MSC in Digital Marketing in the UK in 2024



Studying MSc in Digital Marketing in UK is a great idea if you’re looking to get into a rapidly expanding field. This field of marketing  brings together marketing management, consumer behaviour, data science, creativity and technology.

Pursuing a masters in digital marketing in UK will help you learn the fundamentals including marketing strategies, E-commerce, SEO, Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC), analytics and reporting, marketing automation and social media marketing. You will also be awarded your postgraduate degree typically in one year. So, if you are looking for a future career in this field, this article is for you.


Why Study Masters in Digital Marketing in the UK?


Let us begin with the question, what is digital marketing?

In the simplest of terms, it is a way for organisations or brands to connect with their prospective customers through the internet or any other form of digital communication. That includes messages, mails, pop ups, website ads and all other possible channels of communication. As of 2023, about 5.3 billion people use the internet worldwide. The increasing dependence of the world population on the internet is the reason why digital marketing has taken over as one of the primary models of marketing.

Why study digital marketing in the UK?

Staying ahead of the curve: This field is not static. With constant technological innovation, the parameters set for campaigns and strategies also evolve. The courses at UK digital marketing universities are designed to stay ahead of this curve or be prepared to quickly adapt to the changing needs of the market.

Industry based teaching and learning in top universities:

There is no doubt that the UK is home to some of the top universities and other institutions of higher education in the world. Of the world’s top 100 universities for masters in marketing degrees, over 20 universities are located in the UK. These schools have been able to stay on top of the field because their coursework is constantly updated to meet industry standards. Moreover, a number of masterclasses and lectures are conducted by experts/ professionals who can not only teach but also share real world experiences with their students.

Access to internships and placements:

Be it at the bachelor’s degree level or the postgraduate level, the career services cell of the UK universities will work with you, prepare you for a job, help you network with prospective employers and seek internships, placement opportunities or start-up incubators.

Cover the skill gap:

By the end of 2023, the digital advertising market is projected to reach US$41.24 billion. Based on 2022 figures, this is almost a $10 billion jump. With Web 4.0 soon becoming the order of the day, this figure is only bound to increase. In contrast, the UK is facing a severe digital skills shortage. While finding a job in the UK as an international student can be challenging, having a clear understanding of the skill gap and attempting to close it will open up more opportunities.

Top Universities For MSc/ MA in Digital Marketing in the UK


In this section, we will be looking at some of the best universities for digital marketing masters in UK. We will be looking at the general framework of these masters in digital marketing courses in UK for international students, the eligibility criteria, fees, intake and the employability rate of these programmes.

S.No Course University
1 MSc Strategic Marketing Imperial College Business School
2 MSc Digital Marketing University of Warwick
3 MSc Digital Marketing Alliance Manchester Business School
4 MSc Marketing University of Edinburgh Business School
5 MSc Strategic Marketing Cranfield School of Management
6 Msc Digital Marketing and Analytics University of Liverpool
7 MSc Marketing University of Bath
8 MSc Digital Marketing University of Exeter
9 MSc Digital Marketing Management University of Strathclyde
10 MSc Digital Marketing University of Southampton

1. MSc Strategic Marketing, Imperial College Business School


Source: Imperial College London

The postgraduate business school of Imperial College, London, the Imperial College Business Schools is one of the top digital marketing courses in in UK. Their MSc Strategic Marketing programme brings together the fundamentals of marketing and its application in the ever evolving technological landscape. The coursework also includes a number of practical applications including a strategic marketing consultancy project, work placement, case study or independent research project. The core modules include digital marketing strategy, marketing analytics, data visualisations and analytics and market research.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum of an upper second class degree or an equivalent international qualification in a relevant discipline such as business management, marketing, economics or media and communications.
  • Quantitative skills at a basic university level.
  • The course is designed for new and recent graduates and work experience or other professional qualifications are not mandatory but will be considered on a case by case basis.
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL iBT of 100.

Fees

The tuition fee is £39,000 for international students.

Intake and Duration

  • Application deadline: March 2024
  • Course begins: September 2024
  • Duration: 1 year full-time

Employability

The business school has an employability rate of about 96% within 6 months of graduation. About 26% of people are employed in FMCG, Luxury & Retail based organisations and over 73% are employed in the UK. It is an indicator of how high the career prospects are, on graduating this course.

2. MSc Digital Marketing, University of Warwick


Source: University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is one of the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom. The university has a specialised MSc in e-Business Management, out of which one of the specialisations is Digital marketing. It covers a wide range of topics ranging from marketing campaigns, building a brand, and data analytics combined with marketing technology.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A UK 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.6 or equivalent
  • While work experience is not mandatory, professional experience in any relevant field will be considered.

Fees

International students should pay a tuition fee of £33,480 for one year of study. However, you can also apply to the WMG excellence scholarship if seeking financial aid.

