Global Media Management (MA)

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

• advertising
• communication
• history
• history of art
• journalism
• marketing
• philosophy
• politics
• psychology
• sociology
• theoretical media

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

Subject areas that are not suitable are: 

• architecture
• broadcasting and hosting
• business
• business English
• computer science
• digital media 
• drama
• E-commerce
• economics
• engineering
• finance
• hospitality
• international economy and trade
• languages or linguistics
• law
• management
• mathematics
• music
• performance art
• photography 
• sciences
• statistics
• theatre
• trade

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: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Your studies run for a full 12 months.

In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of your course. 

During  semester 2 you’ll prepare a research proposal for your final project and decide on the best research methodologies. 

For the last 4 months, over the summer holiday period, you’ll work independently on your final project. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

Learning methods include:

• lectures, seminars and tutorials
• digital media workshops 
• online learning groups 
• facilitated discussions 
• guest lectures 
• field trips 

Assessment

We'll assess you through:

• essays 
• presentations 
• a portfolio 
• a research proposal 
• a final project 

You'll present your research project in a critical paper, designed to demonstrate your research skills and depth of knowledge. Previous topics include:

• entrepreneurial use of YouTube by vloggers 
• the format and audience interaction of a political satire TV show 
• the impact of new technologies on the music industry 
• the use of gamification (applying elements of game-playing) and location-aware media by a top sportswear brand 
• the use of clickbait (a form of false advertising) in online news media 

The project is a chance for you to take an in-depth look at an aspect of global media management that particularly interests you or will help you with your career plans. 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

After graduating from this master’s course you’ll be qualified to move into a range of careers in the media and communications industry. Potential roles include:

• digital strategist  
• content strategist 
• social media manager 
• media planner 
• advertising account executive 
• brand manager 
• digital marketing executive 

Our graduates have gone on to work for employers including Nanjing University Press and digital agency Wunderman. 

Many have also chosen to continue their research at PhD level. 

You’ll have opportunities to network with industry professionals throughout the course. 

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £27,800.

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

Ten 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.

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

• Applicants permanently resident in China: Closed on Wednesday 29 November 2023, midday UK time
• Applicants permanently resident in other countries: Monday 29 July 2024, midday UK time
• Applicants permanently resident in the UK: Friday 30 August 2024, midday UK time

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.

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: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000