Study Marketing Degree in the UK: Best Colleges and Fees

Marketing is a fascinating and rewarding field of study that explores how to create, communicate, and deliver value to customers and stakeholders. It is one of the most in-demand and lucrative fields of study in the UK. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), marketing was the third most popular subject for UK students in 2019/20, with over 41,000 enrolments. There are many prestigious and renowned universities and colleges, where prospective students can study marketing degrees in the UK. A marketing degree in the UK can teach students how to analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive strategies, as well as how to design and implement effective marketing campaigns using various tools and channels. The UK is also home to some of the most influential and innovative marketing agencies and organizations in the world, such as WPP, Omnicom, Publicis Groupe, Unilever, and Coca-Cola. These companies offer exciting opportunities for marketing graduates to work on global campaigns, learn from industry experts, and develop their professional networks.

In this article, we will look at the best universities in the UK offering marketing degrees, along with their entry requirements, tuition fees, employment options, and more. 

Overview of Marketing Degree in the UK 

Why Study Marketing Degree in the UK?

Quality Education: The UK has a long history of providing high-quality education, and its universities are renowned for their rigorous academic standards. Many universities in the UK offer marketing programs that are well-structured and taught by experienced faculty.  

Industry Connections: Many UK universities have strong ties to industry and business, which can provide opportunities for internships, guest lectures, and networking with marketing professionals. 

Diverse Environment: The UK attracts students from all over the world, creating a diverse and multicultural student environment. This diversity can help you develop cross-cultural communication skills, which are essential in modern marketing.  

Cultural Experience: The UK is rich in history and culture, providing opportunities for personal growth and a well-rounded educational experience. It’s also a gateway to exploring other European countries.  

Unique Perspective: The UK is a global hub for business and commerce, making it an excellent place to study marketing. It provides a unique perspective on international marketing and exposure to diverse cultures and markets. 

Job Opportunities: The UK has a strong job market, and major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham are home to many multinational companies and marketing agencies. Graduates with marketing degrees from UK universities often find good job opportunities both within the UK and internationally.  The UK also offers post-study work visas that allow international students to work there for a certain period after completing their studies. Students can also work and study in the UK during their stay.

Research Opportunities: The UK is known for its research and innovation, and many universities offer opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge marketing research.  

Scholarships and Financial Aid: Some UK universities and organizations offer financial aid and scholarships to international students, making it more affordable to study marketing in the UK.

Best Marketing Degrees in the UK 

London School of Economics and Political Science 

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a public research university in London, England, and a member institution of the University of London. It is one of the world’s leading social science universities. LSE offers a range of programs across the social sciences, from undergraduate and graduate study.  The MSc Marketing degree at LSE is a one-year program providing an analytical, business-focused curriculum to develop students into innovative and strategic marketers. The program covers topics such as consumer behavior, marketing analytics, pricing strategy, digital marketing, brand strategy, and more. 

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University of Edinburgh 

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities, ranked 16th in the QS World University Rankings 2023. It has a long history of excellence in teaching and research, dating back to 1583. The university offers a wide range of academic disciplines, including marketing, which is part of the Business School.  The Marketing MSc is a one-year full-time program that covers topics such as consumer behavior, marketing analytics, digital marketing, branding, and marketing strategy. Students can choose from a variety of optional courses that suit their interests and career goals, such as social marketing, international marketing, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.  The program is taught by leading experts in the field, who have strong links with industry and practice. Students also have access to excellent facilities, such as the Business School’s Marketing Lab, which provides state-of-the-art software and equipment for conducting marketing research. The marketing programs at Edinburgh have a reputation for producing high-quality graduates who are sought after by employers worldwide. 

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University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is a public research university in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is a member of the Russell Group, a network of leading research-intensive universities, and is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by several international rankings.  The Marketing Department at the University of Leeds is an internationally renowned center of excellence for research and teaching in marketing. It is one of the largest marketing departments in Europe and has a diverse and active research community of academics, PhD students, and visiting fellows. The department’s research covers a wide range of topics, such as global and strategic marketing, consumer behavior, branding and communications, digital and social media marketing, and marketing analytics. The department’s research is informed by its affiliation with the Global and Strategic Marketing Research Centre, one of the leading centers of marketing research in Europe.  The marketing programs at Leeds are designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in marketing management, research methods, data analysis, creative thinking, and communication. The department has been recognized by various rankings and accreditations, such as being awarded the Business School Innovation Award by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for its MSc Consumer Analytics and Marketing Strategy program. 

