The world is full of wonders and creative people.

Sometimes the wonders of the world astound people, and other times people astound the world. One such marvel is the art of persuasion and the artists are none other than the advertisers. This specific skill set may be acquired through academic study, which can also assist future advertisers in creating their ultimate tool.

The biggest challenge is deciding which academic course to pursue in a forest full of universities and courses. I am Manya, a student at Bournemouth University studying MA in Advertising. In this blog, we will discuss what are course accreditations, the accreditations that Bournemouth University offers for its MA Advertising programme, and how these accreditations will benefit students and their careers as an advertiser.

Picture of classroom

Accreditation 101

Course accreditation is the process of evaluating and approving educational programs or courses offered by universities, colleges, or other institutions.

In the UK, there are several agencies that are responsible for accrediting academic programs and courses, such as the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the Office for Students (OfS), and professional bodies like the Engineering Council, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Course accreditation is important because it provides assurance to students and employers that the course or program meets specific standards of quality and relevance. Accreditation ensures that the educational institution has the necessary resources, faculty, and infrastructure to deliver the program effectively and efficiently and that the program meets the needs of students and the industry.

Navigating MA Advertising Course Accreditation

The UK has branches of distinct courses to offer in a jungle full of universities. I chose mine based on the accreditations and course modules. I found the course at BU focused on developing students’ understanding of the strategic and creative aspects of advertising and how to apply them in real-world situations. In just 6 months I have learned to develop my critical thinking and analytical skills, allowing me to evaluate advertising campaigns and make informed decisions.

The MA Advertising course at Bournemouth University is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), which is the world’s leading professional marketing body. This means that the course has been independently assessed and meets the high standards set by the CIM.

In addition, Bournemouth University is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), which is an international organization that promotes higher education and research excellence across the Commonwealth.

Lastly, BU offers its students the opportunity to prepare for the IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) Foundation Certificate, which covers the fundamentals of advertising and is widely recognized by the industry. IPA exam costs £200+VAT for members and £ 500+VAT for non-members but is complimentary for students of MA Advertising at Bournemouth University.

Accreditation by the CIM and the reputation of Bournemouth University ensure that the MA Advertising course meets the highest academic and professional standards and that students will receive a high-quality education that employers in the advertising industry value. It also provides students with access to a wide range of resources and opportunities, such as industry events, networking opportunities, and professional development programs.

Students observing a lesson

To conclude, accreditation can impact students’ future career prospects by providing them with a recognized qualification valued by employers. Employers may give preference to candidates who have graduated from accredited programs because they know that the graduates have received a quality education and have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job. However, it’s important to consider the reputation of the accrediting agency when evaluating the value of accreditation.