Brands, Communication and Culture (Taught)

This unique programme introduces the ways in which brands are developed and used. It will help you understand how the growth of branding in areas such as business, entertainment, politics, government, sport and culture has changed and how it is impacting the societies we live in.

Why study MA Brands, Communication and Culture at Goldsmiths

• This MA offers a unique, theory-based approach to the study of brands, reflected in topics taught on our compulsory modules such as the rise of consumer culture and new forms of capitalism; gender, colonial history and branding; social media as promotional; and power relations between platforms, organisations, brands and consumers.

  • You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the history and development of brands and branding, and their relationship to contemporary forms of communication and culture. You'll also ask what happens when the state uses branding techniques to communicate with its citizens.

• You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of the social, political and economic backdrop against which branding has become so important, and an understanding of the key themes and debates surrounding its development and use, including the relationship between brands and intellectual property, and the extent to which brands and branding are driven by and influence digital media.

• You’ll improve your ability to think critically and creatively about contemporary communications and cultural practices. When you have completed the programme you will be able to analyse contemporary communications, make judgments about their significance, and be able to thoughtfully contribute to contemporary communications.

• You’ll benefit from being taught by experts in Media, Communications and Cultural Studies (MCCS) and Sociology. Our research interests are diverse, and you’ll be able to customise your degree by choosing from a range of optional modules to explore your own interests and broaden your perspectives.

• You’ll be part of a group of students who have a range of experiences and interests in communication, management, politics, design and the cultural and promotional industries.

• Media, Communications and Cultural Studies has been ranked 2nd in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and 16th in the world (3rd in the UK) in the 2024 QS World Rankings for communication and media studies.