Promotional Media: PR, Advertising and Branding

This programme will give you a theoretical and practical insight into today's media landscape, driven by the growing industries of advertising, branding, and PR.

Why study BA Promotional Media: PR, Advertising and Branding at Goldsmiths

• Rated third in the UK by the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2024), you'll study in one of the top media, communications and cultural studies departments in the world.

• You’ll explore the relationship between new technology, consumer culture and promotional practices in a changing media landscape.

• You’ll discover how different media such as art and video relate to promotional media, and examine the development of promotional media in both historical and contemporary contexts.

• This degree is interdisciplinary, and you'll evaluate the impact of promotional activity culturally, sociologically economically and politically.

• Thanks to our strong links with industry, you'll have the opportunity to complete a work placement and develop skills to help with your future career.

• You’ll balance theoretical learning with practical skills through the production of creative work.

• You’ll learn in small groups from industry experts in media, communications, brand, advertising and more. Our series of talks and debates from world-renowned guest lectures will enrich your academic experience.

• You’ll benefit from studying in one of the world’s greatest centres for media – London – and have the chance to visit media organisations to further your knowledge.

• Inclusivity and engagement are guiding principles within the Department and we aim to take our students' lived experience into account. We’ve strived to decolonise our teaching both intellectually and culturally.

Year 1
In your first year, you will produce a written portfolio, design your own website and become versed in promotional media and marketing theory.
You'll complete the following compulsory modules:
Introduction to Promotional Media: Histories, Contexts, Theories
Introduction to Marketing
Writing For The Media
Media Arts
Culture and Cultural Studies
Web Design

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll work to live promotional briefs, and develop visual storytelling through moving images and photography.
You'll complete the following compulsory modules:
The Promotional Industries: Convergence and The Digital
Visual Storytelling
Understanding Advertising
Creative Collaborations

You'll also complete 1 or 2 option modules (30 credits) from a list provided annually by the department. Option modules may include the following:
The Goldsmiths Elective
The Goldsmiths Project
Future of Media Work
Television and After
Media, Memory and Conflict
The Neoliberal Self and Society
Moving Image Spectatorship
Psychology, Subjectivity and Power
Media, Modernity and Social Thought
Journalism and Society

Year 3
In your final year, you’ll undertake work experience and develop your own promotional campaign.
You'll complete the following compulsory modules:
Visualising and Analysing Data
Work Placement
Final Project

You'll also complete 2 to 4 option modules (60 credits) from a list provided annually by the department. Option modules may include the following:
Structure of Contemporary Political Communications
Race, Empire and Nation
Music as Communication and Creative Practice
Contemporary Feminist Media Cultures
Digital Audiovisual Media: New Aesthetics and Practices
Theorising Celebrity
Political Economy of the Media
Embodiment and Experience
Promotional Culture
Politics of the Audiovisual
Social Media in Everyday Life: A global perspective
Mediating Violence: Feminist, Queer, Decolonial Perspectives
Virtual and immersive media experience
Race and Technology
Photo-journalism
Arts and Fashion Journalism
Tutored Personal Research

*Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework assignments such as extended essays, reports, presentations, practice-based projects or essays/logs, group projects and reflective essays.