University of Westminster

Marketing Communications MA/MSc

Incorporating the latest digital and analytic marketing practices, the broad curriculum of our Master’s degree reflects the rapidly changing global marketing environment. Whilst at Westminster, you can also secure two internationally-recognised professional qualifications – the Institute of Data and Marketing (IDM) Certificate in Digital Marketing and the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) Global Foundation Certificate, as well as joining the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Here at Westminster, we’ve been teaching postgraduate degrees in marketing communications for over 20 years. Our goal is to prepare you for professional life in the increasingly complex and dynamic marketing communications industry, incorporating the growing content of digital marketing and new innovations.

The learning required for professional membership of the CIPR and the IDM Certificate in Digital Marketing has been embedded into the curriculum, meaning you automatically qualify for both on successful completion of this degree. With some additional study and after passing an exam, you can also achieve the IPA Global Foundation Certificate.

Our multidisciplinary degree integrates the various specialisms and practices within marketing communications, while considering some of the current issues affecting marketing communications – anything from how to develop an authentic brand voice to hands-on practice on a social media dashboard and programmatic media planning.

We offer a practical learning experience with interactive employer-based projects that mirror industry practice and give you the opportunity to work as a marketing communications agency in a ‘real-life’ scenario, pitching for work with a client. In the past, our excellent industry contacts have facilitated projects with high profile clients such as IKEA, Trainline and Percol Coffee, as well as small start-up companies like MatchaNow and Boundless. Throughout your studies, you’ll also work on your individual project, based on a brand you select with help from your supervisor to bring together brand strategy, consumer psychology, research and the range of communications tools and channels.

Two new optional modules enable you to specialise in one of two career directions – data analytics (MSc route) or creative development (MA route) – taking you deeper into those fields. On the MSc, you’ll explore a range of quantitative research methods and techniques, such as the use of programmatic advertising and the evaluation of media effectiveness. MA students will focus on the planning processes typically used in advertising agencies, likely to be of particular interest if you have a flair for or interest in creativity and its application in the communications industry.