Marketing MSc

Learning will primarily be through:

• lectures
• set reading
• class discussions
• exercises
• group-work assignments
• problem-solving in tutorials
• case studies

Assessment methods include examinations, assignments, presentations or continuous assessment.

• MSc Marketing programme structure

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Aimed at graduates from a general business or management-related discipline, the programme aims to produce critical, reflective marketers and emphasises the integration of theory and practice with the skills and knowledge required by employers.

By the end of the programme, you will be able to:

• critically evaluate the key analytical frameworks and tools used in marketing
• apply key marketing theories, frameworks and tools to solve marketing problems
• utilise information on a firm’s external and internal marketing environment to identify and prioritise appropriate marketing strategies
• exercise critical judgement through engagement and reflection with existing marketing literature and new developments in the marketing environment
• critically evaluate the marketing function and the role it plays in achieving organisational success both in commercial and non-commercial settings

• evaluate and act upon the ethical and environmental concerns linked to marketing activities

• MSc Marketing learning outcomes

Industry opportunities

We regularly bring guest speakers to the School to talk to Marketing students about real, current practice. From company sponsored dissertations to career and employability treks, you will also have a variety of opportunities to learn from and network with industry and business professionals.

• MSc Marketing programme industry opportunities

Career development

Marketing graduates from the University of Edinburgh are highly sought after globally. Our dedicated Student Development Team within the Business School will be an integral part of your student experience from day one. We are here to help you become equipped to maximise your potential in the global market.

• MSc Marketing programme career development

Career outcomes

The success of our programmes is reflected in the career destinations of our graduates. Hugely respected by global employers, our programmes provide the perfect learning experience with access to world-class academics and programmes that are underpinned by real world insights.

Job titles of our recent graduates include:

• account manager
• campaign and events manager
• corporate communications specialist
• digital communications manager
• digital marketer
• global brand marketing and communications associate
• graphic designer
• market research analyst
• planning associate
• retail marketer
• senior brand manager
• senior market analyst

• SEO associate

• MSc Marketing career outcomes

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 10 July 2025.

Entrance to our MSc programmes is strongly competitive. You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements.

• Important points to note when applying for this programme

Academic requirements

You will need a UK first-class or 2:1 honours degree in one of the subjects below, or an equivalent overseas qualification.

• An undergraduate degree in a business or management related subject is normally required.
• Those with a very good Honours degree in other disciplinary areas will be considered.

Supporting your application

• Relevant work experience is not required but may increase your chances of acceptance.
• Preference will be given to those with grades above the minimum requirements due to strong competition for places on this programme.

Students from China

This degree is Band A.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Application fee

This programme requires a non-refundable application fee.

• £60

Deposit

You will need to pay this deposit within 28 days of receiving your offer of admission (either unconditional or conditional).

• £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Additional programme costs

See the programme website for more information on additional costs, as well as application fees and deposit payment.

• MSc Marketing - fees and living expenses

Living costs

You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies. Below you can find a breakdown of the cost of living in Edinburgh and other studying costs to help you calculate your finances.

• Other studying and living costs

Tuition fees

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• borrowing money

  • taking out a loan
  • family support
• personal savings
• income from work
• employer sponsorship
• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

• Business School scholarships

• External Scholarships

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status.

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding