Advertising BA

Sabrina O'Neil
Oct 21
4 min read

Advertising is the art and science of creating persuasive messages that promote products, services, or ideas. It combines creativity, marketing, psychology, and communication strategy to engage audiences and influence consumer behaviour.

A Bachelor’s degree in Advertising teaches students how to plan, design, and manage advertising campaigns across traditional and digital media. It blends creative design, branding, and strategic thinking to prepare graduates for careers in marketing, communications, and media industries.

Why Study Advertising?

There are many reasons why students choose to study Advertising:

A passion for creativity, communication, and storytelling.
The opportunity to combine artistic and strategic skills.
Hands-on experience working on real advertising briefs and campaigns.
The chance to collaborate with industry professionals and agencies.
Growing demand for advertising specialists in digital and global markets.
Clear career routes into media, marketing, and brand management.

This degree suits students who are imaginative, curious, and commercially aware, with an interest in how ideas influence audiences and shape culture.

Course Duration and Structure

In the UK, a BA or BSc in Advertising typically takes three years of full-time study, or four years with a placement year, foundation year, or study abroad option.

A typical course structure includes:

Year 1: Introduction to marketing, branding, and creative communication. Students explore the history, psychology, and principles of advertising.

Year 2: Intermediate modules in campaign planning, media strategy, and digital advertising. Students learn to create and present persuasive concepts and visuals.

Year 3: Advanced study in creative direction, consumer insight, and strategic communication. The final year includes a dissertation or applied advertising project.

Most programmes include live projects, placements, or collaborations with advertising and marketing agencies.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary between universities but typically include one of the following:

A Levels: In Media Studies, Business, Art and Design, or English.
BTEC: A relevant Extended Diploma in Creative Media, Business, or Marketing.
International Baccalaureate (IB): Including a Humanities, Business, or Arts subject.
Other qualifications: Access to Higher Education Diploma in Media, Marketing, or Art and Design.
Portfolio: Some universities require examples of creative or design work.
English language proficiency: Required for applicants whose first language is not English.
Experience in marketing, design, or content creation can strengthen applications.

Teaching and Assessment

Advertising degrees combine creative production with analytical and strategic study. Students learn through:

Lectures and seminars
Creative workshops and studio sessions
Live briefs and client projects
Group work and campaign development
Independent research and project work

Assessment methods typically include:

Coursework and creative portfolios
Advertising campaign projects and pitches
Presentations and group assessments
Written essays and market analyses
A final dissertation or applied advertising project

Many courses encourage collaboration with real clients and industry mentors to develop professional experience.

Skills You Will Develop

A degree in Advertising develops both creative and strategic skills, including:

Creative concept development
Marketing and campaign strategy
Copywriting and visual communication
Branding and audience targeting
Digital and social media marketing
Market research and consumer insight
Presentation and teamwork
Project management and problem-solving

These skills are highly valued in creative, marketing, and business sectors.

Career Prospects

Graduates of Advertising degrees are well-equipped for creative and strategic roles across media, marketing, and communication industries.

Typical career paths include:

Advertising executive or account manager
Copywriter or art director

Creative strategist or planner
Brand or marketing manager
Media planner or buyer
Digital marketing specialist
Public relations or communications officer
Further study in marketing, media, or business management
Employers include advertising agencies, marketing firms, media companies, and brand consultancies.

Tips for Prospective Students

Build a creative portfolio that showcases your ideas, visuals, or campaigns.
Stay informed about advertising trends, media platforms, and consumer behaviour.
Follow major agencies and campaigns for inspiration and analysis.
Develop skills in design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Volunteer or intern with marketing or creative organisations for experience.
Join professional bodies such as the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) or Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

Course Variations

Universities offer several related and specialist degrees, including:

Advertising and Marketing Communications: Linking marketing strategy and creative promotion.

Creative Advertising: Focused on copywriting, art direction, and campaign design.

Digital Marketing and Advertising: Emphasising online and social media campaigns.

Media and Communication: Exploring communication theory and media industries.

Brand Management: Concentrating on brand identity and consumer perception.

Marketing and PR: Combining advertising with public relations and communications.