Advertising & Creativity - Conversion Course - Aungier Street

What is Advertising and Creativity?

The MSc in Advertising and Creativity is a full-time programme with flexible pathways, designed to deliver the best practice-focused and research informed experience for our students. Graduates of the course will have the skills, knowledge and attributes required for innovation, creativity, and practical problem solving.



The MSc in Advertising and Creativity is aimed at business and non-business graduates aspiring to a career in the advertising, communications and related creative industries.



Why Study Advertising and Creativity?

• Learn the Tools of the Trade-Students gain a deep understanding of emerging technologies, strategy, creativity, and leadership.



• Be in High Demand - Advertising and Creativity Graduates are highly skilled, work-ready and in high demand in the creative industries.



• Enjoy Diverse Work Opportunities - Advertising and Creativity graduates can take their skills to any location or industry, with graduates working for leading creative companies in Ireland and internationally.



• Be Close to Industry - In addition to work placement, students participate in corporate visits, hear from industry speakers and are involved in real life company projects- leaving our graduates work ready.



• Increase your Learning and Performance Capabilities - it is proven that smaller class sizes result in more individual attention, increased participation and better communication between student and lecturer.



• Enjoy City Life - a mere two minute walk from St. Stephens Green, the Luas and all main bus routes, TU Dublin Aungier Street is truly in the heart of Dublin city.



Overview

Participants on this programme are empowered to determine their own learning pathway, with flexibility to choose their electives modules and capstone project. This enables our learners to experience their education through diverse and innovative modes of engagement and take charge of their own learning journey. Our participants also share modules with the MSc Digital and Content Marketing students, facilitating community building, networking and collaboration opportunities.



This course is delivered over three semesters. Semesters One and Two are taught but with a strong emphasis on self-directed learning and in particular require engagement with both the seminal and current Marketing Communications and Advertising literature. Semester Three is a combination of self-directed research, authentic assessment, and portfolio preparation. The underlying philosophy is to provide a diverse and challenging range of learning experiences in which students explore an appropriate body of knowledge. Delivery methods involve lectures from a unique mix of both academic staff and key industry practitioners.



Semester One

Semester One runs over 12 weeks. Students take four core modules: Creative Thinking, Communications Strategy Development and Effectiveness, Critical Consumption Studies, and Professional Development. In addition, students select one core pathway (Business Research Methods or Portfolio Pathway) and may take two elective modules from the following: User Experience Design, Copy and Content, Digital Analytics, Sustainability Leadership, or Behavioural Economics.



Semester Two

In Semester Two (9 weeks), students take three core modules: Current Issues in Advertising and Marketing Communications, Marketing Technology (MarTech), and Media Planning. They then choose three elective modules from: Design Thinking and Remote Collaboration, Art Direction, Copywriting, Production, and Client Leadership. The semester concludes with a two-week internship.



Semester Three

Semester Three begins with the SHOWCASE project (5 ECTS), where students work on a live company brief and present their work to an industry audience.



The semester concludes with the Capstone Project (20 ECTS). Students may choose one of three pathways: a traditional Dissertation, a Creative Portfolio, or a Consultancy Project. This final element allows learners to specialise in their chosen area of practice and produce a substantial body of work to support their career aspirations.

Module Listing

Year One

Semester 1

Communications Strategy, Development and Effectiveness [Mandatory]

Creative Thinking [Mandatory]

Critical Consumption Studies [Mandatory]

Professional Development [Mandatory]

Showcase [Mandatory]

Advertising and Creativity Consultancy Project [Elective]

Behavioural Economics [Elective]

Business Research Methods [Elective]

Copy and Content [Elective]

Creative Portfolio [Elective]

Digital Analytics [Elective]

Dissertation [Elective]

Portfolio Pathway [Elective]

Sustainability Leadership [Elective]

User Experience Design [Elective]



Semester 2

Media Planning [Mandatory]

Current Issues in Advertising and Marketing Communications [Mandatory]

Marketing Technology [Mandatory]

Client Leadership [Elective]

Art Direction [Elective]

Copy Writing [Elective]

Production [Elective]

Design Thinking & Remote Collaboration [Elective]

Minimum Entry Requirements?

Minimum second class honours bachelor degree (2.2 or higher) in any discipline or equivalent third level qualification. Candidates are asked to submit a personal statement in video format which the programme coordinator will assess. Videos should be no longer than 5 minutes (max) and can be submitted as supplemental information on the application portal. For your video statement, tell us your story and why you want to join our MSc in Advertising and Creativity programme. Be as creative as you dare! You will be notified of the outcome of your application within two weeks.



** If you do not yet have your final degree results this will not hinder your application as we are happy to issue conditional offer letters in such circumstances.



If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this programme should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6.5 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.



Note: Due to the considerable competition for our postgraduate courses satisfying the minimum entry requirement is not a guarantee of a place. Depending on the course of study applications will be assessed based on your academic grades and may also take into account your work/life experience. Applicants may also be required to attend for interview.

Applications for full-time and some part-time postgraduate programmes commencing in September 2026 are now open. Applications for the remaining part-time programmes will open in February 2026. Please check individual course pages for application details.

During semester three (June - September), students work independently in researching and writing a dissertation which normally accounts for circa one third of the marks for the course overall. This is a self-directed learning module that is reported in a final Dissertation. The research and learning process attached to this module will address an advertising related problem or issue.

1 year full-time, on campus delivery.



Schedule

Participants will take 7 modules in semester one, 6 modules in semester two, and undertake a self-directed capstone project in semester three. There are normally circa 20 to 25 contact hours per week in semester one, and circa 15 contact hours per week in semester two. The work-placement aspect of this course takes place for 2 weeks in semester two. Given the intensive nature of a one-year taught Masters' programme, and the fact that subjects are new, students are advised to keep a clear working week, and to minimize other commitments in order to participate in the course.

Commencement Date: September 2026.

What are my career opportunities?

There is a demand for graduates of this course as they are equipped to work in creative, connected, collaborative advertising and communications practice and related industries. Some of the opportunities available are roles in client leadership, copy and content writing, art direction, strategic planning, and media planning.



Account Manager

Strategic Planner

Marketing Executive

Account Director

Creative Technologist

Client Leadership Manager

Art Director

Designer

Social Media Manager

Junior Planner

Media Planner

Communications Executive

Digital Producer

Business Manager

Project Manager

Copy and Content writer

Copywriter

Project Lead