BA Degree in Communications: Advertising & PR - Richmond, The American International University in London

Undergraduate Webinars

Register for Undergraduate programme specific webinar this September. Learn more about our programmes, scholarship opportunities and life at Richmond.

30 September 2020 • 12:30pm BST

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  • Tuition Fee

    £9,250 (UK/EU)
    £14,750 (INT)
    $38,000 (US)

  • Duration

    3 Years (Full-time)
    4 Years (Full-time)

  • Location

    Richmond Hill Campus

Programme Overview

This programme is aimed at producing outstanding communications professionals, with specialist marketing and public relations knowledge and skills. It will equip you for a successful career in marketing communications and public relations, with a thorough grasp of how to engage audiences across different channels.

For this programme, it’s vital to have a grounding in the principles of communication.  During the first two years of the degree, all Communications students at Richmond  take  the same core courses.

With our inter-disciplinary approach, you’ll be taken on an exploration of topics which involve communication, such as business, sociology and visual culture as well as studying the principles of marketing and PR and self-representation in the media.  Small class sizes with an international cohort of students will give you a broad perspective. You’ll have the opportunity to listen to guest lecturers from the communications industry, providing their views on the latest trends and innovations.

The third and fourth years of this programme are devoted to more specialisation in Advertising and Public Relations, when you’ll have the option to choose electives from an array of exciting topics, including Celebrity and Fan Culture, Video Production, Fashion Marketing and Retailing and From Script to Screen.

Not only that, you’ll also have the opportunity to put your ideas into practice by pursuing an internship with a leading communications company or global organisation.

Through our partnership with them, you’ll have membership of The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) – Europe’s largest and most influential PR and communications membership body, which organises training, conferences and events for communications professionals.

It’s a career-oriented programme, giving you a clear foundation in both theory and practice, taught in London – one of the world’s most important centres for marketing communications and public relations.

Like all Richmond graduates, you’ll also be able to qualify with two degrees – one for the UK and one for the US.

Programme Video

Learn more about BA Communications: Advertising & PR from a member of the academic team and a student on the programme.

Top 5 reasons to study this programme:

  • Explore the worlds of PR, advertising and communications in London, the hub of the global marketing communications industry
  • Learn from experienced academics and guest lecturers and become a student member of the Public Relations Consultants Association – Europe’s largest PR body
  • Gain vital work experience through an internship chosen from a wide range of leading international organisations in London, the USA and China
  • Develop strong communication skills in small classes within an international environment, alongside students from all over the world
  • Chance to specialise in electives of your choice which could open up specialist career opportunities for you

  • After you graduate

    Career Paths
    BBC, Bloomberg L.P, EMI Music, 19 Entertainment, Omnicom, MediaCom, Viacom, Disney Television International

    Further Education
    CASS Business School, London School of Economics and Political Science, SOAS, University of London, University of Cambridge, University of Sydney

    Career paths for Communication graduates
    Media, Marketing, Advertising, Corporate Communications, Music industry, Events Management

  • Career support

    We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment. Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.

Modules Breakdown

3 Years pathway

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

Fall Semester

Fall Semester

Fall Semester

Foundations of Mass Media and Communications

Mass Communications and Society

Senior Seminar I

Foundations of Sociology

History of Design

Non-Western Visual Cultures

Foundations of Business

Social Research

Working in the Art World

Research & Writing I

Principles of Marketing

Elective

Creative Expression

Elective

Elective

Spring Semester

Spring Semester

Spring Semester

Intercultural Communications

Art History : Theories and Methods

Senior Seminar II

Introduction to Visual Culture

New Media

Senior Project in COM

Scientific Reasoning

PR and Self-Representation in Media

Elective

Quantitative Reasoning

Elective

Elective

Research & Writing II

Elective

Elective OR Internship

4 Years pathway

CORE SUBJECTS

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

YEAR 4

Foundations of Mass Media and Communications

Intercultural Communications

Mass Communications and Society

New Media

Foundations of Sociology

Introduction to Visual Culture

Cultural Theory

PR and Self-Presentation in the Media

Foundations of Business (required for MK/PR strand) / Foundations of Photography (required for MS and MP strands)

  

Senior Seminar 1

Transitions I

  

Senior Seminar 2

Transitions II

  

Senior Project in Communications

Quantitative Reasoning

   

Scientific Reasoning

   

Creative Expression

   

Research and Writing I

   

QFC Level 3 Elective

   

ELECTIVE MODULES

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

YEAR 4
 

Plus three of the following:

Plus 1 of the following:

Plus 5 of the following OR Internship and 3 of the following:
 

The Language of Art

Video Production

Web Design
 

Worlds of Music

Creating Digital Images

Fashion and Media
 

Introduction to Advertising Practice

Political Communications

World Internship in Communications (6 CREDITS)
 

Communications for PR and Advertising

Celebrity and Fan Culture

Internship in Communications (6 CREDITS)
 

Sonic Media Production

Feature Writing

Advanced Digital Video
 

Contemporary London Performance (MP and MS strands only)*

Fashion Marketing and Retailing

Documentary Theory and Production
 

Writing Science Fiction (MP and MS strands only)*

Psychology of Fashion and Luxury Goods

From Script to Screen
 

Rich World, Poor World

Plus 4 FHEQ Level 5 Electives

Pictures of Power
 

Introduction to Film Studies

 

Publications Layout
 

Film in the Americas

 

Media Ethics
 

History of Fashion

 

Global News Analysis
 

Introduction to Writing for the Media

 

Advertising Management
 

Introduction to the Business of Fashion

 

Digital Marketing and Social Media
 

Gender and Culture

 

Global Marketing Management
 

Plus all of the following:

 

Digital Marketing and Social Media
 

Research and Writing II

 

Luxury Brand Management
 

Plus 4 FHEQ Level 4 Electives

  

3 Year Pathway Entry Requirements

A Level: 3 C’s or equivalent*

*All other equivalent eligible transfer credits will be determined by Admissions.

