The Programme

The Boston University Graduate Mass Communication Programme in London combines an internship with related coursework. The first six weeks are spent taking two core courses. In the last six weeks, students work four day weeks in their internships and complete a directed study for a total of 16 Boston University credits. All courses are offered at the graduate level.

Academics

During the first six weeks, students are enrolled in the following two courses:

COM CM 738 Global Marketing Communication (Tobe Berkovitz and Otto Lerbinger)
The course focuses on nationality, branding, international distribution, sales promotion, advertising, public relations and intercultural marketing. Students analyse case studies of the practical issues and decision areas in the management of marketing in a multinational context. After examining the 4 Ps, the tactics of integrated marketing communication, such as advertising pubic relations and sales promotion, are explored. Included are the use of digital media, the Internet, viral marketing and blogs.

COM CM 744 International Political and Media Systems (Alexander MacLeod)
The course will focus on international political and media systems from two related standpoints; first, the description, analysis and comparison of political systems in Europe and the Americas, and second a consideration of how political and media systems interact to produce national and international policies. In a 24/7 global news environment, politics and the media are becoming increasingly interdependent and are creating challenges for professionals in both fields.

During the last six weeks, students are enrolled in the following:

COM CM 809 Graduate Internship
Students work four or five days a week, for six weeks, in journalism; advertising or public relations agencies; in corporate marketing or public relations departments; or other communications organizations. Graded final analysis paper is required.

Placements are contingent on the student’s past experience and available opportunities in any given summer, so flexibility is essential. Recent graduate internship placements have included Fleischman-Hillard UK, Elizabeth Arden, Cohn & Wolfe and Reuters UK.

COM CM 909 Thesis or Project Research
The type of graduate project selected will depend on the major and academic focus of each student. COM students will write a thesis or complete a professional project. IR/COM and IR students will write a major research paper. All students will receive 4 credits for this Thesis or Project Research.

Student Experience

“I really enjoyed learning from Tobe & Otto- I am only sad we didn’t have more time.” Anon., Summer 2008

"I thoroughly enjoyed the professors, the class content and the field trips. A nice, overall, intergrated introduction to Global Marketing Communication." Anon., Summer 2007

"This course was interesting. Prof Lerbinger is an amazing professor I just wish we had more time with him. A great course to end the Summer program with." Anon., Summer 2006

Staff Contact

If you have any queries about the Graduate Mass Comminications Programme please contact Sarah Farrow.