What will I study?
Our marketing subject area has established working relationships with key bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing (IDM) allowing the course content to be reflective of their syllabus. This is particularly of value if you are intending to progress on to a professional qualification with either body upon successful completion of your Masters.
The MSc Digital Marketing programme demonstrates how new digitally-focused tactics and strategies integrate with more traditional marketing tools and practices to capture new customers, build customer loyalty and provide superior customer service. You will understand the value of, and methods for, determining return on investment of Internet marketing programs, as well as online visitor and buyer behaviour, customer journey mapping, mobile marketing and social media.
You will also have the opportunity to develop a wider understanding of the principles and practice of leading and managing organisations and develop a range of applied research skills.
How will I be taught and assessed?
- Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars and workshops, totalling around 13 hours per week
- You’re expected to engage in independent study, around 32 hours per week
- Assessment for this programme takes place through group work, assignments, presentations and exams giving you multiple methods for you to show your understanding of the course material.
- Taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their industry experience to demonstrate how theories translate into real-life situations.
- Technology-enhanced learning is embedded throughout the course to guide your preparation for seminars and independent research
- Benefit from weekly academic support sessions designed to build your ability and confidence as an academic learner
- You will be assigned a guidance tutor at induction who you will meet with regularly during your studies
Careers and further study
Graduates will be well suited to join a wide range of businesses, including graduate training schemes or even start up their own businesses or begin a professional qualification with one of the marketing industry bodies.
Upon successfully completing your course, you may undertake further professional development and training through Professional Pathways programmes. These are offered to our graduates for free, from our partner, QA. Find out more about Professional Pathways and your eligibility.
You can also gain access to the Northumbria University Graduate Enterprise scheme where we can help you with advice and skills to enable you to set up your own business.
Advanced Practice stage
The Advanced Practice version of this course offers you a valuable opportunity to secure a work placement or complete a group consultancy project, giving you an experience of the workplace environment or live business issues, and an excellent way to put your learning into practice. This stage of the programme will take place between your second and final semester, and is a semester-long (12-15 weeks) in duration. Internships as part of the Advanced Practice stage may be paid or unpaid. The alternative consultancy module allows you to work in teams with a business organisation working on consultancy-based projects on real business scenarios. Whether you choose the internship or consultancy project you will successfully develop your business skills and further enhance your employability.
- September start dates: your programme will last for up to 21 months. You will have a summer break after Semester 2, and commence your Advanced Practice stage in September.
- January start dates: your programme will run for 16-24 months. You will commence the Advanced Practice stage of the programme in the following January, immediately after your second semester. Please note that there are two summer breaks included in this programme for those starting in January.
- May start dates: you will start the Advanced Practice stage of the programme in January, straight after you have completed your second semester. Your programme will run for a total of 16-18 months. Please note that there is no summer break included in this programme for those starting in May.
The Advanced Practice programmes are structured as below:
|
Sept-Jan |
Jan-May |
May-Sept |
Sept-Jan |
Jan-May |
May-Sept |
Sept-Jan |
September starts |
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Summer break |
Masters’ Internship |
Masters’ Dissertation |
|
|
Business Clinic PG Group Consultancy Project |
Applied Management Work Investigation* |
Jan starts |
|
Semester 1 |
Summer break |
Semester 2 |
Masters’ Internship |
Summer break |
Masters’ Dissertation |
Business Clinic PG Group Consultancy Project |
Applied Management Work Investigation* |
May starts |
|
|
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Masters’ Internship |
Masters’ Dissertation |
|
Business Clinic PG Group Consultancy Project |
Applied Management Work Investigation* |
|
*dependent on what grade you achieve in the Consultancy Project
Related reading
From your Programme Leader, Dr Lillian Clark
Digital Marketing reading:
Enquire now
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- Minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent, or substantial experience of working in a business organisation
All applications will be considered on an individual basis.
English language requirements
- IELTS 6.5 (or above) with no single element below 5.5 or equivalent.
International entry equivalencies
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Please visit our entry requirements page for country-specific qualifications.
Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.
Pathway courses and support for international students
Masters Foundation programme
Alternatively, you may also be eligible for one of our Pre-Masters courses. These are pathway programmes designed specifically for students who require additional support to meet the entry requirements of their chosen Masters degree.
