MSc Marketing with Sustainability

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Edinburgh Napier University

Program Overview

The MSc Marketing with Sustainability is designed for students who want to make a real impact — combining marketing skills with responsible business and environmental thinking. It’s perfect for anyone looking to build a career in marketing while promoting ethical practices, sustainable consumption, and positive change for both people and the planet.

Curriculum structure

This one-year full-time master’s (or 18 months starting in January) takes you on a practical and focused journey through marketing and sustainability:

Foundations & introduction: You’ll start with Principles and Practice of Marketing, learning how to design effective marketing strategies and campaigns. Alongside, Consumer Insights helps you understand why people buy what they do — a crucial skill for creating marketing that promotes ethical and sustainable choices.
Core sustainability-marketing learning: As the course progresses, you explore how marketing can drive sustainability. In Marketing for a Sustainable Future, you learn to design strategies that encourage responsible consumption. Sustainable Supply Chain Management gives insight into global sourcing, distribution, and sustainability in practice, while Marketing, Sustainability & Ethical Perspectives challenges you to think critically about ethical issues, green marketing, and the environmental impact of business.
Specialization & independent work: Towards the end, you can focus on areas like Global Marketing or Strategic Brand Management to shape your career path. Finally, a Dissertation or Capstone Project allows you to tackle a real-world marketing and sustainability challenge, combining everything you’ve learned into a standout piece of work for employers.

Focus areas: “sustainable marketing; ethical consumer behaviour; supply chain sustainability; global marketing; brand management; consumer insights; research & data-driven marketing.”

Learning outcomes: “craft marketing strategies that integrate sustainability principles; understand consumer behaviour through ethical and environmental lenses; design supply-chain sensitive marketing plans; manage brand and global marketing sustainably; conduct research and critically analyse marketing and sustainability issues.”

Professional alignment (accreditation): Offered by Edinburgh Napier’s Business School, the programme equips you with marketing expertise and sustainability know-how, providing a qualification highly relevant to ethical business and marketing careers.

Reputation (employability / outcomes): Edinburgh Napier ranks among the top 5 UK modern universities for graduate prospects (Times Good University Guide 2026), highlighting strong career potential for graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This MSc isn’t just about learning theory — it’s designed to help you gain real-world marketing and sustainability skills that you can apply straight away. You’ll work on live-style projects, group discussions, and workshops that mirror the challenges faced by businesses trying to balance profit, ethics, and environmental responsibility. Through practical assignments and a major final project, you’ll leave the course confident in making marketing decisions that are sustainable, ethical, and effective.

Here’s how the hands-on learning comes to life:

Marketing for a Sustainable Future: Learn to create marketing strategies that promote responsible consumption and sustainable business practices.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Explore ethical sourcing, global supply chains, and distribution strategies that support sustainability goals.
Marketing, Sustainability & Ethical Perspectives: Engage in debates and real-world case studies on consumerism, green marketing claims, and environmental impact.
Consumer Insights: Develop skills to understand consumer behaviour and decision-making, ensuring your marketing strategies align with ethical and sustainable principles.
Capstone Project or Dissertation: Apply all your learning to a practical project, showcasing your ability to tackle a real or hypothetical marketing and sustainability challenge.

You’ll also benefit from Napier’s excellent resources, including modern libraries, dedicated digital tools, and workshops, which support both research and practical application.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Marketing with Sustainability are well equipped to step straight into roles that combine marketing expertise with a real commitment to ethical and sustainable business. You could find yourself working as a Sustainable Brand Manager, CSR or Sustainability Marketing Specialist, Market Research Analyst focusing on sustainable consumer behaviour, or a Marketing & Communications Officer for NGOs or social enterprises. With a solid mix of marketing strategy, ethical awareness, and research skills, you’ll have the confidence to make a tangible impact in any organisation that values responsible business practices.

Here’s what helps Napier graduates stand out:

Career support: The university’s Employability & Careers team guides you through CVs, interviews, job searches, and placement opportunities, ensuring you’re ready to land a role that fits your values and skills.
Strong graduate prospects: Napier is ranked among the top five UK modern universities for graduate employability (Times Good University Guide 2026), giving you a real advantage when entering the job market.
Sustainability-focused edge: The course’s focus on ethical marketing, sustainable supply chains, and responsible consumer behaviour makes your CV distinctive to employers prioritising corporate responsibility.
Versatile career paths: Graduates can work across private companies, consultancies, NGOs, or social enterprises — anywhere that needs professionals who understand both marketing and sustainability.
Long-term value: As businesses increasingly embrace sustainability, your expertise in combining marketing with ethical practices ensures your skills remain relevant and in demand.

Further Academic Progression:
If you wish to continue your studies, this MSc provides a strong foundation for an MPhil or PhD in sustainable business, marketing, or corporate social responsibility. You’ll be prepared for advanced research or consultancy roles, using your knowledge to influence sustainable practices in organisations worldwide.