4 Year Pathway Entry Requirements

A Level: 96 UCAS points

US High School Diploma (or equivalent): 2.5 GPA minimum (on 4.0 scale)

International Baccalaureate: 24 IB points (year 1) BTEC National Diploma: MMM.

Completion of Year 12-13 International equivalent secondary school qualification with a minimum grade average of grade of C including mathematics and English

English Language Requirements (Non Native English Speakers)

Qualification

Undergraduate

Validity Period

IELTS (Academic)

5.5 with 5.5 in Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing

2 Years

TOEFL IBT

72 with 17 Listening, 18 in Reading, 17 Writing, 20 Speaking

2 Years

Pearson Test of English

51 with 51 in each component

2 Years

First, Advanced, Proficiency – taken after January 2015

162 overall (no less than 162 in each component)

No Expiry

Cambridge First: Advantage, Proficiency – taken before January 2015

Cambridge First: Grade B overall (No less than B in any component)

No Expiry
 

Cambridge Advanced: Grade C (no less than C in any component) less than C in any component)

No Expiry
 

Cambridge Proficiency: Level C1 certificate

No Expiry

How to apply

You apply directly using the Common Application ($50.00) or the Richmond online Application. In order to submit your application you will need the following information

  • Details of your education history, including the dates of all exams/assessments
  • The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic copy of your academic reference
  • A personal statement – this can either be emailed as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online
  • An electronic copy of your in process or completed high school (secondary school) transcript and graduation certificate

When to apply

We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you are completing your undergraduate programme of study. In this case you will be offered a place that is conditional on successfully completing a specified qualification and English language qualification if applicable. If you would like your application to be considered for a Richmond bursary, an early application is strongly recommended

Application process

Admission is by interview unless you live outside the UK when we may interview you via Skype or by telephone. We may also determine your suitability on the basis of their application and qualifications alone. Find out more about applying.

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UCAS Course Code

3 year pathway

RU03

4 year pathway

NP52
  • The programme is recognised in the US via our MSCHE accreditation.
  • The programme is currently validated in the UK by The Open University.
  • Major
  • Minor
  • US Federal Aid is available
  • SFE loans currently awaiting designation.

Full Time 3-4 Years

Including one year at QCF Level 3
(subject to credit transfer)

Contact our admissions team for more details:
admissions@richmond.ac.uk

Please note: Non US students are eligible

Useful Links

Programme Specification
How to apply
Scholarships
Careers & Internships

Related programmes

BA Degree in Communications: Media Studies

BA Degree in Communications: Advertising & PR

Postgraduate Prospectus

What our students say…

I am currently studying full time (all four years) for a BA in Communications: Marketing and Public Relations. Choosing Richmond was an easy choice for me as the class sizes and the community feel was exactly what I was looking for from my university experience. I have had the best three and a half years and am grateful for my time at Richmond. During my time at Richmond, I have had the opportunity to have fantastic lecturers that are professional, fun and extremely knowledgeable on their subjects, which is incredibly encouraging for my future.

The location of the university was very important for me and I am so grateful to be able to experience both Richmond and Kensington (central London) as this is something unique to the university. Being able to graduate with both a UK and a US degree is a bonus. The liberal arts structure benefitted me and prepared me for a well rounded education and I wouldn’t change that experience whatsoever.

I graduated from Richmond in 2009 with a BA in Communications. I went on to further study at the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies where I graduated with an MA in Japanese Cinema Studies. After graduation, I took a position that I was over qualified for because I knew the organisation I was working for would help me develop a better professional network in the long run.

I chose to study at Richmond because of the opportunity for an International experience while obtaining an American Degree. During my time at Richmond, Prof. Alex Seago became one of my favourite lecturers. I enjoyed his ability to explain anything about the world in a fifty minute lecture.

Richmond prepared me for my career path because it helped me see things from the bigger picture. Living and studying abroad is a must-have experience because it provides the opportunity to see beyond the perspective of your home country. Richmond is a perfect place to do so because it surrounds you with like-minded individuals from around the globe.

I would like to advise current students to seize all opportunities available to you even if they aren’t in your immediate career goals. You may never know when you will get a second chance.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to study in a culturally diverse atmosphere, where you will get an amazing and rich educational experience, then Richmond is the place for you.

I graduated from Richmond in 2003 with a BA in Communications. While studying for my degree, Richmond also offered an internship program in which I was able to participate in. This internship helped pave the way for me to start interviewing with a portfolio for my first job right out of University.

My time at Richmond allowed me to become more confident as a student. Likewise, my teachers in my communications classes were so knowledgeable that I actually looked forward to job hunting without any anxiety. Dr. Will Brooker was one of my professors who made learning infectious.

Reflecting on my experience at Richmond, I would advise students to take time to intern and intern for a while. Really find your groove and try out what you think you want to do. Aim to have a portfolio together before you graduate and be confident in the work that you put into it. It’s the easiest way to land a job right after graduation and shows employers that you are serious about your craft and working for them.

Richmond is a wonderful experience!

Where to find us

Richmond Hill Campus

Queen’s Road
Richmond-upon-Thames
TW10 6JP
England

+44 (0) 208 332 8200 (Main Switchboard)