School of Design
MA in Advertising and Design at the University of Leeds This unique course is run by the internationally renowned School of Design and the Leeds University Business School one of the top business schools in the world. The course integrates knowledge and expertise from both Schools to provide a unique learning experience and perspective on this dynamic discipline. The course focuses on a creative approach to solving communication problems in advertising and branding. Theoretical modules provide insight into the strategic thinking necessary to create effective and memorable communication campaigns. An emphasis on creativity and innovation, together with a strategic approach to brand communication and integrated advertising, clearly differentiates this course from others offered in UK Universities. The concept behind the course is the continuing fusion between advertising and design and it is at this point of convergence, along with a rapidly expanding media landscape, from which the most interesting ideas emerge.
What You Study School of Design Modules Visual Communication Persuasion Integrated Communication Creative Direction or Dissertation Leeds University Business School Modules Consumer Behaviour Marketing Communications Marketing Strategy Advertising Media Policy Relationship and Direct Marketing (Optional) Sales Promotion and Sponsorship (Optional) Internet Marketing (Optional) Note: There is also the option of taking a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Advertising and Design, for which a Creative Direction module/dissertation is not required. How You Study The course runs over two semesters and a shorter summer period. In the first semester you will undertake two foundation weeks, followed by five taught modules. In the second semester you undertake four modules, then either a Creative Direction module or dissertation. Learning takes place through a combination of lectures, seminars, creative workshops and tutorials with supporting workshops in photography, video, graphic design and on-line media. Teamwork is a key feature of this programme and there are many opportunities to test your ability and develop the skills you need to become an effective team player.
When You Study You are required to attend this fulltime course over one complete academic year, starting mid or early September of the year of registration. Where You Study The School of Design As a postgraduate student in the School of Design, you will find yourself in an architecturally beautiful and dynamic environment. Located at the heart of the University campus, the School is internationally recognised for its teaching and research activities, which span textile design and technical textile technology, colour technology, fashion design, graphic design, multi-media and animation, design management, sculpture and painting. The School has excellent specialist design studios, research laboratories and library resources to support the various research specialisms offered. As a student of the MA in Advertising and Design you will become part of The Centre for Visual Communications, which houses some of the best software and hardware components available and is one of the main centres for design research in the UK. Leeds University Business School Housed in state-of-the-art facilities, Leeds University Business School is ranked in the world s top 100 business schools and has EQUIS and AMBA accreditation. Specialist areas of activity include: accounting and finance, economics, international business, management, marketing, and work and employment relations. The School has many valuable links with business and commerce. Directors and senior managers from leading organisations advise the school and provide placements and projects for students. All the School s courses take an international perspective and students from around the world come to study at Leeds. Students enjoy the international mix, as a great opportunity to network and to make lasting international friendships. Career Destinations Advertising and its relationship to brand development and consumers is a dynamic and expanding sector, both nationally and internationally. This programme is designed to create opportunities for students to work in the creative industries or further develop research projects at PhD level.
Entry Requirements You should normally have an upper second or better in your first degree (or an equivalent qualification) in a relevant subject. In exceptional circumstances, applicants without a first degree will be considered on the basis of their relevant work experience and potential to benefit from the programme. For applicants whose first language is not English, certification of English language proficiency by the IELTS or TOEFL test is required (IELTS 6.5 or the equivalent). Candidates are required to email (or post) a portfolio of art / design work to support their application. This can include design projects, reports, photographs, drawings, sketches and other evidence of their creative skills and knowledge. International Students The University of Leeds is one of the most popular destinations in the UK for highly qualified international postgraduates, and the School of Design and Leeds University Business School welcome students from all over the world. Our graduates are sought after by employers and can be found in positions of influence across the globe. We pride ourselves in providing a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment for our international students and aim to make their time at the University as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible. The University has excellent academic and support services for international students, which provide any help, advice and information they may need during their time here. Life in Leeds The University of Leeds is a top civic university, in the heart of one of the UK s most fashionable and student friendly cities. Established in 1904 and with origins dating back to 1874, the University is now one of the largest in the UK, and is acclaimed worldwide for the quality of its research and teaching. Life on Campus Just a ten-minute walk from the city centre, the University campus has shops, cafes, student residences, sports and entertainment facilities, alongside academic departments, lecture theatres, studios and the internationally acclaimed University library. The University has one of the largest and most active student unions in the country, with a shopping mall, bars, a games complex, concert venue, and nightclub; and it runs a student newspaper, radio station, theatre company and two-hundred student societies.
Life in the City Leeds is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the UK. The city has a lively cultural calendar packed with music, art, cinema, theatre and dance. As well as major concerts and outdoor festivals, the music scene includes classical, soul, jazz, folk and alternative pop music in venues across the city. Leeds City Art Gallery is adjacent to the internationally famous Henry Moore Institute, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Royal Armouries, and the National Media Museum are nearby. Leeds is one of the greenest cities in the UK, with many places of beauty and interest for a day out, such as Roundhay Park, Temple Newsam, Harewood House and the 12th century Kirkstall Abbey. The city centre has over two miles of traffic free shopping and over one thousand shops, with elegant Victorian arcades and designer shops beside major high street names. The dining experience in Leeds is outstanding, with a huge choice of restaurants, bistros and brasseries, representing nearly every nationality. As for the nightlife, Leeds wide choice of bars range from traditional inns to the cutting edge, and its cosmopolitan street café culture and gigantic club scene make the city a magnet for students. University Living As a postgraduate student at Leeds, you can expect a free, first class housing service to help you find the right place to live. The Accommodation Service team offers an impressive range of accommodation to cater for different tastes and budgets, from modern, purpose built apartments to Victorian houses. Accommodation costs vary, depending upon the facilities and services offered, and flexible payment methods and differing lengths of contract are available. You will find lots of information about our accommodation on the University of Leeds website. Further Information If you wish to find out more about the University of Leeds, please visit the University s website at www.leeds.ac.uk, and the School of Design s website at www.leeds.ac.uk/design. For general enquiries about the course and an application form contact: The Postgraduate Secretary School of Design University of Leeds LEEDS LS2 9JT United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)113 343 3700 Facsimile: +44 (0)113 343 3704 Email: texpg@leeds.ac.uk For detailed course enquiries, contact the course leader: Mr Mike Sheedy m.t.sheedy@leeds.ac.uk www.leeds.ac.uk/maad Whilst the University endeavours to ensure that the information contained in this brochure is accurate at the date of publication, it does not accept liability for any inaccuracies. The University reserves the right to change or cancel its courses or services at any time without liability even after students have registered at the University. The University's contract with its students does not confer third party benefits for the purposes of the Contracts (Rights of Third parties) act 1999.