MSc International Marketing (Work Experience)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Sheffield Hallam University

Program Overview

This MSc with a work‑experience option gives you the best of both worlds — you’ll learn the theory behind international marketing while also getting the chance to apply it in a real workplace. It’s perfect if you want to kickstart a global marketing career and gain hands-on experience that makes you job-ready.

Curriculum structure

The course is designed over two years, combining in-depth academic learning with practical work experience.

In the first year, you’ll cover core modules such as Consumer Behaviour in Dynamic Environments, Contemporary Marketing Communications, International Marketing Strategy, and Leadership and Decision‑Making for Sustainable Marketing. You’ll explore how consumers behave in different global markets, craft effective marketing campaigns, plan strategies for international businesses, and learn to make responsible and sustainable marketing decisions.
You’ll also complete a consultancy-style project or a dissertation, letting you apply your learning to a real-world marketing problem or research a topic that excites you.
In the second year, you’ll gain invaluable workplace experience with a placement of up to 12 months. This gives you the chance to practice your skills in a real business environment, build professional networks, and understand how marketing works in practice.

Focus areas: International consumer behaviour; global marketing communications; international marketing strategy; sustainable and ethical decision-making; consultancy projects; professional work placement.

Learning outcomes: You will graduate ready to understand and respond to global market changes, design and manage international marketing strategies, lead ethically and sustainably, communicate effectively across cultures, and apply your skills in a real-world business setting.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme is delivered by Sheffield Business School, which is accredited by AACSB and recognised by the EFMD Business School Impact System, giving your qualification international credibility.

Reputation (employability & rankings): SHU enjoys a Gold rating in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework 2023, and the course achieved 100% student satisfaction in the 2025 Postgraduate Taught Student Survey — reflecting both excellent teaching and strong graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This MSc is designed to help you learn by doing, not just by sitting in lectures. You’ll get hands-on experience using SHU’s modern business-school facilities, digital tools, and practical projects — all while developing the skills employers are looking for. Whether it’s working in teams, running marketing simulations, or completing a real-world placement, you’ll graduate confident and career-ready.

Here’s how practical learning comes to life on this course:

Digital marketing labs & online tools: Use SHU’s IT labs and Virtual Learning Environment to create digital campaigns, analyse data, and collaborate with classmates on interactive projects.
Live consultancy projects or dissertation: Apply your skills to real marketing challenges or explore a research topic that interests you, producing tangible work you can showcase to future employers.
Team projects & marketing simulations: Work closely with peers on exercises that build teamwork, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication skills.
12-month work placement: Gain professional experience in a real company, applying what you’ve learned and building valuable industry connections before you graduate.
Business school facilities & learning spaces: Take advantage of collaborative spaces, libraries, and flexible environments designed to support both study and professional development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSc are well-prepared to take on exciting marketing roles around the world. Many go on to work as digital marketing specialists, brand or product managers, marketing communications consultants, or market research analysts, combining strong theoretical knowledge with hands-on workplace experience. By blending academic learning with a real-world placement, you’ll graduate with the confidence and skills employers value most.

Here’s how SHU helps you succeed:

Career support: The Careers & Employability Hub helps you with CVs, interview practice, placement searches, and guidance on applications — ensuring you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Graduate success: Around 95% of UK graduates from this course are in work or further study within 15 months, showing how highly regarded this degree is.
Global recognition: Delivered by SHU Business School, accredited by AACSB, your degree is recognised internationally, giving you a competitive edge in global marketing roles.
Real-world experience: The 12-month work placement lets you apply your learning in a real company, build professional connections, and gain invaluable on-the-job experience.
Flexible career paths: Alumni have moved into marketing communications, digital marketing, consultancy, brand and product management, and market development — giving you the freedom to follow your interests.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to keep learning, this MSc can lead to research-based master’s programmes, specialised postgraduate diplomas in marketing or brand management, or even a PhD. You could also pursue professional marketing qualifications to strengthen your career prospects and expand your expertise globally.