Master of Arts in Advertising Communications

The MA in Advertising Communications is a new, pioneering program for Greece that meets the growing industry demand for trained professionals in the art, science, and practice of advertising. It is an advanced program of study which artfully bridges up-to-date theoretical knowledge with the practical skills required by the industry. The program adopts a 360º, holistic view of advertising theory and practice, uniquely balancing its creative and strategic planning sides.

The curriculum structure provides students with a well-rounded, advertising foundation through core courses, while it simultaneously offers participants the flexibility to tailor the program to their individual preferences, diverse academic backgrounds, and career aspirations by choosing from a list of electives in two specialization areas: advertising strategy and planning or advertising creativity.

• Duration: One year (full-time) or up to three years (part-time).
• Number of Courses: 11 courses (33 US credits).
• Attendance: Classes run Monday to Thursday, from 18:30-21:30. Fridays are reserved for make-up classes and other academic activities, such as master classes, workshops, lectures, and talks.
• Admission points: New students are admitted at the start of the fall, winter, and spring terms.

Unique Program Features

• NECHE Accreditation
• Innovative curriculum incorporating LEGO Serious Play workshop™
• Hands-on practice, including an advertising boot camp with a live brief
• Flexibility to customize career path through the choice of electives: creative vs strategic planning.
• Learn from the best: experienced faculty who combine academic research, rigor, and practical expertise
• Internship option

The MA in Advertising Communications is designed for graduates from all disciplines, as well as communication industry professionals, who are interested in starting or advancing their career in advertising either from an agency, media or client perspective.

Required Courses

• Advertising Theories
• Advertising in Context
• Campaign Strategy & Planning
• Brand Communication
• Creativity & Ideation
• Research Methods in Advertising
• The Practitioner’s Kit

or

• Internship in Advertising

Elective Courses* (choose 3 from the list)

Concentration Area 1: Advertising Strategy & Planning

• Media Planning
• Digital Advertising
• Account Handling
• One free elective from the other Communication programs

Concentration Area 2: Creative Advertising

• Copywriting
• Art Direction
• Digital Media Production
• Brand Identity Design

Students may choose one elective from any of the other graduate communication programs upon approval of the graduate program coordinator.

*Electives are offered on a rotating basis during the academic year.

Capstone Project or Thesis

Capstone Project in Advertising
or
Thesis in Advertising
or
Portfolio in Advertising

Upon successful completion of this program, participants should be able to:

• Explain advertising theories and concepts from the social, ethical, and industry perspectives
• Develop advertising campaign strategies and plans by applying relevant theories and concepts
• Use data and information to solve advertising problems and produce solutions
• Generate novel insights, creative concepts, and ideas for advertising theory or practice
• Design and conduct appropriate research for advertising
• Evaluate the effectiveness of advertising campaigns
• Communicate effectively in oral and in writing
• Demonstrate effective client service skills

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in full-service advertising agencies, specializing in strategic planning, account handling, or creative roles; they can also find employment opportunities in media and creative agencies or assume advertising and communication-related roles in the communication/marketing departments of large organizations. Employment options include positions in companies specialized in branding & design, production, integrated communications, media, and entertainment.

Deree graduate students receive support from the Office of Career Services, which helps them connect with the 50,000 ACG alumni around the globe, expand their professional network, and gain access to various job positions. Our graduate students and alumni may also benefit from the Alba Graduate Business School Services, including career coaching, participation in career events and workshops, participation in the Alba annual career forum, one-to-one career advice sessions, and a direct mail list for job posts and career advice.