Marketing

MSc

2023/24 Part-time Postgraduate course

Award:

Master of Science

Faculty:

Ulster University Business School

School:

Department of Management, Leadership and Marketing

Campus:

Belfast campus

Start dates:

September 2023

January 2024

This course is now closed for International applications for September 2023

Overview

Transforming you into a strategic thinking marketing professional who gets results using the latest digital marketing tools and strategies.

Summary

Do you want to progress your professional career in Marketing? Are you looking for ways to develop your analytics, digital, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship skills? The MSc Marketing programme will transform you into a strategic thinking marketing professional giving you the digital tools, tactics and mindset to continually learn, evolve and get results.

With over 40 years’ experience providing professional marketing education we have collaborated with industry and international partners to create a current and professionally relevant course sure to nurture, challenge and empower you.

Covering topics such as Marketing Analytics, Digital Marketing Communications, Strategy and Innovation, Foundations in Management, Marketing Management and Global Marketing the content is designed to provide you with insight and knowledge that will help you make an impact in your current and future roles.

On completion of the course you will graduate digital ready to drive business success, identify new business trends, deliver complex business solutions and build customer relationships, helping you make meaningful change and get results.

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About this course

About

An intensive and rewarding course, the MSc Marketing programme will provide you with the analytical and digital skills and knowledge to improve your employability, opening doors to further opportunity and allowing you to be results driven.

Using the latest academic research and professional marketing practice, stay one step ahead when it comes to current market demands and trends and gain the confidence to make decisions that make a difference.

An opportunity to network with a diverse group of business minded individuals you will be taught to challenge accepted conventions by developing marketing strategies in real life business contexts. 100% coursework assessed you will study topics such as Strategy and Innovation, Digital Marketing Communications, Marketing Analytics, Foundations in Management, Marketing Management and Global Marketing.

Putting what you have learned into practice, you will get the opportunity to solve a real-life business issue in an applied project, working in virtual international teams to push boundaries and develop a disruptive business idea.

Taught at Ulster University Business School (UUBS) a forward thinking and well-connected institution (a member of the UK's Chartered Association of Business Schools, the Harvard Business School’s Microeconomics of Competitiveness Affiliate Network, and a collaborator with Babson College, Boston) we are ranked 7th in the UK for our research impact (REF 2014). With an 89% student satisfaction rate (National Student Survey, 2018), UUBS is an excellent place to study alongside an international student body providing you with a diverse network to share ideas and experience.

A chance to improve your employability, this advanced study will enhance your lifelong learning capabilities and develop your digital, analytical, presentation and evaluation skills to perform successfully in today’s dynamic marketplace.

The following modules are undertaken during the MSc programme:

Semester 1 modules

Foundations in Management (20 credits) (Year 1 Part time)

This module introduces students to the subject of management, organisational structures and strategy. Students will develop a critical knowledge and understanding of the structural configurations, which organisations can assume, and the environmental and strategic factors, which influence this structure. Students will explore management's role within organisations, as well as how managers can grow successful business within today global business environment.

Marketing Management (20 credits) (Year 1 Part time)

This module is designed for graduates to deepen their knowledge concerning the nature and character of fundamental marketing principles, their inherent inter-relationships and how marketing can be effectively managed both as a function and a philosophy. It builds on this to provide knowledge to increase understanding of the important concepts, processes and frameworks of marketing management decision making from both an operational and strategic perspective.

Strategy & Innovation (20 credits) (Year 2 Part time)

Strategy consists of the analysis and decisions an organisation undertakes in order to create and sustain competitive advantage. Understanding these interrelated processes is crucial for creating and developing organisations. This module explores these decision areas from a range of contemporary perspectives focusing particularly on innovation and business development using innovative business modelling techniques.

**Students are given the unique experience of working in an international virtual team to develop a new business idea and present to international business angels. This can involve workshops in Finland and Germany (students are required to cover cost of travel and accommodation for these trips. Tuition is included with student fees). **

Semester 2 Modules

Marketing Analytics (20 credits) (Year 2 Part time)

This module will seek to provide students with an in-depth understanding of qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods. Students will use the latest analytics software packages to digitally research defined problems and develop business reports that present this data in a coherent manner. They will study their application to both business and academic contexts. Students will learn to manipulate data from a variety of industry databases and social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn analytics. The module will focus on the analysis and interpretation of primary and secondary data.

Strategic and Applied Digital Marketing (20 credits) (Year 1 Part time)

Digital Marketing has become the central focus for entrepreneurs, enterprises and organisations seeking to reach, engage, co-create and develop deeper relationships with their consumer 'tribes'. In an age of ubiquitous connectivity and a demand for real-time and personalised engagement, this module will give participants an understanding of what that means for those involved in delivering richer and more productive consumer experiences through digital marketing platforms. This module seeks to provide learners with practical, real-world examples of technologies meeting the demands of such connected consumers and utilises a project based approach to promote active, deeper learning of the unfolding opportunities through Digital Marketing.

