5% early application discount

Apply by 28 March 2024 and you could be eligible for a 5% discount on your tuition fees.

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Our Strategic Marketing MSc is a top-ranked marketing MSc, ranked 5th in the UK, 15th in Europe and 18th in the world in the QS World University Rankings: Masters In Marketing 2024. The course is also 3rd in the UK for employability, 5th for value for money and 5th for alumni outcomes.

Our marketing MSc equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills to become a successful marketing leader of the future. The course covers the full marketing spectrum from marketing strategy, communications and branding to market research, digital marketing, social media, and big data marketing analytics.

Overview

  • Start date30 September 2024
  • Duration1 year
  • DeliveryTaught modules 60%, MSc thesis project 40%
  • QualificationMSc
  • Study typeFull-time
  • CampusCranfield campus

Who is it for?

  • Recent graduates who want to boost their academic credentials and prepare for a first professional role in marketing.
  • Marketing professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and skills and progress their career.

Class profile 2022/23

Gender:
Male 46% - Female 53%
Age range:
20 to 39 years
Average age:
24
Number of nationalities: 13
Nationality: UK/EU: 1% - International: 99%
Total number of students:
131
Average class size: 65

Why this course?

  • Our Strategic Marketing MSc is a top-ranked marketing MSc, ranked 5th in the UK and 15th in Europe in the QS World University Rankings: Masters In Marketing 2024.
  • This course is designed with senior marketing practitioners to give you up-to-date knowledge and skills in strategic marketing.
  • You will benefit from an interactive teaching approach by leading international faculty, authors of best-selling marketing texts and of articles in highly ranked journals.
  • You will develop practical skills through your participation in a marketing consultancy project provided by an external business client, and through international marketing case studies.
  • You will have access to master classes with reputable industry partners who provide insight into cutting-edge and innovative marketing techniques and practices.
  • The diverse, multi-national cohort provides an international learning opportunity enabling you to share marketing insight and experience.
  • Our unique, self-contained campus, just one hour from London, offers a friendly postgraduate-focused learning environment, with small class sizes and unrivalled access to lecturers and support staff.


The MSc programme allowed me to lead a team of talented individuals, develop creative solutions for several company projects, and participate in debates, masterclasses, and field trips, all of which helped to enrich my knowledge and skillset.

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Two months after completing the Strategic Marketing MSc, I was offered a Marketing Executive role in a company that manufactures British vitamin supplements. And now, after seven months in the company, I have been promoted to a Marketing Manager. I had to design a three-year Marketing Strategy for the brand; this is the reason why the Marketing Consultancy Project as well as the Marketing Communication modules were really useful and helped me to define the best option for the brand.

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At Cranfield we have the opportunity to apply everything that we learn on the course and we also have the chance to take on the role of consultants which prepares us for the real world.

Throughout the course we took part in a number of activities that allowed us to apply the knowledge that we gained in class. The main activity being the Marketing Consultancy Project which required us to create a Marketing Plan for a client. We had the chance to apply various concepts including; Strategy, Branding, CRM, Communications and Digital Marketing.

Culture and diversity is what I found most enjoyable and inspiring whilst studying the Strategic Marketing MSc. The amazing blend of nationalities led to social relationships, which made working together much more fun and enjoyable.

Studying in one of the UK’s top universities has opened up a lot of opportunities for me. International companies and recruiters reached out to me with job offerings while I was still working on my thesis project.

In my role at Nike, I am responsible for Product Merchandising in the European market, which involves placing relevant products to consumers in specific cities. The Big Data Analytics module on the Strategic Marketing MSc has helped me greatly because it taught me how to read sales data and draw conclusions from it, which resulted in making better data-driven decisions.

Nike is a worldwide strong brand, so we constantly work on brand positioning and brand perception. For this reason, the Managing Brand module was useful and it is exciting to see the theories I learnt come to life at such an inspiring company. Additionally, my role at Nike is an account facing position so I have taken advantage of the buyer/supplier relationship concepts that I learnt in the Key Account Management Module.

Lastly, the Marketing Consultancy Project was the best learning experience for interacting with clients. It taught me how to effectively present to them and bring my point of view to the table.

The Strategic Marketing course provided a well-rounded curriculum covering the many facets of marketing, including branding, retailing, marketing communications, and sales management, while encouraging us to think critically and apply our learning to real businesses.

