Assessment and Module Summary

Most modules are assessed by written assignment and some by a combination of assignment and examination. Some programmes also include projects and group work. For the Masters stage, you will complete a 10,000 to 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of particular interest to you. 

Compulsory Modules 

Compulsory modules will normally include: 

Introduction to Research Methods: Answering Questions with Evidence 

This module provides an introduction to some of the principal tools of social research in preparation for the dissertation. 

Interpersonal Communication 

This module considers conversational implicature, speech act theory, frames and footing, politeness, conversation analysis and conversational style. 

Marketing 

This module provides you with a comprehensive framework for understanding the contextual, strategic and operational issues of marketing, and develops your ability to link theory with practice. Theory and case studies are used to analyse environmental conditions, marketplace trends, market characteristics, consumer behaviour, marketing strategy, marketing planning, tactics and operations, and the growing influence of technology. 

International Marketing Management 

This module will provide you with a comprehensive initiation into the theory, concepts, issues and practice of international marketing. The module identifies processes, contexts and influences associated with international marketing strategies. It develops your appreciation of strategies and plans for different economies and of the implications, monitoring and control of the international marketing process. 

Marketing Communications 

This module introduces the theory and practice of marketing communications (Marcoms) in an international context. You will cover the management of marketplace trends, strategic and operational objectives, and planning and implementation of marketing communications practice in a global setting. 

Strategy 

This module will provide you with a theoretical and practical understanding of corporate strategy as an interdisciplinary activity, within the context of a competitive market economy, leading to corporate decision making. 

Optional Modules 

Optional modules will normally include: 

Eating Cultures: Food, Taste and Consumption 

You will explore food, taste and eating in relation to issues of national identity, culture and globalisation in the contemporary world. 

Global Diversity in Language and Communication 

This module investigates the ideological, social and historical bases of communication that shape today’s globalised world.

Globalisation, Communication and Postmodernity 

This module investigates the ideological, social and historical bases of communication that shape today’s globalised world. It interrogates definitions of modernity and postmodernity, and aims to assess the formation of public awareness in several different types of modern society. 

Retail Services Marketing 

This module is designed as an introduction to marketing and is divided into two distinct elements; the principles of marketing the industryspecific application of marketing. The module also creates an opportunity to facilitate ‘real life’ decision-making and enhances a wide range of study skills, such as independent research, analytical skills and critical thinking.

Career Prospects 

Many of our graduates have gone on to find employment in a wide range of international organisations and businesses. Others have chosen to take research degrees in their subject. 

Recent graduates of the MA Communication and International Marketing have undertaken the following careers: 

• Competitor analyst 
• Business associate in a private company 
• Investment manager in a Chinese government-run company 
• Two graduates have set up their own advertising agencies 

Research students have undertaken projects in the following areas:

• Political communication 
• Typology 
• Communication theory
• Cross-cultural and intercultural communication

Academic Support 

As a student of the Department of English, you will benefit from the expertise of a vibrant, multidisciplinary group of academics. You will also have access to a number of conferences, seminars and workshops hosted throughout the year. These events cover a range of topics to broaden your thinking in the fields of literature, language and linguistics, cultural studies and creative writing. 

The marketing element of the programme will also allow you to benefit from the close affiliation with the School of Management, a leading provider in internationally recognised postgraduate vocational management degrees. The School has strong links with industry and has established a number of high-profile partnerships with multinational organisations. You will be supported by a team of international staff with a wealth of global experience and specialist expertise. School of Management modules are fully accredited by AACSB International.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business 

AACSB International offers a set of standards that are relevant and applicable to all business programmes globally and which support and encourage excellence in management education worldwide. 

AACSB International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review. AACSB International accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in management education worldwide. 

AACSB International accreditation assures stakeholders that business schools: 

• Manage resources to achieve a vibrant and relevant mission 
• Advance business and management knowledge through faculty scholarship 
• Provide high-calibre teaching of quality and current curricula 
• Cultivate meaningful interaction between students and a qualified faculty 
• Produce graduates who have achieved specified learning goals 

The University of Surrey achieved its accreditation in November 2005 after a rigorous application and assessment process, culminating in a visit from an accreditation panel. 

Less than 15 per cent of the world’s business schools are accredited by the AACSB; so the School of Management was especially proud to join the elite group of less than 100 business schools in Europe holding AACSB accreditation. Further information on the AACSB can be found at: www.aacsb.edu

English Language Support for All 

International students 

The Department of Language and Translation Studies at the University of Surrey has been offering English courses to international students since 1982. All new overseas students are given a diagnostic test in the first weeks of Semester 1. This is not a pass or fail test, but gives us an idea of any communication problems that students may face while at the University. After the test, your Department may advise you to take some of our programmes. 

Programmes available include:

• Oral Skills 
• Academic Listening 
• Contemporary British Society 
• Pronunciation 
• British Culture and Humour 
• Critical Thinking 
• Legal English 
• Dissertation Writing 

All Students 

All students at the University may follow our English language support programmes, and each year almost 50 per cent of all students attending do so as a personal choice. English language support programmes are for all University students, not just speakers of English as a second or foreign language. Many native English speakers also benefit from the programmes that we offer. 

These programmes are free to most students currently registered on degree programmes at the University of Surrey.

Programmes available include: 

Academic Reading and Note Taking 

This programme will help you to read academic texts more efficiently and effectively. It will also help you to take concise notes. 

Grammar Revision 

This programme provides explanations and practice in areas of grammar that cause the most difficulty for students.

Pronunciation 

Working with a tutor and language laboratory resources, this programme will help you with your particular pronunciation difficulties. You will practise different aspects of pronunciation, which will help you to be understood and to understand others more easily. 

Essay Writing 

This programme covers all the major skills involved in essay writing and approaches to coursework assignments, and will help you to prepare for examinations. You may qualify for an individual tutorial, but only if you have attended the programme regularly. 

Essay Writing for Native English Speakers 

This programme covers the main skills necessary for effective essay writing, and addresses key problems in academic writing for native English speakers. 

Thesis/Dissertation Writing 

This programme is designed to help you if you are preparing to write a thesis or dissertation; we will cover writing, study and research skills. You will qualify for individual tutorials if you attend regularly. 

Other postgraduate programmes which may interest you: 

MA Intercultural Communication with International Business