How to apply

Overview

The details

Course: Advertising, Marketing and the Media

Start date: October 2021

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 1 year

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Sociology

We are surrounded by advertising, marketing and media campaigns in a hugely competitive world-wide marketplace. Our societies are constantly influenced by the advertising industry, and businesses need to become increasingly aware of the societies and cultures in which they're operating. These areas play an important commercial function within business and organisations.

Taught within our top rated Department of Sociology, this course investigates key theoretical and substantive debates in the critical study of advertising, marketing and media, and analyse the advertising industries in Britain, North America and newly emerging economies like India.

You explore topics including:

Recent developments from actor network theory on market devices
Concepts of advertising, marketing and consumption
Contemporary marketing and management
Media and communications
Developing brand cultures

You are introduced to primary research materials, like market research data, examining debates about the historical rise of marketing-orientated businesses and the growth of the advertising agency.

Our Department of Sociology was rated top 10 in the UK for research quality (REF 2014). We're pursuing a new understand of the social world with our world leading research, and contributing to the thinking that guides organisations.

This course is supported by expertise from the Essex Business School. Our strong emphasis on ethics and sustainable business practice in the global economy will provide knowledge and skills necessary for your future career in an increasingly complex world.

Why we're great.

We offer interdisciplinary studies with expertise from our Department of Sociology and Essex Business School
We offer a strong emphasis on ethics and sustainable business practice in the global economy
We examine advertising industries in Britain, North America and newly emerging economies like India

THE Awards 2018 - Winner University of the Year

Our expert staff

We are a large and friendly department, offering a diverse range of research interests and with staff members who are committed to teaching, research and publication that covers a broad geographical spectrum.

Many have worked at the local level with local authorities, justice councils, community partnerships and charities. Others have worked at a national and international level with bodies like the United Nations, the European Commission’s Expert Group on Public Understanding of Science, Amnesty International, The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Home Office and national non-governmental organisations.

Within Essex Business School, our staff specialise in areas including SMEs, business-to-business relationship marketing, branding, marketing management, new product development and social entrepreneurship.

While maintaining core engagement with contemporary marketing practice, our staff enrich our courses with novel marketing ideas drawn from both the contemporary business world and cutting-edge academic research.

Specialist facilities

Dedicated postgraduate support facilities
Our renowned off-campus Graduate Conference takes place every February
A unique Student Resource Centre where you can get help with your studies, access examples of previous students’ work, and attend workshops on research skills
The Sociology common room is open all day Monday-Friday, is stocked with daily newspapers, magazines and journals, and has free drinks available
Links with the Institute of Social and Economic Research, which conducts large-scale survey projects and has its own library, and the UK Data Archive, which stores national research data like the British Crime Survey
Our students’ Sociology Society, a forum for the exchange of ideas, arranging talks by visiting speakers, introducing you to various career pathways, and organising debates

Our landmark new Essex Business School building on our Colchester Campus is the first zero carbon business school in the UK. Set around a lush winter garden, the Eden-style dome gives the building its own micro-climate.

Our new building provides you with a stunning new work environment, offering:

A virtual trading floor with Bloomberg Terminals offering direct use of Bloomberg data, information and analytics
A light and spacious lecture theatre, with seating for 250 students
Study pods and innovation booths for group working
Dedicated office space for student entrepreneurs
Networking opportunities with visiting businesses
A café with an adjacent sun terrace

Your future

This course provides excellent preparation for further academic study, and many of our postgraduates go on to successful academic careers, both in the UK and overseas.

Others have established careers in non-governmental organisations, local authorities, specialist think tanks, government departments, charities, media production, and market intelligence.

We work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

A 2:2 degree , or international equivalent, in a social science, humanities or english or other discipline which must include at least two humanities or social science modules such as: Advertising, Communication, Economics, Marketing or Media (this can include the research project/dissertation).

Applications from students with a degree below a 2:2 or equivalent, or non-social sciences degree will be considered dependent on any relevant professional or voluntary experience in Media, Advertising, Marketing or Communications field.

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please select your country page where you'll find this information.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum component score of 6.0.

Structure

Example structure

Postgraduate study is the chance to take your education to the next level. The combination of compulsory and optional modules means our courses help you develop extensive knowledge in your chosen discipline, whilst providing plenty of freedom to pursue your own interests. Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field, therefore to ensure your course is as relevant and up-to-date as possible your core module structure may be subject to change.

For many of our courses you’ll have a wide range of optional modules to choose from – those listed in this example structure are, in many instances, just a selection of those available. Our Programme Specification gives more detail about the structure available to our current postgraduate students, including details of all optional modules.

You take one of these two modules: Text and Documents or Sociological Research Design. You do not take both.

The example structure below is representative of this course if taken full-time. If you choose to study part-time, the modules will be split across 2 years.

Teaching and learning disclaimer

Following the impact of the pandemic, we made changes to our teaching and assessment to ensure our current students could continue with their studies uninterrupted and safely. These changes included courses being taught through blended delivery, normally including some face-to-face teaching, online provision, or a combination of both across the year.

The teaching and assessment methods listed show what is currently planned for 2021 entry; changes may be necessary if, by the beginning of this course, we need to adapt the way we’re delivering them due to the external environment, and to allow you to continue to receive the best education possible safely and seamlessly.

See full list of modules

Advertising: Commerce and Creativity

How has advertising tried to understand the consumer? What challenges are posed by international advertising? Or by the arrival of new media and alternative delivery systems? Explore the history of advertising in Britain and North America, then learn how to analyse and theorise about advertising and the wider creative industries.

View Advertising: Commerce and Creativity on our Module Directory

Dissertation

What interests you? Do you want to deepen your knowledge, build invaluable research skills and develop your academic freedom? Your dissertation lets you study a topic of your choosing, in depth, with supervision and guidance from our world-leading academics.

View Dissertation on our Module Directory

Strategic Brand Marketing

Strategic brand communication considers all the means by which brand meaning is created and circulated - not only through channels such as promotion and distribution, but also how for example employees are utilised for the purpose of communicating a consistent brand message. You analyse the underlying ideas that inform how brand messages are constructed, and how for example stereotypes or normative ideas of gender are reproduced in those messages.

View Strategic Brand Marketing on our Module Directory

Sociological Research Design

How do you design social research for projects? Examine the research process, from forming initial research questions through to writing up your findings. Develop your own research ideas via the approaches discussed, building a critical perspective on empirical research that will help you with future research goals.

View Sociological Research Design on our Module Directory

Digital Economy

Do hackers have ethics? Who owns digital media? Is surveillance justified? Explore the history of the digital media economy, looking at hacking, digital media piracy and peer-to-peer networks. Build your understanding of the social, economic and cultural role that digital media now plays in developed Western societies.

View Digital Economy on our Module Directory

Consumer Behaviour

This module evidences how buyer behaviour plays an essential role in marketing strategy. You consider how marketers use consumer insights and behaviour theory and look beyond the act of buying to consider the entire consumption cycle, from pre to post-purchase. You explore consumer behaviour theories in relation to market consumption, viewing consumers as individuals, decision-makers and social beings, and discuss the wider implications of living in a consumer society.

View Consumer Behaviour on our Module Directory

Introduction to Quantitative Analysis

How do you critically analyse quantitative data? What are the appropriate statistical techniques for your research questions? And how do you interpret your results? Learn to conduct investigations relevant to your own research, as well as be a critical user of other research.

View Introduction to Quantitative Analysis on our Module Directory

Media Theory

Who are the key thinkers regarding the media? How did the modern media developed? And what role does it play in regulating society? In discussion-oriented classes, examine the relationship between society and media technology, analyse the economic and social organisation, and study ethics and regulation of our modern media.

View Media Theory on our Module Directory

Gender, Sexuality and Feminist Theory

How can feminist and queer theory be used to analyse sociological issues? What impact does gender and sexuality have on topics like kinship, globalisation, digital intimacies, and the body? Explore contemporary sociological developments in the study of gender, sexuality and intimacy.

View Gender, Sexuality and Feminist Theory on our Module Directory

Interviewing and Qualitative Data Analysis

What are the different approaches to qualitative data analysis? And when should qualitative interviews be used? Learn about the qualitative research process, including design, selection of interview subjects and analysis, so that you are equipped to tackle your own qualitative research in the future.

View Interviewing and Qualitative Data Analysis on our Module Directory

Citizenship, International Migration and Human Rights

This seminar is an introduction to major theoretical approaches and substantive issues in the current sociological thinking on citizenship, with a view on the postwar reconfigurations of the nation-state and citizenship via globalization and the expansion of transnational framework of human rights. Substantively, the seminar explores the contemporary processes that underline the inclusions and exclusions in the body of citizenry: territorial and cultural closure of the nation, expansion of individual (human) rights and privileges, immigration and incorporation of diversity, European citizenship, globalization of economy and markets, and the transnationalization of normativity, actors, and claims for citizenship.

View Citizenship, International Migration and Human Rights on our Module Directory

Dynamics of Home and Work

How are work and home life organised differently across the globe? Does gender add to this? Can we challenge our traditional understandings of work and home? As work helps to define your identity, explore the nature of both formal and informal work, using case studies from around the world.

View Dynamics of Home and Work on our Module Directory

Formative Debates in Criminology

How do we challenge our conventional understanding of crime? And what can we do about this? Examine the history of criminology and learn about the contemporary debates. Study topics like criminalisation, social deviance, and surveillance and punishment. Look ahead with analysis of new work by leading authors in the field.

View Formative Debates in Criminology on our Module Directory

Organised Crime: Global and Local

What do we mean when we talk about organised crime? And how is this used as a tool for governance? Explore landmark studies and emerging horizons in the field of organised crime studies. Gain an understanding of the social, political, media, cultural and ideological topics related to organised crime.

View Organised Crime: Global and Local on our Module Directory

Critical Perspectives on Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism

Is one man’s terrorist another’s freedom fighter? Go beyond that debate to really challenge your understanding of terrorism. Learn how to define and analyse terrorism. Examine themes on dimensions of terrorism, including political, animal rights and religious extremism. Explore counter terrorism, covering topics like surveillance, policing and the law.As part of this module you have the opportunity to visit the Counter Terrorism Headquarter in London for our annual optional field trip. You will be required to pay any associated travel costs if you choose to attend.