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Informed by Industry

Our Strategic Marketing MSc faculty are experts in their field and have considerable industry experience. They work with the operating boards of many of the world's leading multinationals so bring the latest insights and best practice to their lectures.

Our faculty are supported by a team of international visiting industry speakers and professors who also bring the latest thinking and best practice into the classroom.

The leadership of the course is informed by a panel of high-profile marketing professionals, the Practice Advisory Board. Our Practice Advisory Board informs the design and development of the master's in marketing programme. Comprising leading figures from the world of marketing, it recommends additions and amendments to the course to reinforce its relevance to the modern marketing world.

Course details

The course has been developed to produce practical, proactive strategic marketers, and our teaching methods are specifically geared towards encouraging participation, self-development and team working. As well as studying a number of core modules, you will complete a marketing consultancy project carried out in teams and have the opportunity to undertake a research project, which can be either an academic or company-sponsored project in an area of marketing or sales you are passionate about.

Course delivery

Taught modules 60%, MSc thesis project 40%

Marketing consultancy project module

The marketing consultancy project module simulates a real-life consultancy assignment. You will work in teams in a time-constrained environment, competing against your class colleagues to make the strongest marketing strategy presentation to senior executives from partner firms. You will attend a briefing meeting to define the project, research the situation and consider your options. You will then formulate your recommendations and present them to company leaders at the final client presentation. On completion you will receive feedback from your supervisor and an industry expert. Companies students have worked with include Google, Nike, Cobra Beer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Acer and Sainsbury’s.

Marketing Consultancy Project

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Individual thesis project (academic or company-sponsored)

The culmination of the learning process is your opportunity to undertake a research project, which can be either an academic or company-sponsored project in an area of marketing or sales you are passionate about (usually involving direct research with either customers or marketing professionals/managers). Some of the companies our students have delivered sponsored theses for include Unilever, Oracle, Boodles, Unisnacks, TAG Catering Equipment.

Company thesis project - Boodles
Visit to Boodles as part of a sponsored thesis project


Course modules

Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.

Strategic Marketing and Planning

Module Leader
  • Professor Vasilis Theoharakis
Aim

    A crucial competence for marketers is marketing strategy; in simple terms, analysing how the target market divides into segments, which of these segments are key targets for the firm, what the firm’s value proposition to each segment is, and what financial results can be expected over a planning period of typically 3 years. This module teaches Cranfield’s world-leading step-by-step process for developing such a marketing strategy and documenting it in a marketing plan.

    Being able to define or refine a marketing strategy underpins all other aspects of marketing which help to make this strategy happen. For example, the firm’s brand or brands need to be aligned with the value proposition, as do marketing communications. To help students integrate learning across these different marketing disciplines, this module is assessed through an integrated assignment alongside the Customer Behaviour module.

Syllabus

    The module covers:

    • Strategic marketing in context.
    • The strategic marketing planning process.
    • Mission statements and organisational objectives.
    • The Marketing Audit and analytical tools.
    • Competitor identification maps and market segmentation.
    • Marketing capabilities, value proposition and positioning.
    • Product/Market Portfolio.
    • Marketing objectives and strategies.
    • Product and pricing strategy.
    • Marketing ethics and the role of marketing in achieving sustainability.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  1. Understand the evolution and role of marketing and be able to describe the characteristics of a customer-centric organization.
  2. Appreciate a series of marketing strategy tools and techniques and their application in practice.
  3. Recognise a successful marketing planning process and understand the construction and evaluation of a strategic marketing plan.
  4. Structure and prepare a comprehensive strategic marketing plan.
  5. Evaluate marketing plans prepared by others.

 

Big Data, Insight and Analytics

Module Leader
  • Dr Tina Papadopoulou
Aim

    The module aims to demystify the area of big data, statistical methods and insight to prepare students for a career in a marketing environment defined by big data, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics. Rather than a strict focus on data science, statistics and methods, the module balances developing an understanding of analytical techniques with how marketing leaders make decisions using (big data) insight. Gartner has introduced the term “citizen data scientist” to describe competent practitioners that can engage in data discovery and know when they need professional help.

    Students will learn how to competently analyse both qualitative and quantitative data aided by sophisticated software tools, which will be useful for both their future careers and their thesis writing process.

Syllabus

    The syllabus comprises two components: Big Data Analytics and Insight, and Thesis Preparation.

