Ranking
#52
Globally for Marketing (QS)
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Birmingham's MSc Marketing covers the full breadth of modern marketing, from strategy and consumer behaviour to digital and responsible marketing. Ranked 52nd globally (QS, 2027), you'll graduate with the ability to understand what drives customers and how to turn that insight into marketing strategy.
You'll begin with core topics in marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, and research methods, then choose a specialist pathway to match your career direction:
- Digital Marketing
- International Marketing
- Responsible Marketing
You can shape your degree further through optional modules such as Strategic Branding, Reputation Management, and Innovation Management and New Product Development.
Practical experience is built into the programme. On the Digital Marketing Live Project module, you will analyse real trends, develop content, and produce a complete digital marketing strategy as a live piece of assessed work, all supported by a local digital marketing agency.
You'll hear regularly from alumni and industry guest lecturers, and collaborate with students from our MSc Strategic Marketing and Consulting through shared social and networking events.
From 2027, you can also start this course in January. January intake follows a slightly different programme structure. The Company Project, International Marketing pathway, and some optional modules are available to September starters only. January starters complete a dissertation and choose from the Digital Marketing or Responsible Marketing pathways.
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Meet our graduates
The course is very diverse – people from all walks of life are studying MSc Marketing, which makes collaboration and discussion productive and exciting. I also really enjoy that the course is inter-disciplinary – in modules like Consumer Insights, you learn a lot about psychology and sociology. No module is the same, which makes it extremely interesting.
Why study Marketing at Birmingham?
From globally recognised accreditation to real industry experience, here is what sets this programme apart.
- Our MSc Marketing is ranked #52 globally for Marketing (QS Business Masters Rankings 2027)
- Birmingham is ranked in the Top 10 for Marketing in the UK (Complete University Guide 2027)
- Specialise in Digital Marketing, International Marketing, or Responsible Marketing - choose the pathway that fits your career goals
- The programme is taught using block teaching. This creates a more focused, immersive learning experience and allows you to study each subject in depth before moving on
- Gain hands-on experience on the Digital Marketing Live Project, developing a real digital marketing strategy supported by a local agency
- Apply your learning through the Company Project and conduct original research into a real organisation on a subject of your choosing
- Hear regularly from alumni and industry guest lecturers bringing current, real-world perspectives into the classroom
Triple-crown Accreditation
Birmingham Business School is one of a few schools worldwide to hold triple-crown accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
- Top 2
UK university targeted by leading graduate employers
- 68th
QS World University Rankings 2027
- 99th
THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Business and Economics
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing
Birmingham's MSc Marketing is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing. This enables you access accelerated attainment of CIM qualifications such as the Certificate in Professional Marketing or Professional Digital Marketing
Course delivery
Practical assignments
Workshop
Seminar
Projects
Lecture
Birmingham's MSc Marketing is taught through a block teaching model, studying modules in focused sequences rather than all at once, creating a more immersive learning experience that lets you go deeper into each subject before moving on.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, workshops, seminars, and practical labs, with assessments including group and individual projects, presentations, reports, essays, and briefing papers.
September intake
September starters complete either a dissertation or the Company Project. You'll choose from the Digital Marketing, International Marketing or Responsible Marketing specialist pathways.
January intake
Our January intake offers a smaller, more intimate cohort experience with closer access to staff and peers. January starters complete a dissertation and choose from the Digital Marketing or Responsible Marketing specialist pathways.
Module information
The course comprises of 180 credits, taught through a series of 20 credit modules and a 40 credit Dissertation or Company Project. You will study three core modules and four optional modules. You will also choose to specialise in Digital, International or Responsible Marketing.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
September start modules
September start modules
Core Modules
You will complete the following Core Modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Consumer Insights | 20 |
| Marketing Strategy | 20 |
| Research and Analysis in Marketing | 20 |
You will choose one of the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 40 |
| Company Project | 40 |
Optional Modules
You will choose 80 credits of optional modules throughout your degree.
You will choose one of the following options:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Marketing Communications | 20 |
| Services and Retail Marketing | 20 |
And one of the following options:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Innovation Management and New Product Development | 20 |
| Reputation Management | 20 |
| Strategic Branding | 20 |
You will also complete two modules from the Digital, International or Responsible Marketing specialisations.
Digital Marketing
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Digital Marketing Live Project | 20 |
| Foundations of Digital Marketing | 20 |
International Marketing
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Implementing International Marketing | 20 |
| International Marketing | 20 |
Responsible Marketing
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Ethics of Markets and Marketing Ethics | 20 |
| Marketing and Sustainability | 20 |
January start modules
January start modules
Core Modules
You will complete the following Core Modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Marketing Strategy | 20 |
| Research and Analysis in Marketing | 20 |
| Consumer Insights | 20 |
| Marketing Communications | 20 |
| International Marketing | 20 |
If you choose to start in January, you will complete a dissertation.
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 40 |
You will then choose to specialise in either Digital Marketing or Responsible Marketing.
Digital Marketing
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Digital Marketing Live Project | 20 |
| Foundations of Digital Marketing | 20 |
Responsible Marketing
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Ethics of Markets and Marketing Ethics | 20 |
| Marketing and Sustainability | 20 |
Teaching staff
Programme Director
Dr Amin Nazifi
Programme Director, MSc Marketing
Amin's main research centres around service failure and recovery, proactivity and consumer well-being.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
or postgraduate diploma from a UK university (or overseas equivalent) in any subject. Applicants who demonstrate being able to exceed the minimum entry requirements will be given preference.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £17,460
Full-time January 2027
- £18,360
Full-time September 2027
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for September 2027 and January 2027 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent). If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 18 December 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants to apply to start in January 2027.
We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
- 27 August 2027
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Ask us a question
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Career opportunities
Our MSc Marketing graduates have progressed into a wide range of marketing roles across industries including financial services, technology, retail and consulting. Graduates have secured positions with organisations including Rio Tinto, Tesco, Citi, USN UK, Claritix and Beymen Group, as well as marketing agencies, technology start-ups and their own ventures.
Career opportunities include roles such as Marketing Director, Head of Marketing, Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist and Marketing Consultant.
Whether you’re interested in developing brand strategy, leading digital campaigns, managing customer experiences or driving business growth, the programme will equip you with the skills to pursue a career across the evolving marketing landscape.
Your careers toolkit
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
- Careers support services and Careers Network
- Work experience and placements
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Alumni and employer connections
- Global opportunities and life experience
- Careers in the curriculum
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Birmingham: a city built for students
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.