Global Advertising and Branding (MA)

You'll need a 2:1 degree or equivalent international qualification.

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.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

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 study the taught part of your course. Then for the last 4 months, you'll work on your final project.

Across both semester 1 and 2, you'll explore 3 key themes, all of which combine to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of global advertising and branding.

Theme 1: Investigating the Language of Advertising and Branding

Explore how advertising agencies use language to create campaigns.

You'll examine case studies and learn about psychological techniques that influence customers and build strong brand connections.

Theme 2: Managing the Advertising Process

Learn how advertising is planned, produced and managed.

This includes understanding the relationships between brands and agencies. You'll apply concepts through simulated client briefs and agency pitches.

Theme 3: Developing and Evaluating Your Skills

Reflect on and assess your own skills to support your academic performance and career development.

This theme helps you build transferable skills and increase your employability.

Optional modules

In addition to the modules specific to this course, you will choose an optional module from a range of subjects available to all postgraduate students at Winchester School of Art.

Final Project

After the taught modules, you'll complete a final project on an advertising or branding topic of your choice. Using published sources, you'll write a critical paper that analyses data, research and expert opinions related to your chosen subject.

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.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £30,300.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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.

Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

40 scholarships of £10,000 each are available to international students studying for an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate master’s degree in Arts and Humanities.

Find out more about the Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Winchester School of Art Progression Scholarship

This scholarship is available to all eligible UK and international Winchester School of Art graduates who go directly from an undergraduate to a master's degree within the school. You will get either £1500, £2,500 or £3,000 depending on the grade you get for your undergraduate degree.

Learn more about the Winchester School of Art Progression Scholarship.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

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

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. . 
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. 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

References are not required for this programme.

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.

What happens after you apply

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

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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