Pre-Sessional English and Study Skills
If you have IELTS 5.5 – 6.0, you may be eligible to join our Pre-Sessional English before starting this programme. This programme will help you develop language skills in a content-based approach to learning involving critical thinking, questioning, discussion, reflection and analysis.
Enquire now
Modules
Please note this programme is currently under review and modular content is likely to change in line with industry and academic developments. Please refer to this course page for the most up-to-date information.
All modules are core and 20 credits unless otherwise stated.
Strategic Marketing in the Digital Era
In this module, you will learn to appreciate the role of a strategic manager of a modern-day manufacturing and sales business in the context of an increasingly digitalised consumer environment.
You will be introduced to Marketing at a strategic level of a business, and understand how marketing decisions are made in the context of other essential business functions; i.e. financial planning, operations and supply chain management, and human resource management. In addition, you will learn to appreciate the digital nature of modern-day business operations and marketing strategy.
The module will cover the following themes:
- Marketing planning and implementation
- Competitive market strategies
- Product development
- Routes to market and multichannel marketing
- Operations and supply chain management
- Financial planning for operations and growth
- Managing employees for competitive advantage
- Introduction to promotional strategy
- Introduction to digital and social media marketing
- Marketing-related legislation
Developing Leadership Capability for Professional Practice
This module engages you in personal and professional development in order that you develop and hone your team working, management and leadership skills, capabilities and attributes, and in so doing, enhance your employability. In this module, you will not only prepare for your first job after you graduate but also kick-start your commitment to life-long personal and professional learning.
In the first part of the module you will be supported in a self-analysis by a range of activities, including the completion of self-administered tool-kits to demonstrate an increased self-awareness and self-understanding.
The second part of the module contains activities that enable you to build on your self-analysis and explore further your strengths, weaknesses and areas for development in the context of your career development plans. This will also include the development of knowledge into the global graduate market, (including routes such as self-employment and developing your career with an existing employer) drawing upon local, national and international examples.
Research Methods and Analytics for Business Practice
This module will provide you with essential knowledge and analytics skills needed for you to complete a high-quality Masters’ Dissertation or Consultancy Project. By undertaking and reflecting on practical research-based activities you will understand the process of designing and carrying out a research study. You will also engage in activities that involve an understanding of data and analysis of data. This will place you in a strong position to undertake your own Masters’ level research or Consultancy Project.
At the end of the module, you will write a research proposal, this will be assessed and will contribute to your final mark. In the dissertation you will work under the supervision of a member of the academic staff and your proposal will also help to ensure you get the most from this relationship.
The Digital Customer Journey: Data, Profiling and CRM
This module is designed to provide you with an introduction to how consumers behave in the digital domain and the opportunities this presents for organisations targeting them.
At the heart of this is the concept of consumer behaviour, which has been revolutionised by emerging technologies, offering new opportunities for communication with companies and fellow consumers.
This will be complemented by an in-depth review of how consumers can be profiled based on their lifestyle characteristics, and an acknowledgement of the role of database marketing in collating, updating and using data to deliver personalised communications messages.
Throughout the module you will cover the following themes:
- Consumer Decision Making
- Journey Mapping
- Customer Profiling
- Database Marketing
- Customer Relationship Marketing
Digital Campaign Management and Media
This module is designed to equip you with an overview of managing a digital marketing campaign alongside opportunities to utilise a range of digital media.
At heart of the module is digital campaign management, which is continually evolving due to consumers’ digital media usage, offering interactive opportunities for businesses to communicate.
You will explore this in the module by completing a group-based live marketing project which is a part of the Institute of Direct Marketing (IDM) National Student Competition, covering digital campaign management, developing content for digital platforms, the user experience through the digital area, the role of social media marketing, deploying email marketing, and affiliated marketing’s role in a digital campaign.
Throughout this module you will cover the following themes:
- Campaign Management
- Content Management
- User Experience
- Social Media Marketing
- Mobile Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Affiliated
- Measurement
Marketing Metrics and Analysis
In this module, you will explore the important role of the website in an organisation’s digital marketing strategy.
You will learn the principles of website evaluation and will use analytic tools for the analysis of web data to help measure the effectiveness of web marketing and improve the user experience.
Academic Language Skills for Post-Graduate Business Students (0 credits)
The aim of this module is to support your study, language and communication skills for academic purposes in the study in your chosen discipline at postgraduate level.
