Marketing and Brand Management MSc
Subject and course type
- Marketing
- Postgraduate
Kingston University’s CIM-accredited masters in Marketing and Brand Management will give you the creative and strategic skills to tap into a high-powered career in today’s competitive landscape.
You are reading:
Master the art of brand strategy, messaging and communication
Build brands and make an impact
Studying this Marketing and Brand Management MSc at Kingston could lead to a broad range of careers in marketing. Many of our graduates now work at director level or above.
During the course, you’ll develop unique brand insight and a solid knowledge of marketing management. You’ll benefit from a leading marketing programme, created in consultation with top industry practitioners from agencies such as Magnetic, Diageo Great Britain and Iris. It’s all about making sure you get the expertise needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced industry.
You’ll graduate with a powerful portfolio of work – ready to showcase your skills to potential employers and recruiters.
You’ll build a deep understanding of brands’ business value, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to develop and manage them professionally. Through a blend of hands-on and classroom learning, you’ll master the art of multi-channel brand oversight and apply branding theory to both case studies and live business contexts.
This programme will refine your ability to assess and develop brands from business and design perspectives. You’ll take part in integrated tasks, workshops and interactive lectures designed to boost your employability and help you communicate ideas in open discussion.
You’ll devise strategic brand management and integrated communications plans in response to live company briefs, putting theory into practice through in-class exercises and assessments.
Because this course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, you’ll graduate with a highly sought after CIM qualification – perfect for opening new doors to employment.
The course's strength lies in its dynamic blend of content, instruction and community engagement. Lecturers impart invaluable insights with a constructive approach while the assessment structure was made manageable through clear guidance from module instructors and personal tutors. One standout aspect was the 'Branding Design' module, which presented a captivating challenge and an opportunity for personal exploration.
Why choose this course
While you study, you’ll benefit from top quality teaching at Kingston University. Not only are we ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, Kingston Business School is also in the 6% of business schools in the world to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.
As part of Kingston Business School’s Department of Strategy, Marketing and Innovation, you’ll tap into a community of enterprising entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Our blend of research, practitioner insights and teaching expertise provides a powerful foundation for careers in marketing, international business, entrepreneurship, strategy and innovation.
There will be opportunities to work with real clients on exciting projects, as well as to hear best practice from industry experts at companies like TikTok, Samsung, McCann Global Advertising Agency and Mars.
A range of lectures from specialist practitioners and industry experts will offer unique insights into today’s business challenges, with industry alumni events creating excellent opportunities to build your network.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers. Students on this course have the opportunity to gain a CIM Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing through the CIM Accredited Degree Programme.
Ready for business
At Kingston Business School, we believe that professional success is shaped by honing your personal capacity and skillset, supported by the academic framework of knowledge. Through vocationally rich, employer-engaged and research-informed courses, we work alongside our students to help them meet personal goals and career ambitions.
Kingston Business School Accreditation
Kingston Business School holds the prestigious international accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in recognition of the excellence of its business education. This accreditation has been earned by just 6% of the world's business schools and recognises the high quality and standard of our business degree offerings.
Course content
The course comprises seven core modules.
Year 1
Core modules
60 credits
You will research a specific area of marketing in depth by identifying a topical issue or problem using appropriate theory and research methods. You will put the knowledge you've developed during the course to the test by writing a research proposal and dissertation that combine academic rigour with practical marketing implications. You will then communicate these findings as you would do in the workplace – by writing a management report.
This module teaches you how to select appropriate research methods and leads to a theoretically-grounded research project which generates findings that inform management decisions. It will teach you to apply your research skills and gain experience managing a large-scale research project. These advanced research skills will prepare you for a highly adaptable career in marketing, and differentiate you as a future business leader.
15 credits
Examine how marketing management theories and methods can be applied to ensure long-term success for a broad range of organisations, private or not-for-profit, with a global context.
Global Marketing Management is the discipline of planning, organising and managing marketing resources across international regions, to achieve an organisation's marketing objectives. This module is delivered through lectures, case study seminars and workshops and is supported by professional guest speakers.
30 credits
Examine diverse, sometimes controversial, theories of 'the brand'. Understand the strategic challenges faced by brands and their managers. Develop your own brand management skills that will enable you to make an immediate and effective contribution.
