Advertising, Public Relations and Branding

Advertising, public relations and branding together make up the landscape of commercial communication, the strategies, messages and media through which organisations present themselves to the world, build relationships with audiences and shape public perception. Advertising creates attention and desire; public relations manages reputation and builds trust; branding establishes the identity, values and associations that make an organisation recognisable and meaningful over time. Studying all three together gives you a comprehensive view of how modern communication works and the tools to practise it effectively.

At Middlesex University, this three-year full-time programme begins with a foundation year, providing a supported entry route into the subject before you progress into the main degree. You will study the history and theory of advertising and public relations, brand strategy and management, consumer behaviour, media planning, digital and social media communications, campaign planning and execution, copywriting and the ethical and legal frameworks that govern commercial communication. The programme develops both your creative capabilities and your strategic and analytical thinking, preparing you for a profession that requires you to be simultaneously imaginative and evidence-based.

Graduates move into careers across advertising agencies, PR consultancies, in-house communications teams, digital marketing agencies, brand management departments and media companies. The broad scope of the degree means you can move towards creative, strategic, account management or digital roles depending on where your interests and strengths lie. Many graduates begin in junior roles in agencies or communications teams and progress to senior roles as they build experience and a portfolio of work.

Further study in marketing, communications, public relations or brand management is also a route for those who want to deepen their expertise, and the foundation year makes the degree accessible to a wide range of students.