MSc Corporate and Marketing Communications

The MSc Corporate and Marketing Communications programme will be offered in Full-time (lasting 1 year) and Part-time (2 years) study modes. The programme will consist of two compulsory modules that students will complete over an academic year, each worth 30 credits. Yearlong modules will provide students with more time to assimilate the subject matter in each module. A range of 15 credit modules will be available as Optional modules. These will typically last for one term. In addition to these modules, candidates will complete a 60 credit contextual research methods and dissertation module that will result in the submission a research report on an approved topic.

The course allows you to choose from a range of optional modules which build upon the content of the core modules and explore more specialised and niche aspects of communications. For example if you want to focus on marketing communications then modules on advertising, experiential marketing and events would be an appropriate route to take. If you have an interest in consumers and stakeholders within a communications context then modules on psychology, analytics and research would suit you. For a more strategic communications approach then modules on PR, crisis communications and cross-cultural communication would be the pathway to follow. You will also have the opportunity to complete a dissertation project in an area of marketing communications that you have a particular interest in and matches with your career specialism.

Below are the list of Modules taught in MSc Corporate and Marketing Communications:

*“Not all optional modules maybe available each term or year, as they are dependent upon student enrollment and interest.”

Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.

• • Research Methods and Dissertation (60 Credits) - Compulsory This module aims to assist students to develop an understanding of the research process and to conduct research leading to successful completion of their dissertation. It enables students to demonstrate proficiency in relation to scoping the issue(s)/problems, consideration of appropriate literature, collection and analysis of data, and developing specific recommendations or conclusions in relation to the research project.
  • Communication, Persuasion and Media Strategy (30 Credits) - Compulsory This module is designed provide a theoretical and practical understanding of persuasion theory and its broad application in the context of integrated marketing communications in both commercial and social marketing domains. Students will examine a range of models used in persuasion in traditional media as well as the challenges and opportunities presented with the growth of new media channels. As a core module on the Programme, there will be clear links to other modules of study, allowing students to develop a deeper appreciation of the importance of brand message structure and content as it reaches diverse audiences. Given the competitive nature of the marketplace, it is incumbent on marketers to design message strategies that can be heard above the ‘noise’ of competing organisations and brands. To that end, students will develop strategies for the creative use of media channels to devise persuasive message campaigns and thereby gain relevant employment skills for a range of industry sectors.
  • Strategic Brand Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory Brands play a key role in the creation of value for businesses of all kinds. The techniques of brand management can be applied to products, services, companies, not-for-profit organisations, places, and people. Strategic brand management enables brands to connect with consumers and other stakeholder audiences on both emotional and functional levels. Managing brands strategically involves developing a clear and compelling positioning for the brand and then implementing persuasive brand-building campaigns to enhance brand value for both the owner and the audience. The aim of the module is to equip students with the key skills required for the strategic management of brands. Beginning with definitions of what a brand is, the module introduces students to the core concepts of branding and provides a wide range of analytical tools and frameworks for the analysis of brands.
  • Communication for Social Change (15 Credits) - Optional Never before have social issues been more at the forefront of public and private discourse than at present. This module examines the application of marketing communication principles, frameworks and techniques to the solution of social problems. It is oriented towards changing the world to a ‘better place’ rather than improving a brand’s positioning and enhancing market shares. From efforts to fight binge drinking and childhood obesity to programmes designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and eradicate poverty, students will delve into both the theoretical context and practical applications related to the use of communications in effecting social change. Fundamental to the module’s approach is an understanding that successful social change programmes require communication interventions at multiple levels. With this in mind, students will learn to design comprehensive communication solutions to influence downstream, upstream and midstream target audiences. They will further produce communication material such as news releases, tweets and/or videos to support their campaign strategy.
  • Cross-Cultural Communication and Global Brands (15 Credits) - Optional The ability to communicate in culturally diverse settings has become a key prerequisite of successful global brands. Although there is a worldwide convergence of technology, media and financial systems, globalisation has not consistently produced globally uniform consumers; global brands often encounter unfamiliar challenges in specific regions or parts of the world. This module examines the discipline of cross-cultural communications in relation to global marketing. It is concerned with the development, implementation and evaluation of marketing communication activities across a diverse range of cultural settings. Students in this module will consider how cultural values influence, and can be reflected in, global communication programmes. Message creation, execution and the available vehicles of message distribution will be evaluated across different cultural contexts. Through exposure to a wide range of real-life examples, students will be able to design comprehensive communication solutions to boost brand shares globally.
  • Guerrilla Marketing, Celebrity Endorsement and Promotion (15 Credits) - Optional Modern technology has been significantly shaping the ways businesses do marketing, especially in terms of promotional activities. The issues of increased promotional ‘clutter’ have affected consumer attention to advertising messages and in some cases negatively influenced attitudes towards brand messages. In such circumstances, traditional marketing finds itself ineffective and requires unconventional and more creative approaches to enable organisations to reach and influence target audiences. This module will explore the theoretical and practical applications of guerrilla marketing and present them in conjunction with more conventional approaches to promotion that use celebrities as brand ambassadors and spokespersons to act as ‘lures’ for target audiences. Students will examine the process by which guerrilla marketing tactics use unconventional approaches, employing a combination of tools as an offensive strategy to reach target customers rather than reliance on large marketing budgets. Further, students will develop understanding of different promotional approaches used within traditional media, as well as an appreciation of the challenges and opportunities presented with the growth of new media channels.
  • Creative Strategy in Advertising (15 Credits) - Optional Given the very dynamic nature of the advertising and communications industry, the module will closely mirror innovations and approaches used in practice. The experiential focus of the module will adopt a ‘hands on’ approach to advertising, where students will be required to engage in the process of analysing, critiquing as well as creating advertising communication across a range of traditional and digital media channels. The module content will give students both a theoretical and practical exposure to creative strategies in advertising, allowing the development of skills relevant to current and future employment opportunities in the creative industry sector.
  • Public Relations and Crisis Communication (15 Credits) - Optional Students will gain a solid grounding in the theory and practice of Public Relations and develop intellectual abilities, skills and knowledge needed to strategically manage the reputation of brands and organisations, add value to their commercial success and support their goals. Students will explore the most effective use of PR tools such as media relations when looking at managing public perceptions during moments of organisational or individual crisis; as well as develop specific skills of storytelling and writing for media across traditional and digital media channels. The module will explore the wider cultural and societal landscape in which PR operates, touching on areas such as celebrity, power and the impact of globalisation. The content will build upon the knowledge and skills from core modules and will appeal to students seeking to explore opportunities of employment within PR and communications related organisations.
  • Brand Analytics, Methods and Strategies (15 Credits) - Optional

