional higher education entry qualifications. This process is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). Prior learning includes both formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or colleges) and informal or 'experiential' learning (gained as a result of work experience or self-study). This experience should be current (gained within the last five years) and should be equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications. Please see our APL Policy and Procedure under Admissions on our Student Regulations page
• APEL applicants using experience to apply should note there is a £200 application fee for entry with advanced standing or with exemption from specific modules or credit.
• If English is not your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. International applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, must take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) to fulfil government visa requirements, or have a recognised language test approved and vouched for by the University. Our Admissions team can help with any questions you may have about study visas or suitable language tests.

Scholarships 

Scholarships for International Students

Through the award of scholarships we aim to support academic enrichment by encouraging diversity and excellence at Falmouth. In 2016 Falmouth University awarded £70,000 worth of international scholarships.

International Scholarships for 2017 will be announced on this page in November 

Creative Advertising at Falmouth University is a dynamic and innovative program designed to prepare students for a successful career in the advertising industry. The course combines principles of creative thinking, strategic planning, and practical skills to equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding of how to develop compelling advertising campaigns across various media platforms. Students engage in hands-on projects that simulate real-world advertising challenges, fostering skills in conceptualizing ideas, storytelling, branding, and digital marketing. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration, encouraging teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-evolving advertising landscape.

Throughout the program, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard software, enabling them to experiment with different creative techniques and media formats. The program also includes opportunities for industry placements, networking events, and guest lectures from leading advertising professionals, providing valuable insights and industry connections. Falmouth University's strong links with creative agencies and brands allow students to work on live briefs, gaining practical experience and building a professional portfolio.

The program is built around fostering innovative thinking and originality, encouraging students to challenge conventions and explore new advertising strategies. Emphasis is placed on understanding consumer behavior, market research, and ethical considerations in advertising, ensuring that graduates are responsible and effective communicators. Graduates of Creative Advertising at Falmouth often find employment in advertising agencies, media companies, branding consultancies, or pursue entrepreneurial ventures in the creative industries. The program aims to nurture creative, strategic, and digital skills to prepare students for the demands of the modern advertising environment, ensuring they are ready to influence and shape the future of advertising globally.