Overview

This programme, accredited by both the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Institute of Data and Marketing (IDM), has been designed for graduates who aspire to advanced study and a career in marketing. It will prepare you to respond to the marketing challenges posed by today's global business environment. Our pathways allow you to specialise in marketing strategy or digital marketing, or to pursue a broader marketing degree.

Our MSc Marketing programme will help you achieve industry-recognised CIM and IDM qualifications which are highly sought after by employers, preparing you for a successful career in marketing.

Through the CIM accreditation, MSc Marketing graduates can achieve CIM qualifications at an accelerated pace with exemptions for two of the three modules required for the Level 4 Certificate in Professional Marketing, and one exemption for the Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing.

Through the IDM accreditation, our MSc Marketing students can gain a Certificate in Digital and Data Driven Marketing and Student Membership of the Data and Marketing Association (DMA).

By studying MSc Marketing at the University of Bristol, you will become part of a dynamic and diverse body of staff and students. You will be taught by experienced academics, many of whom are actively engaged in conducting pioneering marketing research at international level. 88% of our Business and Management research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), reflecting its role in shaping policy and practice in the UK, Europe and globally.

As an MSc Marketing student, you will have the opportunity to put what you have learned into practice by undertaking a project around a current marketing issue for an industry partner. Opportunities are coordinated by our dedicated specialist team, the Professional Liaison Network.

Students and graduates will also benefit from the reputation of the University, which ranks in the top 10 UK universities (QS World University Rankings 2024); and top 50 in the world for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2022).

Programme structure

This is a specialist programme, so some academic knowledge of relevant subject matter is required through a prior degree that contains some exposure to business, marketing, or management.

Successful completion of four core units, two optional units and a final project lead to an MSc Marketing award. The core units provide the essential knowledge and key skills needed to succeed in your marketing career. As a final piece of work, you may choose between tackling an issue that is theoretical in nature or responding to a real organisational challenge via an applied industry project.

The programme content will equip you with the skills to critically analyse the challenges facing the current global marketing industry. You will also learn how to formulate an appropriate and innovative strategic response considering the latest developments in the field.

There are three available degree awards, which aim to match your skills and personal interests with contemporary career trends and market demand:

  • MSc Marketing
  • MSc Marketing (Digital)
  • MSc Marketing (Strategy and Business Development).

The degree you are awarded will be determined by the combination of optional units you choose to study together with the subject of your final project.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Marketing.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Business, Management, Marketing, Media/Communications, Advertising, Sociology, or Social Psychology.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant (minimum of 6 months) relevant work experience in sectors such as marketing, branding, marketing communications, digital marketing, public relations, advertising, buying or sales.
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£18,200 per year
Overseas: full-time
£32,900 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

The marketing principles included in this programme are demonstrated through academic theory and practical application. Successful graduates are provided with a strong foundation for a range of careers not only in marketing but for any role that requires an analytical way of thinking and a creative approach to problem-solving.

Graduates of this programme are likely to opt for careers as marketing specialists in multi-national corporations or small-medium enterprises, or create their own marketing firms. Our recent graduates have gone on to work in various global organisations including Apple, Louis Vuitton, and Nielsen as well as charities and marketing agencies.