    Big Data Analytics and Insight

    • The big data revolution
    • Artificial intelligence
    • Issues of implementation and realising the benefits of big data marketing analytics
    • Using JMP software
    • Data discovery, exploration and visualisation process (e.g., CRISP)
    • Marketing analytics (exploration, explanation and prediction) and their application to marketing practices (segmentation, targeting, positioning and customer experience)
    • Using NVivo (e.g., coding, using case codes, notating, running queries)
    • Thematic coding
    • Sentiment analysis
    • Mining user-generated content for marketing insights

    Thesis Preparation

    • Develop and apply appropriate analytical techniques to solve identified research problems, based on a clear understanding of both quantitative and qualitative methods.
    • Analysing quantitative data using JMP
    • Analysing qualitative data using NVivo.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

  1. Develop and apply appropriate analytical techniques to solve identified problems, based on a clear understanding of both quantitative and qualitative methods.
  2. Develop and apply marketing analytics (data exploration and modelling) to marketing practices (segmentation, targeting, positioning and customer management).
  3. Plan, organise and prepare their thesis dissertation.

Retailing and Omnichannel Management

Module Leader
  • Dr Tamira King
Aim

    Many goods and services are sold through retailers, and managing retail processes is essential for both retailers and manufacturers. The module highlights the important role which retail plays in contemporary economies and how it permeates our lives. It enables you to gain an understanding of how retailing is managed and strategically explores how retailers obtain competitive advantage. You will have strategic models and tools to analyse the retailing environment and demonstrates key retailing strategies which enable retailers to enhance their performance.

    Face-to-face retail is, however, only one of a number of marketing and distribution channels through which marketing, sales and service occurs. In today’s world, multiple channels may be combined in the same customer journey. So the module also covers how to develop an omnichannel strategy in both B2C and B2B contexts.

    Working for a retailer or within an organisation that sells a product or service through retailers is likely to be a first destination for many graduates of this programme. And irrespective of sector, channel management is critical to most senior marketing management posts. Therefore, this module provides vital skills for a marketing career.

Syllabus
    • Analytical retail models
    • Retail communications: space management, visual merchandising and atmospherics
    • Customer service
    • Legal and ethical issues in retailing
    • Omnichannel developments and how to manage them
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

  1. Critically understand, apply and analyse models for analysis of strategic and operational omnichannel retailing situations.
  2. Critically assess the strategic choices of elements of the (e-)retail mix, including: e/store layout; and (web)atmospherics and the importance of customer service and retail ethics.
  3. Appreciate and act on how customers combine channels in their omnichannel journey.
  4. Critically evaluate a retailer’s current strategy and make recommendations for future omnichannel strategy by applying retail theories and models on omnichannel experience

CRM and Customer Experience

Module Leader
  • Dr Tamira King
Aim

    The aim is for students to understand the role of CRM and CE in the overall business strategy as well as the marketing mix. As a result of this Module students will be confident in their ability to conceive a CRM and or CE programme.

Syllabus

    The module covers:

    • Key concepts of CRM and CE
    • Customer profitability – theory, measurement and practice thereof
    • Customer experience – definition, management, the critical role of employees
    • CRM programme management – design, business processes, technology, capabilities, governance and implementation
    • Learning – data analysis, learning from customers
    • Measurement and evaluation of CRM
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  1. Apply CRM and CEkey concepts
  2. Evaluate and critically assess the relationship between CRM and CE to the rest of the business activities of the firm.
  3. Develop a strategic approach to CRM and CE for their firms.
  4. Improve CRM and CE practices within their firms.

Marketing Consultancy Project

Module Leader
  • Professor Stan Maklan
Aim

    This is an integrative module allowing you to apply that which you have learnt to date in a practical manner. You will work in your learning teams and role-play a management consulting team competitively against the other learning teams. All teams will address the same brief: a genuine business opportunity for a particular company. You will have one week to understand the brief, gather the relevant data, use appropriate tools / frameworks and generate innovative, pragmatic and achievable recommendations. Your presentations will be judged by a panel that includes a company marketing executive dealing with the problem.

Syllabus
    • This is a simulation exercise based around participants providing consultancy to a company based on a real-live problem.
    • Therefore, module content is integrative, pulling together themes and techniques from other modules.

     

Intended learning outcomes

This module is intended to enable you to apply marketing theory in a real and complex situation. On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

  1. Select and justify what marketing theories, frameworks and perspectives are applicable and to deploy this methodology intelligently to a real-life situation.
  2. Clearly demonstrate a capacity for mature problem solving and creative thinking through addressing a real marketing problem.
  3. Work with colleagues in a competitive situation, under time pressure and with incomplete access to information, people and data.
  4. Demonstrate compelling management consulting skills by providing expert and credible advice, and presenting a solutions in a very succinct and compelling manner.

Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing

Module Leader
  • Dr Annmarie Hanlon
Aim

    The aim of this module is to enable students to understand why digital and social media marketing is critical to all organisations and to evaluate the utility of the key elements in the digital marketing toolbox.

    This module provides the frameworks and tools to enable students to create and manage digital marketing and social media. Contextualising digital and social media marketing within an organisational setting, this module shares the latest theories around digital and social media. The subjects covered include the practical application of digital marketing, as well as the sustainability of different social media platforms, ethical issues and data privacy concerns.

    On completion of this module students will be able to critically debate contemporary issues in this fast-moving area and formulate plans to manage digital marketing.

Syllabus
    • The digital marketing toolbox (email, search engine optimisation, paid search, websites).
    • Digital marketing frameworks.
    • Sustainability of managing social media in organisations.
    • Managing ethical issues online.
    • Integrating digital marketing.
    • Current debates on business of digital marketing, the evolution of digital consumers and changing online behaviour.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

  1. Evaluate and critically assess the digital and social media toolbox applied by an organisation in terms of its impact and effect.
  2. Apply knowledge of digital and social media by justifying and developing an integrated plan as part of an overall strategic marketing communications plan.
  3. Apply digital marketing frameworks.
  4. Prepare and debate an evidence-based argument on a current topic in digital and social media marketing practice.

Accounting and Finance for Strategic Marketing

Module Leader
  • Dr Matthias Nnadi
Aim

    The aim of the Accounting and Finance module is to introduce a number of traditional and contemporary accounting approaches that will increase the visibility of financial information and support management decision making.

Syllabus

    The module has five main themes:

    • Interpretation of financial statements;
    • Exploring the relationship between accounting information, management decision making, financial strategies, and financial performance;
    • Applying traditional and contemporary accounting tools and techniques, which can be applied to support business management decisions;
    • Exploring the many cost trade-offs between business processes (Make v Buy).
    • Appreciation of financial governance and legal requirements in procurement strategies.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  1. Generate financial information from transaction data;
  2. Judge the effect of decisions, transactions and events on financial performance;
  3. Apply an appropriate costing approaches to solve a range of business issues;
  4. Valuate financial information to make informed management decisions.

Strategic Sales

Module Leader
  • Professor Javier Marcos Cuevas
Aim

    It is evident to most organisations that customers represent a true “asset” in that they have the potential to generate revenues and other benefits to the supplier company. Customers represent one of the main stakeholders of a company, in addition to the owners, the employees, the suppliers, and the society as a whole. A good understanding of customers is therefore vital. Moreover, business-to-business (B2B) buyer-supplier relationships have been found to be an important source of competitive advantage if supplier companies are able to engage in those relationships properly.

    The purpose of this module is to provide students with concepts and tools that are critical for B2B customer management. It should benefit executives who are involved those who aspire to careers managing in buyer-supplier interactions and relationships, and those involved in general management, B2B marketing, and other functional areas in the organisation or retail/FMCG marketing.

Syllabus
    • Professional selling theory and practice
    • Sales management theory and practice
    • Buyer behaviour and its impact on buyer-seller relationships
    • Sales strategy and Key Account Management
    • Live client briefing
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  1. Select appropriate sales theories, tools, and frameworks to apply to business problems and opportunities.
  2. Develop ethical and sustainable solutions to sales-related problems and opportunities.
  3. Critically appraise a real-world sales-related problem or opportunity and compose a written plan presenting recommendations for a senior management audience.

Integrated Marketing Communications

Module Leader
  • Dr Marwa Tourky
Aim

    The aim of the module is to enable students to understand and critically apply the various aspects of marketing communications from initial analysis of the market through to the development of strategies incorporating an expanding range of communications techniques. As a result, they will be able to write their own marketing communication plans and critically debate contemporary issues in marketing communications.

    The subjects covered are communications theory, communication campaigns, marketing communications planning, implementation and evaluation, and coordination, integration and orchestration of the marketing communications mix with particular reference to advertising, publicity and digital media (i.e. paid, earned and owned media). The module may incorporate an industry guest speaker.

