2-Term Pathway - Pre-Master's in Social Sciences - Continue to Master of Arts - Advertising, Marketing and the Media

If students hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s, a Pre-Master’s can help them gain a place on a postgraduate degree. For progression to the 1st year of a postgraduate degree at the University of Essex. Course length is determined mainly by students English language level (UKVI IELTS score).

Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. If their course is longer than 2 terms, students will take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects.

The University of Essex is surrounded by advertising, marketing and media campaigns in a hugely competitive world-wide marketplace. Human 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 organizations.

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

Students 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. Students 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.

Essex's Department of Sociology was rated top 10 in the UK for research quality. They're pursuing a new understanding of the social world with their world leading research, and contributing to the thinking that guides organizations. This course is supported by expertise from the Essex Business School. The strong emphasis on ethics and sustainable business practice in the global economy will provide knowledge and skills necessary for students' future careers in an increasingly complex world.

This course provides excellent preparation for further academic study, and many of Essex's postgraduates go on to successful academic careers, both in the UK and overseas. Others have established careers in non-governmental organizations, local authorities, specialist think tanks, government departments, charities, media production, and market intelligence.