Global Marketing (20 credits) (Year 2 Part time)

Given the importance of export-led growth, particularly in terms of a small peripheral economy such as Northern Ireland, this module examines exporting and broader forms of global marketing. The factors that impact upon internationalisation will be examined, and firm level processes and decision making will be considered within the context of the broader international marketing environment. The module covers a range of concepts, issues and practices that are relevant to the study of global marketing.

Semester 3 modules

Entrepreneurial Marketing (20 credits) (Year 2 Part time)

Rapid changes in technology, political structures and lifestyles are creating new products, new markets and opportunities for enterprise and for entrepreneurial people. Marketing and entrepreneurship determine the fate of business owners and SMEs worldwide. However if entrepreneurial SMEs do marketing in a way that is fundamentally different to those approaches presented in conventional marketing theory then we need new theories. There is a need to address these issues and to explore the challenges that exist at the interface between marketing and entrepreneurship theory, to answer these questions and to draw out the practical implications for practice in enterprising businesses.

Applied Marketing Project (40 credits) (Year 2/3 Part time)

The purpose behind the Applied Marketing Project is to enable students to apply knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to an organisational issue or problem. This module serves as an integrating mechanism for all other modules as well as developing powers of analysis and evaluation and project management skills. This module follows on from the Marketing Analytics module that students undertook in order to develop the appropriate skills to complete an applied marketing project efficiently and effectively.

Attendance

All modules are delivered 'executive style' in a flexible three-day block format and can be paced to individual needs. These three day-blocks are usually Wed-Fri 9-5. One module is delivered every 4 weeks during each semester with a one day catch up in between each block.

The part time MSc Marketing is completed in two years. Students can also exit with a PgCert after successful completion of three modules or alternatively exit with a PgDip after successful completion of six modules.

Start dates

  • September 2023
  • January 2024

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

Teaching is delivered via three day interactive workshops led by leading academics and supported by industry experts. This student-centred approach focuses on individual needs to deliver relevant up to date content that presents current business strategies. This interactive approach will allow you to be creative and innovative with solutions and engage in new business approaches.

Learning is inspired by thought provoking workshops that will immerse you in new ways of solving business problems relating to Marketing. You will have the opportunity to work in a virtual team with students from Finland and Germany to develop a new business idea. The ideas will be presented to a panel of international business investors and academics.

Assessment is 100% coursework and consists of live business cases within local businesses. You will deliver high impact business presentations to panels of marketers and industry experts that add direct value to the local business community. This innovative approach will allow you to grow professionally providing you with quality examples for graduate interviews

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.  The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.  This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.

Belfast campus

Accommodation

High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.

Find out more - information about accommodation  


Student Wellbeing

At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.

Find out more - information about student wellbeing  


Belfast Campus Location

The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.

Find out more about our Belfast Campus.

Campus Address

Ulster University,
2-24 York Street,
Belfast
BT15 1AP

T: 02870 123 456

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally possess a second class honours degree or better in any discipline, or an equivalent qualification. They must also possess a level of English language competency acceptable to the University.

Exceptionally, applicants who do not possess academic qualifications at the appropriate level but have substantial relevant work experiencemay be considered for admittance in accordance with the Faculty’s Accreditation of Prior Learning policy.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

The average starting salaries for graduate trainees in marketing is £21,461,the average the salary for a marketing manager is £37,305, a senior brand or product manager earns an average salary of £48,296and the average salary for a marketing director is £77,799.

Students should be eligible to apply for marketing positions across public and private sector organisations. Additionally, the skills acquired through completing the programme have inspired some to set up their own businesses.

Past students have gained employment within some of the major global consultancy companies such as PWC, KPMG and Deloitte.

Work placement / study abroad

There is no placement on this programme, but students may attend international workshops in Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Finland and Kempten University of Applied Sciences, Germany as part of the Strategy and Innovation module. (students are required to pay for the cost of travel for these trips)

Apply

Start dates

  • September 2023
  • January 2024

Fees and funding

Important notice - Tuition fees for this course may vary

Visit Tuition Fees 2023/24 for more details on the price of this course.

Fees (total cost)

Scholarships, awards and prizes

Envision Award for Excellence as Best Applied Marketing Project

Whale Award - Best Student on Global Marketing Module

ShredBank Award - Best Student on Entrepreneurial Marketing Module

Additional mandatory costs

The Strategy and Innovation module involves up to two international trips to Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Kajaani, Finland and University of Applied Sciences Kempten, Bavaria, Germany. The cost of travel for these trips is notincluded in course fees. The estimated costs are between £600-£1000 per student depending on how many trips each student partakes in. Students are required to attend at least one of these trips.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

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

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.


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