This module is delivered through a mix of formal lectures, video case studies and seminars. Groups of students often debate pre-assigned 'hot issues' in branding and present their perspective. There is also an opportunity to visit the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising in Notting Hill, London.
15 credits
Design is integral to an organisation's branding strategy, but relatively few managers have the ability to critically appraise a design or shape its development. This module teaches students how to nurture a distinctive brand, through gaining key knowledge and practice in design management. This includes the strategy, process and implementation involved in successfully executing the design elements of a branding strategy.
15 credits
This module focuses on how people buy and use products, and how they react to marketing action. You will:
- apply this buyer behaviour information to specify marketing goals and define an effective services strategy;
- critically evaluate the latest research developments in buyer behaviour, such as customer loyalty, satisfaction, advertising effectiveness, branding, pricing and store atmospherics;
- take a scientific approach, based on evidence and theory, to understand the practical application of research findings and to identify areas where further investigation may be needed; and
- evaluate the most appropriate methods of investigation and analysis.
15 credits
The module is relevant to all students who want to equip themselves for a career in marketing communications, either on the agency or client side. Marketing communications involves planning, organising, managing and evaluating communications between a company or organisation and its stakeholders. It traditionally involves the integration of advertising, sales promotion, public relations and interactive marketing. This module ensures that you understand the practical issues involved in creating effective integrated communications plans which incorporate both traditional and innovative elements. It also builds an understanding of the theoretical issues which underpin effective communications.
The module is delivered via lectures, in-class exercises, workshops, electronic learning and is supported by guest speakers. There is a strong emphasis on student-centred learning and you will be regularly asked to contribute to sessions with discussion of research projects, presentations and practical assignments.
30 credits
Understand the elements of effective market research. Collect primary data that is valid and reliable for management purposes. Develop practical skills in data analysis to transform this raw data into information that guides marketing decisions. This module can act as a launch pad for a career in market research within the wider marketing industry.
The skills you learn in this module also prepare you for your dissertation. Learn to critically evaluate commercial and academic published research, construct and execute a programme of research, and analyse and present the results.
The module is delivered through a combination of class sessions, workshops and computer mediated practical sessions covering both quantitative and quantitative aspects of data collection and analysis.
Year 2 (optional placement year)
The professional placement year is optional. It takes place after the full time year. It allows students to do a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The work placement is an assessed part of the course and is therefore covered by a Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Core module
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement that follows completion of the first 180 credits of taught modules and project or dissertation. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and to develop and enhance key employability skills and subject specific skills in their chosen subject.
It is the responsibility of individual students to locate and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this will normally involve one placement which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the module leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability.
Careers opportunities
During your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to gain a Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing through the CIM Accredited Degree Programme. CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers.
Experience the pathway to employment and get personalised development feedback through our Assessment Centre Experience. You’ll learn more about the job market, exploring current trends and opportunities, recruitment processes and how to identify relevant roles. The Assessment Centre Experience also gives you access to webinars on top tips, employer expectations and best practice.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to walk right into manager roles in marketing, brand, product marketing or media planning. You might enter the workplace as a brand marketing executive, consultant or digital media buyer, where you’ll be well-placed to progress your career right to the top.
Want to keep studying? Many students continue their studies at Kingston University through doctoral research – a great way to build the skills you need to set up your own business.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects and preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 17% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Assessment typically comprises practical assessments (e.g. presentations) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows.
Marketing and Brand Management MSc
- Coursework: 97%
- Practical: 3%
Professional Placement Year
- Coursework: 100%
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice and the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; therefore you will be taught alongside students who are on these courses within the Business School.
Fees and funding
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | Full Time £13,500 |
| International | Full Time £19,700 |
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | Full Time £12,900 |
| International | Full Time £18,900 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
Interested in studying Marketing and Brand Management MSc at Kingston? The following funding support is available:
Get a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. Find out more.
Receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in your first year of study. Find out more.
Get a 15% reduction in tuition fees. Find out more.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full- and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni. Visit our alumni discount page to find out more.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. If your placement is based in London, costs could range between £0 and £200 per month for 12 months.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Please note: If you’re from a country outside the EU or EEA that’s classified as overseas fee-paying, you won’t be eligible to apply for a part-time course because of visa regulations in the UK. For information about exceptions, please visit the UKCISA website or email our CAS and Visa Compliance team.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
