Core Module Information
Module title: Planning in Advertising

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: DES11133
Module leader: George Shepherd
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Art Design and Photography
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

In this module you will use a combination of planning theory and practice-based creative briefs in our advertising studios. The focus of this module will be on modern communication strategies that use socio-cultural innovations to establish a two-way relationship with the consumer. In responding to creative tasks, you will apply planning theory, and test and critically evaluate ideas in the context of the brand values and audience, and use audience insight to determine effective methods for consumer/customer engagement. In commercial and social contexts, you will critically explore the role of planning in the advertising industry, and the use of appropriate media and trans media strategies. You will evaluate precedents in advertising planning, and record the process of the implementation of your own ideas and strategies.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically engage with strategies for research and planning in advertising for commercial and social objectives.

LO2: Critically appraise differing research methodologies to generate audience engagement and insight.

LO3: Create an advertising strategy plan in the context of brand and audience.

LO4: Apply planning theory to the implementation and management of an advertising campaign.

LO5: Critically reflect on creative responses to a commercially/socially driven brief in relation to target audiences, brand and appropriate media.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, IN PERSON, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: IN PERSON
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: George Shepherd
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 88 Guided independent study gives you the opportunity to research, plan, and execute project work outside formal teaching, supporting both individual practice and collaborative contributions.
Online Guided independent study 10 Reading week; No teaching will take place during Reading Week. This week is intended to support reflection on and consolidation of your learning to date. The module leader will also identify set readings to inform and support your ongoing project work and portfolio development.
Face To Face Lecture 60 Lectures provide a strong foundation in the key theoretical and practical aspects of planning in advertising, including research, strategy, and brand theory, while equipping you to apply these principles effectively in your chosen specialisms and project work. Your lectures will be followed by a facilitated workshop. Includes key mainstream adjustments which make the most common, basic support offered to disabled students available to you
Face To Face Tutorial 42 Tutorials provide a forum for collaborative discussion, project development, and formative feedback. They help deepen your understanding of planning in advertising practices while guiding you in refining research and strategic decisions for ongoing projects and professional roles. Includes key mainstream adjustments which make the most common, basic support offered to disabled students available to you
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 100 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period , WORDS= 6 campaigns This Planning in Advertising portfolio submission will consist of 6 advertising campaigns of approximately 6 slides each which will showcase the applied research, strategic planning, and brand theory work completed during the course. It should include an analysis and evaluation of the strategies used, all practical outputs, and a critical reflection on your own practice. As an Alternative Assessment element, the individual analysis and evaluation of the strategic methods used, and a critical reflection on your own practice can be explored in a 30 minute 'Viva style' interview with the Module Leader. Standard Assessment will apply unless reasonable adjustments are required based on learning profiles or as a result of discussion with your module leader. Students will not be marked down for poor spelling, grammar, or punctuation
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader