BA (Hons) · University of Sunderland Advertising and Design
Where bold ideas meet brilliant design.
Turn Bold Ideas into Brilliant Design.
Advertising and design is where creativity meets strategy. This degree gives you the industry connections, real briefs and portfolio to build campaigns that move people.
Programme Details
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3 Years
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University of Sunderland
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Full-time (3+0)
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January, June, August
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Coursework & Examinations
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R/213/6/0111(FA2674)03/28
Future Careers
High-impact creativity. Limitless possibilities. Advertising and design is one of the fastest-evolving creative industries. This programme puts you in front of that demand.
Core Roles
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Art Director
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Creative Designer
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Copywriter
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Digital Creative Manager
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Advertising Manager
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Brand Strategist
Strategic Roles
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Creative Technologist
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Creative Director
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Brand Consultant
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Creative Entrepreneur
Why This Programme Matters
The Reality
- Brands need original creatives who can cut through a content-saturated world.
- University of the Year shortlist (2021, THE) and University of the Year for Social Inclusion (Times / Sunday Times).
- University of Sunderland — ranked 27th Best University in the United Kingdom.
- 92% of graduates achieve a First or Second Class (Honours).
The Education
Work on live briefs and real campaigns from day one, the way creative teams do.
- Brand storytelling and art direction that move audiences.
- Campaigns across print, digital, social, video and experiential platforms.
- Collaborative team projects mirroring agency environments.
- Industrial training connecting study to industry expectations.
The Creative Technology Advantage
Master professional tools and emerging technology shaping modern campaigns.
- Industry-standard design and production tools.
- Digital and social campaign platforms.
- Augmented reality, virtual reality and AI-assisted creative tools.
- Responsible, audience-first and ethical creative practice.
Why It Stands Out
- Think like a creative and a strategist — the combination agencies want.
- Graduate with a professional portfolio, not just a transcript.
- Learn through live briefs and real projects from the start.
Graduate Ready
Leave with a UK degree, a professional portfolio and the confidence to step into the industry.
Course Modules
- Advertising and Marketing Communications
- Computer Graphics
- Media History
- New Media Studies
- Photography
- Film Fundamentals
- Media Ethics
- Motion Graphics
- Print Journalism
- Public Relations Practices
- Communication in the Globalised World
- Creative Communication
- Online Marketing
- Popular Culture
- Writing for the Media
- Introduction to Social Media A
- Research Methods
- Advertising Practice, The Book 2
- Society and Contemporary Issues in the Digital Age
- Creative Team Campaigns
- Design Research Project
- In-Company Practical Training
- Major Project: The Creative Direction
- Major Project 2: The Negotiated Brief
- Major Project 3: The Creative Competition
- Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisation (Malaysian Students) / Malay Communication 2 (International Students)
- Philosophy and Current Issues
- Integrity and Anti-Corruption
- New Venture Creation
- Community Service
- National Language A (for students without a Credit in Bahasa Melayu SPM)
The Creative Learning Experience
The entire experience is built around studio practice, real briefs and industry readiness.
How You Learn
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Studio-Based Practice
Learn the way agencies work, on live briefs.
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Live Project Labs
Build real campaigns across all three years.
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Personalised Critique
One-to-one mentorship to sharpen your voice.
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Portfolio-Led Assessment
Judged on campaigns and projects, not just exams.
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Professional Readiness
Pitching, project management and collaboration.
Industry Projects & Certifications
Real briefs. Recognised credentials. Career advantage. Work on real challenges from IACT’s network of creative and media partners. A creative communication specialist since 1970, IACT brings working practitioners onto campus.
Industry-Standard Tools
Adobe Creative Cloud — Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and After Effects — plus modern design and motion tools.
Tools
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- After Effects
Embedded Creative Credentials
- Recognised microcredentials and certifications built into the learning experience.
Career Outcomes
Our graduates are creative-ready and in demand from day one.
Opportunities span agencies, studios, media and production, in-house brand teams and creative ventures across the region.
Career Pathways: Wide-open opportunities across agencies, brands, media and consultancies; a globally recognised UK degree.
Progression Pathways: Continue to a Master’s at Sunderland or elsewhere, or step straight into industry.
- Art DirectorLead the look, feel and impact of campaigns.
- Creative DesignerBuild visual assets that communicate and convert.
- CopywriterCraft headlines and messaging that move people.
- Creative TechnologistWork with AR, VR and AI-driven campaigns.
- Digital Creative ManagerCreate thumb-stopping digital content.
- Advertising ManagerLead campaign direction and results.
- Brand StrategistDefine positioning, voice and direction.
Student Experience
Join a creative community focused on making bold work.
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Creative Studios
Professional studio and production facilities.
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Live Competitions
Real briefs and contests from industry partners.
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Student Communities
Peers across design, advertising, photography and film.
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Global Exposure
Competitions, exchanges and industry visits.
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Industry Mentorship
Guidance from working creatives.
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Campus Life
Events and a culture built for makers.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following:
- Two A-Level passes, or equivalent.
- Five credits in SPM or IGCSE, or equivalent.
- A recognised Foundation or Diploma qualification.
- Any other equivalent qualification recognised by the University.
Note: Trial Examination and Forecast results are accepted.
Assessment: Coursework and examinations — campaigns, projects, presentations and practical work.
Fees & Financing
Programme Fees
- Year 1RM23,600
- Year 2RM23,600
- Year 3RM24,800
- Resource FeeRM1,000 / year
- Year 1RM28,600
- Year 2RM28,600
- Year 3RM29,800
- Resource FeeRM1,000 / year
Merit-based scholarships, the DHM Bursary, PTPTN and government loans, plus flexible instalment plans. Full details via the admissions team.
Speak to a Future Advisor
Advertising is storytelling, influence, culture and impact. This degree gives you the mindset, skills and courage to build campaigns that matter.
Ready to create magic? Speak to a future advisor at IACT.