Global Advertising and Branding (MA)
Winchester Campus, United Kingdom
Master of Arts in Global Advertising and Branding
University of Southampton
Advertising and Branding
Program Overview: MA Global Advertising and Branding
The MA Global Advertising and Branding at the University of Southampton is a practical, industry-focused master's degree designed for those who want to oversee the advertising process or brand strategy at a creative agency or client company. You will learn the theory and practice of advertising and brand management while critically examining the latest industry issues, including celebrity endorsement, the use of social media, and the impact of technology.
Based at Winchester School of Art (WSA), one of only a few specialist art schools in the Russell Group, you will be inspired to create in purpose-built studios and workshops. The program is structured around 8 months of taught modules followed by a 4-month final project, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the global advertising and branding landscape.
You will develop essential practical skills including how to make a pitch, identify a target audience, build a creative strategy, and evaluate a campaign. Industry exposure through guest lectures, live project briefs, and work internships prepares you for a successful career in the creative industries, with graduates going on to work at organisations such as Saatchi and Saatchi, Wieden+Kennedy, Nike, and Apple.
Key Program Highlights
- Real-world projects including group campaigns developed in response to briefs from real businesses
- Industry engagement through guest lectures by advertising professionals and field trips to see real-world impact
- Taught at Winchester School of Art, a specialist arts campus in the Russell Group, just one hour from London
- Optional modules allow you to personalise the course to match your career plans in areas such as entrepreneurship and global marketing
Curriculum and Modules
The MA Global Advertising and Branding is structured across two taught semesters followed by a final project period. Across both semesters, you will explore three key themes: the language and psychology of advertising, the management and production of advertising, and professional and academic skills development. After the taught modules, you will complete an independent final project on an advertising or branding topic of your choice.
Global Advertising and Branding 1
Semester 1 Core ModuleThis module sets out a theoretical framework of advertising and branding which underpins the other modules on the programme. You will examine current issues, debates, and key principles of contemporary global advertising and branding.
Global Advertising and Branding 2
Semester 2 Core ModuleBuilding on the foundations of semester 1, this module deepens your understanding of global advertising and branding practice. You will apply advanced concepts through simulated client briefs and agency pitches.
Professional and Academic Skills 1
Semester 1 Core ModuleThis module helps you reflect on and assess your own skills to support your academic performance and career development. You will build transferable skills and increase your employability in the creative industries.
Professional and Academic Skills 2
Semester 2 Core ModuleContinuing your professional development, this module further strengthens your transferable skills, research capabilities, and career readiness for the advertising and branding sector.
Final Project (Global Advertising and Branding)
Summer Core ModuleYou will complete an independent research project and critical paper on an advertising or branding topic of your choice. Using published sources, you will analyse data, research, and expert opinions related to your chosen subject.
Global Marketing
Optional ModuleThis module situates the concepts and terminology of global marketing in a range of different international contexts. You will explore key issues of globalisation and changes to marketing approaches due to internationalisation.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The MA Global Advertising and Branding welcomes applicants with strong academic backgrounds in relevant disciplines. Candidates with significant professional experience in advertising or branding may also be considered on an individual basis, even if they do not meet traditional academic requirements. All applications are processed through Uni4Edu, your single point of contact for guidance and submission.
Academic Requirements
- Degree ClassificationA 2:1 (upper second-class) honours degree or equivalent international qualification
- Relevant SubjectsAdvertising, business, communication, HR, journalism, management, marketing, politics, psychology, public relations, or sociology
- Professional ExperienceCandidates with significant work experience in advertising or branding may be considered without traditional academic requirements, subject to individual assessment
- InterviewMay be required for applicants assessed on professional experience rather than academic qualifications
- Additional DocumentsFirst degree transcript and English language test score (if non-native speaker) must be included with your application to avoid delays
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
- TOEFL iBTOverall score of 92 (contact Uni4Edu for component requirements)
- Pre-sessional EnglishAvailable for students who do not meet direct English language entry requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Southampton offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international postgraduate students. These awards can help reduce the financial burden of studying in the UK. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on scholarship eligibility and application procedures.
Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship
GBP 10,000 tuition fee reductionAvailable to international students applying to study an undergraduate or postgraduate master's degree in arts or humanities subjects. A limited number of awards are offered each year based on academic merit.
Global Excellence Scholarship
GBP 3,000 tuition fee reductionAvailable to new international postgraduate students applying for an in-person, full-time postgraduate master's programme. Automatically awarded to eligible students who meet the criteria — no separate application required.
GREAT Scholarships (British Council)
GBP 10,000 tuition fee reductionOffered in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign for students from selected countries. Available for all full-time postgraduate taught master's programmes at the University of Southampton.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA Global Advertising and Branding are well-prepared for a variety of roles in the creative industries, particularly within advertising agencies and client-side marketing departments. The programme places a strong emphasis on employability, ensuring you graduate with both professional and academic skills valued by employers worldwide.
Typical Graduate Roles
Where Our Graduates Work
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Southampton is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities and consistently ranks among the top institutions in the UK and globally. Its strong research output, industry connections, and commitment to sustainability are reflected in multiple international ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business | University Guru | #91 |
| Business and Management | The Guardian | #19 |
| Research Quality (Overall) | Complete University Guide | #8 in the UK |
| Sustainability | QS World Rankings for Sustainability | #9 in the UK / #23 Globally |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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