Global Advertising and Branding (MA)

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. Explore creative problem-solving techniques that will prepare you for success in your chosen career.

This MA in global advertising and branding is ideal if you want to oversee the advertising process or brand strategy at a creative agency or client company.

On this UK course 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 creative strategy
• create a brief
• evaluate a campaign

Optional modules on everything from creative thinking to entrepreneurship will give you the freedom to personalise the course to match your career plans or research interests.

Course highlights include:

• a group project to devise a campaign in response to a brief from a real business
• a week-long competitive marketing exercise using the Markstrat simulation platform
• fieldtrips to locations where you can see the real-world impact of advertising and branding
• guest lectures by industry professionals
• a research project and critical paper on a topic of your choice

We put a strong emphasis on employability throughout, to make sure you graduate with both professional and academic skills.

Course lead

Your course leader is Dr Nik Mahon, Principal Teaching Fellow at Winchester School of Art. His subject areas include advertising, art direction, corporate identity and design, creativity and idea generation. Read Dr Mahon’s staff profile to find out more about his work.

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject, such as:

• advertising
• business
• communication
• HR
• journalism
• management
• marketing
• politics
• psychology
• public relations (PR)
• sociology

Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.

Subject areas that are not suitable are:

• architecture
• broadcasting and hosting
• business English
• commerce
• computer science
• drama
• engineering
• finance
• fine art
• international economy and trade
• languages or linguistics
• law
• mathematics
• natural sciences
• music
• performance art
• sciences
• statistics
• theatre
• trade

Careers