The module is designed to enable you to become an advanced independent learner. It is supported by a teaching and learning plan which outlines the formal sessions. Interactive workshops will be tailored to address some of the specific issues that you meet within your discipline. You may also be asked to complete some preparation tasks for some seminars but these will be kept to minimum. You will be expected to identify those skills which you need within your postgraduate programme, and to develop these independently through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, and reflection.
The Newcastle Business School Masters Dissertation (60 credits)
You will design a research project, assessed through a proposal and will then work under supervision of a member of academic staff to use and extend the knowledge and skills that they have acquired during your programme of study to complete a dissertation. You will use appropriate research methodologies and data collection methods to critically synthesise a body of knowledge relevant to the taught programme.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to conduct research and organise the findings into a comprehensive and explicit structure that is critically assessed and is linked to the conclusions drawn.
You will demonstrate this ability by identifying an appropriate research topic, critically selecting and applying an appropriate research methodology and data collection method(s) to your chosen research topic, demonstrating a rigorous understanding of the theory and literature relevant to the issues under investigation, and showing how these link to the research method(s). You will also critically reflect on how their research contributes to the understanding of the topic area.
Enquire now
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.
Fees and finance
Tuition fees 2024/25
- UK/Home: £11,750
- International students: £19,750
Tuition fee 2025/26
- UK/Home students: £12,350
- International students: £20,950
Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University London Campus student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.
The modules you will study do not require you to purchase additional textbooks although we recommend you allow an additional £100 for the duration of your studies should you choose to purchase any additional reading materials.
Information for international students
Northumbria University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.
What’s included in your tuition fees?
Your tuition fees cover far more than your time in class with our expert academics, it covers the cost of providing you with excellent services and student experience.
- Contact time in class – typically in lectures, seminars and tutorials
- Access to facilities, including computers, on-campus Wi-Fi, printers, vending machines, quiet study spaces
- The support of our Careers & Employment Service who help you to become more employable, secure placements and run workshops
- Academic support – our ACE Team run multiple sessions on academic writing, presenting, exam techniques throughout the semester, as well as 1-2-1 appointments and drop-in sessions
- Student support services such as our Ask4Help Service. Find out more about the services available to you on our Student Support page
- Access to online resources, including 24/ 7 Library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.
Scholarships and bursaries for international students
Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for a country bursary and/or scholarship when studying the MSc Digital Marketing programme.
All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and one of our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.
London Cost of Living Bursary
Eligible international students will receive an automatic bursary for £1,334, covering one month’s living costs in London*, applied at the Conditional Offer as a fee discount. This bursary is effective for intakes in January 2025 and May 2025. This offer excludes Pre-sessional English, standalone Graduate Certificate programmes and sponsored applicants.
If you receive this bursary, you may still be eligible for additional bursaries and scholarships, these will be confirmed at the Unconditional Offer stage. Full maintenance costs still need to be evidenced when applying for your visa.
This bursary is only available for international students from specific countries. Please visit our Scholarships page for more information.
*As defined by UKVI
Scholarships and bursaries
Payment plans for self-funded students
If you need support to spread the cost of your tuition, you may be eligible for our payment plan.
Payment plans
Government Loan for Masters study
If you are a UK or Home student, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan of up to £10,000+ from the UK Government. Click here to find out more about the loan and whether you are eligible to receive it.
Postgraduate Loan
How to apply or find out more
How to find out more
Enquire now to find out more information about the course, studying with us, the application process, and to ask any other questions you may have.
Enquire now
How to apply
Once you’re ready to apply, you can apply online to study the 1 year MSc Digital Marketing programme. This method allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and automatically receive your student application number.
Please note: For 2025 applications you will be redirected to the Northumbria website to select which intake you would like to apply for.
We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study your programme. After receiving an offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa (if required) and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol onto your course. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.
You can check more information on how to apply here.
Information For Disabled Applicants
At Northumbria University London we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- Minimum 2:2 (second class) honours degree from a UK university or equivalent
- Professional qualifications with equivalent standing which had a significant requirement for academic study may also be considered
English language requirements
- IELTS 6.5 (or above) with no single element below 5.5 or equivalent.
If you don’t meet the academic requirements
Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements but who do have substantial experience of working in a business organisation and/or possess a relevant professional qualification will also be considered. If you are unsure if you meet the entry criteria, please contact us and our team will be able to advise you.
International entry equivalencies
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Please visit our entry requirements page for country-specific qualifications.
Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.
Pathway courses and support for international students
Masters Foundation programme
Alternatively, you may also be eligible for one of our Pre-Masters courses. These are pathway programmes designed specifically for students who require additional support to meet the entry requirements of their chosen Masters degree.
Pre-Sessional English and Study Skills
If you have IELTS 5.5 – 6.0, you may be eligible to join our Pre-Sessional English before starting this programme. This programme will help you develop language skills in a content-based approach to learning involving critical thinking, questioning, discussion, reflection and analysis.
Enquire now
Modules
Advanced Practice stage
As well as the 1 year MSc modules you will have the chance to study one of the following:
For students completing an internship
Internship (60 credits)
Students completing the Advanced Practice Masters programme can choose to complete a 12-15 week internship, worth 60 credits. This internship can be sourced by the student or by the university. It may be paid or unpaid (most internships are unpaid).
Students will be supported in the process of applying for an internship during their first year of study and equipped with the necessary internship application and selection skills, e.g. CV writing, interview technique. All internships will be approved by the university to ensure they are providing an appropriate learning experience and working environment. Students will be allocated an internship tutor who will work with them throughout the internship period. This will include visits and support in completing the internship assessment.
The module is assessed by a 4,000 word reflective portfolio which is focussed on your development from the perspective of gaining particular skills relating to employability and being employment prepared, engagement in further self-development from the perspective of employment potentially in a new or international context and further demonstration of cultural and ethical awareness through broader experience of working in a cultural diverse groups and teams via this employment opportunity.
The Newcastle Business School Masters Dissertation (60 credits)
You will design a research project, assessed through a proposal and will then work under the supervision of a member of academic staff to use and extend the knowledge and skills that they have acquired during your programme of study to complete a dissertation. You will use appropriate research methodologies and data collection methods to critically synthesise a body of knowledge relevant to the taught programme.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to conduct research and organise the findings into a comprehensive and explicit structure that is critically assessed and is linked to the conclusions drawn. You will demonstrate this ability by identifying an appropriate research topic, critically selecting and applying an appropriate research methodology and data collection method(s) to your chosen research topic, demonstrating a rigorous understanding of the theory and literature relevant to the issues under investigation, and showing how these link to the research method(s). You will also critically reflect on how their research contributes to the understanding of the topic area.
Some students may choose to base their topic on their internship.
For students undertaking a consultancy project
Business Clinic PG Group Consultancy Project (60 credits)
As a student enrolled on one of the Advanced Practice Programmes you may undertake a group consultancy project within the first semester of your second years of Masters’ study (the alternative is an Internship). Through your work-based experience, you will develop abilities as a problem solver with valued investigative, theoretical and practical business skills. This work-based experience will last the length of the semester and involve the examination of a complex organisational problem or commercial opportunity.
By undertaking this module, you will have enhanced your individual skills, knowledge, effectiveness and employability by locating learning and development within a work-based context and will have critically reflected and evaluated upon organisational practices and the relation with academic theory.
The content of the work-based experience will be unique to you as a group of participants. The nature and scope of the area of student investigation will be defined and agreed in collaboration with the organisation and the University supervisor. The syllabus will include:
- Conducting research in organisations
- Identifying researchable questions
- Consultancy and project management skills
- Research methods and doing a literature review
- Presentation, communication and report writing skills.
- Analysing findings
- Writing recommendations and action plans
- Reflecting on work-based experiential learning
Assessment will be both formative and summative and incorporate self, peer, and tutor evaluation. You will present your work-based findings to the host organisation (oral presentation) and an interim report written on behalf of the host organisation or sponsoring project client. In the follow-up module, Applied Management Work Investigation, you will provide a substantial management investigation report on the business-related issue emerging from this placement or consultancy, alongside a personal reflective statement.
Depending on what grade you achieve for the Consultancy Project, you will progress to one of the following modules:
Applied Management Work Investigation (60 credits)
This follows your group consultancy project during the first semester of your second year of Masters’ study.
In this module, you will take the skills you developed as a problem solver of a work-based project and develop a client-focused management report and presentation alongside an individual literature review and personal reflection.
The content of the management report will be unique. The nature and scope of the area of your investigation will be defined and agreed upon in collaboration with the organisation you worked with on the group consultancy project and your University supervisor. The syllabus will include:
- Conducting research in organisations.
