About this course
Study the latest in marketing management theory and practice as you learn how to improve business results in a global context. On this full-time MSc in Marketing Management you’ll focus on digital marketing techniques and data interpretation to develop your strategic and tactical decision-making.
This master’s also offers a rare opportunity to use ‘R Analytics’ software to develop your statistical analysis skills.
This master’s degree in Marketing Management is ideal if you’re new to the field and want to become a professional marketer, or if you’d like to gain marketing insights using the latest approaches.
We’ll help you graduate as a capable marketer who can integrate marketing management approaches to provide solutions for modern businesses across the globe.
You’ll gather, analyse and interpret data to work out how to develop meaningful customer insights. During the course, you’ll learn how organisational functions contribute to strategy and how to inform international and multicultural scenarios.
You can tailor your learning to suit your professional needs. For example, you can choose to focus on:
- marketing in the luxury sector
- using analytics and data effectively
- global brand strategy
- business ethics
- the role of design in marketing
Course lead
Dr Cheng-Hao (Steve) Chen’s research explores self-influence in the purchasing choices of people in different cultures which directly informs the Luxury Marketing module. Visit Dr Chen's profile page to view his research publications.
Accreditations

Sustainable Consumption Among Millennials: what's new, what's different?
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following areas:
- business
- economics
- science
- engineering
- IT
- management and marketing
- communication
- education
- political science
- sociology
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
We do not accept the following subjects:
- Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
- Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
On this strategic marketing master’s your studies will run for a full 12 months, from September to the following September.
The first 9 months cover taught modules and includes exams. From June to September you’ll work on your supervised research project.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the different frameworks that can be applied to gain in-depth knowledge of customers. We will also be addressing how that knowledge can contribute to the development of effective and relevant market...
This module aims to provide opportunities for students to develop an appreciation of marketing research in theory and practice. There are two broad objectives: (1) to enhance your knowledge of the research process and enable you to be aware of the problem...
This module focusses on strategic marketing decision making and reflects the marketing role in building and sustaining an organisation’s competitive advantage in a digital age. We examine the dynamic digital environment through a situation analysis employ...
During the course of the module, you explore the scope of marketing communications within the dynamic contextualized communication coexistence of digital and classical channels. More specifically, the module introduces key terms and concepts, current theo...
This module introduces you to the scope and role of marketing within an organisation and the dynamic business environment in which it operates. Key components of the macro and micro environment are identified giving students the knowledge and skills requ...
In the contemporary business environment, marketing accountability is constantly increasing in importance. Being able to measure marketing performance and demonstrate how effectively marketing is conducted in organisations has also become a source of perf...
You must also choose from the following modules:
To introduce you to the key concepts of digital analytics in the marketing discipline and how analytics can build knowledge of online customer behaviour and campaign effectiveness that can be used effectively in the business environment within which marke...
The dissertation stage of your Master's programme involves an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choosing and the preparation of a 15,000 word dissertation describing your work. Essentially, the dissertation is a test of your abili...
The Marketing Practice Based Dissertation provides an opportunity to undertake a sustained piece of individually developed project applied to a real-life marketing situation or problem which involves an extended, independent investigation. This module foc...
The services sector remains an integral component of a thriving local, national and global economy. This area of study is critical since services are inherently unique and possess characteristics not seen in other areas of marketing and business. Indeed, ...
This module consists two components: strategic branding and luxury marketing. It focuses on the nature of competitiveness in a global context. It offers students the opportunity to understand a fundamental branding strategy and luxury marketing management...
Learning and assessment
Learning
Many modules use case studies and problem-solving activities so you can apply what you’re studying to real-world scenarios. You'll work with fellow students on group assignments and presentations.
The teamwork, project management and communication skills you hone will be invaluable throughout your career. As well as lectures and tutorials your learning may include:
- seminars
- student-led discussions
- reflective practice
- workshops
- case studies
- presentations
- visits to UK-based companies
You can attend monthly seminars to hear leading academics from across the UK share their research findings and we invite industry practitioners to talk about the very latest in marketing trends and challenges.
You can also join the University’s ‘Digital Champions’ scheme and be paid to put your digital marketing skills into practice working with staff and students.
Assessment
The way you’re assessed might vary between modules, and may include:
- individual or group projects and reports
- group presentations
- personal reflection
- exams
Dissertation
You'll need to use the methods, techniques and skills you learn in the taught part of the degree to write a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choosing.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor. At the start of your course you’ll also be able to speak to former students who will share their experiences and offer advice about the course.
Careers
You’ll graduate with the digital and analytical skills sought after by employers. The MSc Marketing Management degree is also good preparation for further research at PhD level.
Our graduates from all over the world work in roles such as:
- customer relationship management
- data analysis
- brand management
- marketing project management
- market research
- product design management
Some of the big-name brands they’re working for include:
- Accenture
- Burson-Marsteller
- John Lewis
- Ocado
- Hewlett Packard (HP)
Your lecturers’ have links with marketing agencies such as Nielsen, Obergine and Found. Their industry connections mean the latest sector trends will be embedded into your learning.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £12,608.
- EU and international students pay £24,060.
Deposit
When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:
- UK students: £250
- EU and international students: £1,000
Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
We receive a high volume of applications for this programme. So that we can guarantee a good quality of service and select the most able students, we operate admissions in stages.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you accept, you must also pay a tuition fee deposit within 32 working days. If you do not meet these deadlines, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Stage: | Applications open: | Deadline for applications (midnight): | Decisions back to applicants by (5pm): |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Monday 19 October 2020 |
Thursday 12 November 2020 |
Friday 18 December 2020 |
2 |
Friday 20 November 2020 |
Thursday 14 January 2021 |
Friday 19 February 2021 |
3 |
Friday 22 January 2021 |
Thursday 18 March 2021 |
Friday 23 April 2021 |
4 |
Friday 26 March 2021 |
International applicants: Thursday 20 May 2021 UK applicants: |
International applicants: Friday 25 June 2021* UK applicants: |
* If you are an international applicant who requires a visa to study in the UK, you will need to allow enough time to apply for and receive your visa before our induction events from 27 September 2021. If we are able to make enough offers to fill all places on the programme in any stage, we may not open the programme in later stages.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll usually make one of 4 decisions:
- Offer you a place on this course
- Offer you a place on a different course which we think suits you better
- Tell you that we'll consider your application a second time in the next stage
- Tell you that your application has been unsuccessful
If we decide to consider your application a second time in the next stage, this will only happen once.
If we offer you a place, you'll need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we'll offer your place to another applicant.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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