2021/22 Full-time Undergraduate course
Award:
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
School:
School of Communication and Media
Campus:
Jordanstown campus
UCAS code:
P2N5
The UCAS code for Ulster University is U20
Start date:
September 2021
Our first term will commence as planned on 21 September and we will be prepared to deliver lectures and other teaching online for Semester One
Some on-campus activities will still take place, based on a robust local risk assessment, and priority will be given to using campus spaces for practice-based learning activities including lab work.
The University’s primary concern remains the physical and mental health, safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, their families and the wider community. Nothing is more important to us.
On our COVID-19 webpages you will find further information for applicants and students, along with answers to some of the questions you may have.
With this degree you could become:
Graduates from this course are now working for:
CAM: A unique approach to studying advertising, marketing, public relations and digital media in a vibrant School of Communication and Media.
In this section
Established in 1990 and evolving in tandem with industry developments and new and emerging technologies, the BSc Hons Communication, Advertising and Marketing degree uniquely combines the study of advertising and marketing within a School of Communication and Media. This programme has been developed in collaboration with professionals and you will gain a solid grounding in communication theory and practice which is then practically applied in organisational contexts as the course progresses.
Sign up to register an interest in the course.
In this section
The broad aim of the CAM degree is to develop an understanding of communication and to help you make use of this in developing a detailed awareness and insight into particular professional communication contexts. More specifically, you will: develop a practical awareness of the business context within which the communications industry operates; develop a working knowledge of advertising, public relations and marketing practice; develop a critical awareness of a range of methods of communication research; acquire knowledge and understanding of interpersonal communication; acquire knowledge and understanding of the role of language, both spoken and written; explore the implications of ongoing developments in digital communication for both communication theory and practice.
You will also be given the opportunity to develop a range of applied skills including: communication skills; group work skills; organisational skills; design skills; and information technology skills.
The CAM degree is widely recognised and highly regarded by the Communications industry in Northern Ireland and beyond. It offers lots of opportunities to put your communicaiton and other applied skills into practice. One such initiative is the Publicity Association of Northern Ireland (PANI) Advertising Student Workshop competition. The workshop allows CAM students to work with Graphic Design students to respond to an advertising brief and to create a winning ad campaign. Students work in teams of around six and are assigned a mentor agency. Around six advertising agencies come on board, representing the most prominent advertising professionals in Northern Ireland. The CAM course team hopes that PANI will continue to support this tremendously valuable initiative.
Another important feature of the course is the option to undertake a work placement in third year, although the course can be completed in three years.
At the School of Communication and Media we understand the importance of communication to personal and professional success. Communication is core to all of the subjects we offer, so no matter what course you choose, you will learn how to become a more effective communicator.
Employers consistently list ‘effective communication’ as the most desirable skill when recruiting. It’s therefore not surprising that many graduates from our Communication programmes enjoy senior roles in the public, private and not for profit sectors. While you may not know our graduates, you will certainly be familiar with the organisations they work for!
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Find out more about placement awards
Classroom time varies across the three taught years and across modules but you will study three modules per semester and each module will typically involve a lecture and seminar and/or lab based tutorial. As such, time spent in the classroom could be typically between 12 and 20 hours per week, spread across 3 or 4 days. However, much more time is expected to be spent on reading and assignment preparation.
The programme comprises a mix of theoretical and practical teaching methods and will be delivered by means of lectures, seminars, workshops and supervised work experience. You will also be involved in practical classes in the editing studio and social skills laboratories.
You will be assessed by a variety of methods, including essays, seminar papers, commercial reports, camapigns, projects, class tests and examinations. In keeping with the nature of the industries and roles into which our graduates progress, some assessments will be group based, for example, advertising campaign development, while others will be completed as an individual, such as theoretical essays.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
Calculation of the Final Award
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.
The largest of Ulster's campuses.
Jordanstown is our biggest campus in an idyllic setting surrounded by lush lawns and trees. It's just a few hundred metres from Loughshore Park and promenade, and just seven miles from Belfast city centre.
At our Jordanstown Campus we have world class facilities that are open all year round to our students and members of the public.
