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MSc Marketing
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This master's degree will help you gain an in-depth background in strategic and tactical areas of marketing, and develop critical thinking skills and the ability to identify and understand opportunities and risks associated with marketing decisions.
Key features
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Enhance your skills
Learn how your marketing decisions will affect financial, social and broader environmental outcomes, and become a better marketing leader.
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Developed by leaders in research
Academic direction is provided by Birkbeck, University of London, one of the world’s top research universities. Birkbeck academics are research-active across a range of disciplines and regularly contribute to public debate and publish in leading academic journals.
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CIM accreditation
The degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, which 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.
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Opportunities to take your career further
As a graduate you can pursue careers in advertising, media, digital marketing, event marketing, public relations, product, brand and marketing management, market research, consulting and management.
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Study online anywhere in the world
Fit your studies around your commitments and pursue an internationally recognised degree without putting your life on hold. Continue to build your career momentum while gaining the knowledge and skills to unlock future opportunities. Benefit from comprehensive study materials written specifically for the programmes by leading experts.
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Course overview
The programme is available to be studied as a full master’s degree, a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).
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)
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 (subject to module availability).
The Programme Specification and Programme Regulations contain information and rules regarding what courses you can choose and the order in which they must be studied.
MSc: Five compulsory modules, three optional modules and dissertation part 1 and 2.
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.
Five compulsory modules
Three optional modules
Dissertation
PGDip: you must complete, five compulsory modules and three optional modules.
Five compulsory modules
Three optional modules
PGCert: You must complete four modules, two compulsory modules and two optional modules.
Two compulsory modules
Two optional modules
The degree 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.
Online Library
As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.
Senate House Library
If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.
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 Enquiry Hub – 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.
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.
Key dates
| Applications open | |
|---|---|
| Applications close | |
| Registration deadline | |
| Programme starts | April 2025 |
| Applications open | |
|---|---|
| Applications close | |
| Registration deadline | |
| Programme starts | October 2025 |
Admissions
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.
If you have studied material as part of a previous qualification that is comparable in content, level and standard to our postgraduate modules, you may be exempted from the equivalent course of our degree. This 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.
If you are registering on the following qualifications, you may be awarded RPL up to:
MSc and PGDip Marketing: 60 credits
PGCert Marketing: 30 credits
RPL for the Dissertation will not be considered.
To be considered for RPL you should make a formal request within your application when applying for the programme. Or, you can submit an online enquiry, if you have already applied.
You will need to have met the entrance requirements for the programme to be considered for RPL.
You must have completed the qualification/ examination(s), on which the application for RPL is based on, within the five years preceding the application.
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.
Discretionary RPL
Your qualifications will need to be assessed by specialist academics on a case by case basis, before we can approve RPL. A formal application is required and an RPL application fee is payable. The RPL application fee is non-refundable, even if your prior learning is not recognised.
Your qualification must be at the appropriate level (usually equivalent to a UK Level 7/Master’s degree qualification or above) to be considered.
For your discretionary RPL request to be processed, you will need to provide: a completed RPL request form, the supporting documentary evidence (normally a scanned copy of an official transcript and syllabus of your previous studies) and the discretionary RPL fee.
You should apply as soon as possible so that we can process your request. You will need to allow time for academics to consider your documentation, so you can register by the registration deadline.
All discretionary RPL requests must be submitted by the dates specified for the April or October intake, in the year that you apply. We must receive all required supporting evidence by the deadline stated.
| April 2025 intake | |
|---|---|
| Submit RPL request by | 05 March 2025 |
| Submit supporting evidence by | 10 March 2025 |
If you submit your discretionary RPL application but are too late to be considered for RPL in the current session, we will still process your application to study the programme. If you receive an offer, you can still register. If you wish to be considered for RPL in a subsequent session, then you shouldn’t register on the modules you want to apply for RPL.
How to request RPL
Additional information about the process of applying for RPL.
Further information regarding RPL is covered in the Recognition of Prior Learning section of the appropriate Programme Regulations and Section 3 of the General Regulations.
Fees, funding and payment
The fees below relate to new students registering for the October 2024 and April 2025 sessions only and are effective from 30 March 2024. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase.
Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.
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]
| MSc Marketing full programme fee | 2024-25 |
|---|---|
| Band A countries | £7346 |
| Band B countries | £12255 |
| Indicative totals* | 2024-25 |
| Band A countries | £7482 |
| Band B countries | £12452 |
| Pay per module Band A countries | 2024-25 |
| Module fee | £612 |
| Dissertation Part 1 fee | £612 |
| Dissertation Part 2 fee | £1838 |
| Module continuation fee (per 15-credit continued module) | £307 |
| Module continuation fee for Dissertation part 2 | £898 |
| Pay per module Band B countries: | 2024-25 |
| Module fee | £1021 |
| Dissertation Part 1 | £1021 |
| Dissertation Part 2 | £2920 |
| Module continuation fee (per 15 credit continued module) | £307 |
| Module continuation fee for Dissertation part 2 | £898 |
| Other fees | 2024-25 |
| Online examination fee* | £11 |
| Application fee for recognition of prior learning (per module) (non-refundable) | £65 |
Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.
*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 five per cent. 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.
Sales Tax
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).
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.
You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.
Career opportunities
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.
What do employers think of our graduates?
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.
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.
| Qualification | Exemptions | Modules to study |
|---|---|---|
| CIM Foundation Certificate in Professional Marketing / Professional Digital Marketing | None | Marketing Principles and One elective of learner's choice |
| CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing / Professional Digital Marketing | Applied Marketing and Planning Campaigns | One elective of learner’s choice |
| CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing | Marketing & Digital Strategy | Innovation in Marketing and One elective of the learner’s choice |
| CIM Diploma in Professional Digital Marketing | Marketing & Digital Strategy | Digital Optimisation and The Digital Customer Experience |
| CIM Diploma in Sustainable Marketing | Marketing & Digital Strategy | Innovation in Marketing and Sustainability |
You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.
Apply now
Thank you for your interest in studying with us. Applications are currently closed for this course. Check the key dates section when applications open or register your interest.
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