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MSc|Postgraduate Taught

Marketing

Entry year
2025/26
Entry requirements
2.2 (minimum 55%)
Duration
1 year (Full-time)
Places available
Open (Full Time)

Designed for the consumer, industrial and digital marketing environments, the MSc in Marketing encompasses elements of marketing management and strategy, consumer behaviour, digital marketing (including Google Analytics), marketing analytics, research methods and international marketing.

The MSc Marketing programme has been designed to equip the next generation of marketing professionals with the necessary conceptual, analytical and practical skills required by firms to compete in the global marketplace.

Marketing highlights

World Class Facilities

Queen’s Business School (QBS) has recently undergone an innovative expansion that establishes a benchmark of global excellence for one of the top business schools in the UK and Ireland. A stunning new 6,000 square metre building, adjacent to the listed red-brick Riddel Hall has been designed with the latest digital infrastructure for media lecture capture, TED Talk provision and collaborative breakout sessions.

Professional Accreditations

Accreditation exceptions are obtained from The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) – The leading professional body for marketers worldwide which exists to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing practitioners. The CIM is a professional qualification and complements academic MSc in Marketing qualification.

Students of the MSc Marketing programme can register as students with CIM and will have access to all CIM resources including webinars and Marketing Expert (additional fee will apply). Students will be able to attend local CIM branch events and seminars, which offer networking opportunities and the chance to keep abreast of current marketing thinking and practice.

Upon successful completion of the MSc Marketing programme, students will have a number of exemptions from CIM professional examinations. Students can undertake the CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing, which requires them to complete 1 online module (students are exempt from 2 other modules) or the CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing, which requires them to complete 2 online modules (students are exempt from 1 other module).

World Class Facilities

Fostering an enhanced social and educational experience the new state-of-the-art QBS venue boasts a 250-seat
tiered educational space; 120-seat Harvard style lecture theatre; 150-seat computer laboratory; breakout study spaces; FinTrU Trading Room; a café, and a Business Engagement and Employability Hub.

Industry Links

Students will have the opportunity to apply for a minimum 12 week paid internship as an option in Semester 3, students will be required to undertake an action research project and submit a report based on this. This option is instead of undertaking a traditional research dissertation or an academic research project. This option, only available for top high-performing students, provides the opportunity to apply and review academic and theoretical principles in practice. It also provides students with real-world experience of working in a marketing environment.

Professional Accreditations

The Digital Marketing (featuring Google Analytics) module encourages students to work towards a Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ). This is a signal to employers that our MSc Marketing students have both the theoretical and practical skills to compete. The examination fee will be reimbursed by the School (subject to attaining the award during the module).

Student Experience

Teaching methods and learning may include lectures, tutorials, seminars, case studies, computer/software demonstrations, non-book media (videos and podcasts), individual research, oral presentations, group projects, online discussion forums, industry visits, practitioner workshops, and internship opportunities.
Read about student experiences at Queen's Business School, from local, national and international perspectives via the Student Experiences Blog.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/student-experiences-blog/

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

The course can only be taken on a full-time basis. Students undertake 4 modules in semester 1 (September to December) and a further 4 in semester 2 (January to April/May). In semester 3 (July to September) students either undertake the traditional dissertation, internship and work-based project or the academic research project.

Semester 1

• Marketing Management
• Strategic Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Accounting for Decision Making

Semester 2 – Core Modules

• Consumer Behaviour
• International Marketing
• Marketing Analytics
• Research Methods and Techniques

Semester 3

(select a total of 60 CATS)
• Dissertation (60 CATS)
• Marketing Internship and Work-based Research Project (60 CATS)*

The two options for semester 3 will each enable students to utilise the knowledge and skills acquired in the Research Methods for Business module.

The Dissertation requires students to undertake a significant research project and write up a thesis of their study and its findings.

The Marketing Internship and Work Based Project requires students to undertake a 12 week paid internship, which will include undertaking an action research project which they must write up as a report (similar in detail and length to a traditional dissertation). Please note internships are allocated on a competitive basis based on CVs and interviews.

People teaching you

Programme Director

IBEM
Email: Grace.Carson@qub.ac.uk

Learning and Teaching

Teaching Methods

Teaching Times

Morning/Afternoon/Evening

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

  • Students will complete individual student assignments, oral presentations, group casework, examinations, computer-aided assessment, multiple-choice tests and research work. Other innovative assessment methods are incorporated as appropriate.

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Digital Marketing (15 credits)
    Marketing Analytics (15 credits)
    Strategic Marketing (15 credits)
    Consumer Behaviour (15 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum of 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 15th August 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

Please note:  international applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

Students on this programme will leave with a solid knowledge of contemporary marketing thought and best practices, coupled with a solid grounding in market(ing) research methods, tools and applications. Our graduates have gone on to work in and develop successful careers across a diverse range of roles and industries including digital marketing, marketing analytics, marketing research and new product introductions, key account management, export projects and related international expansion as well as brand management work.

For further opportunities to enhance your studies and career prospects please see the school website.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/

Employment after the Course

Graduates from this programme have secured roles with employers such as PwC, BBC, Marriott International, Warner Brothers, ASOS, Primark, Selfridges, The Body Shop, and many others.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £8,800
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £8,800
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £25,800 (£6,000 discount, see T&Cs link below)
International £25,800 (£6,000 discount, see T&Cs link below)

£6,000 Scholarship available for 2025 entry. Click this link to view the Terms and Conditions.

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

Students have the option to undertake a consultancy project for their dissertation and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:

1.1  Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications. 

1.2  International applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure their place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI). 

1.3  This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.

Read the full terms and conditions at the link below:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/postgraduate/tuition-fees/deposit-refunds-policy/

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus