MSc Advertising and Marketing Communications

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Nottingham Trent University

Program Overview

The MSc Advertising & Marketing Communications equips you with the creative and strategic skills needed to craft compelling campaigns, tell powerful brand stories, and communicate effectively in a global marketplace. It’s perfect for students from any background who want to gain both marketing expertise and hands-on experience in advertising and communications.

Curriculum Structure

Semester 1
Your first semester sets the foundation. In Principles of Marketing, you’ll explore the key frameworks and tools that drive modern marketing. Understanding the Customer Experience helps you dive into consumer behaviour, showing what motivates buying decisions and how to build loyalty across digital and traditional channels. Strategic Global Marketing then broadens your perspective, teaching you how to develop marketing strategies that succeed in different international markets.

Semester 2
The second semester focuses on putting strategy into action. Marketing Communications and Agencies Management introduces how agencies and brands plan and manage campaigns, public relations, and reputation management. In Creative Marketing Communications, you’ll get hands-on experience designing integrated campaigns across media, advertising, and direct marketing. Contemporary Perspectives in Customer Engagement explores modern engagement techniques, while Customer Insight through Marketing Research gives you the tools to make data-driven decisions that improve campaigns.

Semester 3
Your final semester is all about applying what you’ve learned. You’ll choose between the Consultancy Experience Project, where you tackle a real client’s communications challenge, or a Business Research Project, where you conduct a research-driven study on a marketing communications topic. The Professional Practice module runs alongside, helping you develop your personal and professional skills, gain mentoring, and prepare for your career.

Focus areas: Marketing communications, consumer behaviour, brand reputation, campaign planning, research & insight
Learning outcomes: Develop strategic communication campaigns, interpret consumer insight, manage agency and brand relationships, apply creative and research tools, and present evidence-based marketing solutions
Professional alignment (accreditation): The course is aligned with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) curriculum, offering the chance to earn the Level 4 Certificate and Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing.
Reputation (employability rankings): Nottingham Business School is Triple Crown accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), meaning your degree is recognized and respected by employers around the world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This MSc is designed so that you learn by doing, not just reading. At NTU’s Postgraduate Centre on City Campus, you’ll work in modern collaborative spaces, using professional-grade tools and digital platforms that give you real-world marketing and communications experience. From simulations and live briefs to placements and mentoring, every part of the course is built to help you develop practical skills and confidence for your career.

Here’s how your hands-on learning comes to life:

Consultancy Experience Project: Work in a team on a real client challenge, applying research, strategy, and creative thinking to deliver solutions that matter.
Business Research Project: Choose an independent research route to explore a marketing communications topic in depth, producing a professional-quality dissertation.
Work Placement (2-year option): Gain 36–48 weeks of industrial experience, building your professional network and enhancing your CV before graduation.
Marketing Simulations: Manage a virtual company in a competitive market to test strategies and understand consumer behaviour firsthand.
Professional Practice & Workshops: Participate in mentoring, workshops, and personal development sessions to grow leadership, teamwork, and professional skills.
Guest Lectures & Industry Insights: Learn from marketing and communications professionals who bring current industry knowledge directly into your learning.
Professional Tools & Analytics: Access platforms like Mintel, Passport, SPSS, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Bloomberg terminals to work with real data and analytics.

By the end of this programme, you’ll graduate with not just a degree, but a portfolio of practical experience, professional skills, and the confidence to step straight into your marketing communications career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Advertising & Marketing Communications leave NTU ready to make an impact in dynamic roles such as Account Manager, Campaign Manager, Marketing & Communications Executive, or PR / Corporate Communications Manager. The programme equips you with the perfect blend of creative, strategic, and analytical skills, giving you the confidence to step straight into exciting marketing and communications careers:

Dedicated Employability Support: NTU’s Careers and Employability Team helps you craft standout CVs, prepare for interviews, explore placements, and provides guidance even after you graduate.
Professional Accreditation: The course is aligned with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), allowing you to earn the Level 4 Certificate and Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing, credentials highly valued by employers worldwide.
Industry Placements and Live Projects: Students often work on real-world briefs and placements with organisations like NBC Universal, Clear Channel, and Audere Communications, gaining hands-on experience and building valuable professional networks.
Strong Career Outcomes: Alumni move into roles including Marketing Manager, Account Executive, Corporate Communications Manager, and Social Media / Events Executive across private, public, and third-sector organisations.
Global Recognition: Nottingham Business School holds Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), ensuring your degree is recognized and respected internationally.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you could pursue a PhD in Marketing, Communications, or Media Studies, or take higher-level CIM qualifications to deepen your expertise. This opens doors to strategic, research-driven roles or an academic career, building on the skills and knowledge gained throughout your master’s.