# Strategic Marketing and BrandingMSc
**Source**: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026/strategic-marketing-and-branding-msc
**Parent**: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026
2026-27 entry
# Strategic Marketing and Branding MSc
Management School,
Faculty of Social Sciences\
Ideal for graduates from any discipline, this course gives you a comprehensive understanding of marketing theory and we'll teach you how to apply it in a business setting.
- Start date
\
September 2026
- Duration
\
1 year
- Attendance
\
Full-time
- [Accredited](#accreditation)
- [Course fee](#feesfunding)
[Visit us](#visit)
[Apply for this course](#apply)
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[Visit us](#visit)
[Apply for this course](#apply)
[Chat to a student](https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/study/chat?tap-dashboard=false&utm_medium=link&searchTerms=Postgraduate&utm_campaign=online%20prospectus&searchType=default)
### Explore this course:
[Apply now for 2026 entry](#apply) or [book a place on our online open day](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit/open-day "Postgraduate online open days") on 29 April 2026 to see where a Sheffield masters could take you.
## Course description
This course is designed to take graduates from any discipline into careers in marketing management.
We don’t just teach the theory of marketing. There’s a lot of emphasis on applying what you learn in a business setting.
You can also apply to do a company-based dissertation, working with an external organisation. Recent dissertation projects include a branding review for a large law firm and working with a local, environment-led SME to study consumer behaviour.
### Accreditation
The Management School is Triple Crown accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB.
We are currently seeking re-accreditation by the Chartered Institute for Marketing (CIM) for 2025-26 entry to this course.
Students who study with us are eligible to apply for CIM exemptions upon graduation from our programme. To achieve a CIM Certificate or Diploma in Professional Marketing/Professional Digital Marketing, further study is required via a CIM approved [study centre](https://www.cim.co.uk/study-centres/ "Find your nearest study centre").
You can find out more about CIM qualifications at [CIM Accredited Degree](https://www.cim.co.uk/qualifications/cim-accredited-degree/ "CIM Accredited Degree") and about studying for a CIM qualification on the [support for members page](https://www.cim.co.uk/qualifications/studying-members-support/ "CIM Professional & Digital Marketing Qualifications").
[Association of MBAs (AMBA)](https://www.associationofmbas.com/)
[EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)](https://www.efmdglobal.org/accreditations/business-schools/equis/)
[Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)](https://www.aacsb.edu)
## Modules
We're revising the curriculum of the course for this year of entry and are in the process of confirming the modules. The information here gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover. There may be changes before you begin your studies. As you progress through your course, we’ll confirm additional details of the core and optional modules available to you.
MSc modules
### Core modules
Global Marketing
: Global marketing equips you with an understanding of international marketing activities and issues. In an increasingly interconnected landscape, where convergence and divergence can simultaneously be observed at both an intra-national and international level, this module explores how marketers can analyse country environments and strategically undertake marketing activities. The module prepares you for the challenges of global marketing and enables you to have sufficient knowledge to undertake international related work duties if needed in your careers.
**15 credits**
Marketing Management in the Digital Age
: In this module you will explore marketing management as both a practical business function and an academic discipline, with an emphasis on its relevance in the digital age. You will examine how organisations plan, develop, and coordinate marketing decisions—such as segmentation, targeting, positioning, and the marketing mix—to achieve strategic goals and competitive advantage. You will gain an in-depth understanding of marketing planning and strategy using tools adapted for digital contexts. With a problem-centred, hands-on approach, the module enables you to apply their knowledge to real-world marketing challenges shaped by digital transformation.
**15 credits**
Contemporary Marketing Practices
: Various marketing concepts and practices could be applied in different business contexts. This module will evaluate a range of issues relating to contemporary marketing practices and their relevance to business. In addition, the module will explore how marketing theories vary in different contexts and evaluate their impacts on the practices of marketing.
**15 credits**
Strategic Marketing Communications
: Strategic Marketing communications covers a dynamic and wide-ranging group of topics that are intended to build and maintain brand equity. These include advertising, sales promotions, public relations, sponsorship, direct marketing, personal selling, and packaging, and involve broader considerations such as ethics and global issues. Current thinking suggests that all communications should be integrated across the organisation; this module critically evaluates the concept of integrated marketing communications and analyses various aspects of strategic marketing communications. Theories of communication are explored using real examples from current marketing campaigns, and a select group from different areas of marketing offer an expert's view of the communications process.
**15 credits**
International Consumer Behaviour
: This unit is designed to provide students with the knowledge and awareness of the theory and practice of consumer behaviour. It explores various dimensions of consumer behaviour and investigates the implications of consumer behaviour for developing marketing strategy in changing environments.
**15 credits**
Retail and Services Marketing
: In this module, you will explore the application of marketing concepts and practices in retail and services settings. You will investigate how marketing theories are put into practice and assess how the current retail and services landscape shapes operations. The module also focuses on the importance of service quality, the role of technology and the Internet of Things, and the growing need to address sustainability and ethical challenges within these sectors.
**15 credits**
Marketing in Society
: This unit deals with the social context of marketing. It draws on a variety of issues engaging contemporary marketing practice and examines the implication of the the adoption of the marketing concept as one of the dominant business aproaches, as well as its widening use as a tool for framing and solving societal issues.
**15 credits**
Branding
: This module helps you understand and apply essential branding concepts and frameworks, emphasizing their critical role in shaping consumer perceptions and driving market strategies. You will critically analyse a range of brands and real-world branding practices, applying theoretical models and research to generate impactful insights. The module also focuses on the importance of evaluating the influence of technological advancements and sustainability on branding practices.
