MA in Brand Development
This exciting new degree introduces you to debates surrounding one of the major areas in contemporary communications – brand development. Courses on the history and development of branding, and the changing role of promotion and design, enable you to develop a critical and practical understanding of how branding is used in modern societies and institutions. This is not a marketing degree, however, and students on this programme take a rigorous, academic approach to contemporary branding and its contexts. The syllabus also focuses on key themes such as intellectual property rights, the changing media environment, globalisation, and the impact of digital communications technologies.
1 year full time or 2 years part-time
Normally 1 March 2011 for entry the following September, but we will also consider applications received before 1 May 2011 if there are still vacancies. Applications received by the 1 March 2011 deadline are guaranteed consideration. You should not normally expect to receive a decision until May.
Due to the popularity of this programme we ask you for a deposit of £450 to secure any offer made to you after applying for the programme. The deposit will be credited against your tuition fees when you enrol. Please note: You will only be required to provide a deposit if you are offered a place, you do not need to pay a deposit in order to apply.
Please see How to apply.
You should have an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant subject. If your first language is not English, you normally need a minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (including a minimum 6.5 in the written element) or equivalent. Find out more about our English Language requirements.
The programme equips you with the skills necessary to pursue a wide range of careers related to branding and communication in the media and other industries. Students are encouraged to seek work experience and work placements during the programme as time allows. Regular seminars with visiting speakers will enable you to gain an understanding of how your degree can be used in a professional context. The MA also allows you to pursue further academic research in one or more of the areas covered on the programme.
The programme helps students to develop a high-level understanding of contemporary branding and communications techniques and their social, economic and political contexts. You will be encouraged to develop your critical reasoning skills and your understanding of contemporary cultural and media theory, but also to develop greater visual literacy and a capacity for creative thinking. Assessments are designed to ensure that you are able to apply these skills in practical ways.
Please see Tuition fees.
Please see Staff research interests.
Media & Communications
What you study
The degree is made up of two core courses (60 credits in total), between two and four option courses (60 credits in total), and a dissertation (60 credits). Core courses introduce students to contemporary definitions and theories of branding, its history and development, changes in the role of marketing, promotion and design, and their place in the global economy. These courses also cover key themes in branding, such as intellectual property rights, the changing media environment, globalisation and international trade and the impact of digital communications and marketing technologies. Throughout this core component of the degree, you will examine the very wide range of ways in which branding is currently used, from large corporations and media organisations to public sector bodies, charities, sports organisations and educational establishments. You will be encouraged to develop your critical and analytical skills, but also to think creatively and become more confident in your aesthetic judgement.
For the optional courses, you will have an opportunity to explore some of the wider contexts for branding, by taking courses provided by other degrees in Media and Communications and neighbouring departments such as Sociology, Cultural Studies and Anthropology. Goldsmiths prides itself on its innovative and critical approach, and you will be encouraged to immerse yourself in its wider intellectual environment in order to deepen your understanding of the cultural infrastructure surrounding branding.
The programme has been developed in collaboration with The Brand Union, and students benefit from regular input from professionals working in the industry through seminars and talks from visiting speakers. Throughout your degree you can expect to be taught by experts in the field who have published widely in their respective areas of interest.
Fee Waivers NOW AVAILABLE for 2012/13
Fee waivers now available for 2012/13 across all MA programmes to selected students. Whichever MA course you apply for this year, if you accept an unconditional offer you will automatically become eligible for the fee waiver scheme that will fund waivers equivalent in total to 13 full time home/EU fees.
Overseas students are also eligible for the scheme. Only applications received by the official deadline will be considered for fee waivers. Successful students will be notified by May 30 2012.
Assessment
The MA is assessed through a combination of coursework essays and written examinations. It will also include a dissertation, which may be based on a work placement in a relevant industry or institution.
Application enquiries
Please see how to apply for information on applying to this programme.