MSc in Marketing

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Durham University

Program Overview

The MSc Marketing at Durham University is designed to give you a real edge in today’s fast-changing marketing world. You’ll gain a strong mix of theory and hands-on practice, from understanding consumer behaviour to creating impactful campaigns, making it perfect for anyone aiming for a career in brand management, digital marketing, or strategic marketing roles.

Curriculum Structure

Term 1 lays the foundation. You’ll dive into Marketing Management & Strategy, learning how to position brands and make strategic decisions, explore Behavioural Science for Marketing to understand what drives consumer choices, and examine Contemporary Marketing Communication, where you’ll see how digital and social media transform campaigns. You’ll also study Business-to-Business Marketing, discovering how companies market to other businesses, and Marketing Theory, exploring both classic and modern approaches.
Term 2 and beyond focus on putting knowledge into action. You’ll either complete a Research Methods & Dissertation, diving deep into a marketing topic of your choice, or take on the Influencer & Content Marketing: Theory and Practice project, where you’ll develop real-world digital strategies. Alongside this, you can pick from electives like Digital Marketing, Global Marketing, Buyer Behaviour & Marketing Innovation, or Social Marketing, tailoring the course to your interests and career goals.

Focus Areas

Strategic brand management, consumer psychology, digital communications, B2B marketing, global marketing, and content/influencer marketing.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll finish the programme ready to design and implement marketing strategies, apply insights from consumer behaviour, create integrated campaigns, carry out rigorous research, and develop effective content strategies for today’s digital and global markets.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Durham Business School is triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), meaning your degree is recognised and respected around the world.

Reputation (Employability / Rankings)

Durham’s Business School is highly regarded for its postgraduate programmes and ranks among the top 50 globally for Masters in Business (QS Masters Rankings 2026). The school’s strong links with industry also give you excellent opportunities to launch your marketing career.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Durham, the MSc Marketing isn’t just about reading textbooks — it’s about getting your hands on real marketing challenges and learning by doing. From cutting-edge research tools to collaborative group projects, the programme gives you practical experience that will make you job-ready. You’ll work with advanced facilities, run experiments, and apply theory to real-world problems, all while being supported by expert faculty.

Here’s how Durham helps you learn through experience:

Behavioural Science Marketing Project: Dive into consumer behaviour using eye-tracking, EEG monitoring, and AI tools to explore what really drives decisions.
Applied Business or Research Project: Tailor your final project to your interests, choosing between a traditional dissertation or an applied marketing challenge with supervision from experienced faculty.
Specialist Library & IT Resources: Access the Business School library with its wealth of databases like Mintel and Emerald, plus modern study spaces and IT support.
Experimental Research Lab: Test marketing strategies in a real-world setting using small-group simulations, biometric observations, and controlled experiments.
Global Studies Centre Engagement: Join seminars and workshops on international marketing, digital trends, and emerging markets, building your global perspective.
Interactive Classrooms & Collaboration Spaces: Work closely with peers in fully-equipped classrooms and group study areas designed for active, hands-on learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the MSc Marketing at Durham sets you up for an exciting range of career paths. Many graduates move into brand management, consumer insights, marketing consulting, or digital strategy roles, equipped with the analytical, strategic, and creative skills employers are looking for. The programme ensures you’re not just ready for your first role, but prepared for a long-term career in marketing:

Here’s how Durham helps you get there:

Career Support Services: Work one-on-one with the Business School’s Masters Career Consultants to polish your CV, prepare for interviews, and plan your job search.
Career Development Programme: Engage in workshops, sector insights, and the Careers Weekend to build confidence and professional know-how from day one.
Business Projects & Placements: Apply your skills on real business challenges through consultancy-style projects or placements, with the option to collaborate with your own chosen company.
International Opportunities: Take part in optional study tours abroad to experience different business environments and expand your global network.
Alumni Network & Employer Connections: Tap into Durham’s worldwide alumni network and attend employer fairs, webinars, and networking events to make meaningful industry connections.
Employability & Salary Outcomes: Durham graduates are highly sought after, with 87% in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, and median starting salaries around £34,000 for international graduates.
Reputation & Accreditation: Durham Business School is triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), ensuring your degree carries long-term credibility with employers worldwide.
Graduate Destinations: Alumni have secured roles in top firms, including global companies like Bayer Pharmaceuticals, demonstrating the programme’s real-world relevance.

Further Academic Progression:
If you wish to continue your studies, Durham’s MSc Marketing is an excellent springboard to a PhD in Marketing or Business Administration, building on your dissertation and research experience. You can also explore specialised research opportunities through Durham’s marketing and business research centres, focusing on areas like consumer behaviour, digital marketing, or global strategy.