Course Structure
Late September:
October - December:
Core Modules
January – April:
Core Modules
Elective Modules*: Choose 2 or 3**:
May – June: Exams for Semester 2 subjects
July – September: Strategic Marketing and Consulting Research Dissertation
*Please note that the range of electives available may change each year
**Depending on whether you choose 10 or 20 credit modules
The 12 month programme starts at the end of September and will focus on developing your knowledge and understanding of marketing in the context of the strategic management of organizations. It will update your awareness of contemporary issues and challenges in marketing.
The early part of the programme will also feature intensive training in research, marketing measurement and analysis and an introduction to consultancy skills and practice. Subsequently, you will deepen your understanding of marketing by undertaking a live consultancy project, alongside studying a range of specialist electives, such as Strategic Brand Management. Guest marketing practitioners will input to the programme to help you engage with the very latest issues.
You will work on two major consultancy projects during the programme, and this may involve working with an SME or a major corporate, a UK-based or overseas company, and/or a commercial or social enterprise. You will work through the entire consultancy process – from receiving the client brief, developing the proposal, negotiating deliverables, managing and completing the research, presenting the results, and ensuring a satisfactory outcome for the client.
In addition to direct consulting skills, we will further develop your analytical capabilities, critical thinking skills, communication skills and your ability to use IT to support marketing analysis and decision-making. Part of your skills training will take place off-campus at the University’s Priestley Centre on Lake Coniston in Cumbria.
Why study Strategic Marketing and Consulting MSc at Birmingham?
This programme will focus on developing your knowledge and understanding of marketing in the context of the strategic management of organizations. It will update your awareness of contemporary issues and challenges in marketing.
The early part of the programme will also feature intensive training in research, marketing measurement and analysis and an introduction to consultancy skills and practice. Subsequently, you will deepen your understanding of marketing by undertaking a live consultancy project, alongside studying a range of specialist electives, such as Strategic Brand Management. Guest marketing practitioners will input to the programme to help you engage with the very latest issues.
In addition to direct consulting skills, we will further develop your analytical capabilities, critical thinking skills, communication skills and your ability to use IT to support marketing analysis and decision-making. Part of your skills training will take place off-campus at the University’s Priestley Centre on Lake Coniston in Cumbria.
Teaching and Learning
You will work on two major consultancy projects during the programme, and this may involve working with an SME or a major corporate, a UK-based or overseas company, and/or a commercial or social enterprise. You will work through the entire consultancy process – from receiving the client brief, developing the proposal, negotiating deliverables, managing and completing the research, presenting the results, and ensuring a satisfactory outcome for the client.
Employability
Recent graduates from our masters marketing programmes have gone on to work in a wide range of careers in companies such as;
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Ogilvy & Mather, American Express, Accenture, Whitbread, Beiersdorf, DaimlerChrysler, AstraZeneca, Tesco, AC Nielsen, Cogent Elliot, Cadbury, Mazda Motors, Leo Burnett, Industrial & Commercial Bank of China and Nissan, both in the UK and in their home country for returning international students.
Birmingham Business School recognises the importance of undertaking a postgraduate Business programme for your career development. Finding the right employment afterwards will clearly be an important objective and our aim is to help you to do so.
The Careers in Business team provide a specialist careers support service located in University House for the exclusive use of Business School postgraduates from the departments of Accounting, Management and Marketing.
Career Development Advice
Consultants provide an advice service to help you realise your career objectives. Students and alumni can book one-to-one appointments to discuss their career plans. These appointments commonly focus on:
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Career Review and Objective-setting
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Job seeking strategies
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CV Review or Application Advice
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Interview and Selection Advice
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Working in the UK
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International Work Enquiries
Whilst we cannot provide individual immigration advice, we can signpost you to a range of sources of information and advice.
Careers Events and Workshops
The Careers in Business team runs a wide range of events designed to introduce the methods, styles and skills relevant to job search in the UK and to students seeking to market themselves across the globe. Consultants from the Careers in Business team lead a range of sessions which are supplemented by presentations and workshops led by training consultants, employer representatives and alumni. Coaching sessions are also available, enabling students to focus individually on their development of key skills
Vacancy and Employer Liaison Services
The Employer Liaison team works with employers to attract relevant opportunities into the School. Vacancies notified to the School are made available to students through the School’s virtual learning environment and the team also provide information and advice about external sources of vacancy information. Careers in Business events supported by employers have included presentations, drop-in sessions, mock interviews and a mock assessment centre.
Careers and Employability Centre
Postgraduate Business School students can also use the Careers and Employablity Centre for vacancy information, presentations and fairs, workshops and the information room. See www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers for further information about services.
Teodor Nestorov
I enjoyed every aspect of the course. I was trained by real professionals, I met unique people from all over the world, I expanded my knowledge base, I developed key skills"
First degree:
I lived and studied in Thessaloniki, Greece where I obtained a degree in Business Studies (BA) at City College. The university is affiliated institution of the University of Sheffield which gave me the chance to obtain a British diploma outside the UK.
What enjoyed most about the course:
I enjoyed every aspect of the course. I was trained by real professionals, I met unique people from all over the world, I expanded my knowledge base, I developed key skills and ... I had fun!
Consultancy projects:
Consultancy projects were the real source of learning! They give you not only a chance to implement theory into practice but also a chance to learn more about yourself, to understand your strengths and weaknesses. I had the brilliant opportunity to be involved in two consultancy projects for Chem-Trend (US based mould release agent manufacturer) and Studentbeans.com. These projects gave me exposure to various industries, cultures and challenges which appear to be an invaluable component of my CV.
Future plans:
My dream has always been to set up and run my own business. Currently, I am still working on myself, trying to understand where I belong and what my mission is.
Key tip for prospective students:
The university and the course itself provide numerous opportunities to students. However, in order to take the most out of those opportunities, you have to know what exactly you want to achieve and where you want to be at the end of the day.
NB Please, have fun!