| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA | Full-time | 12 months | September | GBP 7500 total | GBP 18500 total |
| MA | Part-time | 24 months | September | GBP 7500 total | GBP 18500 total |
This programme will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the promotional media and communications industries and their role in social, cultural and economic life.
Promotion has become a fundamental activity in modern society and as such it has become a core element in many areas. From the marketing of goods and products to raising funds for a local hospice, promotional culture is everywhere. Therefore, promotion is a rationale that now encompasses a series of areas that although distinctive are closely intertwined such as public relations, marketing communication, advertising and others.
As such, the MA fills an important gap in theoretically-driven teaching of critical analyses of promotional communication, where practice is analysed rather than taught. The degree seeks to be a distinctive and unique taught postgraduate experience by combining a series of areas that overlap to then proceed to critically analyse them from a multidisciplinary perspective. Particular emphasis will be placed on critically examining the ethics of those who participate and help articulate the social framework within which promotional culture happens. In so doing, the ethics of promotion activities such as PR, marketing communication and branding will be at the centre of the research-led critique in this course.
The new MA programme builds on the School's existing strong reputation in the area of critical research and teaching about the communications and cultural industries, while combining this with other critical areas such as journalism studies, political communication and sociology. The programme will develop students' understanding of the principles of promotional communication across a number of areas - branding, marketing, advertising and public relations - while critically reflecting on the implications of promotional culture for us individually and as a society as a whole.
Course content
This course provides an in-depth understanding of promotional media and the role of promotion in social, cultural and economic life.
The promotional industries and professions - advertising, branding, marketing and public relations - play a fundamental role in media and society.
This course develops your ability to engage critically with promotional media by analysing various promotional forms and practices, and evaluating impacts and implications for individuals, organisations and societies. You will be introduced to key theoretical perspectives and scholarly debates regarding promotional culture, consumerism and the media, and will explore local, national and global contexts.
You will also have the opportunity to choose optional modules from across the School.
You will study research methods and undertake an independent research project, working under the guidance of an individual supervisor.
Course structure
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
For more information on typical modules, read Promotional Media MA Full Time in the course catalogue
For more information on typical modules, read Promotional Media MA Part Time in the course catalogue
Learning and teaching
MA modules will use a range of teaching and learning methods including lectures, group learning and project work, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Independent study is also crucial to this degree, as an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the subjects introduced in lectures and seminars, and to develop your skills in analysis and research. You should anticipate spending at least 20 hours per week on independent study associated with your modules.
Assessment
Assessment methods may vary depending on the modules you choose. They're likely to include essays, case analyses, group projects and reports. Optional modules may even use literature reviews, campaign reports or even video and photography projects.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a social sciences or humanities subject. Relevant professional experience will also be considered.
Applications based on degrees in other subjects will be considered on an individual basis by the programme leader. We recommend that if you do not have a degree in social sciences or humanities, you submit a brief personal statement explaining why you should be offered a place on the programme.International qualifications
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. 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
If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:
Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Communication and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Communication and Society (10 weeks).
How to apply
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information you need
Your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you're still studying
Your most recent CV
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide evidence of your English language qualifications.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Fees
UK/EU: £7,500 (total)
International: £18,500 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Each year the School offers four part-fee bursaries to Home and EU students with an excellent academic record. Another four are available to International students who are liable to pay fees at the full cost rate for international students.
The School also offers an Academic Excellence bursary equivalent to 10% of the Home-EU fee for all alumni who achieved a first-class undergraduate degree. This can be claimed in addition to the University of Leeds Alumni Bursary.
You'll need to submit a bursary application form to be considered for either award.
Read more about MA Fees and Scholarships in the School of Media and Communication.
Career opportunities
This is not a practical training course, but it gives you a real insight into the construction, influence and impact of PR in a range of contexts.
You'll also acquire or refine high-level skills in areas such as research, 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 PR or public affairs in a wide range of sectors, working in-house for large or small organisations or in an agency context. There are also opportunities for PR professionals in specialist sectors such as finance or the non-profit sector.Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
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