The Post-Graduate 'Root'

Post-Graduate Courses  (MA)

Most budding Art Directors and Copy Writers then tend to then go on and take a year-long Masters Postgraduate course in ‘Creative Advertising’ or ‘Copywriting and Art Direction’ at Universities or Colleges. Some of the best are listed below:

Falmouth

http://www.falmouth.ac.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=75&Itemid=303

West Herts

http://www.tonycullingham.com/

SCA

http://schoolcommunicationarts.com/

Napier

http://www.courses.napier.ac.uk/W54705.htm

It is here that students work on briefs for real products to build up their portfolio with the aim of securing a Creative Placement on graduation. It is often here where creative partnerships are formed. (although there are organizations such as ‘The Book Club’ (see http://www.nabs.org.uk/career_management.htm or ‘D&AD Talent Pool’ who help ‘matchmake’ creative teams if you fail to meet a suitable partner at university or college) (Source:IPA.com)

Becoming a Creative God-The Undergrad edition...

How to become an Art Director

Traditionally most Art Directors have studied an Art-based BA degree such as ‘Graphics’ or ‘Design’. Typically these sorts of degrees often have Advertising based units within them.

To achieve entry onto a degree course such as this students will most likely have studied Art at A Level  or a Art BTEC, and then gone on to take a one year ‘Art Foundation’ course. It is here where students produce a portfolio on which their BA course entry will be judged. For a list of Foundation courses please see http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/beforeyouapply/artanddesign/foundationcourses/

A BA degree typically lasts 3 years with some including a  4th year in working in industry. These years can be a useful time to get Advertising based experience, contacts and refine their portfolio for a possible MA admittance or employment straight after graduation.

How to become a Copy Writer

Most copy writers tend to have studied English at A Level and a 3 year BA such as English or Creative writing before going on to do a ‘Creative Advertising’ or ‘Art Direction and ‘Copywriting’ MA. However an English degree is not essential; many copywriters come from degrees as diverse as Law and Biochemistry. But to gain entry on to a Postgraduate course you must display relevant academic and professional experience.(Source:IPA.com)