Postgraduate Courses in Advertising and Marketing

As course titles go, anything that mentions ‘advertising’ or ‘marketing’ generally gets our attention. These two buzz words seem attractive, exciting, and full of promise. But when reality kicks in – and tuition fees have to be paid – what do these courses actually offer? The answer, of course, is: ‘It depends’. Just as there’s a huge difference between creating the concept behind a successful ad campaign and managing its roll-out across several continents, so university courses differ in focus. You need to weigh up the advantages of a strategic versus a creative approach, and examine what sort of academic balance, between practice and theory, would best suit you. Postgraduate courses in advertising and marketing offer you enhanced employment prospects and a firmer grasp of the industry. Read on to discover how a postgraduate course in advertising and marketing can benefit you.

You also need to look closely at the modules offered on each course. A degree in the field of advertising or marketing might give you the chance to look at PR, Media Policy, Corporate Communications, Advanced Design, E-Commerce, or International Marketing, to give just a few examples – in addition to its core subject modules. This flexibility is great as you can tailor your degree to your individual interests, and career goals.

Maybe you’ll want to become a brand manager, monitoring market trends and overseeing advertising and marketing activities to ensure the right message is delivered for your company’s product. Or perhaps, you’d prefer to be part of a creative team – copy writer or art director – coming up with an original idea that then needs to be fleshed out with memorable images and catchy straplines, across a campaign of press and TV adverts. Or why not PR officer, marketing manager, communications manager, or advertising account executive? As you may have guessed, careers in this area are many and varied, with salaries ranging from standard graduate packages to £100K+ for senior executives.

There’s no doubt that this is a popular, but competitive field to enter. A Masters degree can help by giving you the specialised knowledge and skills to stand out at interviews. Other noticeable benefits can include higher career entry levels, and faster career progression. Still, a top degree is not the only thing you’ll need to succeed. Recruiters typically look for people with energy and passion for the job, people that love the field and have clear plans about their future within it. They’ll also want to know that you work hard, enjoy a challenge, and are able to keep your head – even with a tight deadline looming!

So, right degree, right attitude – what else will you need?

In an age of increasing globalisation, it’s worthwhile recognising the value of international experience. Intercultural skills are highly prized by firms who operate across continents, fighting for new clients and increasing market share. Getting an understanding of the international working environment, at least at a basic level, is more achievable than you might think. At postgraduate level, many international students come to the UK to study. Evidence of successful course work, undertaken with a mixed team of UK and international students, may impress an HR manager and open more doors to you.

And, as Leeds graduates have noticed, any Masters which offers you the chance to do a consultancy project in-house, for a leading multinational or top communications agency, will be great for getting your CV noticed! At the end of the day, this is what it’s all about: kick-starting your career.

So, next step?

A bit of careful career planning. Think of your Masters as an investment in your future: equipping yourself with the knowledge, skills and experience that you’ll need to succeed. Now give this investment the best support you can, by making time to research the sector whilst you study. Find out which firms are on a recruitment drive, make contacts with people within the industry, perhaps look for a mentor who can offer an insider’s advice. And, don’t forget to visit your university’s career service, they will have extensive resources you can make use of when it comes to job hunting.

It may seem strange to you, to be thinking so far ahead at this early stage. However, a little effort spent planning your career now, will bring you benefits later. A postgraduate course in advertising and marketing can firmly set you on your way with your career. If you require more information on postgraduate courses in advertising and marketing then visit: www.leeds.ac.uk/lubs.

Best of luck!

Charlotte Johnson

Marketing and Communications Manager
Leeds University Business School