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 all of the following scores as a minimum:

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?

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

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 2020). 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 thriving 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 students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £23,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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 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.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

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'll 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