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Advertising copywriter
Copywriter, creative, advertiser
Advertising copywriters create the words used for print, TV, radio and online adverts.
Average salary (a year)
£20000.0
Starter
£80000.0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 39.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings
occasionally
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; an apprenticeship; applying directly; a graduate trainee scheme
University
You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like
English, creative writing, journalism, communication studies, advertising
You might be able to get into this job with a degree in an unrelated subject. For example, if you want to be a copywriter for a scientific research company or a law firm, you might be able to get a job with a degree in biochemistry or law.
Entry requirements
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship, for example
Junior Advertising Creative Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Advertising Creative Level 6 Apprenticeship, leading to a professional qualification
These can take up to 2 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Volunteering
Work experience will help you get a better understanding of the role. You'll also get to make contacts who may help you to find paid work in advertising. You could try volunteering, internships or temporary jobs.
Social media sites like LinkedIn can be useful to make contact with companies.
Direct Application
You can apply to companies directly if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this job.
Some advertising agencies might consider your application if you do not have a degree. In this case, you'll need to show off your creativity, writing skills and business sense.
Other Routes
If you have a degree, you can apply for graduate training scheme with advertising agencies.
More Information
Career Tips
You could showcase your skills by creating your own blog or website. You'll also need to develop a portfolio of your work to show to potential employers.
You could enter the D&AD New Blood competition which is for students and recent graduates who are not already employed in a creative role. It gives you the opportunity to work on a real client brief and showcase your work.
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming an advertising copywriter from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and Discover Creative Careers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Knowledge of english language
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    The ability to come up with new ways of doing things
    Knowledge of media production and communication
    The ability to sell products and services
    The ability to work well with others
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    The ability to read english
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
You'll work as a team with an art director who will provide images to go with your words.
You'll work from a brief which will tell you about the client, their product, the target audience and the advertising message they want to get across.
You'll then
write clear and persuasive words, present your ideas to the agency's creative director, account team and the client, make sure your work meets the codes of advertising practice, proofread adverts to check spelling, grammar and facts
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could progress to senior copywriter or creative director.
You could also work freelance or set up your own agency.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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