The Boston University London Graduate Mass Communication Summer Program combines an internship, related coursework, and independent living. Students spend 11 weeks studying global marketing communication and mass media while participating in a full-time internship. The first five weeks are spent taking two core courses. In the last six weeks, students work full time in their internships and complete a research project or thesis. All courses are offered at the graduate level and students take classes at the centrally located BU London Academic Center.
Requirements & Considerations
- Students must be enrolled in a graduate degree program to be eligible to apply.
- Admissions requirements for all programs
Curriculum
The first five weeks are spent taking two core courses. In the last six weeks, students work full time in their internships and complete a research project or thesis. All courses are offered at the graduate level.
Required Courses (Weeks 1–5)
Students take these two courses during the first phase of the program:
- COM CM 738 Global Marketing Communication (4 credits)
- Issues covered include nationality, branding, international distribution, sales promotion, advertising, public relations, and intercultural marketing. Students analyze case studies and decisions in the management of marketing in a multinational context.
- Syllabus
- COM CM 744 British Media in the Digital Age (4)
- The course will introduce the student to the wide range of British media, from national institutions such as the main newspapers and the BBC, to the new digital media. It will provide an overview of the history and current status of the country’s media, and offer a sound introduction to other sectors of the creative industries, such as theater, music, and fashion. The course will focus especially on the theme of Britishness, and on how national identity is expressed in the institutions, practices, and products of the media.
- Syllabus
Required Courses (Weeks 6–11)
Students participate in an internship and complete a research course in the second phase.
- COM CM 809 Graduate Internship (4 credits)
- Students intern in journalism, advertising, or public relations agencies, corporate marketing or public relations departments, or other communications organizations.
- COM CM 909 Thesis or Project Research (4)
- The type of graduate project selected will depend on the major and academic focus of each student. COM students will complete a professional project. IR/COM students will write a research paper.
Housing & Student Services
Program Residences
All students on the summer program live in residence hall or apartment-style housing in a variety of locations in central London. Students will commute to their classes and internships using public transportation. Residences are within walking distance of a tube stop.
- Bedrooms may consist of singles or doubles with an ensuite bathroom.
- Kitchen facilities are provided, and are shared between approximately 6–14 students. Students are responsible for budgeting their own cost of meals. Board is not included in this program.
- BU London does not have dining hall facilities, but there are grocery stores, restaurants, and other amenities in the areas surrounding the accommodations.
- Card-operated laundry facilities are located in all residences. Cost of laundry is not included in the program fee.
- WiFi is available at all facilities.
Program Dates
- Summer Term: Late May to early August
Application Timeline
This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.
Summer Semester
- Applications Open December 1
- Applications Deadline February 15
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
