Delivered by Winchester School of Art
MA Creative Marketing and Branding
Transform creative ideas into impact
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Mode: Online, part-time | Duration: 2 years | Intakes: 3 per year |
Should demand prove sufficient, we will launch this programme in 2026.
Course overview
Creative vision transforms industries. Our online MA in Creative Marketing and Branding offers a dynamic approach to storytelling, identity creation, and innovation. The course is designed for aspiring marketers, brand strategists, and creative professionals. You'll create compelling brand stories for audiences worldwide.
You'll join Winchester School of Art, with over 150 years of art, design, and innovation heritage within the University of Southampton. This course treats marketing as an art form. You'll learn to compose campaigns that resonate. You'll curate brand identities with purpose. You'll create stories that connect across digital platforms.
Whatever your creative background, you'll develop skills in storytelling and authentic branding while preparing for creative leadership roles.
Why choose this course?
Creative career focus
Gain skills for roles in brand storytelling, creative strategy, campaign design, and creative consultancy.
Flexible pathways
Tailor your studies to fit your interests, with optional pathways in Digital Campaigns or Global Advertising.
Industry immersion
Tackle live creative challenges, study iconic brand campaigns, and develop portfolio work that reflects current creative practice.
You'll study the following modules:
- Principles of Creative Marketing and Branding (15 credits)
- Next-Generation Consumer Trends and Insights (15 credits)
- Marketing Strategy in a Changing World (15 credits)
- Brand Creation and Experience (15 credits)
- Engaging Audiences: Strategy and Story (15 credits)
- Analytics in Action: Creative Campaign Strategy (15 credits)
- Research Toolkit: Preparation for Final Project (15 credits)
- Vision to Reality: Final Project (45 credits)
And two of the following pathway modules:
Creative Marketing and Branding pathway
- Brand Narrative and Communications (15 credits)
- Precision Marketing: Crafting Smarter Campaigns (15 credits)
Digital Campaigns pathway
- Digital First: Marketing in the Age of Technology (15 credits)
- The Digital Playbook: Campaigns That Perform (15 credits)
Global Advertising pathway
- Borderless Brands: The Art of Global Advertising (15 credits)
- Global Advertising Campaigns in Practice (15 credits)
About Creative Marketing and Branding at the University of Southampton
- Study with a global top 100 institution: We're a Russell Group member recognised for world-class research and academic excellence.
- Benefit from Winchester School of Art’s legacy: A renowned centre for creativity within the University of Southampton, with over 150 years of art, design, and innovation heritage.
- Taught by industry-connected academics: You’ll gain insights from expert faculty with both academic and professional marketing experience.
Get your course brochure
Complete the form to receive your brochure with details on modules, fees, and careers.
Entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
To join the course, you’ll need:
- a minimum of a 2:1 class degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree; or
- a minimum of a 2:2 class degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, and at least 3 years’ employment in a recognised graduate role
Non-standard entry requirements
If you don’t meet the standard academic requirements, don’t worry. We review applications on a case-by-case basis and will assess whether your background and experience are suitable for this course. We would strongly recommend holding:
- a minimum of a 2:2 class degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree together with additional relevant professional or industry qualifications, such as those accredited by professional bodies; or
- relevant industry experience (minimum of 3 years) together with relevant discipline related professional qualifications
Performance pathway
If you don’t have a 2:2 degree, you may be eligible for our performance pathway. On this pathway, you will take the first 15-credit module. Successful completion of this module provides you with an entry route to the full master’s degree.
For this entry route, you’ll need:
- a minimum of 10 years’ employment in a professional role - this does not need to be in a relevant field
For guidance on your eligibility, please contact our adviser team.
Please note, if you're on the performance pathway, you won’t be eligible for support from Student Finance for the first module. You’ll need to pay the registration fee and the cost of the first module yourself. Once you successfully complete the first module, you can apply for Student Finance to cover the rest of the course, subject to eligibility and Student Finance’s terms and conditions.
What you'll need to provide
Here’s what we’ll ask you to provide for both standard and non-standard entry routes:
- a detailed CV: Highlight your relevant professional and personal experiences
- a professional reference letter: A trusted referee should explain why you’re a strong candidate for this course
- a personal statement (300-500 words): Tell us about your interest in the course, how it aligns with your career goals, and how your experience so far has prepared you for success at master’s level
In your personal statement, highlight examples that demonstrate your abilities in:
- time management
- organisation
- communication
- teamwork
- personal responsibility
- critical thinking
- problem-solving
Meet the Programme Leader
Juliet Tomlinson, Programme Leader, MA Creative Marketing and Branding
Juliet is a Senior Teaching Fellow at Winchester School of Art. She brings over 20 years’ experience in offshore financial services, working with high-net-worth clients, and has run her own business in product and business development.
Juliet holds a master’s in marketing management and has worked with start-ups in the e-commerce fashion sector. Since 2011, she has combined lecturing in marketing and business with consultancy for small and start-up businesses.