    The aim of this module is to develop your ability to measure, predict, and critically evaluate key performance indicators of brands. You will collect and analyse data, and then prepare reports and communicate the results of the data analysis in order to assist decision-making and strategy development.

  • Experiential Marketing and Events (15 Credits) - Optional The module presents a contemporary exploration of experiential and event marketing strategies and tactics. Whilst traditionally advertising verbally and visually communicates the brand and product benefits, experiential marketing immerses consumers within the product by engaging as many other human senses as possible. To that end students will develop insights into how experiential marketing activities create a mutually beneficial and authentic interaction between customers and brands. Further, given the competitive nature of the marketplace, there is increasing pressure for marketers to develop highly effective campaigns and techniques, consequently the module content will develop and enhance student knowledge and skills appropriate for the workplace and the employer demands in a range of industries.
  • Consumer Psychology (15 Credits) - Optional Consumer psychology is interested in understanding how and why individuals and groups engage in consumption activities. Understanding consumers is essential for business and marketing professionals. Identifying consumers’ personality attributes, motives and lifestyles, their attitudes and behaviours as well as other external influences like culture and reference groups, helps organisations to segment markets and create marketing strategies relevant to the needs of the target markets. The aim of the module is to explain the psychological foundations that direct consumers to choose products, services, experiences or ideas in order to satisfy their needs and wants. Students will be equipped with advanced knowledge of consumer psychology and learn how to influence consumer behaviour in order to market products successfully.

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