The MA in Global Advertising and Branding is designed to give students in-depth knowledge of the advertising and branding industry with a practical, industry-focused approach. It combines theory with real-world application, enabling students to develop essential skills such as pitching, target audience identification, creative strategy building, and campaign evaluation. The course includes a mix of lectures, seminars, case studies, guest lectures, and field visits, culminating in a final project where students conduct independent research and produce a critical paper on a topic of their choice. It emphasizes employability by integrating professional skills training and industry exposure, making graduates well-prepared for roles in creative agencies or brand management. Led by Dr. Nik Mahon, the course is based at Winchester Campus and covers contemporary issues like celebrity endorsement, social media, and technological impacts on advertising.
Why this course is highly recommended
The course is ideal for students aiming to oversee advertising processes or craft brand strategies within creative agencies or client companies. Its industry-connected faculty and real-world projects, like live briefs and agency simulations, ensure that graduates gain practical experience and a solid understanding of current industry trends. The focus on employability and professional skills, along with opportunities for industry exposure through visits and guest lectures, makes it a valuable choice for anyone looking to excel in the global advertising and branding field.
This programme specializes in the global advertising and branding sector, highlighting industry practices, campaign management, and current issues such as celebrity endorsement, social media, and technological influences. Optional modules allow students to tailor the course to specific interests, including creative thinking, entrepreneurship, visual culture, and collaborative projects, providing a broad yet focused skill set.
Application fees
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1st year tuition fees
30.51L
Living cost
Applicants need a 2:1 degree or an equivalent international qualification. If English is not the first language, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each component, is mandatory. Alternatively, other accepted English language tests are available. Candidates with significant professional experience in advertising or branding may be considered even if they do not meet traditional academic requirements, subject to an individual assessment and possible interview.

English language test
Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria,
and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the University of Southampton admission page
for complete details.
Graduates of this MA are prepared for roles overseeing advertising campaigns, brand strategy, and creative project management within agencies or corporate environments. The course emphasizes employability with support from the university’s careers team, offering work experience, networking events, and entrepreneurship opportunities through initiatives like Futureworlds. Alumni can expect opportunities in advertising, branding, digital media, and related fields, supported by strong industry links and practical project experience.