Advertising and Design MA
Leeds, United Kingdom
Master degree
DURATION
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Advertising and Design MA at The University of Leeds combines design, research, and business to prepare students for communication design and advertising. It teaches graphic, digital design, consumer behavior, media planning, research methods. Assessment uses industry briefs, competitions, dissertations or industry projects. From 2025/26 you'll be able to apply for PACE internships.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work as creative directors, art directors, copywriters, brand strategists, media planners, UX/UI designers, design researchers, or account managers in agencies, in-house marketing teams, digital studios, or freelance practice. Research, strategy, and visual communication skills suit roles in market research and content strategy.
The MA Advertising and Design programme at the University of Leeds prepares students for careers in advertising and related fields in communication design. It is structured around three core pillars: **Design**, **Research**, and **Business**. The **Design** pillar focuses on the development of communication campaigns as a design process, equipping students with essential design principles across various specialisations, including graphic and digital design. The **Business** pillar, in collaboration with the Leeds University Business School, introduces key concepts in consumer behaviour and media planning, enabling students to create effective communication strategies based on market insights. The **Research** pillar emphasises valuable skills for both academia and industry, covering primary and secondary research methods that inform the design process. Students can choose to work on dissertations or research papers to further enhance their research skills.Assessment methods are diverse, reflecting authentic professional practices and incorporating industry briefs and competitions. Students can opt for an academic-focused dissertation or an industry-focused final project, both supported by a research-led approach. Upon completion, graduates will possess skills in evaluating market trends, analysing brand positioning, and formulating strategies to tackle communication challenges. They will also be adept at generating creative concepts and conducting research to inform design outcomes.The School of Design offers excellent facilities, including various studios and workshops, alongside technical support to help students realise their creative potential. Starting from the 2025/26 academic year, students will have the opportunity to apply for internships with the PACE creative team, enhancing their practical experience. The programme is designed to foster flexibility, resilience, and transferable skills, preparing students for a dynamic and expanding sector in the creative industries.
