About this course
Study the latest in marketing management theory and practice as you learn how to improve business results in a global context. On this full-time MSc in Marketing Management you’ll focus on digital marketing techniques and data interpretation to develop your strategic and tactical decision-making.
This master’s also offers a rare opportunity to use ‘R Analytics’ software to develop your statistical analysis skills.
This master’s degree in Marketing Management is ideal if you’re new to the field and want to become a professional marketer, or if you’d like to gain marketing insights using the latest approaches.
We’ll help you graduate as a capable marketer who can integrate marketing management approaches to provide solutions for modern businesses across the globe.
You’ll gather, analyse and interpret data to work out how to develop meaningful customer insights. During the course, you’ll learn how organisational functions contribute to strategy and how to inform international and multicultural scenarios.
You can tailor your learning to suit your professional needs. For example, you can choose to focus on:
- marketing in the luxury sector
- using analytics and data effectively
- global brand strategy
- business ethics
- the role of design in marketing
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Your course leader is Tom Chapman, Principal Teaching Fellow in the Digital and Data Driven Marketing Department at the Southampton Business School. Visit Tom’s staff profile to find out more about his work.
Accreditations

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Sustainable Consumption Among Millennials: what's new, what's different?
Learn more about this subject area
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following areas:
- business
- economics
- science
- engineering
- IT
- management and marketing
- communication
- education
- political science
- sociology
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
We do not accept the following subjects:
- Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
- Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
On this strategic marketing master’s your studies will run for a full 12 months, from September to the following September.
The first 9 months cover taught modules and includes exams. From June to September you’ll work on your supervised research project.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Customer Insight
Understanding what motivates, influences and drives buyers to buy; be they consumers or business purchasers, is a critical area of learning in marketing. This module explores a range of buyer behaviour concepts, models and frameworks, enabling you to cri...
Digital Marketing Strategy
This module focusses on strategic marketing decision making and reflects the marketing role in building and sustaining an organisation’s competitive advantage in a digital age. We examine the dynamic digital environment through a situation analysis employ...
Introduction to Marketing
This module introduces you to the scope and role of marketing within an organisation and the dynamic business environment in which it operates. Key components of the macro and micro environment are identified giving students the knowledge and skills requ...
Marketing Communications and Media Management
Specifically, you will learn about advertising, PR, sponsorship, direct marketing and emerging communication techniques including the use of digital media. You will also learn about the importance of measuring marketing communications, about the creative ...
Measuring Marketing Effectiveness
In the contemporary business environment, marketing accountability is constantly increasing in importance. Being able to measure marketing performance and demonstrate how effectively marketing is conducted in organisations has also become a source of perf...
Research Methods for Marketing
This module aims to provide opportunities for students to develop an appreciation of marketing research in theory and practice. There are two broad objectives: (1) to enhance your knowledge of the research process and enable you to be aware of the problem...
You must also choose from the following modules :
Digital Analytics
To introduce you to the key concepts of digital analytics in the marketing discipline and how analytics can build knowledge of online customer behaviour and campaign effectiveness that can be used effectively in the business environment within which marke...
Dissertation for Marketing
The dissertation stage of your Master's programme involves an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choosing and the preparation of a 15,000 word dissertation describing your work. Essentially, the dissertation is a test of your abili...
Marketing Practice-based Project
The Marketing Practice-based Project provides an opportunity to undertake a sustained piece of individually developed project applied to a real-life marketing situation or problem which involves an extended, independent investigation. This module focuses ...
Services Marketing
The services sector remains an integral component of a thriving local, national and global economy. This area of study is critical since services are inherently unique and possess characteristics not seen in other areas of marketing and business. Indeed, ...
Strategic Branding and Luxury Marketing
This module consists two components: strategic branding and luxury marketing. It focuses on the nature of competitiveness in a global context. It offers students the opportunity to understand a fundamental branding strategy and luxury marketing management...
Learning and assessment
Learning
Many modules use case studies and problem-solving activities so you can apply what you’re studying to real-world scenarios. You'll work with fellow students on group assignments and presentations.
The teamwork, project management and communication skills you hone will be invaluable throughout your career. As well as lectures and tutorials your learning may include:
- seminars
- student-led discussions
- reflective practice
- workshops
- case studies
- presentations
- visits to UK-based companies
You can attend monthly seminars to hear leading academics from across the UK share their research findings and we invite industry practitioners to talk about the very latest in marketing trends and challenges.
You can also join the University’s ‘Digital Champions’ scheme and be paid to put your digital marketing skills into practice working with staff and students.
Assessment
The way you’re assessed might vary between modules, and may include:
- individual or group projects and reports
- group presentations
- personal reflection
- exams
Dissertation
You'll need to use the methods, techniques and skills you learn in the taught part of the degree to write a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choosing.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor. At the start of your course you’ll also be able to speak to former students who will share their experiences and offer advice about the course.
Careers
You’ll graduate with the digital and analytical skills sought after by employers. The MSc Marketing Management degree is also good preparation for further research at PhD level.
Our graduates from all over the world work in roles such as:
- customer relationship management
- data analysis
- brand management
- marketing project management
- market research
- product design management
Some of the big-name brands they’re working for include:
- Accenture
- Burson-Marsteller
- John Lewis
- Ocado
- Hewlett Packard (HP)
Your lecturers’ have links with marketing agencies such as Nielsen, Obergine and Found. Their industry connections mean the latest sector trends will be embedded into your learning.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £15,000.
- EU and international students pay £28,900.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship
A scholarship of £7,000 is available to home fee paying students studying an eligible postgraduate master's at Southampton Business School.
Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship
A scholarship of £9,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at Southampton Business School.
Find out more about the Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.
Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Southampton Business School Excellence in English Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students from mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau who are studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.
Find out more about the Southampton Business Excellence in English Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
- Applicants permanently resident in China: Monday 29 July 2024, midday UK time
- Applicants permanently resident in other countries: Monday 29 July 2024, midday UK time
- Applicants permanently resident in the UK: Friday 30 August 2024, midday UK time
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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