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A complete guide to marketing degrees

Get sold on a career in marketing by discovering a degree that builds your brand from the ground up.

Marketing is everywhere. From billboards in the city centre to targeted ads on your phone, the world is buzzing with opportunities to promote and sell. No wonder marketers are in high demand. In today’s economy, where everything from products to ideas is up for grabs, the need for creative, business-savvy professionals is stronger than ever. And the best part? Marketing offers something for everyone. A marketing degree can be your gateway to a wide range of lucrative careers across virtually every industry. Intrigued? Read on to discover everything you need to know about pursuing a marketing degree.

Topics you’ll explore

Marketing is a fast-moving world where no two days are the same. What you learn will depend on your course, but here’s a quick look at what’s in store:

Marketing principles

Consumer behaviour

Market research

Brand management

Digital marketing strategy

Corporate communications

Skills you’ll gain

Marketing is a dynamic field that demands a mix of creativity and strategy. Here’s a snapshot of the skills you’ll bring to the table and what employers really want:

Hard skills

Data analysis
Market research
Campaign planning
Social media management
Content creation
Digital tools and platforms

Soft skills

Communication
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Collaboration
Leadership
Adaptability

Degree routes available to you

From entry-level to advanced, marketing studies come in many forms tailored to fit your career stage and preferences:

Bachelor’s in Marketing

Perfect for newcomers, this degree builds a strong foundation in essential marketing concepts and strategies.

Bachelor’s in Business with Marketing

Combining core business knowledge with marketing, this degree suits aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and managers.

Bachelor’s in Digital Marketing

Ideal for those eager to specialise early, focusing on SEO, UX, social media, and key digital marketing skills.

Master’s in Marketing

Aimed at graduates, this programme offers advanced study in marketing, including specialised topics and practical experience.

MBA with a marketing specialisation

Designed for seasoned professionals, this MBA enhances business leadership skills with a marketing emphasis, paving the way for senior roles.

Common questions about marketing degrees

A bachelor's degree usually takes three to four years. A master's typically spans one to two years, while an MBA with a marketing focus can range from two to five years, depending on the study mode (full-time, part-time, or online).

Undergraduate degrees cost around £9,250 per year for UK students (free for most Scottish students). Master's degrees typically range from £12,000 to £25,000, while MBAs can cost between £18,000 and £45,000, depending on the institution.

Besides student loans, there are scholarships, grants, and sponsorships available for postgraduate courses. Some institutions even offer financial aid or payment plans, so always research your options before ruling out financial assistance.

For a bachelor's degree, you'll need A-levels (or equivalent), typically with results around BCC or BTEC DDM. For a master's, an undergraduate degree in a related field is usually required, with some programmes also asking for industry experience.

Marketing degrees use a mix of assessments, including presentations, group projects, and practical assignments, mimicking real-world scenarios. This approach helps build confidence and prepares you for the professional world.

The difficulty varies, but marketing degrees are best suited to those who enjoy diverse assessment types and practical challenges. If you're adaptable, a strong communicator, and have a commercial mindset, you’ll likely thrive. Time management and organisational skills will also play a key role in your success.

Why pursue a marketing degree

Job satisfaction

Marketing offers a variety of roles, allowing you to focus on creative or analytical tasks, ensuring that your work remains both fulfilling and impactful.

Great prospects

With high demand for marketing professionals, you can advance to leadership roles, such as brand manager or chief marketing officer, ensuring long-term career growth.

Stimulating work

Every marketing project presents new challenges, combining creativity and data analysis to keep the work dynamic and engaging.

Team collaboration

You’ll collaborate with teams across sales, product, and customer service, ensuring your strategies align with broader business goals.

Work for big brands

Marketing degrees often lead to opportunities with major global brands, giving you the chance to work on exciting and high-profile projects.

Continuous learning

Marketing is constantly evolving, so you’ll stay up-to-date with trends and technologies, keeping your skills fresh and relevant.

Where this degree will take you

Market Research Analyst

Analyse market trends and consumer behaviour to provide businesses with insights on product development, pricing, and marketing strategies.

Brand Manager

Develop, implement, and oversee brand strategies to enhance brand recognition, build customer loyalty, and ensure alignment with business goals.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Manager

Optimise website content and structure to improve organic search rankings, drive traffic, increase visibility, and boost conversions.

Campaign Lead

Plan, execute, and monitor marketing campaigns across multiple platforms, managing resources, budgets, and teams to achieve strategic objectives.

Copywriter

Craft persuasive and engaging content for advertising, digital campaigns, and promotional materials to resonate with target audiences.

Social Media Manager

Develop and curate content for social media platforms, manage interactions with followers, and drive brand awareness through effective community engagement.

Find your marketing degree

Explore now

Common questions about teaching careers

Job satisfaction in marketing is generally high, especially for those who enjoy a mix of creative and analytical tasks. However, satisfaction can vary depending on your specific role, the company culture, and opportunities for growth.

Given the variety of roles and specialisms within marketing, your job satisfaction will largely depend on which area you specialise in. It's essential to pursue a career in a field that excites you. Marketing offers many advantages, including good progression, attractive salaries, and flexibility. For example, Marketing Managers rate their job satisfaction highly, with an average rating of almost 4 out of 5 stars on PayScale.

Even in uncertain times like the COVID pandemic, marketing remained a resilient industry, and the number of available marketing jobs has continued to rise each year. As of now, there are 28,424 marketing roles listed on Indeed, offering reassurance that a marketing degree can lead to many career opportunities.

Salaries for marketing graduates can vary based on role and location, but they typically fall within the range of £18,000 to £34,000. The specific area you specialise in, such as SEO or social media, can influence your starting salary, with SEO often offering higher pay.

With experience and specialisation, salaries in marketing can rise significantly. Marketing Managers, for example, earn an average salary of £44,394, while Heads of Marketing can expect to earn around £64,215. As you progress in your career, the potential for high earnings increases, with your salary reflecting your ambition, expertise, and career trajectory.