Program Overview

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Global Media Management (MA)

About this course

This course will not be open to applicants for 2025 entry. The course will be replaced by Digital Media Practices (MA) for September 2025 entry.

Digital media has transformed the way we make and consume news, entertainment, and communication. On this UK master's course in global media management, you'll learn how to analyze this fast-changing landscape - and influence its development. You'll explore critical concepts through in-depth research and practical projects, preparing you for success in the global creative and communications industries.

Discover the social, cultural, political, and technological impact of the changes brought about by digital media.

On this MA course, you'll develop in-depth understanding of how people engage with the world through the internet, social networks, press, and mobile media.

Real-life case studies will help you examine organizations' communications strategies, learning how ideas are developed and how users respond to them.

You'll also learn the skills to become an expert digital media practitioner yourself, covering topics from gamification to citizen journalism.

The course is taught in an art-school environment, so you'll be using industry-standard software, cameras, and video equipment.

Highlights of the course include:

• Opportunities to develop your own media campaign
• A research project and critical paper on a topic of your choice
• World-class researchers with expertise in the creative industries
• Behind-the-scenes visits and field trips

With a strong emphasis on employability, the course will help you to develop your professional profile in preparation for a role in the creative and communications industries, or for further study at PhD level.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Your course leaders are Dr. Kwame Phillips and Dr. Alexandra Anikina, Senior Lecturers in Digital Media Theory and Practice. The course teaching team has published on a wide variety of topics including moving images, digital media, visual culture, algorithmic culture, studies of science and technology, creative industries labor and policy, media festivals, recombinant and appropriative media, social media platforms, and participatory cultures. The course teaching team are also practitioners in film-making, photography, music, digital media, art, and curating.

Learn more about this subject area

Art, design, and fashion

Winchester School of Art offers a wide range of courses, whether you're inspired by fine art, games design, graphic communication, or fashion and textiles.

Course location

This course is based at Winchester.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure, and how your course is taught and assessed.

Entry requirements

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:

• Overall score: 6.5
• Reading: 6.0
• Writing: 6.0
• Speaking: 6.0
• Listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programs before your course starts.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English program before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don't meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's program through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programs 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.

Course structure

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.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling, and student demand. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

We don't have module information for this course yet. Please check again later.

Learning and assessment

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.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Communication
• Creativity
• EDI leadership
• Leadership
• Teamwork

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us, you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organizations or sectors, including:

• Digital Media Groups
• Film and Television Production Studios
• Broadcasters
• Social Media
• Publishing
• Marketing and Advertising Agencies
• Retailers
• Schools
• Colleges
• Universities
• Local government
• National Government
• Charities

Careers directly related to this course:

• Account manager
• Brand manager
• Copywriter
• Marketing manager
• Public relations officer
• Social media manager
• Digital marketing executive
• Consultant
• Web content manager
• Media planner

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• E-commerce specialist
• Editorial producer
• Fashion editor
• Marketing consultant
• Advertising account executive
• University lecturer
• Film director
• Video editor
• Production designer
• Screenwriter

See more

Example job titles of Southampton MA Global Media Management graduates*:

• Marketing executive
• Assistant account executive
• Content management specialist
• Digital marketing officer
• Marketing operations executive
• Media content editor
• New media platform manager
• Public relations associate
• Television producer
• Writer

See more

Job prospects for MA Global Media Management graduates

• Average professional salary: £30k
• In a skilled profession or further study: 76%
• Graduate employment rate: 92%

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability, and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• Work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• Networking events
• Careers fairs attended by top employers
• A wealth of volunteering opportunities
• Study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture, and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry, and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability, and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs, and funding

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

40 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.

Winchester School of Art Progression Scholarship

This scholarship is available to all eligible UK and international Winchester School of Art graduates who go directly from an undergraduate to a master's degree within the school. You will get either £1500, £2,500, or £3,000 depending on the grade you get for your undergraduate degree.

Learn more about the Winchester School of Art Progression Scholarship.

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 organizations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

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

There are different deadlines for this course. Depending on which country you permanently reside in, applications are expected to close:

• 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

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

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 program.

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 the 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.

Related courses

Global Media Management (MA) is a course in the Art, design, and fashion subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• E-textiles and Wearable Technologies (MSc)
• Design Innovation and Technology (MSc)
• Design Innovation and Technology (MA)
• Arts and Cultural Leadership (MA)
• Communication Design (MA)
• Contemporary Curating (MA)
• Creative Technologies (MSc)
• Design Management (MA)
• Digital Media Practices (MA)
• Fashion Management (MA)
• Fashion Marketing and Branding (MA)
• Fine Art (MA)
• Global Advertising and Branding (MA)
• Luxury Brand Management (MA)
• PGCE Art and Design
• PGCE Design and Technology
• Textile Design (MA)