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The University of Manchester 

The University of Manchester is one of the most prestigious universities in the UK. It is a member of the Russell Group, a select network of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The University of Manchester is regularly ranked among the world’s best universities by various international league tables. The University was ranked 7th in the UK for employability by the Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking 2020.  

The Marketing department at the University of Manchester is part of the Alliance Manchester Business School, one of the largest and most respected business schools in Europe. The department offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in marketing, such as BSc Management (Marketing), MSc Marketing, and PhD Marketing. The department also conducts cutting-edge research in various areas of marketing, such as consumer behavior, digital marketing, branding, services marketing, and social marketing. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, such as the Behavioural Lab, the Marketing Analytics Lab, and the Marketing Resource Centre. Moreover, the department has received several awards and accreditations for its quality and impact, such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Graduate Gateway status. The department’s research was ranked 2nd in the UK for research power in Business and Management Studies.

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Lancaster University 

Lancaster University is a prestigious institution located in the northwest of England. It is ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK and the top 150 in the world. Lancaster University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across four faculties: Arts and Social Sciences, Health and Medicine, Science and Technology, and Management.  

The Department of Marketing, part of the Lancaster University Management School, is one of the longest-established and leading academic centers for marketing in the UK. The department has been ranked 10th for thought leadership and 35th for master’s in marketing in the world by QS Business School Rankings (2023). The department also holds double accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), which allows students to gain professional qualifications alongside their degree. Graduates from the department have excellent employability prospects, as they are equipped with the knowledge and skills that are highly valued by employers in various sectors. 

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Admission Requirements for Marketing Degree in the UK 

Bachelor’s 

• A high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. The specific academic requirements can vary, but students with strong grades in subjects relevant to marketing, such as business, economics, mathematics, or social sciences are preferred. 
• English language proficiency certification through a test like the IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (90-100). 
• A personal statement explaining your interest in marketing and your reasons for choosing that program. 

Master’s:  

• A relevant undergraduate degree, often in business, marketing, or a related field. 
• English language proficiency certification through a test like the IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (90-100). 
• Many universities require GMAT or GRE scores, particularly for highly competitive programs.
• Some postgraduate marketing programs, especially MBAs with a marketing focus, may require a few years of relevant work experience. 
• A personal statement and academic references.
• Some universities may conduct interviews or portfolio reviews as part of the admission process.

Career Opportunities After Marketing Degree in the UK 

A marketing degree in the UK can open up many career opportunities for graduates, as marketing is an essential function for any organization. Marketing graduates can apply their skills and knowledge in various sectors and roles, such as 

Advertising:  Marketing graduates can work as advertising account executives, advertising art directors, media buyers, or PPC specialists, who are responsible for creating and managing advertising campaigns for different clients and platforms. 

Digital marketing: Marketing graduates can work as digital marketers, SEO specialists, social media managers, or web content managers. 

Market research: Marketing graduates can work as market researchers, who collect and analyze data on consumer behavior, preferences, and trends, and provide insights and recommendations to inform marketing decisions. 

Public relations: Many graduates work as public relations officers, who are responsible for managing the reputation and image of an organization or a client. 

Sales promotion – Marketing graduates can work as sales promotion account executives. 

These are some of the jobs directly related to a marketing degree, but there are also many other jobs where a marketing degree would be useful, such as business adviser, business development manager, event manager, product manager, or retail merchandiser. Marketing graduates can also find jobs in specific industries that match their interests, such as sports, arts, charity, or education.

Marketing graduates in the UK usually take home a decent salary. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for marketing graduates is 48,163 GBP per year, with an additional cash compensation of 9,471 GBP. However, some industries and roles may offer higher pay. For instance, digital marketing and advertising tend to pay more than creative arts and market research. The starting salary for marketing graduates is usually between 18,000 GBP and 30,000 GBP per year, depending on the employer and the position. On the other hand, a senior marketing manager can earn up to 77,000 GBP per year or more.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, there is no dearth of high-quality institutions to study marketing degrees in the UK. These universities offer a variety of marketing courses, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, that cover both theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. Studying marketing in the UK can also provide students with valuable opportunities to network with industry professionals, gain international exposure, and develop their skills in a multicultural environment. Therefore, the UK is an ideal destination for prospective marketing students. However, it’s important to sort out the variety of options and make an informed decision considering factors such as budget, living expenses, student visa, etc. We understand that the admission process can be tedious and are here to help you out. Feel free to reach out to us at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!