**15 credits**
Marketing Research
: You will gain an understanding on how to conduct research in marketing management and will evaluate the process and practices of marketing research through the use of different research designs and methods. You will also examine various types of analytical methods and develop different research skills through the this module.
**15 credits**
Project Dissertation
: This unit requires the student to research a topic appropriate to the field of management. The topic chosen by the student must receive approval from a supervisor. A dissertation written by the student should be delivered to the School at the conclusion of the study. The study, and the resulting dissertation, may take the form of an academic research or of a managerial problem-solving exercise. In either case, it requires the student to apply critical analysis and to set the issues within the context of appropriate management literature.
**45 credits**
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
## Open days
Interested in postgraduate taught study?
- [Take part in our online open day](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit/open-day "Postgraduate online open days") on **Wednesday 29 April**
- [Join us on a discovery afternoon](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit/masters-study-discovery-afternoon "Masters study discovery afternoon") on **Tuesday 12 May**
- [Register your interest](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/register-your-interest "Register your interest in postgraduate study at the University of Sheffield") in studying at Sheffield.
## Duration
1 year full-time
## Teaching
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Case studies
- Group work for collaborative learning
- Web-based discussion groups
## Assessment
- Individual assignments
- Group projects
- End-of-semester examinations
- Dissertation
## Your career
This course covers all key areas of marketing, from communications and branding to buyer behaviour and marketing research with an emphasis on practical application.
The practical experience, professional accreditations and global insights central to this programme opens pathways to diverse marketing roles worldwide. These themes will ensure you are equipped to excel in brand management, marketing communications, and retail marketing consultancy, making you a standout candidate in competitive markets.
Possible career routes include:
- Marketing Manager/Executive
- Brand Manager
- Product Marketing Manager
- Digital Marketer
- Brand Strategist
- Business Development
- Market Research Analysts
- Consumer Insights Manager
- Advertising Account Manager
- Content Marketing Manager
- Social Media Manager
- Marketing Consultant
- Campaign Officer
- Communications Manager
Our careers and employability teams are here to support you with any career related questions. You'll have access to career appointments, a wide range of workshops, and up-to-date resources to help you achieve your full potential.
## School
### Management School
We are a leading management school with Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS). These awards have been achieved through the outstanding quality of our programmes, research output, support for students and alumni, and links with industry. We have a world-class reputation for high quality teaching, ground-breaking research and cutting-edge thinking.
You’ll be part of a dynamic and engaging management school that puts you and your future at the heart of everything it does. We balance a rigorous academic foundation with practical skills to ensure you are ready for the world of work.
We want you to develop skills so you can apply course content in a company setting. Our close links with organisations keep us in tune with the changing demands of the workplace. We know what employers are looking for.
You'll learn from experts - many are former industry professionals and they work closely with businesses. Because our academics are world-leading researchers, your education will draw on the most current management theories.
We want you to engage with the academic content, be conscientious and take an independent approach to study. We want you to be informed, innovative and proactive and do everything we can to support and enhance your career, steering you in the right direction with all the knowledge and skills you require.
You'll benefit from tailored on-site and online professional careers support, dedicated skills sessions and events with experts from world-leading organisations and professional bodies. These activities will help guide your personal and professional development to help you secure your dream placement, internship or graduate role.
## Student profiles
[I wanted to broaden my marketing knowledge and apply the knowledge to my future career
Shreya Sonthalia
Student,
\
Marketing Management Practice MSc (now Strategic Marketing and Branding MSc)](https://sheffield.ac.uk/management/postgraduate/meet-our-students/shreya-sonthalia)
[My time studying at the University of Sheffield gave me a useful foundation to build upon when entering the marketing industry
Christina Dymiotis
Postgraduate alumna,
\
Marketing Management Practice MSc (now Strategic Marketing and Branding MSc)](https://sheffield.ac.uk/management/people/meet-our-alumni/christina)
## Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in any subject.
We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.
If required degree subjects and modules are listed, these are indicative only. Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.
We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:
[Entry requirements for international students](https://sheffield.ac.uk/international/applying/postgraduate-taught "Postgraduate taught")
### **English language requirements**
IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent
[Other English language qualifications we accept](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/english-language "English language requirements for postgraduates")
### Other requirements
We will **not** ask you to provide references or referee details as part of your application.
We **do not** require a supporting statement for this programme.
### Pathway programme for international students
If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a [pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/programmes/pre-masters/business-social-sciences-and-humanities ) at the [University of Sheffield International College](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/). This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please [contact the school](#contactus).
## Fees and funding
[Funding for postgraduate taught courses](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/funding "Funding for postgraduate taught courses")
## Save on your course fees
### £3,000 scholarships for international students
Overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will [automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount](https://sheffield.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/scholarships/postgraduate/international-postgraduate-scholarship "International Postgraduate Scholarship 2026") (subject to eligibility) - no separate application form required.
### Save up to £2,500 on your course fees
Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could [save up to £2,500](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/alumni-discount "Alumni Discount") on your postgraduate taught course fees, [subject to eligibility](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/alumni-discount#terms-and-conditions "Alumni Discount").
## Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
[Apply now](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/apply/applying "How to apply")
## More information
[Management School](https://sheffield.ac.uk/management/home)
## Contact
Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.
[Contacts for prospective students](https://sheffield.ac.uk/contact/study "Contact us: course, application and study enquiries ")
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
[Our student protection plan](https://sheffield.ac.uk/study/policies/student-protection-plan "Student protection plan")
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read [information from the UK government](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/providing-services-to-any-country-in-the-eu-iceland-liechtenstein-norway-or-switzerland-after-eu-exit#recognition-of-professional-qualifications) and the [EU Regulated Professions Database](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/professional-qualifications/regulated-professions/index_en.htm).
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