MSc Marketing Communications and Branding

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Edge Hill University

Program Overview

The MSc in Marketing, Communications and Branding at Edge Hill University equips you with the skills to design and lead marketing campaigns, build strong brands, and manage communications across multiple platforms. It’s perfect for anyone looking to work in marketing, branding, advertising, or communications, whether you’re coming from a marketing background or a different field, and it blends creative strategy with analytical thinking.

Curriculum Structure

This programme is designed to give you both theoretical understanding and practical experience in a single year of full-time study (or two years part-time).

Early phase: You start with core modules like Advertising and Marketing Communications and Marketing: Sustainable and Ethical Perspectives. These provide a solid foundation in crafting marketing messages, understanding brand ethics, and communicating effectively in a professional context.
Middle phase: You then explore specialised modules such as International Brand Management, Public Relations, and Business Analytics. Here, you learn how to manage brands globally, shape public perception, and support decisions with data-driven insights, combining creativity with analytical thinking.
Final phase: Towards the end of the programme, you focus on Applied Analytics, Collaborative Innovation, and Organisational Research, culminating in your Dissertation. This stage allows you to integrate your learning and tackle real-world marketing challenges, demonstrating both strategic and research skills.

Focus Areas

Advertising and marketing communications, brand management, international brand strategy, public relations, business analytics, ethical and sustainable marketing, integrated communication strategy, consumer-centred marketing, data-driven marketing decisions.

Learning Outcomes

You will learn to design strategic brand and communication campaigns, manage brand reputation, apply analytics to marketing decisions, understand ethical and sustainable marketing practices, develop global brand strategies, and conduct independent research that bridges theory and practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), giving it professional recognition and demonstrating that you are qualified in both marketing and management-focused brand and communications practice.

Reputation (Employability & Positioning)

Edge Hill’s Business School provides modern facilities and a supportive learning environment, helping you study in a professional, future-focused setting. Graduates are well-prepared to step into roles in marketing, brand consultancy, advertising, digital communications, or business leadership — ready to create impactful brands and lead marketing initiatives across a variety of sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edge Hill, this MSc is designed so that you don’t just study marketing and branding theory — you actively apply it. Through a mix of practical projects, collaborative work, and data-driven assignments, you gain hands-on experience that prepares you for real-world marketing and communications roles. The programme emphasizes creativity, analytics, and professional problem-solving, helping you build a strong portfolio while developing skills employers value.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the programme:

Applied projects and case studies: You’ll work on real-world marketing scenarios, developing strategies for brand management, advertising, and public relations campaigns, and applying your learning to solve practical business challenges.
Collaborative group work: Small cohort sizes encourage teamwork and peer learning, simulating real business environments where you’ll collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
Data and analytics tools: You’ll use professional tools to analyse marketing performance and consumer data, giving you the ability to make informed, evidence-based decisions.
Professional project / dissertation: Your final project allows you to apply theory and analytics to a real or simulated marketing challenge, integrating all aspects of the course while building a professional portfolio.
Industry input and guest sessions: You’ll benefit from lectures and workshops with marketing professionals and brand specialists, providing insights into current industry trends and best practices.
Campus facilities and resources: Access to the university library, IT labs, and digital learning resources supports your research, project work, and professional presentations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSc leave Edge Hill ready to take on a variety of marketing, branding, and communications roles, equipped with both creative and analytical skills. Many go on to work as Brand Managers, Marketing Executives, Public Relations Specialists, or Digital Marketing Consultants. The combination of practical experience, data-driven decision-making, and strategic insight ensures you’re prepared to meet the demands of modern marketing roles across industries.

Here’s how Edge Hill supports your career journey:

Dedicated career support: The Careers and Employability Service helps you explore opportunities, refine your CV and portfolio, prepare for interviews, and connect with potential employers.
Professional project experience: Your dissertation or professional project allows you to apply your learning in a real-world context, giving you tangible experience to showcase to future employers.
Industry-relevant skills: Training in marketing communications, branding strategy, digital campaigns, and analytics equips you with skills directly sought after in today’s job market.
Professional accreditation: The programme is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), giving your degree additional professional credibility and signaling your readiness to employers.
Versatile career options: Graduates can pursue roles in marketing agencies, corporate marketing teams, brand consultancies, PR firms, or digital communications departments, or even launch their own ventures.

Further Academic Progression:
If you wish to continue your studies, this MSc provides a strong foundation for further academic or professional development. Opportunities include pursuing a PhD, specialising in areas such as digital marketing, branding, or strategic communications, or undertaking additional professional qualifications to deepen expertise and enhance career prospects.