View our Masters (MSc) alumni testimonials

Sam Adams describes his experience of studying within the Department of Marketing.  

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Davy Chan 

I enjoyed the chance to meet people from around the globe. In class we shared ideas with different perspectives and cultural contexts

First degree: Bsc Biology in HKUST

What did you enjoy the most about the course: I enjoyed the chance to meet people from around the globe. In class we shared ideas with different perspectives and cultural contexts. It is a comprehensive programme in a dynamic environment, so everyday was a challenging day. 

Future plans: I am a management trainee in one of the top five banks in China - Bank of Communications. My academic background and study experience will help me to develop an electronic marketing strategy for the bank. It is ideal for a master's degree holder to apply the knowledge in the real business world.

Key tip for prospective students: Get prepared! Taking master degree is not just about getting money and time ready, you also need to know what you want to achieve and how much you want to achieve. Finally, be committed in the course and enjoy the rest.

John Heredea

Birmingham Business School provides an environment which is conducive to successful, team-oriented approaches to overcoming challenges

First degree: English Language, University of California, Santa Barbara (graduated in 2004)

Current Position: Senior Account Executive, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, London

Enjoyed Most About the Course: The ability to interact and learn from classmates from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, which lead to more dynamic and creative approaches to problem solving and exposed me to new ways of thinking.

Aspect of Programme/Experience which Helped Career: Being encouraged to learn! Oftentimes, one of the biggest challenges in finding a solution to client problems is knowing where to source information. Birmingham Business School provides an environment which is conducive to successful, team-oriented approaches to overcoming challenges.  This combination, mixed with a degree of creativity, creates a strong foundation for continuous personal development.

Future Plans: To continue working at Ogilvy, a communications powerhouse!

Key Tip for Students: Start building your network, make use of the myriad resources available throughout the University and interact with your lecturers on both a social and academic level, as they can offer a lot of value on both fronts!

Programme details

The 12 month masters degree programme begins at the end of September.  Initially you will spend time developing your understanding of core principles, theory and practice in marketing management, marketing research and marketing strategy and planning.  Case studies will explore the particular applications of concepts in an international marketing context.  You will also take a compulsory module exploring the principles, theory and practice of international marketing strategy, including approaches to international market selection, entry mode, and planning the marketing mix globally and/or locally. You will also study a compulsory module on Cross-Cultural Communication to help appreciate the challenges and strategies for effective communication when managing in an international context.

Beyond the core modules, the programme offers a wide choice of elective modules.  You will be able to specialise in the areas of marketing that you feel will best prepare you for your chosen career path.  We offer an exciting elective which explores the challenges of international marketing decisions in practice, using an innovative computer-based simulation in association with a USA-based company.

The Research Dissertation

During the year you will undertake a major independent research dissertation, which must be related to an international marketing issue.  Some topics may be suggested and sponsored by commercial companies, which provides an opportunity to undertake research which will have a real impact on marketing decision-making. Academic members of the Marketing Group will also suggest topics consistent with their ongoing research, or you can choose a topic that is directly related to your chosen career path.

If you do not meet the entry requirements for the 12-month programme we can offer you the chance to first take a preparatory 9-month Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (GDBA).  If you achieve a satisfactory performance on this GDBA you can then progress to the 12-month MSc International Marketing programme.
Programme Structure

Late September: MSc International Marketing Induction programme (one week)
October - December:

Core Modules

• Cross-Cultural Communication
• The International Marketing Context
• Marketing Management
• Marketing Research

Christmas Break

January (one week): Exams for Semester 1 subjects
January – April:

Core Modules

• International Marketing Strategy
• Contemporary Issues in International Marketing
• Research Methods for Dissertation

Elective Modules*: Choose 2 or 3**:

• Business to Business Relationships
• Marketing Communications
• Product and Innovation Management
• Retail Marketing
• Services Marketing
• Strategic Brand Management
• Strategic Environmental Sustainability
• E-marketing

Easter Break
May – June: Exams for Semester 2 subjects
July – September: International Marketing Research Dissertation

*Please note that the range of electives available may change each year
**Depending on whether you choose 10 or 20 credit modules