This module aims:
To introduce the basic constructs of marketing communications.
To critically explore the ways in which marketing communications can be integrated.
To critically appraise transnational and global perspectives in marketing communications.
To critically evaluate the various theories of communication and IMC.
To examine different perspectives on the production and consumption of advertising and marketing communications.
To critically examine the IMC planning process.
To assess the ways in which the various elements of the promotional mix can be integrated.
To critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various forms of marketing communications.
To examine various positioning and communications strategies
To review the key theoretical and conceptual issues in different sub-areas of IMC and marketing communications.

(LO1) Students will be able to critically evaluate the strategic role of marketing communications

(LO2) Students will be able to examine the potential range of IMC activities and current trends in IMC

(LO3) Students will be able to clearly link the theoretical perspectives around IMC to the theories of communication

(LO4) Students will be able to analyse the processes by which marketing communications can be (dis)integrated and the impact this (dis)integration has on the effectiveness of communications and marketing.

(LO5) Students will be able to evaluate and discuss the academic debates that surround the production and consumption of advertising and marketing communications.

(LO6) Students will be able to critically apply different strategies for planning and managing international IMC campaigns

(LO7) Students will be able to present the academic debates that surround the ethical implications of marketing communications

(S1) Commercial awareness

(S2) Teamwork

(S3) Communication skills

(S4) International awareness

(S5) IT skills

(S6) Organisational skills

Teaching Method – Lecture
Description: These will be two hour sessions where key concepts will be explained and developed. Initial reading will be specified for these lecturers which will allow students to attend the lecture session with a good understanding of the basic concepts. These will be further developed and supported with current examples in lectures.
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method - Seminar
Description: These run every other week. The focus of the seminars is to provide students with active learning activities  which  develop  understanding of the content (e.g. present case study answers), including processes for developing an IMC plan to address the group assessment. Time will be made available in seminars to give individual students groups one to one feedback on the progress of their assessment and pla ns to present the group’s work.
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method : Group Study
Scheduled Student Hours: 12
Attendance recorded: No

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 108
Description: During self-directed learning hours students will be expected to engage with the recommended weekly online learning material on key content, weekly readings, prepare for their seminars, undertake weekly learning activities set online (e.g. quizzes, viewing resources e.g. links, resources, media), develop their group assessment work and also review the national and local media for examples of good and poor IMC practice in action. Readings will be specified which will allow students to build on the lecture session and develop a good understanding of the basic concepts. The development of a portfolio of examples, as well as academic literature, during self-directed learning will help students revise of exams as well as contextualise the IMC theory they are taught in lectures.

Skills/Other Attributes Mapping

Skills / attributes: Communication skills
How this is developed: Seminars and assessment. Students develop communication skills during seminar activities involving discussion and presentation tasks. Students also develop this skill by collaborating within a group to develop project ideas and to deliver an engaging presentation.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Presentation

Skills / attributes: Teamwork
How this is developed Seminars and assessment. Students work within groups and engage in discussions to progress with project plans and deliver on an assessed task.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Presentation

Skills / attributes: Commercial awareness
How this is developed: Seminars and lectures. Learning session topics and activities link subject ma tter with relevant IMC trends and industry examples.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Written Examination

Skills / attributes: International awareness
How this is developed: A global perspective on integrated marketing communications will be taken, using examples to illustrate. Attention will be paid to the internationalisation of IMC campaigns.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Presentation & Written Examination

Skills / attributes: IT skills
How this is developed: Students will be required to conduct extensive research using the internet and will be required to deliver a presentation, using PowerPoint or similar.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Presentation

Skills / attributes: Organisational skills
How this is developed: Students will prepare a group assessment, working to a deadline. Students will also be required to prepare for an exam, requiring them to organise their time and materials.
Mode of assessment (if applicab le): Presentation & Written Examination

The following topics will form the core elements of teaching in this module:
1.  Integrated marketing communications defined
2.  The integrated marketing communications mix
3.  Communications theory and buyer behaviour
4.  Understanding the structure of the marketing communications industry
5.  Understanding the media industry
6.  Ethics in marketing communications
7.  Marketing communications planning and evaluation
8. Changing communications environment
9.  International and global perspectives in marketing communications
10. Revision