MSc International Marketing

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

Robert Gordon University

Program Overview

RGU’s MSc International Marketing is designed for students who want to understand how marketing really works on a global stage — from cultural differences to international consumer trends. It suits anyone aiming for a career that goes beyond local markets, whether you see yourself shaping global brand strategies, managing international campaigns, or working with overseas clients. You’ll explore everything from digital communications to global marketing management, giving you a strong blend of strategic and practical skills.

Curriculum Structure

Early Stage of the Course
You’ll start by developing a strong base in key marketing principles, focusing on how businesses attract and retain customers across different countries and cultures. Modules such as Global Marketing Management, Business Marketing, and Strategic Digital Communications help you understand the global marketplace and how brands communicate effectively in various international contexts.

Middle Stage
As you move deeper into the programme, you’ll tackle more advanced and specialised topics. This includes Marketing Research and Analysis, Advanced Digital Marketing Strategies, and detailed study of consumer behaviour across global markets. During this stage, you also prepare your Research Methods proposal, which sets the foundation for your final project. Plus, you complete a short four-week industry placement, giving you hands-on experience and a real feel for marketing in practice.

Final Stage
In your final semester, you’ll choose between completing a 15,000-word dissertation or taking on a practical research project. This is your chance to explore a topic you care about — whether that’s digital marketing trends, global branding, consumer insights, or another area — and produce work that can really stand out to future employers.

Focus areas:

“international marketing strategy, cross-cultural consumer behaviour, digital marketing and global communication, market research and analytics, global brand management”

Learning outcomes:

“Develop the ability to analyse global markets, design marketing strategies for international audiences, understand cultural influences on consumer behaviour, apply digital marketing tools effectively, conduct robust marketing research, and deliver a professional-level marketing project or dissertation.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), giving you the chance to work toward additional CIM professional qualifications — a strong advantage when competing for marketing roles worldwide.

Reputation (employability rankings):

RGU is known for strong graduate employability and industry-focused teaching through Aberdeen Business School. Graduates often step into roles such as international marketing executive, brand manager, digital marketing specialist, market analyst, and global business development roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At RGU, the MSc International Marketing is designed to feel as close to real industry life as possible. Instead of just learning concepts in a classroom, you’ll be applying them through workshops, team projects, real case studies, and even a professional placement. The goal is simple: by the time you graduate, you’ll already have practical experience that shows employers you can step straight into a marketing role with confidence.

And to make all of this feel authentic and hands-on, the university gives you access to strong digital tools, industry-style spaces and expert support. Here’s how that plays out in your learning experience:

A four-week industry placement where you work inside a real organisation and apply your international marketing skills directly to business challenges.
Workshops, seminars and group projects that mirror the teamwork and problem-solving you’ll do in professional marketing roles.
Live case studies that help you practise decision-making using real-world examples instead of hypothetical scenarios.
A choice between a dissertation or a practical consultancy-style project, letting you build something employers can genuinely evaluate — like a market-entry strategy or a campaign plan.
Access to Aberdeen Business School facilities, including modern digital learning spaces and business resources that support your research and project work.
CampusMoodle, online library resources and academic support, giving you constant access to journals, e-books, and study tools whenever you need them.

This blend of classroom learning, professional exposure and practical project work ensures you’re not just studying marketing — you’re practising it throughout the degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from RGU’s MSc International Marketing sets you up to step straight into exciting global marketing roles. You could see yourself as a marketing manager, brand manager, global marketing executive, or even an international sales manager — equipped with hands-on experience and a strong understanding of consumer behaviour, digital marketing, and international strategy. With the practical skills and industry exposure you gain, you won’t just have a qualification, you’ll have the confidence to make an impact from day one.

Here’s how RGU helps you get there:

Placement support: The four-week professional industry placement is supported by RGU’s Placement Office, helping you secure a role that matches your interests and giving you real-world experience.
Career-ready skills: Through workshops, group projects, live case studies, and a final project or dissertation, you graduate with tangible skills and a portfolio that impresses employers.
Professional accreditation: The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), giving you access to further professional qualifications and enhancing your long-term career prospects.
Versatile career paths: You can work in multinational companies, agencies, consultancies, global brands, or even start your own business — anywhere marketing meets international business.
Global perspective: The programme’s international focus equips you to work across sectors and geographies, making you adaptable to a wide range of marketing roles.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this MSc provides a strong foundation for a PhD or other research-focused qualifications in marketing, international business, or consumer behaviour. Alternatively, you can build on your CIM accreditation to pursue advanced professional marketing qualifications and deepen your expertise.