MSc Digital and Strategic Marketing

The MSc in Digital and Strategic Marketing develops the specialist knowledge and skills you need to pursue a career in the sector.

You will develop your working knowledge of digital and strategic marketing tools and techniques, and learn how to integrate them to plan and implement successful marketing programmes and initiatives. There is a strong emphasis on practical application, with opportunities to develop your analytical and problem-solving abilities through the use of case studies and strategic marketing simulations.

The application of theories and tools to real industry scenarios enables you to use industry information and analyse various data sources to make optimal strategic marketing decisions.

The programme will enable you to pursue appropriate careers in the field of strategic marketing, branding, advertising, digital marketing and non-profit organisation applying the highest professional standards. The programme serves also as preparation for further study or an academic career in marketing.

Learning from academics and student peers from around the world gives you an invaluable perspective on the issues and challenges facing marketers in today’s global business environment.

Our tutors and lecturers include both working practitioners in marketing and internationally recognised academics who conduct world-class research, which is regularly published in leading marketing journals.

Professional accreditation

We are proud to be in an elite group of business schools to hold the triple accreditations of Equis, AMBA and AACSB, often referred to as the "Triple Crown".

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the leading professional body for marketers worldwide and exists to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing practitioners.

The University of Bradford has joined forces with CIM to give students the opportunity to gain professional qualifications through the CIM Accredited Degree partnership. CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers, and their content is reflected in our own degrees which ensures we are equipping students with the best opportunities for a successful marketing career.

What you will study

All module information is for 2023 entry and is subject to change.

First year

Core

• Digital Marketing Metrics
• Strategic Brand Management
• Marketing Communications in the Digital World
• Consumer Behaviour and Insights in the Digital Age
• Digital Marketing, Campaign Planning and Analytics
• Digital Business and Marketing Strategy Simulation
• Dissertation

Option

• Developing Skills for Business Leadership
• International Marketing
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Cross Cultural Management
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• International Master’s Summer School
• International Master's Summer School (Attendance Only)

Learning and assessment

The programme is summatively assessed by a mixture of written examinations, assessed coursework, case studies, group projects, simulation and multimedia presentations.

Assessment is integrated with learning and teaching to support and demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes for individual modules and the programme as a whole. Emphasis is placed on the feedback function of formative assessment as part of the learning, teaching and assessment strategy as a whole.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans by exploring options and refining skills in job-hunting. In most of our programmes, there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Career booster

During your time studying at the Faculty of Management and Law, you will have the opportunity to take part in our distinctive career booster programme throughout the duration of your course. The programme is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and graduate attributes to be job-ready when seeking employment with leading innovative organisations. The Career Booster Programme (PDF, 2.8 MB) offers you the opportunity to gain certificates in:

• The European Computer Driving License (ECDL) - the benchmark for digital literacy
• Sage 50 Accounting and Sage 50 Payroll - training that will allow you to develop leading accounting and payroll software skills
• Project Manager Professional certificates - giving you the edge when seeking to become a Certified Project Manager
• Big Data analysis and reporting skills - using Software and Services (SAS) that will lead to certification.

In addition, the programme will also include activities to promote teamwork, confidence, communication and many other skills sought by employers.

Developing a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificates will demonstrate to employers that you are not only ambitious but also take responsibility for your own professional development.

AWS Academy program from Amazon Web Services (AWS)

The School of Management has joined the prestigious worldwide AWS Academy program from Amazon Web Services (AWS). All students will be given an opportunity to enhance their employability skills, helping to make them ready for the world of work.

AWS Academy is a global program that provides educational institutions with access to cloud computing content to support student learning in a competitive digital workplace. As a member of the AWS Academy, the University of Bradford will help students become proficient and certified in the use of AWS technologies and ready to join the dynamic cloud IT workforce.

All learners will have the opportunity to seek professional certification with the skills gained through AWS Academy content, delivered by University staff that are AWS Academy accredited.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Students registered for postgraduate degrees in the School of Management (SoM) during the 2020/21 academic year will be encouraged to register with the Project Management Institute (PMI) and become a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). The PMI is the world's leading association for those who consider that project, programme or portfolio management as their profession or for those who see developing skills in this area as being an important additional professional qualification.

The school will help support students prepare for this exam through the one-week short course programme which will be delivered in Semester 2. This will be followed by a one-week CAPM revision session to help students prepare for the exam.

Any of the School’s MSc students at the beginning of the academic year at Bradford can register as an individual member of the PMI. This will give students access to a range of learning materials on the PMI website. Towards the end of the taught MSc programme at the School of Management, students will be supported to register for the PMI’s CAPM exam which is a three-hour multiple-choice assessment.

Regardless of your career stage, the Certified Associate in Project Management is an asset that will distinguish you in the job market and enhance credibility and effectiveness working on projects or with project teams. Further information on the benefits of becoming a member of the PMI and a Certified Associate in Project Management can be found on the Project Management Institute (PMI) website.

Career prospects

Our graduates are highly sought after for careers in management, consultancy or advanced management studies.

Times Higher Education Business School of the Year 2021

The Times Higher Education Awards recognise outstanding achievements in UK higher education. The School of Management was recognised for our focus on economic and social regeneration.

Our award citation states, "During the pandemic, the school focused its initiatives on helping graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds navigate the disrupted job market and on providing support for local businesses dealing with crisis trading conditions. The judges commended Bradford's "inspiring" support for students, alumni, schools and local businesses."