MSc Strategic Marketing
An innovative programme designed for the strategic marketers of tomorrow.
Overview
Our MSc in Strategic Marketing examines the fundamentals of marketing strategy, new technologies and the marketing opportunities they present.
The one-year, full-time programme has a strong emphasis on real-life case studies to give you a true understanding of strategic marketing practice, preparing you for a marketing career in a range of businesses or entrepreneurial ventures.
Drawing on expertise from the marketing faculty in addition to experts in innovation, entrepreneurship and digital business, the programme aims to transform recent graduates into highly trained, highly skilled individuals who understand marketing from a strategic perspective.
Study programme
Before the programme begins you will be expected to complete some online pre-study modules, designed to give you a basic knowledge of areas which will be covered by the programme throughout the academic year.
The core modules of the programme start in the autumn term and continue into the spring and summer terms. Each module comprises of 20 hours of lectures and builds on previous experience while introducing new and challenging disciplines. You will examine marketing and strategy fundamentals, explore a range of topics in advanced marketing and strategy and apply this knowledge in the context of established companies and entrepreneurial ventures.
You will also be able to explore a range of marketing topics in the non-assessed elective lecture series. A series of core modules will deepen your knowledge of the fundamentals of the course.
In Summer your course culminates in a choice of projects, giving you a chance to apply what you have learned to real-world scenarios.
Careers
Our graduates are well prepared for jobs in a wide range of industries in the UK, Europe and further afield, with employers including Apple, Google and Universal Music Group.
Professional accreditation
We are among a handful of business schools worldwide to achieve triple accreditation:
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
We have also been recognised for our work in tackling gender inequality in higher education with a Bronze Athena SWAN award.
Structure
This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.
The curriculum of this programme is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for this year of entry.
We recommend you check this page before finalising your application and again before accepting your offer. We will update this page as soon as any changes are confirmed by the College.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about any changes made.
Page last reviewed on 25 October 2021.
Structure
Core modules
You complete the following online interactive pre-study modules in addition to your induction.
The modules are delivered via, The Hub, Imperial College Business School’s online learning environment.
- Accounting Primer
- Data Analysis Primer
- Maths Primer
- Marketing Fundamentals
- Plagiarism Awareness
- Foundations of Career Success
- Study Skills
Throughout the year, you are also required to attend two Contemporary Marketing Practice (CMP) modules and a series of Careers and Professional Development workshops. These modules do not, however, contribute to the calculation of the final award.
Core modules
You complete the core modules below, which enhance your fundamental business skills and knowledge.
You will take five core modules in the Autumn term and five in the Spring term. In Summer, you will take one doubly weighted core module.
- Market Research
- Consumer Behaviour
- Strategic Market Management
- Marketing Analytics
- Digital Marketing
- Brand Strategy
- Finance and Pricing Strategy
- Strategic Product Management
- Marketing Decision Making
- Relationship Marketing
- Entrepreneurial Strategy
Projects
In the summer period, you will take an Applied Strategic Marketing Report (ASMR) with either a Strategic Marketing Consulting Project or a Work Placement. Alternatively, if you wish to move on to doctoral work, you may take a conventional MSc project (Individual Research Report) instead.
Applied Strategic Marketing Report
The Applied Strategic Marketing Report is a 5,000-word unsupervised report on a relevant strategic marketing topic. You will be able to choose from a number of report titles which reflect marketing issues and trends discussed throughout the programme.
Strategic Marketing Consulting Project
You will act in a consulting capacity, applying your knowledge developed throughout the programme to the solution of a real business issue. You will work with a corporate sponsor who will present a challenge facing their business and they will provide feedback on your proposed solutions.
Work Placement
This module aims to contribute to the development of your managerial potential by applying problem solving techniques to a challenging business situation in which you are fully immersed. The focus is on developing your skills in managing real business and executing marketing tasks in one specific business context, drawing on the knowledge and skills achieved in other modules of the MSc Strategic Marketing programme. The module will give you the opportunity to experience and operate in a real-world corporate situation.
If you opt to take the Work Placement module you will need to find your own placement. The work placement should be for one month or longer and can be held at a UK-based or international company or organisation.
Individual Research Report
Students wishing to study a doctoral programme after this programme may take a doubly weighted individual Research Report, with approval from the Academic Directors. This constitutes a small piece of research, with an analytical focus, that presents a major opportunity for you to revise and integrate what you have learned on the MSc programme so far. It will also allow you to demonstrate that you can apply your theoretical knowledge to a real-world context.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
- Case studies
- Equipment/technique demonstrations
- Formal presentations
- Group work exercises
- Interactive content including video and module quizzes
- Lectures
- On-line discussion forums
- On-line lecture materials
- Practical classes and field work
- Pre-programme VLE modules
- Seminars
- Workshops
Assessment methods
- Case Studies
- Continuous assessments
- Essays
- Formal Presentations
- Multiple Choice Tests
- Participation
- Reports
- Written Examinations/Tests
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Entry requirements
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in any discipline.
You are also required to have a well-researched career plan with clear short and long term goals.
International qualifications
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications. For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the ICBS requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for Business School applicants.
Competence standards
Our competence standards highlight the core skills students should be able to demonstrate by the end of this course.
View Imperial College Business School's competence standards [pdf]
We believe in providing the widest practicable access to all of our degree programmes and will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support your study. For more information, please contact the Department using the contact details below.
Imperial College Business School
T: +44 (0)20 7589 5111
E: business.school@imperial.ac.uk
How to apply
Making an application
Apply online
All applicants must apply online.
Visit our Admissions website for details on the application process.
If you are applying to the Business School, you may only be considered for one programme per admissions cycle, with the exception of applicants to our Finance Master's programmes, who may select two programmes.
Application fee
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £80 for taught Master's applications (excluding MBAs)
- £135 for MBA applications
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
ATAS certificate
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Further questions?
Find answers to your questions about admissions. Answers cover COVID-19, English language requirements, visas and more.
Tuition fees and funding
The fees for MSc Strategic Marketing are the same for UK and international students.
Find out more about fees and funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees
Postgraduate Master's loan
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount is £11,836. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to support you through your studies. Find out more about our scholarships to see what you might be eligible for.
There are a number of external organisations also offer awards for Imperial students, find out more about non-Imperial scholarships.
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
You can compare costs across our different accommodation options on our Accommodation website.
A rough guide to what you might expect to spend to live in reasonable comfort in London is available on our Fees and Funding website.
Further information
Got a question?
T: +44 (0)20 7589 5111
E: business.school@imperial.ac.uk
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