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University of Southampton: Global Advertising and Branding
| Institution | University of Southampton View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Winchester School of Art |
| Web | www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate |
| AdmissionsPGT.AH@soton.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 023 8059 4732 |
| Study type | Taught |
MA
Summary
About this Course This is a practical, industry-focused master's degree that teaches you the theory and practice needed to run global advertising campaigns and oversee brand strategy. It is designed for students who want to work at a creative agency or client company. You will critically examine the latest industry issues, including the impact of technology, the use of social media, and celebrity endorsement. Learning is informed by academics who have significant industry experience and research activity in the sector. The course develops essential practical skills, including how to: • Identify a target audience and build a creative strategy. • Create a client brief and make a pitch. • Evaluate a campaign.
We are ranked 8th in the UK for research quality (Complete University Guide 2026).
Key Features of this Course • Real-World Projects: Includes a core course highlight where you work on a group project to devise a campaign in response to a brief from a real business. • Simulation Exercise: Participate in a competitive advertising agency simulation exercise where you develop and pitch ideas. • Industry Engagement: Benefit from guest lectures by industry professionals and field trips to see the real-world impact of advertising and branding. • Core Modules: Include modules such as The Advertising Process and Professional and Academic Skills, alongside the completion of a Critical Paper on a contemporary advertising issue. • Personalisation: Optional modules, such as Creative Thinking and Problem Solving, Entrepreneurship, and Global Marketing, allow you to tailor the course to your career plans.
Career Prospects With a strong emphasis on employability, this degree equips you with both academic and professional skills for success in the creative industries. It is ideal if you aspire to oversee the advertising process or brand strategy. Graduates are prepared for various roles, particularly within creative agencies and client-side marketing departments. As a graduate from a top 20 UK university for employability*, you'll be well-prepared for your next step.
Further Information • Location: The course is based at Winchester School of Art (WSA). • Entry Requirements: You'll need a 2:2 degree or an equivalent international qualification. • Course Lead: Dr. Nik Mahon, Principal Teaching Fellow, who specializes in advertising, art direction, corporate identity, and creativity. • Final Project: The program includes a Final Project consisting of a research project and critical paper on a topic of your choice.
*Complete University Guide Graduate Prospects Ranking 2026.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You’ll need a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject, such as: advertising |
| Location | Winchester School of Art Park Avenue Winchester SO23 8DL |
Summary
Explore our specialist arts campus:
One of only a few specialist art schools in the Russell Group, you’ll be inspired to create in our purpose built studios and workshops and learn with expert creative practitioners at Winchester School of Art (WSA), part our University of Southampton community and just one hour from London. You’ll have industry exposure through guest lectures, work on live project briefs, and explore work internships where graduates have gone on to set up their own design labels or work at prestigious brands across the globe including Selfridges, Saatchi & Saatchi, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, ASOS, Nike and Apple.
Develop in-depth knowledge of the global advertising and branding industry and find out how to run your own campaigns on this practical, industry-focused master’s degree. Learn from academics who are active in research and have a wealth of experience and connections in the sector. MA Global Advertising and Branding is ideal if you want to oversee the advertising process or brand strategy at a creative agency or client company.
You’ll learn the theory and practice of advertising and brand management, and critically examine the latest industry issues. These includes celebrity endorsement, the use of social media, and the impact of technology. You'll develop essential practical skills, including how to make a pitch, identify a target audience, build a strategy and evaluate a campaign.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | "You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject, such as: advertising |
| Location | Winchester School of Art Park Avenue Winchester SO23 8DL |
Summary
Explore our specialist arts campus:
One of only a few specialist art schools in the Russell Group, you’ll be inspired to create in our purpose built studios and workshops and learn with expert creative practitioners at Winchester School of Art (WSA), part our University of Southampton community and just one hour from London. You’ll have industry exposure through guest lectures, work on live project briefs, and explore work internships where graduates have gone on to set up their own design labels or work at prestigious brands across the globe including Selfridges, Saatchi & Saatchi, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, ASOS, Nike and Apple.
Develop in-depth knowledge of the global advertising and branding industry and find out how to run your own campaigns on this practical, industry-focused master’s degree. Learn from academics who are active in research and have a wealth of experience and connections in the sector. MA Global Advertising and Branding is ideal if you want to oversee the advertising process or brand strategy at a creative agency or client company.
You’ll learn the theory and practice of advertising and brand management, and critically examine the latest industry issues. These includes celebrity endorsement, the use of social media, and the impact of technology. You'll develop essential practical skills, including how to make a pitch, identify a target audience, build a strategy and evaluate a campaign.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Upper second-class degree or above, or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the university. |
| Location | Winchester School of Art Park Avenue Winchester SO23 8DL |
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Study your postgraduate degree at the University of Southampton, a Russell Group university ranked in the top 17 in the UK* and 87th among global universities**.
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