Syllabus

    This module covers the following topics:

    • An introduction to communications theory and marketing communications decision making process.
    • Integrated marketing communication.
    • The role of traditional paid communications, such as advertising via TV, press, radio, outdoor, endorsement and sponsorship.
    • The role of digital communications including viral marketing and the role of social networks.
    • The role of earned media communications, including public relations and crisis management.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a systematic and comprehensive understanding, interpretation and application of the theory and practice of marketing communications in contemporary commercial and non-commercial across various audiences.
  2. Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the validity of a variety of consumer-based models relating to the development of effective promotional activities and the use of persuasion tools in different scenarios.
  3. Evaluate the effectiveness of various communications tools and appraise marketing communications mediums and creative executions.
  4. Critically evaluate key marketing communications challenges facing organisations and develop critical awareness of the associated ethical issues and the interrelationships with media and society, and propose customer focused solutions.
  5. Express personal ideas and analytical ability in relation to case-based material and apply knowledge of marketing communications by justifying and developing an integrated communications plan as part of an overall strategic marketing plan.

Managing Brands

Module Leader
  • Dr Sharifah Alwi
Aim

    In many businesses, from consumer goods to industrial services, the primary assets are increasingly intangible. First amongst these is the brand, whether this consists of a portfolio of branded businesses or the corporate brand itself. In both instances, the brand asset needs to be managed to build customer loyalty and resourced so that the competitive advantage it generates can be sustained.

    Similarly, one way the equity that lies in the brand can be leveraged is by appropriately extending the brand. Managing the brand, therefore, requires insights into brand preferences and repeat purchasing patterns. It also requires a clear understanding of the levers of successful brand strategies and the tenets of managing brands in the new digital world. The course covers each of these aspects, and brand management is discussed both in a national and international context.

Syllabus
    • Brand equity and the value brands create for customers and companies
    • Brand loyalty and consumer profiles
    • Brand image and brand awareness
    • Brand identity and brand positioning
    • Brand architecture and brand extensions
    • Brand strategies
    • Brand building in the digital age
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  1. Apply skills and critical knowledge for successfully managing branded products and services.
  2. Critically make the case for brand investment and brand strategies to be implemented.
  3. Develop the brand identity as a foundation for successful brand positioning.
  4. Explain how the new digital world is changing the practice of brand management.

Consumer Behaviour

Module Leader
  • Dr Sharifah Alwi
Aim

    Customer analysis and insight have become very important domains in the marketing domain. Understanding these areas allows senior managers to develop an innovative marketing strategy based on real customer insights that emerge through strong analysis.

Syllabus

    The module covers:

    • Shaping perceptions, attitudes and intentions
    • Understanding the consumer environment
    • Affecting behaviour
    • Decision-making and choice architecture
    • Utilising heuristics & biases
    • Analysing changing customer needs and demands
    • Segmenting markets
    • Generating customer insight
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  1. Critically analyse the behaviour of potential customers in B2B and B2C settings
  2. Assess how marketing stimuli can affect customer affect, cognition and behaviour across settings
  3. Recommend and apply appropriate bases of segmentation to consumer and industrial markets

Marketing Research Methods

Module Leader
  • Dr Tina Papadopoulou
Aim

    The module aims to provide students with an understanding of what is required to conduct research in marketing contexts, considering that todays’ managers are expected to make informed decisions and are evaluated on the basis of the outcomes of their decisions. As such, understanding the process of conducting marketing research will ensure students to have the core skills to inform management decisions. Furthermore, the module is designed to help students with their thesis preparation.

    As part of the module, students will learn how to design research projects and understand core data gathering instruments used in research, whether this is academic or practitioner-oriented research. Students will also learn to plan their thesis writing process, as well as key skills required: literature review, research design, selecting and applying both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection.

Syllabus

    The syllabus comprises two components: Marketing Research and Thesis Preparation

    Marketing Research

    • Introduction to marketing research
    • Selecting a research topic and developing a research proposal
    • Conducting a literature review
    • Developing appropriate research designs
    • Ethics and legislation in research
    • Sampling for quantitative and qualitative research projects
    • Case research
    • The role of secondary data
    • Designing and executing unstructured and structured Interviews (e.g., focus groups, in-depth interviews)
    • Surveys
    • Experiments
    • Questionnaire design

    Thesis Preparation

    • The requirements for the successful completion of an MSc dissertation.
    • Writing a research proposal that reflects an ability to set objectives (determine a research question), identify literature, determine appropriate methods.
    • Writing a critical literature review.
    • Planning and designing the academic thesis fieldwork/systematic review.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

  1. Define and evaluate research objectives for both scholarly aims, and applied decision-making in a marketing context.
  2. Create and design appropriate research solutions to identified problems, based on a clear understanding of a range of research methods and data gathering.
  3. Plan, organise and prepare their thesis dissertation.