Intake and Duration

  • Course begins: September 2024
  • Duration: 1 year

Employability

Graduates go on to build varied careers in the digital industry such as leading campaign design and management; digital analytics; social media marketing and management; PPC and SEO management; systems design thinking; launching digital enterprises amongst other areas.

3. Masters in Digital Marketing (MSc), Alliance Manchester Business School


Source: Alliance Manchester B School

Affiliated to the University of Manchester, the Alliance Manchester Business school is one of the oldest b-schools in the United Kingdom. One of the top ten business schools in Europe, its MBA programme has triple accreditation by AACSB International, AMBA and EQUIS. By taking this course, you will gain a strategic understanding of relevant marketing processes, and the technological tools required to thrive in today’s world of marketing.

Eligibility Criteria

Here are the entry requirements

  • A UK 2:1 undergraduate degree or an equivalent.
  • IELTS/ TOEFL / PTE scores to meet the English language requirement.

Fees

The course fee is £29,000 for international students. The application fee is £60.

Intake and Duration

Course begins: September 2024
Duration: 1 year

Employability

Graduates of this programme are well suited to either pursue higher academic qualifications such as a PhD or go into business. Some of the common sectors that students find work in are retail and commerce, Marketing, advertising, Healthcare, hospitality and financial services. Popular employers include The Hut Group, Walmart, Google, Amazon, L’oreal and others.

4. MSc Marketing, University of Edinburgh Business School


Source: University of Edinburgh Business School

Located in Scotland, the University of Edinburgh Business School is ranked 15th in the world for Masters in marketing degrees. While the degree has  generic marketing in its title, the emphasis is on online marketing, data insights and the principles of marketing management. As a student from India, you also have the choice of selecting international marketing strategy as one of your optional modules in the duration of this programme.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A valid undergraduate degree in business, marketing or any other related subject with a score of at least 8.0 on a scale of 10.
  • While work experience is not mandatory, it will increase the chances of acceptance.
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 100 is required.

Fees

The tuition fee for international students is £29,900

Intake and Duration

Course begins: Mid-September
Duration: 1 year

Employability

Graduates of the Edinburgh School of Business are sought after globally. On completion of the course, you can take on roles such as advertising or brand Managers, digital marketing managers, market data analysts, media managers or sales directors. This UK b-school also has a dedicated student development team that works with its students to increase their global employability.

5. MSc Strategic Marketing, Cranfield School of Management


Source: Cranfield Blogs

Cranfield University is a postgraduate-only public research university in Bedfordshire, England. In 2018, the Wall Street Journal ranked Cranfield School of Management 7th in the world for its MBA programme. Their Marketing MSc was ranked fifth in the UK by QS World University Rankings. Designed with industry input, this course takes you through the fundamentals of market research, online marketing, social media, big data marketing analysis and data visualisation. It is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

Eligibility Criteria

  • A UK 2:1 undergraduate degree or an equivalent.
  • IELTS/ TOEFL / PTE scores to meet the English language test requirement.
  • Relevant work experience, while not mandatory, will definitely boost your application.

Fees

The tuition fee is £29,670 for international students.

Intake and Duration

  • Application deadline: July 2024
  • Course begins: September 2024
  • Duration: 1 year

Employability

The school has a dedicated Careers and Employability Service cell that will help you develop the skills required to function effectively at a management level. It also helps students network with top organisations such as Vodafone, TJX, Kerry, Christian Dior, Henkel, GE, Schlumberger, Ernst & Young, Estée Lauder, Coca-Cola, Mars, Beiersdorf, KPMG Nunwood and Microsoft.

6. MSc Digital Marketing and Analytics, University of Liverpool


Source: University of Liverpool

One of the original red brick universities of England and a founding member of the Russell Group of Institutions, the University of Liverpool is renowned for its global education and online postgraduate education. The MSc in Digital Marketing and Analytics programme brings together in different modules, the theoretical and practical aspects of digital marketing, data analysis techniques, critical thinking, decision-making and the ability to use the latest technical toolkits for analysis. The University of Liverpool Management School, which offers this programme, is triple accredited by AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A minimum of 2:1 from a UK university or an international equivalent. For students from India, that translates to a minimum score of 65 – 70% from a reputed institution.
  • If your credentials are deemed ineligible, you can apply for the Pre- Masters programme at the University of Liverpool International College and then proceed with your postgraduate degree.
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for proof of English language proficiency.

Fees

The fees for international students is £28,000. Additional costs might include course books, library services, field classes and professional association fees. You can also apply for the ULMS Excellence Scholarship and receive up to a 50% deduction on your tuition.

