MSc Marketing and Consumer Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The MSc Marketing and Consumer Psychology at University of Sussex blends psychological theory with marketing practice, enabling students to understand how consumers think, feel and behave. It suits graduates from any discipline who wish to apply psychological insight to marketing, brand strategy, consumer research or business policy.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1 (Full-time):
In the first term, you’ll study core modules such as Buyer Behaviour, Classic and Contemporary Social Psychology, Marketing Ethics and Sustainability, and Research Skills in Psychology, where you’ll build strong foundations in consumer psychology, ethical marketing and psychological research methods. In the spring term you’ll progress to modules including Advanced Research Skills in Psychology, Applying Psychology in Business and Policy Contexts, Contemporary Consumer Research Applications and Strategic Brand Management, deepening your ability to analyse consumer decisions and design marketing strategies. The year culminates in an empirical project or dissertation (such as Empirical Project in Consumer Psychology), where you’ll apply theory and method to a real-world marketing or consumer behaviour question.

Focus areas: "consumer behaviour, brand strategy, psychological research methods, marketing ethics"
Learning outcomes: "Graduates will be able to apply psychological theories to business and consumer contexts, design and execute empirical research in marketing, and critically evaluate marketing strategies through the lens of consumer psychology."
Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme is offered by a Business School accredited by EQUIS and AMBA, aligning your learning with recognised international business-education standards.
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Sussex Business School is ranked in the UK Top 10 for Marketing (The Guardian University Guide 2026) and emphasises strong graduate employability outcomes, with 91% of postgraduates having completed work experience by graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What really sets this MSc apart at the University of Sussex is how quickly you move from theory to practice. From the start, you are not just learning about consumer behaviour — you are actively exploring why people think, choose, and buy the way they do, using the same tools and research approaches applied in real marketing and insights roles. The course is designed to help you build confidence with data, experimentation, and evidence-based decision-making, while learning in a supportive environment that combines expertise from both psychology and business. By the time you graduate, you will have hands-on experience designing studies, analysing consumer data, and turning psychological insight into practical marketing strategies — and that is where this programme truly comes to life:

Behavioural Research Facilities: You will have access to specialist behavioural research spaces within the Sussex Business School, where students carry out experiments and consumer behaviour studies that reflect real-world marketing and psychology research.
Empirical Research Projects: Through modules such as Empirical Project in Consumer Psychology, you will design and run your own research studies, collect data, and analyse findings — a strong preparation for roles in consumer insight, strategy, and consultancy.
Optional Guaranteed Internship: You can choose to take a four- to ten-week internship, giving you the opportunity to gain real work experience, apply what you learn in class, and start building professional networks while you are still studying.
Professional-Grade Digital Tools: You will develop practical analytical skills using industry-relevant research and data analysis tools commonly applied in marketing and behavioural research.
Collaborative Group Work: Many modules involve group projects and workshops, helping you develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that employers consistently look for.
Business School Learning Spaces: Teaching takes place in modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms within the Jubilee Building, designed for interactive learning, discussion, and presentations.
Careers and Employability Support: Sussex’s dedicated Careers and Entrepreneurship teams support you with internship applications, employer engagement, and career planning tailored to marketing and psychology-focused roles.
Extensive Library and Research Resources: You will benefit from access to a wide range of academic journals, market research databases, and digital resources that support both coursework and your final research project.
Flexible Study and Collaboration Areas: Across campus, you will find spaces designed for individual study, group collaboration, and project work — making it easier to balance independent research with teamwork.

By the end of the MSc, you will not only understand consumer psychology — you will have applied it, tested it, and learned how to translate insight into action. This practical foundation is what makes Sussex graduates stand out in careers across marketing, consumer research, brand strategy, and consultancy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Marketing and Consumer Psychology at the University of Sussex typically secure roles where they apply psychological theories to understand consumer behavior and inform marketing strategies. This equips them for careers in marketing, advertising, brand management, and consumer insight roles. The program prepares students with a unique blend of marketing and psychology skills, enabling diverse career paths.

Progression and Future Opportunities:

The Sussex Careers and Employability Service supports students with one-to-one career consultations, CV and interview preparation, and entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab.
91% of postgraduates have completed relevant work experience by graduation, boosting employability.
Strong university–industry partnerships exist with leading marketing, advertising, consultancy, and consumer goods companies, offering practical project and internship opportunities.
The course is delivered by the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School, ensuring significant long-term professional credibility.
Graduates typically move into roles such as Marketing Research Analyst, Brand Manager, Consumer Insights Consultant, and Marketing Executive.
The median salary for graduates 15 months post-completion is approximately £29,000.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can advance their studies by pursuing doctoral research (PhD) in marketing, consumer psychology, or business analytics, or explore professional qualifications in marketing and business strategy to enhance career advancement