Marketing (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Conversion course
This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path.
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Bring your interests and expertise to a marketing programme designed for students from any disciplinary background.
Industry insights
See marketing in action on company visits and from high-profile guest speakers.
Change business for good
Address a contemporary business challenge as part of a team in a live Marketing Project.
Marketing in context
Explore contemporary marketing challenges in different organisational settings.
Socially responsible
As the world's first Public Value Business School, we're committed to delivering social improvement alongside economic development.
Professional accreditation
We're proud that our programme is a CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) accredited degree.
Marketing is the business of engaging with the world.
Positive relationships with customers, employees, suppliers, other businesses, local communities, government and regulatory authorities are fundamental to organisational success.
Marketing ensures the reputational alignment of all these relationships through an understanding of behaviour, decision making and market research.
The business of changing the world is ours.
Our MSc in Marketing is designed to enhance your previous study with additional insights into core marketing concepts, processes and skills. We’ll help you become a marketing professional capable of analysing organisational scenarios and formulating evidence-based action plans.
Working with our academic and practitioner experts, you’ll explore the principles and practices of marketing and how they can be deployed in multiple sectors, from goods-centred activities to service environments and across contrasting international contexts. You’ll use leading research and real-life examples to identify ways in which organisations deliver value through marketing and research activities.
The programme will conclude with a final live marketing project. You’ll work in a team to complete a marketing report for an organisation based on a defined brief and applying the core marketing concepts acquired on the course in the context of a specific organisation.
If you have previously studied marketing, you may be interested in our MSc Strategic Marketing programme. Alternatively, if you have three years of relevant work experience, you may be interested in our MBA programme.
Accreditations
- Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
- Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
“Our MSc in Marketing is designed and delivered by academics who are world leaders in their field. It challenges students to develop core marketing skills in research, analysis and application.”
Where you'll study
Cardiff Business School
We’re an AACSB International and AMBA-accredited Business School with a clear mission: to make a positive impact in the communities of Wales and the world.
Admissions criteria
This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path. No prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required.
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.
If you have previous study or work experience in marketing you may be interested in our MSc Strategic Marketing programme. If you have at least three years of professional experience and meet the criteria detailed below, you may be interested in our MBA programme.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
The programme comprises six module blocks, plus a marketing consultancy project. The first and last module blocks are scheduled on their own as introductory and capstone learning experiences. The four other modules are scheduled in pairs. The block approach provides an enriched opportunity for extended learning activities, class interaction and review of learning to enhance understanding. It also enables us to offer extra support for individual students to build their confidence.
The introductory module sets the scene for the rest of the programme by exploring the fundamentals of marketing. It immerses you into the study environment and learning group.
You will study two core modules in marketing research and service marketing before choosing two of the four optional modules offered within the programme. Within all modules you will be exposed to the latest research and practice in marketing.
A capstone ‘Marketing in Context’ module explores contemporary issues in marketing, with overarching theory delivered earlier in the programme challenged against context specific backdrops. This is designed to develop your insight and dexterity in the subject.
The programme concludes with a Marketing Consultancy Project, in which you will work as a group to develop a brief with an organisation and then undertake a marketing investigation in response.
Key academic and professional skills are integrated into all the modules, helping to build your confidence and the skills required to succeed both within the programme and in your future career.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Project | BST360 | 60 credits |
| Marketing Fundamentals | BST350 | 20 credits |
| Services Marketing | BST351 | 20 credits |
| Marketing Research | BST352 | 20 credits |
| Marketing in Context | BST353 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Management | BST354 | 20 credits |
| Marketing Analytics | BST355 | 20 credits |
| Digital Marketing | BST356 | 20 credits |
| International Marketing | BST357 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
An active learning approach is embedded in the MSc Marketing. We believe that effective learning is founded on two things – your involvement in diverse experiences, and the way you make sense of those experiences, both individually and with others.
Consequently, each block of learning includes a variety of activities such as case studies, videos, mini team challenges, role-play, company visits, and industry speakers, all designed to introduce new ideas and develop your understanding.
We will help you to enhance the higher order reflective skills you were introduced to during your first degree, including observation, analysis, and synthesis to ensure that you are able to develop comprehensive insight and clear conclusions about these experiences.
We will also support you to work with other students to reflect on your existing knowledge and skills. Sharing your understanding with others is also important and the collaborative learning will enable you to build new insights into the nature of marketing in a variety of contexts. You will be encouraged to work collaboratively in diverse teams to consider a range of alternative understandings and practices.
