MSc Marketing

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Cardiff University

Program Overview

Cardiff’s MSc Marketing is perfect for anyone looking to build a strong career in marketing, even if you haven’t studied it before. Over one year, you’ll gain a deep understanding of consumer behaviour, brand strategy, and marketing research, and put your skills into practice with a live Marketing Project for a real organisation.

Curriculum Structure

The year is designed to take you from the basics to advanced, real-world marketing applications. Early on, you’ll explore Marketing Fundamentals, Services Marketing, and Marketing Research, giving you a strong grounding in both theory and practice. As you progress, you’ll tailor your studies with optional modules like Brand Management, Digital Marketing, or International Marketing, allowing you to focus on the areas that interest you most. The program culminates in the Marketing Consultancy Project, where you’ll work in a team to solve a real business challenge, delivering a professional marketing strategy and report that you can showcase to future employers.

Focus Areas

consumer behaviour, services marketing, strategic research, brand management, digital marketing, international marketing

Learning Outcomes

you’ll gain practical skills in developing evidence-based marketing strategies, conducting research, analysing data, and creating solutions that drive real business impact

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

CIM-accredited, offering a direct pathway to Chartered Institute of Marketing qualifications and enhancing your professional profile

Reputation (Employability / Rankings)

Cardiff Business School is AACSB-accredited and ranked among the Global Top 100 for Marketing in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, reflecting the school’s international recognition and strong employability outcomes

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Cardiff’s MSc Marketing doesn’t just teach you theory—it’s designed to immerse you in practical marketing experiences from day one. You’ll gain hands-on skills through live projects, research exercises, and digital tools, ensuring you can apply what you learn in real-world business scenarios. The program encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, giving you confidence to step straight into professional roles.

Here’s how you’ll put your skills into practice:

Marketing Consultancy Project – Work in teams to deliver a live marketing solution for a real business, applying strategy, research, and creative thinking.
Group Work & Collaborative Projects – Develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills through interactive assignments and case studies.
Digital Marketing Tools – Learn to use platforms and software for social media, analytics, and campaign management.
Research & Analytics – Gain experience conducting marketing research, analysing consumer data, and producing evidence-based strategies.
Workshops & Guest Lectures – Engage with industry experts, gaining insight into current trends and practices.
Cardiff University Facilities – Access specialist business and marketing resources, Cardiff Business School labs, and the extensive university library for research and project support.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing this MSc will open doors to exciting careers in marketing, whether you want to manage digital campaigns, shape brand strategy, provide consultancy, or analyse market trends. The program equips you with hands-on experience, strategic insight, and data-driven skills, so you’ll leave confident and ready to make an impact in real-world business environments.

Here’s what makes Cardiff particularly supportive and your career prospects strong:

Dedicated Career Support – Cardiff Business School’s Student Futures team helps with CVs, interviews, and exploring marketing-specific opportunities, giving you tailored guidance every step of the way.
Impressive Graduate Outcomes – Around 93% of graduates find employment or continue their studies within 15 months, demonstrating the value and impact of this program.
Industry Collaboration – Through the Marketing Consultancy Project, you work with real organisations, gaining practical experience and a portfolio-ready marketing strategy to showcase to future employers.
Professional Accreditation – The CIM-accredited program offers a fast-track to Chartered Institute of Marketing qualifications, adding strong credibility to your CV.
Ethical & Social Insight – Cardiff emphasises socially responsible marketing, preparing you to make decisions that balance business success with positive societal impact.

Further Academic Progression:
If you choose to continue your studies, this MSc sets a strong foundation for a PhD in Marketing or Business Strategy, or for further specialised postgraduate programs in Digital Analytics, Consumer Insights, or Sustainable Marketing, building on the research and strategic skills you develop throughout the course.