Thesis

Aim

    The aim of the thesis is to train Masters students to undertake a major marketing, retailing or sales - related research project independently and to present a thesis which meets university requirements. This will require students to demonstrate project management abilities, develop skills in critical appraisal and research methods, as well as the ability to present their thoughts clearly.

    Each student is allocated a thesis supervisor (either Cranfield staff or Cranfield registered teacher). The thesis can have one of four possible formats:

    • An empirical thesis project
    • A company-sponsored (empirical) thesis project
    • A systematic review of a suitable area of the marketing, sales or retailing literature
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

  1. Scope a marketing, retailing or sales research project and develop an appropriate set of research questions/project objectives.
  2. Plan and execute a long-term research project work programme with reference to the key project management processes (time, risk management, contingency, resourcing).
  3. Select and justify methodologies and analytical tools appropriate to the task and apply them correctly to a live marketing, retailing or sales problem.
  4. Collect, review, analyse and critically evaluate literature, data, and information to make evidence-based decisions which lead to justified conclusions/ recommendations.
  5. Write and communicate concisely, informatively and persuasively in order for reports/presentations to achieve their intended effect.

Elective modules
The module below is offered as part of students’ preparation for the Certificate in Market Research examination, and is elective.

Certificate in Market Research

Aim

    The Strategic Marketing MSc is currently the only Master's degree in the UK that is accredited by the MRS for its Certificate in Market Research). This means that while studying for your Master's in marketing, you also have the opportunity to work towards achieving the MRS Certificate in Market Research. This qualification and with appropriate work experience – gained either before or after being awarded the MRS Certificate – means you will be eligible to join the Market Research Society.

Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff. As a result, they may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.

To give you a taster, we have detailed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only and may be subject to change for your year of entry.




Accreditation

CIM Accredited Degree

The Strategic Marketing MSc is a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) accredited degree, enabling you to achieve CIM’s professional marketing qualifications and awards alongside your Cranfield degree.  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 professionals.


MRS logo

The Strategic Marketing MSc is currently the only Master's degree in the UK that is accredited by the MRS for its Certificate in Market Research). This means that while studying for your Master's in marketing, you also have the opportunity to work towards achieving the MRS Certificate in Market Research. This qualification and with appropriate work experience – gained either before or after being awarded the MRS Certificate – means you will be eligible to join the Market Research Society.

Your career

The Careers and Employability Service offers a comprehensive service to help you develop a set of career management skills that will remain with you throughout your career.

During your course you will receive support and guidance to help you plan an effective strategy for your personal and professional development, whether you are looking to secure your first management role, or wanting take your career to the next level.

Cranfield Strategic Marketing MSc graduates have secured jobs with a diverse range of companies including Vodafone, TJX, Kerry, Christian Dior, Henkel, GE, Schlumberger, Ernst & Young, Estée Lauder, Coca-Cola, Mars, Beiersdorf, KMPG Nunwood and Microsoft. Their roles have included Customer Insight Consultant, Junior Manager, Buying and Merchandising Graduate Programme trainee, Marketing Manager and Associate Consultant.

How to apply

Our students do not always fit traditional academic or career paths. We consider this to be a positive aspect of diversity, not a hurdle. We are looking for a body of professional learners who have a wide range of experiences to share. If you are unsure of your suitability for our Strategic Marketing MSc programme we are happy to review your details and give you feedback before you make a formal application.

To apply you will need to register to use our online system. Once you have set up an account you will be able to create, save and amend your application form before submitting it.

Application deadlines

There is a high demand for places on our courses and we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.

Entry for September 2024

  • Applications from international and European students requiring a visa to study in the UK must submit their application by Friday 12 July 2024.
  • There is no application deadline for UK applicants, but places are limited, so we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.

Once your online application has been submitted together with your supporting documentation, it will be processed by our admissions team. You will then be advised by email if you are successful, unsuccessful, or whether the course director would like to interview you before a decision is made. Applicants based outside of the UK may be interviewed either by telephone or video conference.

Read our Application Guide for a step-by-step explanation of the application process from pre-application through to joining us at Cranfield.