The University of Glasgow’s online marketing degree is designed for tomorrow’s world. You will study with international faculty at the Adam Smith Business School who are experienced and knowledgeable in both marketing fundamentals and the latest digital trends. Graduate with expertise in advertising, branding, user experience (UX) design, marketing analytics and more. 

Online learning at the University of Glasgow allows you to experience the outstanding education we are known for without the need for relocation. 

Why this programme?

  • The Adam Smith Business School is accredited by AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS, making this online Marketing degree highly attractive to prospective employers.
  • The School is rated one of the top 100 business schools in Europe by the Financial Times in 2021.
  • This programme is accredited by Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). CIM gives students the opportunity to gain professional qualifications through the CIM Accredited Degree partnership. CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers. This ensures students are equipped with the best opportunities for a successful marketing career. The School’s teaching content has been developed alongside CIM’s learning outcomes to ensure that course content is aligned to industry requirements.
  • The University of Glasgow is also currently ranked 14th in the UK and 48th worldwide for International Strategic Marketing (Campus Masters) (QS Business Master's Rankings 2023: Marketing).
  • Your postgraduate studies will begin with courses in marketing, advertising and brand management. These core courses take a modern approach to marketing, as fundamental concepts converge with digital tactics dominating this industry. Master topics in marketing research and pursue optional courses in UX design as well as digital, retail, social media, services marketing and marketing ethics, consumption and technology. 
  • The course features contemporary research-led content, input from industry experts, and case studies, featuring everything from start-ups to well-known brands. Study of these subjects are crucial for success in today’s digital, customer-centric environment and ensures that you will graduate as a candidate with skills that are in high demand in the marketing field. 
  • Whatever sector or context you’re working in, you will significantly enhance your value as an employee. You will develop the analytical and critical skills you need to make informed marketing decisions for your organisation.
  • To apply, previous marketing experience is not essential. What is more important is your ambition and a willingness to embrace new marketing ideas and challenges.
  • Through interactive online study you’ll be able to share ideas and create long-lasting networks with your fellow marketeers. 
  • You'll learn from lecturers at the forefront of social sciences research, as 90% of research by our School of Social Sciences is assessed as world-leading and internationally excellent – Research Excellence Framework 2021. 

Programme structure

After exploring core subjects such as marketing management, analytics and customer behaviour in year 1 and the beginning of year 2, you will select two optional 10 credit courses in the second year.

Before graduating you will need to complete a dissertation, where you will need to draw on the concepts, theories and research you have learnt throughout the programme.

The University of Glasgow specially adapts programmes to the online format. You will attend interactive lectures, seminars and individual tutorials. You will also build important connections with fellow students by taking part in project and team work.

To help support your learning experience, the 100% online programme offers a mix of engaging learning styles such as video, discussion boards, interactive quizzes, recorded and live seminars, journals and ebooks. Please note that interaction in online environments is not usually in real time, but this may be experienced occasionally.

Our expert staff will assess your progression through each course in a variety of ways. This may include essays, discussions, blogs, online presentations, interactive quizzes, assignments or group work. Details of these assignments are found in your induction.

Taken on a part-time basis, the duration of this marketing programme is 2.5 to 6 years depending on the credential obtained. 

Year 1

In year 1 take 3 x 20 credit core courses.

PgCert, PgDip and MSc:

  • Marketing Management
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Marketing Communications Strategies and Tactics

Year 2

In year 2 take 2 x 20 credit core courses and 2 x 10 credit optional courses.

PgDip and MSc:

  • Brand Management
  • Marketing Research & Analytics

Optional courses (select two of the below)

  • Digital Marketing
  • Retail Marketing
  • Services Marketing
  • User Experience (UX) Design
  • Marketing: Ethics, Consumption and Technology
  • Social Media Marketing 

Year 3

MSc: 1 x 60 credit dissertation in year 3.

  • Marketing Dissertation (Semester 2)

This program helped me to deepen my knowledge in consumer studies and I managed to find a dream job in market research.” – Natela Tcaava, Online MSc Marketing student

Programme outcomes

  • Apply relevant theories and methodologies from across the marketing discipline to support your decisions.
  • Identify international market opportunities, preparing you for a career in a range of enterprises.
  • Evaluate marketing against other management functions such as finance and HR.
  • Combine marketing expertise with other management functions both inside and outside of a business.
  • Undertake international marketing in a dynamic, networked, international and culturally diverse economy.
  • Recognise and explain current theory and methodology of marketing to drive marketing decisions in organisations.
  • Apply marketing theory and methodology in an international and domestic context.
  • Identify market opportunities and identify threats within a range of business contexts.
  • Construct advanced marketing research activity.
  • Apply analytical skills in marketing and other business environments.
  • Deliver oral and written communication and design and deliver pitches.

Programme alteration or discontinuation

The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme.

Career prospects

Careers in this area are highly rewarding, both financially and creatively. In 2022, marketing manager made Glassdoor’s list of 25 Best Jobs in the UK based on job satisfaction, base salary and number of available roles.

Holding an online Marketing degree from Glasgow opens many doors. It unlocks careers such as roles in marketing management and brand development — but it also offers the flexibility to specialise in particular areas or transition into a related field.

By exploring marketing theory through real world application, our accredited online master’s degree in marketing will enhance your career opportunities across multiple sectors, in both traditional and digital contexts.  Current students work as marketing specialists and managers in fields such as business development, hospitality, sales, retail, project management, communications and education.

By being able to apply to apply what I’ve learned, exceed, and surpass work expectations and goals, I was promoted several times and received new benefits.” – Petar Vidovic, Online MSc Marketing student

Fees & Funding

MSc

UK / EU / International:

  • £15,000 (total cost)

You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits.

PgDip

UK / EU / International:

  • £10,000 (total cost)

You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits.

PgCert

UK / EU / International:

  • £5,000 (total cost)

You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits.

Fee information is subject to change and is for guidance only.

Entry requirements

To be accepted for this programme, you must have:

  • At least a 2:2 undergraduate degree from a recognised university.
  • We welcome candidates with non-academic qualifications and backgrounds, on the basis of highly relevant work experience or demonstrated interest. Candidates with more than three years’ work experience will be considered.