MA Marketing Communications

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Bournemouth University

Program Overview

MA Marketing Communications at Bournemouth University is designed for anyone eager to shape how brands connect with their audiences. Whether your goal is advertising, PR, branding, or digital media, this program equips you with the skills to craft compelling messages, run integrated campaigns, and influence how organisations communicate in today’s fast-moving world.

Curriculum structure:

Foundations: You’ll start by building a solid understanding of the field with modules like Marketing Communications, Consumer Insights, and Digital Media Strategies. These courses help you understand how marketing communications have evolved, how to analyse consumer behaviour, and how to develop digital strategies that really engage audiences.
Developing expertise: Next, modules such as Brands & Branding and Corporate Communications explore why brands matter and how to manage their identity and reputation. You’ll also learn how internal and external communications can shape an organisation’s image, giving you the tools to lead campaigns that make a real impact.
Practical application: Finally, with Research in Action and the final project, you’ll put your learning into practice by designing and delivering a marketing communications campaign or research project. This hands-on experience lets you combine strategy, creativity, and evaluation skills — exactly what employers are looking for.

Focus areas: "Marketing communications strategy, consumer insight & behaviour, digital media strategies, brand identity & branding, corporate communications, integrated campaigns & content creation, marketing research and evaluation"

Learning outcomes: "You’ll graduate ready to design and run integrated marketing communications campaigns, analyse consumer behaviour, build and manage brand identity, use digital media strategically, conduct research, and communicate effectively across multiple channels for internal and external audiences."

Professional alignment (accreditation): The program is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Branded Content Marketing Association (BCMA), giving your degree industry credibility and helping you enter PR, branded content, or corporate communication roles with confidence.

Reputation (employability / rankings): Part of Bournemouth University’s Faculty of Media & Communication, this MA combines academic rigour with practical, industry-focused skills, helping graduates quickly find roles in advertising, PR, branding, or marketing communications.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

MA Marketing Communications at Bournemouth University is designed so that you don’t just learn marketing theory — you get to put your skills into action. From real-life projects to professional placements, the course ensures you gain hands-on experience, learn from industry experts, and use the latest tools in a supportive, modern campus environment.

Here’s how your learning comes to life:

Optional 30-week placement: You can take a full-time placement with a company at the end of your course, giving you the chance to work on real campaigns, build your CV, and make valuable industry connections before you graduate.
Live projects and case studies: Throughout the course, you’ll work on practical projects and simulations that mirror real marketing communications challenges, from campaign planning to brand strategy and content creation.
Expert teaching and guest lectures: Learn from a mix of research-active academics, experienced practitioners, and industry guest speakers, gaining insight into current trends and professional practices.
Modern campus facilities: Study in Talbot Campus’s well-equipped spaces, including seminar rooms, PC labs, and a major library — ideal for group work, research, presentations, and digital communications projects.
Professional connections: Benefit from links with professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Branded Content Marketing Association (BCMA), giving you access to networking, events, and exposure to professional standards.

Progression & Future Opportunities

After completing MA Marketing Communications at BU, you’ll be ready to take on roles such as Communications Executive, PR Specialist, Brand Manager, or Digital Content & Marketing Coordinator. The course equips you with a mix of creative, strategic, and digital skills, giving you the confidence to work in agencies, in-house teams, or media and communications roles across a variety of industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how this degree helps you build a strong, rewarding career:

Dedicated career support: BU’s Careers & Employability Service (CareersBU) offers one-to-one appointments, online job boards, CV workshops, interview preparation, and the Graduate Skills Programme — all designed to help you land the right role.
Optional 30-week placement: You can gain real-world experience through a 30-week placement in the UK or abroad, allowing you to work on live marketing campaigns, build professional connections, and strengthen your CV before graduation.
Professional accreditation: The course is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Branded Content Marketing Association (BCMA), giving your degree extra credibility and supporting your path toward professional qualifications.
Versatile career paths: With training in brand management, PR, content creation, digital media, and marketing strategy, you’ll have the flexibility to work in advertising agencies, corporate communications, PR firms, digital media agencies, or in-house marketing teams.
Strong employability: Many graduates move into skilled marketing and communications roles soon after finishing the course, showing the program’s effectiveness in preparing you for the professional world.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you could pursue a PhD in marketing communications, media studies, or consumer behaviour. Alternatively, you can combine your MA with professional certifications in PR, digital marketing, or brand consultancy to further strengthen your expertise and career prospects.