Intake and Duration

  • Admission deadline: August 2024
  • Course Start Date: 23 September 2024
  • Duration: 1 year

Employability

Graduates of this course become well-rounded, professional marketers, with the ability to perceive different competitive business environments. They also learn cutting-edge marketing practices, critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills to take up roles in the fields of Digital Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Marketing Research or Data Analysis. The students also have access to the school of management’s career studio to help network with prospective employers.

7. MSc Marketing, University of Bath


Source: University of Bath

Renowned for its excellence in teaching, the University of Bath is another top university for masters in digital marketing in UK. The university ranks 42nd in the world, according to QS Business Master’s Rankings 2024 for Marketing. Their MSc in Marketing is a course designed in close association with professionals so that the graduates meet industry requirements. The course is constantly upgraded to keep up with contemporary technology and currently emphasises on digital marketing and data analysis to channel the power of the internet to reach a large number of prospective customers.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A first class bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
  • Since this course is designed for freshers or those relatively new to the field, applicants who have more than three years of work experience will not be considered.
  • Minimum IELTS requirement of 7.0. Alternative tests to meet the English language requirement are PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, CPE and CAE.

Fees

The tuition fee for international applicants is £30,000.

Intake and Duration

  • Application deadline: June 2024
  • Course begins: September 2024
  • Duration: 1 year Full-time

Employability

About 79% of last year’s graduates had digital marketing jobs in UK within 3 months of graduating this course.

8. MSc Digital Marketing, University of Exeter


Source: University of Exeter

The business school of the University of Exeter was deemed the “UK Business School of the Year” by Times Higher Education Awards in 2022. It is also one of the top 10 universities for marketing courses in the UK. The MSc Digital Marketing programme is taught at the Streatham campus. Modules include marketing analytics, campaign planning and application, management and digital innovation. The modules have been specifically designed keeping in mind the industry requirements for future professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

The following are the entry requirements:

  • A mid 2:2 degree (55%+) with honours in any discipline from a recognised university
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 90.

Fees

The tuition fee is £29,500 full-time.

Intake and Duration

  • Intake: September 2024
  • Duration: You can choose between the 9 month or the 12 month distribution of the course.

Employability

You will graduate with a thorough hands-on knowledge of essential market research tools such as Google Analytics, Facebook Insights and other online market research platforms. Graduate job opportunities have typically been marketing roles with specific focus on marketing analysis, planning and marketing communications.

9. MSc Digital Marketing Management, University of Strathclyde


Source: University of Strathclyde

A public research university in Glasgow, Scotland, the University of Strathclyde is the third largest Scottish university. It is one of the top 20 schools in Europe for MBA and related subjects according to the Financial Times. This school and the coursework takes on a hands-on approach to learn about digital marketing and the emerging spheres of digital media. For instance, the eMArketing course is taught almost entirely by experts from the industry. The practical aspect of this programme also includes a Digital Transformative Project, where you will be working with local businesses and help solve their operational issues.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent in marketing or business.
  • Work experience in a relevant area boosts your application but is not mandatory.
  • A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent.

Fees

International students are charged £25,100 for the academic year 2023-24 for this programme.

Intake and Duration

  • Start Date: September 2024
  • Duration: 1 year full-time.

Employability

Graduates have gone on to fill skill gaps in varied industries including finance, the health sector and the public sector. Graduates of Strathclyde’s course are often hired at a premium salary for their digital marketing skills.

10. MSc Digital Marketing, University of Southampton


Source: University of Southampton

Another founding member of the prestigious Russell Group of research intensive institutions, the University of Southampton also has a renowned postgraduate program in digital marketing. A practice oriented course, it covers topics including digital communication techniques, web analytics, consumer behaviour, online and multi-channel retailing, project management and public relations.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A UK 2:1 degree (or international equivalent) in business, management, marketing or a degree subject that includes some marketing modules
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5

Fees

EU and international students must pay a tuition fee of £28,900.

Intake and Duration

  • Intake: September 2024
  • Duration: 1 year

Employability

With the kind of demand that exists for skilled digital marketers, graduates of this programme have found no difficulty in transitioning from student roles to that of professionals. They have gone to work in organisations including L’Oreal, ROKE, McCann, Hootsuite and EDF Energy

MBA in Digital Marketing in UK


The previous section jumped right into the world of digital marketing, looking at the practical, job-driven courses that gain you an MSc degree. However, there is an alternative. You can also take up an MBA while specialising in digital marketing.

Difference between an MSc and MBA in a nutshell:

The MSc degrees in UK are practice driven, jumping right into communication, technology, data analytics, consumer behaviour, etc. – basically everything you need to know to design and run a strategic marketing campaign.

The MBA, on the other hand, has a broader curriculum (it also means you might not get to as delve deep as an MSc programme) that includes HR, finance, economics, and other business management skills, along with digital marketing. If you are looking at the leadership track, an MBA might look better on your resume. If you want to go down the tech route, an MSc works better.

