MSc Marketing in Branding and Communications

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Brighton

Program Overview

The MSc in Marketing (Branding and Communications) at the University of Brighton is designed to help you truly understand how brands are built, managed and communicated in today’s fast-moving world. It’s a great fit if you’re aiming for a career in branding, marketing communications, advertising, or any role where you’ll shape how customers connect with a brand.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time MSc)
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in marketing through modules like Marketing Planning and Strategy, where you’ll learn how to analyse markets and design effective marketing plans. Then, in Buyer Behaviour, you’ll explore what really motivates people and organisations to choose one brand over another. You’ll also develop your ethical and social responsibility mindset through Responsible Marketing, helping you understand how to create campaigns that are both effective and responsible.
As the year progresses, the specialist Branding and Communications module gives you practical tools to shape brand identity and create clear, engaging communication strategies. You’ll also take Business Solutions in Action, where you’ll collaborate on real client projects and apply everything you’re learning to real business challenges. A dedicated Research Methodologies and Methods module prepares you to undertake high-quality research, which leads into your final major project.
To finish the course, you’ll choose between a 10,000-word Dissertation on a marketing topic that interests you, or, if you're on the placement route, a Work Placement Project, where you put your skills to work in a real marketing environment.

Focus areas:

Branding & Communications, Buyer Behaviour, Strategic Marketing Planning, Responsible Marketing, Research Methods, Real-world Client Projects.

Learning outcomes:

You’ll graduate confident in your ability to build and communicate strong brands, understand consumer motivations, design ethical and effective marketing strategies, carry out meaningful research, and solve real marketing problems for businesses.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The program is CIM-accredited, meaning you can work towards a CIM Certificate or Diploma during your studies. The University of Brighton’s Business School is also AACSB-accredited, placing it among the top business schools worldwide.

Reputation (employability rankings):

The University of Brighton is ranked among the top 4% of universities worldwide, highlighting its strong academic quality and employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What really sets this MSc apart is how much practical experience you gain while you study. Brighton makes sure you don’t just learn about branding and marketing communications — you actually do it. Throughout the course, you’ll work on real business challenges, collaborate with classmates on group projects, and, if you choose the placement route, spend up to a year gaining hands-on experience inside a real company. You’re supported the whole way by expert lecturers and a dedicated employability team that helps you build confidence, skills and a professional network.

Here’s how that practical learning comes to life:

Real client projects through the Business Solutions in Action module, where you work with students from other master’s courses to solve genuine marketing problems for real organisations.
Lots of group work and presentations, with assessments based on reports, case studies and team projects — the kind of tasks you’ll face in marketing roles.
An optional 9–12 month industry placement (for September starters), giving you the chance to work in a marketing or branding role and complete a Work Placement Project instead of a dissertation.
Access to a strong employer network, with previous placements at companies like Pepsi, Renault, Dior and Brandwatch, alongside creative agencies and local businesses.
Dedicated placement and careers support, including CV feedback, mock interviews, and help preparing for employer meetings — plus backing from the university if you secure a permanent contract.
Career-focused tools and events, such as the Careers Connect platform for job and internship listings, employability workshops, and placement fairs.
Entrepreneurship support through Beepurple, the university’s startup community, perfect if you’re interested in freelancing, consulting or launching your own brand someday.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSc go on to build careers in branding, marketing communications, digital marketing, and advertising, often stepping into roles such as Brand Manager, Marketing Executive, Communications Specialist, or Digital Marketing Analyst. Some also move into PR, event management, or sales roles, while others choose to take on more strategic positions after gaining a few years of experience. The course is designed to make you career-ready and help you stand out in a competitive marketing landscape.

Here’s how Brighton supports you in making that leap:

Dedicated careers support: The university’s Careers and Employability team, through platforms like Careers Connect, helps with CVs, cover letters, mock interviews, placement searches, and graduate job applications.
Real-world placement opportunities: If you take the optional placement year, you can work with top brands and agencies such as Pepsi, Renault, Dior, Brandwatch, and New Look — giving you invaluable hands-on experience.
Professional accreditation: This MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), allowing you to work towards a CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing alongside your degree — a credential recognised globally by employers.
Strong graduate outcomes: Many alumni successfully move into marketing, communications, branding, digital marketing, or even continue into further research or academic study.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to go further academically, this MSc provides a strong foundation for research-based study, such as an MPhil or PhD in marketing, business, branding, or related areas. The research skills and methodologies you develop during your dissertation or placement project will prepare you to succeed in advanced academic study.