View Critical Perspectives on Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism on our Module Directory

The Emotional Turn in Sociology and the Human Sciences

View The Emotional Turn in Sociology and the Human Sciences on our Module Directory

Sex for Sale: Theories, Politics and Contestations

View Sex for Sale: Theories, Politics and Contestations on our Module Directory

Global Security Challenges

This module will critically assess current research, policies and practices related to current global security challenges, including those relating to human rights, climate change, migration, health, and the cybersphere

View Global Security Challenges on our Module Directory

Current Controversies in Criminology

How do we understand crime in our increasingly globalised world? And what about forms of control and criminal justice policy? Critically examine criminological thought on globalisation, migration, policy convergence, punishment, and crimes against the state.

View Current Controversies in Criminology on our Module Directory

Topics in Contemporary Social Theory

What is the significance of 'the de-centring of the subject'? What problems does the materiality of the body pose for sociology? Do claims for objectivity now make any sense at all? Gain an understanding of the significant debates in contemporary social theory, while learning to think analytically about theoretical questions.

View Topics in Contemporary Social Theory on our Module Directory

Colonialism, Cultural Diversity and Human Rights

How has colonialism created human rights problems, now and in the past? And what part did mandates for free markets, industrialism and state sovereignty play? Study thinkers like Cesaire, Fanon, Arendt, Agamben and Taussig. Discuss specific international situations like Palestine, forced removal of Aboriginal children and the war on terror.

View Colonialism, Cultural Diversity and Human Rights on our Module Directory

Advanced Quantitative Analysis: Models for Cause and Effect

How do you interpret studies using panel data? What are the various approaches to panel data analysis? And can you analyse the same data using different methods? Gain the knowledge and confidence to manipulate panel data sets, while developing practical skills in selecting and conducting panel data analysis.

View Advanced Quantitative Analysis: Models for Cause and Effect on our Module Directory

Introduction to Survey Design and Management

What are the principles of modern survey design? And what is best practice? Explore the fundamentals of survey design and the concept of survey error. Analyse different types of design and modes of data collection, drawing on real-life examples. Build the transferable study skills required to conduct professional surveys. As part of this module, you're required to undertake a 10-day work placement. If you're placement is in London, your travel costs will be paid for by the company. Outside of London, you may incur associated travel costs.

View Introduction to Survey Design and Management on our Module Directory

Survey Sampling, Non-Response and Inference

How do you deal with sampling error? What problems arise from non-response errors? And can you reduce such errors? Examine methods for mitigating non-responses errors and understand the key issues in managing data and survey processes, while gaining practical experience of designing samples.

View Survey Sampling, Non-Response and Inference on our Module Directory

Survey Measurement and Question Design

Wish to design questionnaires? Build your theoretical knowledge and the practical tools to develop and write survey questions, and to construct questionnaires. Apply your understanding to the development of your questionnaire and implementation materials. Receive feedback on your questionnaire design.

View Survey Measurement and Question Design on our Module Directory

Migration: Theory, Concepts and Selected Issues

Throughout the module, we will discuss international theories of migration and social integration, examine migration and refugee policies in a comparative perspective, the difference between statistical and taste-based discrimination, and the perpetuation of bias, how we gain an understanding of labour market integration; and the debates surrounding migration, prostitution and sex work.

View Migration: Theory, Concepts and Selected Issues on our Module Directory

The Context of Integration: Origin, Destination and the Children of Immigrants

View The Context of Integration: Origin, Destination and the Children of Immigrants on our Module Directory

Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

Explore issues ranging from environmental disasters to corporate greed and from executive pay to ethical bottled water. You discover the relationship between management and corporations on the one hand, and society and nature on the other, engaging in debates around ecological sustainability, governance and corporate ethics and responsibility.

View Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility on our Module Directory

Teaching

We have a strong research group culture
Graduate students are encouraged to take part in our weekly Departmental Seminar which regularly features eminent outside speakers

Assessment

Your modules are assessed by coursework and your dissertation

Dissertation

Your 15,000-word dissertation allows you to focus in-depth on your chosen topic from April onwards
You work with close supervision from academic staff

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£8,760

International fee

£18,800

EU students commencing their course in the 2021-22 academic year will be liable for the International fee.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

What's next

We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing tours@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.

You can apply for this postgraduate course online. Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we’ll ask you to provide as part of your application.

We aim to respond to applications within two weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.

For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply’ information.

Home to 15,000 students from more than 130 countries, our Colchester Campus is the largest of our three sites, making us one of the most internationally diverse campuses on the planet - we like to think of ourselves as the world in one place.

The Campus is set within 200 acres of beautiful parkland, located two miles from the historic town centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded town. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

How to get to Colchester Campus

Find out more

If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360 degree virtual tour allows you to explore the Colchester Campus from the comfort of your home. Check out our accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

Our staff travel the world to speak to people about the courses on offer at Essex. Take a look at our list of exhibition dates to see if we’ll be near you in the future.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

Find out more

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

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