Marketing

The MSc in Marketing consists of: 

• Five 15-credit compulsory modules
• Three 15-credit optional modules
• A dissertation comprising two parts: a research proposal (15 credits) and final dissertation (45 credits)

As you progress through your studies, you may apply for an intermediate qualification or qualifications: Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Marketing.

To be awarded the PGDip, you must successfully complete five compulsory modules and three optional modules.

To be awarded the PGCert, you must successfully complete two compulsory modules and any two other compulsory or optional modules.

Individual modules will be available to study on a stand-alone basis for the April 2021 intake (subject to module availability).

Module availability

The minimum period of registration is subject to module availability and modules will be launched on a rolling basis from October 2020 onwards. Based on the current module release schedule, if commencing studies in April 2021, it is expected that the MSc will take a minimum of two years to complete, and if commencing in October 2021, a minimum of one and a half years to complete.

View modules for MSc Marketing

View modules for the PGDip Marketing

View modules for the PGCert Marketing

• Download the programme specification
• View the programme regulations

This programme has two intake dates per year: April and October.

The programme offers a variety of highly engaging learning materials and activities. Your learning experience will be enhanced with an accessible and attractive learning platform, opportunities for self-assessment so you can understand your own progress and enhanced online student support.

This programme is currently not supported by any Recognised Teaching Centres. Check this page for further updates.

Online support

This marketing postgraduate programme is delivered online and there is no requirement to come to the UK as part of your studies. Our flexible online programme allows you to work around your own schedule and leads to a globally-recognised qualification.

When you register, we will give you access to the Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources including:

• The Student Guide provides information which is common to all students and gives useful information about your relationship with the University of London through to graduation.
• The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which offers online learning support, access to the student café and discussion areas, and other study materials.
• The Online Library provides access to over 100 million academic electronic items comprising E-books, E-journals, conference proceedings etc. In addition, students can request items which are not held in the library via the library's Inter-Library loans service with the British Library. All registered students have free access to the University of London’s Online Library via https://onlinelibrary.london.ac.uk/  
• Senate House Library provides free reference access for all registered distance and flexible learning students.

Tutor support 

All students receive online tutor support and feedback while studying this programme. Tutors introduce the modules, respond to queries, monitor discussions and provide guidance on assessments.

Study materials 

All essential resources, activities, videos, discussions and support are provided through the VLE. This allows you to fit your studies around your work commitments. There is no need to purchase additional textbooks. 

Time commitment

The flexible approach to learning allows students to complete the MSc Marketing in a minimum of one and a half years (subject to module availability) to a maximum of five years. 

You can study at your own pace, either part-time or full-time, adjusting the intensity of learning to suit your needs. Modules are offered over two 22-week sessions each academic year. You choose which sessions to enter and how many modules to complete in each session.

Student support

We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a Recognised Teaching Centre.

You will have access to support through:

• The Student Advice Centre – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
• TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.

Assessment

Each module includes a mix of assessments. During your study period you will have your coursework assessed and written examinations

The dissertation (MSc only) is comprised of a 3,000 word research proposal (marked on a Pass/Fail basis) and a 12,000 word final dissertation (100 per cent).

All coursework and dissertation items are submitted through the VLE. You can sit exams at any of our exam centres worldwide.

What qualifications do you need?

For the MSc or Postgraduate Diploma you will need a first- or second-class honours bachelor’s degree (or an acceptable equivalent), in any subject, from an acceptable institution.

For the Postgraduate Certificate you will need a first- or second-class bachelor’s degree (or an acceptable equivalent) or two years minimum work experience in a relevant field. This will most commonly be in a marketing or management position but each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
 
Students who are admitted onto the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma, upon successful completion of that award, will be able to progress to a higher award.

If you do not meet the standard requirements, we will consider each application on its own merits. Our Admissions Panel will consider whether any alternative qualifications or work experience you have are suitable for entry to the programme.

English language requirements

You  need a high standard of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:

• IELTS: at least 6.5 overall with 6.0 in the written test
• Pearson Test (Academic): at least 59 overall, with 59+ in reading and writing and 54+ in speaking and listening.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (grade C or above).
• TOEFL iBT: at least 92 overall, with 22+ in reading and writing and 20+ in speaking and listening.
• Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 120.
• If you do not meet the English language proficiency requirements but believe that you can demonstrate the requisite proficiency, the University may, at its discretion, consider your application.

Computer requirements

We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly.

More about computer requirements

If you have studied material as part of a previous qualification that is comparable in content, level and standard to our Marketing modules, you might be exempted from the equivalent course of our degree. This process is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Exemption. You will not need to study or be assessed in the module(s) to complete your award.

To be considered for RPL you should make a formal request within your application when applying online. Alternatively, this can be done through an online enquiry, once you have submitted your application.

Depending on which route you register for you can potentially apply for RPL for up to 60 credits.

We will not recognise or accredit prior learning for a module later than 14 days after the module start date. You will be deemed to have started a module once you have been given access to the learning materials on the VLE.

More about RPL and the application process

Your qualifications will need to be assessed by specialist academics on a case by case basis, before we can approve recognition and accreditation of Prior Learning. This is called discretionary RPL and involves a non-refundable application fee.

You will need to be eligible to study the programme and will need to provide the following for your RPL application to be considered: a completed RPL request form, the supporting documentary evidence (normally a transcript and syllabus of your previous studies) and the fee payable.

Note: All discretionary RPL requests must be submitted by the dates specified for the April or October intake in the year that you apply. Once submitted, we must receive all required supporting evidence by the deadline stated.

Please note: if you submit your application but are too late to be considered for RPL then we will still process your application to study the programme.

If you receive an offer, you can still register. You will be asked to contact us at a later date to be considered for RPL in the study session. So don't register on the modules you wish to be considered for RPL in the current study session.

Important: the table below does not include fees payable to a third party, such as tuition costs payable to a Recognised Teaching Centre or fees charged by your local examination centre, or local VAT, Goods or Services Tax (GST) or sales tax.

The programme fees below refer to the October 2022 and April 2023 sessions only and are effective from 30 March 2022. These may increase by up to 5% per year.

The fees depend on whether you live in a developing (Band A) or developed (Band B) nation. See the list of Band A and B countries [PDF]

Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.

More about programme fees.

*The indicative totals given represent the amount you would expect to pay if you were to complete the MSc degree in the minimum period of time (as per when modules become available), without resits, and with a year-on-year increase of 5%. These totals do not reflect the cost of any additional tuition support you may choose to take, module continuation fees, or applications for Recognition of Prior Learning.

*The online examination administration fee is charged for each examination paper held online, including resits. This does not apply to any coursework submissions.

How fees work

Your fees include study materials and entry into assessments.

The full MSc programme fee includes all module and continuation fees for the duration of your study. By paying in full at the beginning of your programme, you receive a discount on paying per module and avoid any annual fee increases. With pay per module, you pay for each module as you register for it.

The module continuation fee is the cost per module if you defer an examination or need to retake assessments. It includes all study materials, entry into assessments, and online tutor support.

Additional Costs

You will also need to budget for exam centre fees, which are paid directly to the venues where you sit your exams.

Please note: student fees shown on our website are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.

Further information on Sales Tax.

Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).

Further information about fee payment options can be found in the “How to pay your fees” link above.
 

Graduates can pursue careers in advertising, media, digital marketing, event marketing, public relations, product, brand and marketing management, market research, consulting and management.

This degree can be useful in a variety of marketing roles within local and national government, in for-profit and not-for-profit organisations, and in large, SMEs, start-ups and family businesses.

Possible professions include Head of Marketing, Head of Digital, Brand Manager, Campaign Manager, Digital marketing manager, Social Media Manager, Market Insight Manager, Strategic Marketing Manager and Media and Communications Manager.

In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register.

Programme Director

Nick Pronger is a Director for several programmes at Birkbeck and UOL and a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at Birkbeck, University of London, which he joined in 2010. Prior to this he was a lecturer at several universities including Central European University, Regents University and University of Essex.

He has taught and consulted in countries including Israel, Hungary, Bulgaria, Spain and Mexico. He has also worked with and advised a number of companies including Nestle, Dow Chemical, Del Monte, and Olivetti.

Although Nick’s focus is on teaching and developing curriculums he also consults and researches into the arts and creative industries, particularly in film management and marketing and how standard business models need to be adapted to arts and cultural environments. 

Nick is a keen supporter of online learning, not only as a vehicle for widening access to Higher Education, but also for the opportunities it offers for enhancing experiential learning and cultural diversity practically and in the academic thought process.

Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.

More on funding your study

CIM is the leading professional body for marketers worldwide and exists to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing practitioners.

University of London has joined forces with CIM to give MSc graduates the opportunity to gain professional qualifications through the CIM Graduate Gateway. CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers, and their content is reflected in our own degrees which ensures we are equipping students with the best opportunities for a successful marketing career.

The Graduate Gateway programme provides students and graduates with the unique opportunity to gain a professional qualification or award alongside their marketing degree. This means for most qualifications, students and graduates may only have to take one assessment instead of the usual three. Find out which modules to study to gain CIM professional qualifications.