- Identifying researchable questions.
- Consultancy and project management skills.
- Research methods and doing a literature review
- Presentation, communication and report writing skills.
- Analysing findings.
- Writing recommendations and action plans.
- Reflecting on work-based experiential learning.
In undertaking this project-based module, you will critically reflect and evaluate organisational practices and their relation with academic theory, and in doing so, provide practical and actionable recommendations through an investigative management report.
The assessment for your module consists of a Group Consultancy Report (7,000 words) and Final Client Presentation, weighted at 60%, alongside an Individual Assignment comprising a Literature Review (4000 words) and a Reflective Learning Statement (2,000 words), weighted at 40%.
The Newcastle Business School Masters Dissertation (60 credits)
You will design a research project, assessed through a proposal and will then work under the supervision of a member of academic staff to use and extend the knowledge and skills that they have acquired during your programme of study to complete a dissertation. You will use appropriate research methodologies and data collection methods to critically synthesise a body of knowledge relevant to the taught programme.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to conduct research and organise the findings into a comprehensive and explicit structure that is critically assessed and is linked to the conclusions drawn. You will demonstrate this ability by identifying an appropriate research topic, critically selecting and applying an appropriate research methodology and data collection method(s) to your chosen research topic, demonstrating a rigorous understanding of the theory and literature relevant to the issues under investigation, and showing how these link to the research method(s). You will also critically reflect on how their research contributes to the understanding of the topic area.
Some students may choose to base their topic on their internship.
Enquire now
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.
Fees and finance
Tuition fees 2024/25
- UK/Home: £14,750
- International students: £22,750
Tuition fees 2025/26
- UK/Home: £15,350
- International students: £25,750
Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University London Campus student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.
The modules you will study do not require you to purchase additional textbooks although we recommend you allow an additional £100 for the duration of your studies should you choose to purchase any additional reading materials.
Information for international students
Northumbria University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.
What’s included in your tuition fees?
Your tuition fees cover far more than your time in class with our expert academics, it covers the cost of providing you with excellent services and student experience.
- Contact time in class – typically in lectures, seminars and tutorials
- Access to facilities, including computers, on-campus Wi-Fi, printers, vending machines, quiet study spaces
- The support of our Careers & Employment Service who help you to become more employable, secure placements and run workshops
- Academic support – our ACE Team run multiple sessions on academic writing, presenting, exam techniques throughout the semester, as well as 1-2-1 appointments and drop-in sessions
- Student support services such as our Ask4Help Service. Find out more about the services available to you on our Student Support page
- Access to online resources, including 24/ 7 Library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.
Scholarships and bursaries for international students
Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for a country bursary and/or scholarship when studying the MSc Digital Marketing with Advanced Practice programme.
All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and one of our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.
London Cost of Living Bursary
Eligible international students will receive an automatic bursary for £1,334, covering one month’s living costs in London*, applied at the Conditional Offer as a fee discount. This bursary is effective for intakes in May 2024, September 2024, January 2025 and May 2025. This offer excludes Pre-sessional English, standalone Graduate Certificate programmes and sponsored applicants.
If you receive this bursary, you may still be eligible for additional bursaries and scholarships, these will be confirmed at the Unconditional Offer stage. Full maintenance costs still need to be evidenced when applying for your visa.
This bursary is only available for international students from specific countries. Please visit our Scholarships page [LINK- https://london.northumbria.ac.uk/courses/new-students/bursaries-and-scholarships/] for more information.
*As defined by UKVI
Scholarships and bursaries
Payment plans for self-funded students
If you need support to spread the cost of your tuition, you may be eligible for our payment plan.
Payment plans
Government Loan for Masters study
If you are a UK or Home student, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan of up to £10,000+ from the UK Government. Click here to find out more about the loan and whether you are eligible to receive it.
Postgraduate Loan
How to apply or find out more
How to find out more
Enquire now to find out more information about the course, studying with us, the application process, and to ask any other questions you may have.
Enquire now
How to apply
Once you’re ready to apply, you can apply online to study the MSc Digital Marketing with Advanced Practice programme. This method allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and automatically receive your student application number.
Please note: For 2025 applications you will be redirected to the Northumbria website to select which intake you would like to apply for.
We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study your programme. After receiving an offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa (if required) and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol onto your course. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.
You can check more information on how to apply here.
Information For Disabled Applicants
At Northumbria University London we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.