For MBA in Digital Marketing in UK, you can look into

  • MBA in Digital Marketing, UWS London
  • MBA (Digital Marketing), University of East London
  • MBA with the Marketing pathway, Coventry University

Jobs After Studying Digital Marketing in the UK


As an industry, digital marketing and advertising is valued at over $40 billion USD in the UK and is bound only to increase in the foreseeable future. As a digital marketer, you can be working in niche areas such as social media marketing, search engine optimisation, mobile marketing or PPC campaigns. In terms of employers, skilled workers are required across almost all industries, increasing the number of digital marketing jobs in UK.

Your responsibilities can range from creating ads or doing market analysis all the way till strategizing an entire campaign, depending on your level of experience. The entry level salary is around £23,000 – £30,000. With experience and by taking on more managerial roles, the average salary can go up to £50,000.

Cost of Studying Digital Marketing in the UK


In this section, we answer the question “How much does it cost to study a masters degree in digital marketing in UK as an Indian student?”. It is important to note that the figures shown in the table below are the average cost and approximation to give you a general idea. The actual costs can vary depending on your selection of courses, the universities and the city that you will be living in.

Cost  Amount in Pounds 
(Approx figures per year)
Amount in INR 
(Approx figures per year)
Tuition (Range) £25,000 – £40,000 Rs 25 – 40 lakhs
Additional Costs
Rent (On Campus) £4,000 – £7,000 Rs 4 – 7 lakhs
Rent (Off campus, shared living) London – £9,000
Rest of UK – £6,700
London – Rs 9 lakhs
Rest of UK – Rs 6.7 lakhs
Food £1,800 – £2,200 Rs 1 – 2.5 lakhs
Transport £1,000 Rs 1 lakh
Health Insurance £470 Rs 50,000
Utilities £650 – £800 Rs 65,000 – 80,000
Average Total Living Expenses £14,400 – £16,800 Rs 14 – 17 lakhs

Scholarships to Study Digital Marketing in the UK


As a student from India, it is also important to spend some time researching on scholarships and bursaries that will help with your financial planning as you apply to some of the best digital marketing colleges in the world. Typically, a scholarship is awarded based on merit while a bursary is offered on the basis of financial need.

As an international student, it is important to look at four sources of financial aid

  • Scholarships from home government
  • UK government scholarships for international students
  • Department/ University scholarships
  • Awards/ grants/ scholarships from external charitable organisations.

That said, here are some you can consider for your masters in digital marketing in UK.

  • Commonwealth Scholarships
  • Felix Scholarships
  • Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
  • Chevening Scholarships
  • Rhodes Scholarship
  • Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships
  • Global Study Awards
  • British Council Scholarships
  • Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
  • Chevening scholarships

Frequently asked questions


Is digital marketing in demand in UK?

Yes. The overall UK spending on digital marketing has increased by over 10 billion USD in a year. This shows that there is a clear demand for digital marketing specialists in the UK.

Is it worth doing digital marketing in UK?

Yes. You get a degree by completing a 1 year digital marketing course in UK. Moreover, you get to be part of a learning system that is deeply rooted in the industry. Most universities place a lot of emphasis on research and expanding the boundaries of the discipline. They keep up with technological innovation and prepare students to become a part of an ever changing world.

Which country is best for digital marketing?

USA, Canada and the United Kingdom are the top countries to do a masters in digital marketing.

How much does it cost to study digital marketing in UK?

Just between tuition and living costs, you can expect to spend anywhere from 40 to 60 lakh INR per year. However, as mentioned in the previous section, most universities offer a number of scholarships and other kinds of financial aid to eligible students to reduce their burden.

Can I get a job in digital marketing in the UK?

Yes. With marketing becoming more dependent on the internet and the rapid developments in the technological sector, there is a demand for digital marketers in UK. With the right degree, you can also become a member of the CIM (the Chartered Institute of Marketing) and make global connections.

How to apply to UK universities with TC Global?


While studying MSc in Digital Marketing in UK can be very thrilling, the prep and paperwork of it all can get overwhelming. The easiest way to reduce your stress is to sign up with TC Global.

We simplify international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities, and a global community on a single platform where there are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses.

Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to the application process, student visas and departure – we see you through it all.

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! 🚀

Then simply set up a visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships Team closest to you and choose a slot to meet with a Relationship Member.

Let’s shape your future together.

You May Also Like:



Date added
31.10.2023

Filed under:

Global Ed

Subscribe!

No spam, just your favourite topics.

Choose Insight topics that you are interested in to subscribe for your personalized newsletter.

A world
of possibilities awaits.
Join the movement.
Find your perfect university,
in one of 40 countries all over the world
Prepare for the future,
whether at university, business or in employment
Secure your future,
through STEM courses
Connect with leading international companies
and unlock the potential of your team
Fill in the form, so we can contact
you and start our journey together.