At Student Support we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
The module explores the complex relationship between language and communication, focusing on competing models of communication and the multi-layered multi-faceted nature of meaning in communication involving language. It explores how understanding features of language informs the study of communication and how reflecting on communication aids reflection on the complex nature of language and meaning.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the students to the concept of interpersonal communication as skill and strategy. It introduces the idea of different approaches to communication performance and the importance of context in selecting an appropriate or effective approach. It presents and discusses a series of core communication skills used in interpersonal interaction. The emphasis throughout is on the application of theory to practice and on developing skills of behaviour discrimination, self-awareness, critical analysis and skill enhancement.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students with an appreciation of the nature, scope and breadth of the principles of marketing. It represents a key underpinning to subsequent marketing related modules within degree programmes.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module presents an introduction to the theory and practice of advertising. It
explores the role of advertising in marketing, the main creative approaches to
advertising and the main media available to advertising as well as providing a
fundamental understanding of the structure and regulatory system of the
advertising industry.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to the background and development of the discipline of consumer behaviour. It provides a foundation to the more applied subjects of marketing, advertising and digital communication. It provides theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of the consumer decision making process and the factors that influence choice and highlights implications for marketing and marketing communication strategy.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module introduces students to students to the study public relations. Students will examine theoretical concepts and examples of public relations practice to approach the subject, allowing students to experience and reflect on examples of public relations. With the module grounded in the wider study of the media and communication, it is intended that the student will gain a core understanding of how public relations operates within the wider media industries. Assessment is by two pieces of coursework, an essay (40%) and a report (60%).
Year: 2
Status: C
This module extends the study of interpersonal communication by examining advanced interpersonal skills relevant to specific professional contexts. It offers the opportunity to explore underlying theories and concepts, which in turn provides knowledge and understanding of situationally specific communication processes. Behaviour analysis, critical reflection and skill enhancement are the heart of the module. A special feature is the use of CCTV laboratories in the Communication Skills Centre of the University.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module has been designed to enable students to develop their skills in designing, executing and writing up quantitative and qualitative research projects. It provides an important foundation for the final year Project.
Year: 2
Status: C
Written communication is a vital part of being an effective communication professional. The module, by integrating theory and analysis with practical skills development, will enable students to develop the skills to write in a range of genres with technical accuracy, creativity and responsibility.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module offers a theoretical and practical insight into the dynamic area of online digital communication and explores some of the key questions and issues facing academics and practitioners. Students undertaking the module will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to support the implementation of digital communication objectives in support of business goals including customer acquisition, loyalty and community building. Students will be able to critically evaluate the characteristics of individual online digital media, and select appropriate tools from the range available to execute digital communication in support of organisational objectives.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module offers the opportunity for students to develop knowledge of how designers work. It aims to develop the ability to work with designers and peers - to brief them efficiently and how to collaborate effectively and maximise joint resources. It offers hands-on development of computing skills and understanding of how to improve visual output and presentation skills
Year: 2
Status: C
This module develops the fundamentals of marketing and applies the perspective of managerialism to these core principles. In this respect, the module's focus is on the 4 core marketing management activities marketing planning, marketing implementation, marketing leadership and marketing control. The module also explores how these core managerial activities will operate in various marketing contexts.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module allows students in second year to study abroad for the first or second semester. Students take the equivalent number of relevant credits offered by the host institution, during their period of study there. Decisions related to what students study in the host institution are taken in conjunction with the host institution adviser and their studies adviser at Ulster.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
Work-based learning provides students with experience of working within the communication field. The placement option is a complement to and extension of the work engaged in at the University and provides the opportunity for each student to apply theory to practice, enhance their employability portfolio and improve their career planning skills and knowledge.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside in the US under the Study USA programme. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline and its applied contexts whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module offers a theoretical and practical insight into traditional, relational, cultural and network communication strategies used by organisations to address current challenges and achieve organisational goals. Such understanding forms the basis for an appreciation of a range of issues including challenges of leadership, organisational uncertainty and conflict, change and crisis management. Students undertaking the module will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to assess the effectiveness of strategies adopted by organisations and to offer proposals for improved communication, innovation and performance
Year: 4
Status: C
The theory and practice of advertising is constantly evolving and this module affords students the opportunity to keep up to date with these changes. It provides a deeper exploration of the role of creativity in advertising and the changing media landscape within which advertising practitioners are engaged. It equips students with knowledge and skills to challenge academic research and to undertake practical advertising activities.
Year: 4
Status: C
The project enables students to apply methods and techniques to exending and applying their knowledge and understanding of Communication and allows them to further develop their conceptual, rational and creative thinking within the field of Communication. It incorporates all aspects of completing a research project, from topic selection through to writing up and builds upon research skills acquired in Years 1 and 2.
Year: 4
Status: C
In an increasingly global environment this module seeks to develop students' understanding of the socio-cultural, economic, legal and political variables which will impact on the international decision making and planning processes of an organisation and influence international marketing mix strategies.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module considers the theoretical and conceptual trends that appear to be shaping future notions of the study of communication. The module extends the conceptual and theoretical appreciation of the student and enables them to engage with the disputes and debates out of which the future of the domain will emerge.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module presents students with a range of assessment and evaluation instruments currently in use in the measurement of communication and organisational behaviour. Students will develop their skills in analysing data, summarising their findings and presenting useful recommendations in a form that can assist in the achievement or organisational improvement.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module considers how we 'read' the messages communicated by commodities, how we use those commodities to communicate our own messages and construct our identities, and how the media discourses surrounding commodities reinforce or challenge those messages. The schedule falls into three parts which each build on the last. It begins by using semiotics to analyse brands and adverts in detail, moves on to bring wider theoretical considerations to bear on the marketplace in general in order to see the 'bigger picture', and culminates in student-facilitated seminars that use the material from the first two parts to examine any aspect of the marketplace that interests the facilitating group.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
The A Level requirement for this course is AAB
Overall BTEC Level 3 QCF award profile D*DD
OR
BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Diploma with profile DDD.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard (provided subject requirements are met). Examples of combinations include:
A levels with BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma or BTEC RQF National Extended Certificate
A level with BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma or BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.
For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in Contact details.
136 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of four subjects at Higher Level and one subject at Ordinary Level.
The overall profile must also include English at H6 Higher Level or O4 Ordinary Level.
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBBBB
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is BBB
Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 28 points (14 at higher level)
Pass Access Course (120 credits) with an overall mark of 73%
GCSE Profile to include CGSE English Language grade C or above (or equivalent).
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Not applicable
Additional information for students from United States of AmericaUndergraduate
Each programme will have slightly different requirements, both in terms of overall points and certain subjects, so please check the relevant subject in the undergraduate on-line prospectus.
Normally Ulster University welcomes applications from students with:
| Qualification |
|---|
| High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and to include grades 3,3,3 in 3 AP subjects |
| High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and to include 1000 out of 1600 in SAT |
| Associate Degree with GPA 3.0 |
In addition to the scholarships and bursaries open to all international students, US students may apply for Federal and Private US loans
English Language
| Qualification |
|---|
| Level 12 English Lang in HSD |
View more information for students from United States of America
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
The CAM degree with its broad and varied range of modules offers a host of career options and affords students the chance to engage with various aspects of communication before they enter the workplace. The degree is recognised by employers in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Many of our graduates, not surprisingly, take up positions in Advertising and Marketing, but, in addition, CAM graduates hold senior positions in the Public Relations, digital communication, media, government, retail, education and hospitality sectors. Graduate employment options are truly wide-ranging.
One of the most valuable aspects of the CAM programme is the option to undertake a placement in third year. Most of our students spend their third year on work placement and students gain placements in the voluntary, public and private sectors in a variety of roles related to the degree. Recent placements include: Maketing and Communications Officer (PowerNI); Marketing and Communications Internship (Warner Bros); Communication and Media Intern (Dell); Marketing Executive (Rainbow Communications); Events Assistant (Belfast City Council); and Major Donor and Corproate Assistant (Concern Worldwide). Most students undertake their placements in Northern Ireland, but students can undertake their placement anywhere in the world. In the last few years, CAM students have undertaken placements in, amongst others, Australia, USA, Spain, Qatar, China and Republic of Ireland. Successful completion of placement allows students to gain the additional award of Diploma in Professional Practice.
Another popular option for CAM students, that is open to all students at Ulster University, is the Study USA (SUSA) programme. Students can apply to spend a year studying in the USA in the year prior to their final year, which for CAM students is third year. This is a funded programme. Successful completion of SUSA allows students to gain the additional award of Diploma in International Academic Studies.
Recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
Applications to full-time undergraduate degrees at Ulster are made through UCAS
Please apply by 15 January.
In this section
CAM students compete for a range of awards that continue to be generously sponsored by our industry partners, highlighting the esteem in which they hold the degree. These awards recognise exceptional individual achievement. At present awards that are open to CAM students are:
The Genesis Advertising prize for best first year advertising student;
The ASG prize for best final year advertising student;
The Navigator Blue prize for excellence in written communication;
The Publicity Association of Northern Ireland prize for the final year CAM student with highest overall mark.
In addition, all first year and second year CAM students who achieve a year average of 70% or above will be placed on the 'Dean's List'.
Tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living are a part of university life.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.
We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.
There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.
Please contact the course team for more information.
Course Director: Dr Aodheen McCartan
Admissions Contact: Amber Crozier
Admissions Service
What our students say:
The aspect of the course that our students comment on the most is its variety. Students welcome the mixture of theoretical understanding with real-life application, such as advertising design, press release writing and market strategising. With the opportunity to gain a year’s work placement in industry, CAM students emerge as very employable graduates. As one recent graduate commented: ‘When you first apply for graduate jobs, you find that the position requires you to have a degree in Communication or Advertising or Marketing. With CAM, it was great to be able to say that you have a degree in all three!'
What our employers say:
The CAM degree enjoys strong relationships with many employers within the broad communications industry. With the option of a work placement, we have formed many links with employers in Northern Ireland and some based further afield who regularly recruit our placement students. Many placement employers then become employers of our graduates. Employers recognise the high entrance grades required to gain a place on the course and are supportive of the mix of theoretical and practical elements involved. Recognising the calibre of a typical CAM graduate, the Course Director is often approached by employers who are seeking a high quality, reliable graduate with wide ranging experiences.
