MSc Creative Advertising

The most successful course in Scotland for budding creatives. We teach practical skills and an understanding of the industry required for a career in advertising.

The world of advertising is fuelled by bright minds and creative thinkers. It generates millions of messages that reach consumers via an ever-increasing number of channels.

There are around 14,000 people employed in UK advertising, yet at its heart, only some 8% of employees are what are known as ‘creatives’. These are the art directors, copywriters and planners who are the creative powerhouse of the industry.

This course has been developed in collaboration with the Scottish Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) and is taught by leading practitioners.

Applications submitted after 31 July 2019 are not guaranteed to be considered for September 2019 entry.

You’ll learn the best way to present your ideas and how to work collaboratively and individually as you create advertising across a variety of media, including print, TV, radio, outdoor and online.

Some live briefs are supported with visits to advertising agencies and we have a field trip to Speyside to research whisky production and marketing. 

Your critical evaluation skills will also be developed as you explore the theories behind successful advertising campaigns and critique your own and others’ work.

Students have in recent years won “Yellow and Black Pencils” in the D&AD New Blood awards and medals in the IPA Awards Scotland. We have won Gold awards in International Competitions too. 

Subjects include:

• Planning in advertising
• Concept creation
• Creative toolkit or motion graphics
• Campaign creation
• Digital creative
• Major project portfolio in advertising practice

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

• Campaign Creation ( JAC11111 )
• Concept Creation ( DES11127 )
• Creative Toolkit ( JAC11109 )
• Digital Creative ( JAC11127 )
• Planning in Advertising ( DES11133 )

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

How you’ll be taught

We will draw out the creative within you. With exciting and demanding workshops, led by our award-winning lecturers and industry experts.

Assessments

Notional grades will be informed after every project along with one-to-one tutorials. You’ll be given a summative grade at the end of each trimester.

Work placement

Work placements have to be arranged by the individual with help from staff and mentors.

Facilities

Our Merchiston campus, situated in the heart of Edinburgh, is home to creative industries students along with engineering and computing. This mix of disciplines helps create an inspiring, innovative and collaborative atmosphere.

Inside you’ll also find the 500-seat Jack Kilby Computing Centre, open 24 hours a day in Trimesters 1 and 2, the library and the Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association.

Careers

Creative directors and other senior industry professionals have a strong interest in the course and are always keen to discover new talent. Industry-driven projects will expose you to employers and generate a valuable set of creative ideas that will enhance your portfolio. 

Recent graduates have developed interests not only in creative careers but also in planning, account management and media planning/buying – 75% of our graduates have found work in the advertising industry. 

Visit the MSc Creative Advertising page on the Edinburgh Napier University website for more details!