Dorcas
Agedah

Dorcas studied MSc Advertising and Marketing Communications at Nottingham Business School.

Why NTU?

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I was searching for a university that offered more than just marketing, I wanted a programme that truly captured the depth of Public Relations and that’s exactly what I found in NTU’s Advertising and Marketing communications. Their course structure really stood out to me, aligning perfectly with my career goals and giving me a deeper understanding of PR with a touch of marketing. Another big plus was their option for a placement year, which is rare for Masters programmes. NTU is one of the few universities that offer this opportunity. The CIM accreditation offered at the end of the degree was another key factor that caught my attention.

What has stood out about Nottingham Business School?

The supportive and strong network/community of resourceful alumni at NBS. NBS focuses on giving students practical skills and real-world business exposure. Participating in NBS’ industry mentorship was a big career boost. Mr. Fairchild, an NTU alumnus, helped me identify my strengths and find my career voice. We revamped my LinkedIn profile and worked on making me industry-ready, which was especially helpful as I was adapting to a new market as an international student. The skills I gained helped me stand out and feel more confident during interviews.

How would you rate the course facilities and why?

NTU provides quality course facilities, with the library being a real standout. It offers access to a huge range of research journals, academic materials and the support from the staff is commendable. Being able to access the library resources from anywhere made studying very convenient. NTU is committed to making learning accessible for everyone, including those with disabilities. The classrooms are accessible for all with good interactive tools. The school also provided software that were super helpful for enhancing my learning experience. As for study spaces, the study cubes at Belgrave quickly became one of my favourite spots to work on assessments and block out the noise.

What is your favourite thing about your course?

Studying Advertising and Marketing Communications was an amazing journey that really opened my eyes to creative problem-solving. It pushed me to think outside the box and build my own box when needed. The curriculum was perfectly aligned with current market trends, giving me valuable insights and practical applications that are essential in today’s fast-paced world.

Discussing case studies and developing campaign strategies was a highlight for me, I learned how to think on my feet and sharpen my presentation skills. Applying the knowledge gained to real-life scenarios, along with engaging in insightful classroom debates, made the learning experience dynamic and exciting. There was never a dull moment!

Have you had the option to personalise your course? How has this benefitted your studies?

In our creative marketing course, my teammates and I were tasked with analysing the campaign tactics and integration strategies employed in public relations campaigns. We selected the "Keep the Grey" campaign, which addressed ageism against women in the workplace and was executed by the renowned PR agency Edelman. Our discussions delved deeply into the campaign's strategy and its global impact. The insights I gained from this analysis proved invaluable during my interview with Edelman, where I was able to articulate a comprehensive understanding of this campaign and other notable initiatives by their client, Dove. This knowledge ultimately helped me secure a job offer with the agency.

I also took advantage of opportunities to personalise my learning experience. In my role as a part-time content creator for the School of Social Sciences, I developed a marketing plan that drew on the frameworks I learned in class. Additionally, during my placement, I applied those classroom concepts to real-world projects within my organisation, ensuring that my coursework was both practical and impactful.

Can you tell us a bit about your placement?

For my placement, I am currently working as a Marketing and Communications Officer at Cool Farm a non-profit membership organisation driving the transition to regenerative agriculture. I have really enjoyed working with the team and applying my knowledge in campaign strategy/planning and stakeholder management. This role has given me the chance to develop creative solutions and craft impactful narratives for our audience.

Being able to put classroom concepts like stakeholder mapping, storytelling and strategic thinking into real practice has been incredibly rewarding. I have also had the opportunity to build a strong professional network and gain practical experience that’s preparing me well for my future career.