Trying out new learning is important too. You will integrate and apply new understandings, together with new marketing skills, in practical tasks embedded in each learning block, and in formal coursework activities.
Alongside assessed modules, a series of programme-level activities support skills development and further interpretation of the contemporary realities of marketing take place.
How will I be assessed?
The block programme structure provides plenty of opportunities for you to reflect on your learning and development informally. Short knowledge/skill review activities are built into each module to help you check your progress and improve your approach to learning. This will build your confidence and enhance your approach to formal assessment tasks.
A variety of formal assessment tasks provide the opportunity to explore concepts and models in creative and practical ways. These include presentations, case studies, reports, and exams. You will work individually and as part of a team, just as you would in the workplace.
All formal assessments are completed within each module. This enables more in-depth consolidation and application required for successful performance in assessment tasks based on the complex functional level work undertaken by professionals. It also reflects realistic workplace timescales for the completion of tasks.
How will I be supported?
The University offers a wealth of support for postgraduate students. These include:
Careers & Placement Support
Our dedicated Placements Manager offers advice on available work placements, internships, work experience and opportunities to enhance your CV and broaden your horizons. Support for job applications and interview techniques is also available from the Business School’s in-house Careers Consultant.
Learning Central
Learning Central is the University’s virtual learning environment. All programme and module materials are posted here for students to access before, during and after lectures.
Libraries
You will have access to libraries across campus which hold over 1.1 million printed books. You will also have access to more than 1.5 million online books, journals, resources and databases.
Personal Tutor System
Each student is allocated a Personal Tutor. This member of academic staff will maintain an overview of your learning and educational experiences. If you are experiencing difficulties, your Personal Tutor will be there to listen and where possible provide professional guidance or else direct you to the appropriate source of support.
The Student Advisory Service
A free, impartial, non-judgemental and confidential service is offered to students on a wide range of personal, financial and academic matters.
Disability & Dyslexia Service
Confidential advice and support is provided for students who are disabled or who have a specific learning difficulty (e.g., dyslexia) or long term medical condition.
Counselling Service
The Cardiff University Counselling Service provides members of the university community with an opportunity to examine issues that prevent them from maximising their full potential and to explore options for change. The Counselling Service is confidential and free of charge. It has had international recognition as a Centre for Excellence for individual and group counselling.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will be able to do as a result of your study at Cardiff University. They will help you to understand what is expected of you.
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme can be found below:
Knowledge & Understanding:
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of key marketing concepts.
- Evaluate the principles, theory and applications of marketing.
- Analyse contemporary issues in marketing and their societal impact.
- Evaluate important aspects of marketing contexts.
Intellectual Skills:
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:
- Apply the principles of marketing to practice.
- Analyse marketing scenarios and formulate evidence-based recommendations.
- Apply knowledge in an original way.
Professional Practical Skills:
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:
- Evaluate the applications of theory to practice, generating workable solutions.
- Solve problems in applied marketing scenarios.
- Deal with complex issues in a systematic and creative way.
- Analyse complex problems based on rigorous data, and clearly communicate to specialist or non-specialist audiences.
Transferable/Key Skills:
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and practical means.
- Work effectively in a team and as an individual.
- Use digital technology in an applied learning environment.
- Work to a range of timescales to fit the requirements of programme tasks and outputs.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £12,200 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £28,450 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
At Cardiff Business School, you’ll receive a career-changing education from world-leading academics that have different points of view. They’ll challenge your thinking as you consider the world of business from a range of alternative perspectives.
On our MSc in Marketing, you’ll benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our Career Enhancer Team. They’re ready and waiting to identify events and opportunities to help you achieve your future aspirations.
We’ve developed relationships that range from the largest multinationals to the smallest micro-businesses, and include a wide variety of social enterprises and cooperatives. We use these networks to deliver value for our students through:
- real-world case studies and insights
- collaboration with our Public Value Entrepreneurs in Residence
- guest lectures
- field trips and workshops.
This wide ranging and varied learning experience will help enhance your career and demonstrate how you can make a difference along the way.
The programme will enable new opportunities for a career in Marketing, supplementing the skills and knowledge you acquired in your first degree. The MSc Marketing offers advancement in the student’s own discipline through complementary expertise and differentiation from other candidates in the field.
Placements
There is no placement opportunity within the programme. However, during the Marketing Consultancy Project you will work closely with an organisation and develop a marketing plan to address their organisational needs.
Next steps
Open Day visits
Register for information about our upcoming dates.Make an enquiry
Contact us for more information about this course.International
Learn more about our truly global university.HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
