MSc Marketing with Placement

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Kent

Program Overview

The MSc Marketing with Placement at Kent is perfect for students who want to combine strong marketing theory with hands-on industry experience. You’ll explore core marketing topics like brand strategy, consumer behaviour, and digital marketing, and then apply your learning in a real business through a 12-month placement.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building a Strong Foundation:
In the first year, you’ll dive into essential marketing concepts. Modules like Strategic Marketing will help you understand how to craft effective marketing strategies, while Consumer Behaviour explores why people make the decisions they do. Customer Insights equips you with the skills to collect and analyse data to better understand markets. You’ll also study Digital Marketing and Brand Management, learning how to keep brands relevant in today’s fast-paced digital world, along with Innovation & New Product Development and Marketing Across Cultures, preparing you to think creatively and globally.

Year 2 – Real-World Application:
The second year focuses on putting theory into practice. Through a 12-month Industrial Placement, you’ll gain invaluable work experience in a UK or international company, applying your marketing knowledge to real business challenges. Alongside this, you’ll complete a Master’s project, producing a professional report that showcases your ability to analyse and solve marketing problems.

Focus Areas

“Strategic marketing · Consumer behaviour · Brand management · Digital marketing · Innovation · Cross-cultural marketing”

Learning Outcomes

“You will graduate ready to design and execute effective marketing strategies, analyse customer research, manage brand communications across channels, and navigate global markets with confidence.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), giving your qualification professional recognition and credibility.

Reputation / Employability

Kent Business School is part of the top 1% of business schools worldwide, holding triple-crown accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB).
Graduates often step into roles such as marketing analytics, brand management, and marketing communications, working at companies like Facebook, Mazda UK, Amazon Web Services, Merkle, and Zalando.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Kent, learning goes beyond lectures — you’ll get real-world marketing experience from day one. This program combines classroom theory with hands-on projects, industry insights, and a full 12-month placement, giving you the confidence and skills to hit the ground running in your career. You’ll work on live business briefs, attend company visits, and collaborate with peers on group projects, all while learning how marketing works in practice.

Here’s how the program helps you gain practical experience:

12-Month Industrial Placement: Step into a real marketing role in the UK or overseas, applying your knowledge in a professional setting.
Placement Support: Kent’s dedicated team helps guide you through securing your placement and making the most of it.
The Marketing Challenge (Consultancy Project): Collaborate on live business briefs and pitch solutions to real companies.
Guest Speakers & Company Visits: Learn directly from marketing professionals and gain insight into industry trends.
Group Projects & Seminars: Work with classmates on practical assignments, using digital tools and workshops to test ideas.
ASPIRE Business Start-Up Programme: Explore entrepreneurial skills and develop your own business ideas.
Ethical & Strategic Challenges: Tackle projects on topics like digital ethics, sustainability, and innovation to prepare for modern marketing challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

This MSc is designed to give you both the knowledge and practical experience you need to launch a successful marketing career. Graduates often move into roles such as Brand Manager, Marketing Analyst, Digital Marketer, or Marketing Consultant, with the added advantage of having completed a 12‑month industrial placement that makes you stand out to employers.

With Kent’s support, you’re well-equipped to make the transition from student to professional:

Career Support – Kent’s Careers & Employability Service provides one-on-one coaching, workshops, networking opportunities, and continued support for up to three years after graduation.
Industrial Placement – A full year working in a real business environment helps you apply your skills and gain hands-on experience that employers value.
Professional Accreditation – The MSc is CIM-accredited, giving you recognized industry credibility.
Graduate Destinations – Alumni have secured roles at companies like Facebook, Mazda UK, Amazon Web Services, Merkle, and Zalando, demonstrating the program’s strong industry connections.
Practical Experience – Live projects, guest lectures, and start-up support through ASPIRE help you build a professional portfolio while studying.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you could pursue a PhD in Marketing or explore advanced professional qualifications such as CIM diplomas to develop specialized expertise in areas like strategic marketing, consumer behavior, or brand management.