Global Advertising and Branding (MA)

You’ll need a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject, such as business studies, advertising, marketing or media.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements. 

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:

We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning. 

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview. 

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

This full-time master's course runs for 12 months. 

For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of the course. 

Your studies in semester 2 will include preparing your research proposal for your final project and deciding on the best research methodologies. 

For the last 4 months you’ll work independently on your final project. You’ll have meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The learning activities for this course include:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• case study analysis 
• guest speaker presentations 
• study visits 
• independent study

Assessment

We’ll assess you through: 

• written assignments for each module 
• final project research proposal 
• final project 

For your final project, you’ll conduct independent research on a topic of your choice. 

You'll present your findings in a 10,000-word critical paper, designed to show your research skills and in-depth subject knowledge. Previous students have investigated issues such as: 

• how global brands adapt to local cultures 
• the use of celebrities in advertising 
• managing creativity in advertising 
• technological trends in advertising 
• advertising in games 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

You’ll graduate with sector-specific skills and knowledge and problem-solving abilities that are attractive to employers in advertising and related industries.  

You’ll be equipped for roles including: 

• account management and planning 
• brand management 
• copywriting 
• art direction 
• social media 
• event planning 
• market research 

Our students have gone on to advertising management and creative roles in major global advertising agencies, including Saatchi & Saatchi and Wieden+Kennedy. 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £18,812.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries  may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000