Digital Marketing MSc — 2027 entry

Master the art and science of digital marketing with this CIM-accredited masters programme. Combining customer-first insight, data-driven thinking and hands-on practical experience, the course equips you with the skills, portfolio, confidence and strategic mindset to thrive as a marketer in today’s fast-moving digital world.

Key course information

Typical offer
2:2 minimum
Start date
February 2027
Attendance
Full-time
Duration
1 year
Scholarships
Funding available
UK fees
£15,800
Overseas fees
£25,900

Why choose this course?

  • Digital marketing is at the forefront of modern business problem-solving – organisations need digital marketers to connect, engage and understand their customers’ needs like never before.
  • Apply your learning to real-world marketing challenges. Create engaging campaigns across social media and traditional channels, while building practical skills in areas such as web analytics and social media insights. You’ll develop work that can strengthen your portfolio and showcase your expertise to future employers.
  • Develop future-facing digital skills on this CIM-accredited masters in digital marketing. In an era of big data, AI and rapidly evolving digital channels, you’ll build the practical skills to apply digital marketing concepts, interpret customer insight and make confident, data-led decisions.
  • Grow your confidence needed for leadership roles such as content marketing director, SEO manager, digital marketing manager or chief marketing officer, where success depends on aligning digital marketing metrics with corporate objectives and delivering measurable business value.
  • As a digital marketing masters student, you’ll be based in Surrey Business School and be part of a vibrant community, focused on improving business practice and creating a sustainable and positive change.
  • We’re preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow’s workplace.
Find out more information

Accreditation

AACSB logo
Chartered Institute of Marketing accredited degree logo

Course details

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What you will study

Whether you choose the full-time or part-time version, you’ll have the chance to explore a range of modern digital marketing topics in detail, including:

  • Digital marketing strategy
  • Social media marketing
  • Entrepreneurship and the digital economy
  • Web analytics.

This course is taught through interactive lectures, seminars and small-group laboratory sessions. You’ll also attend talks by industry guest speakers, who’ll share practical examples and help you reflect on what you learn, giving you the opportunity to develop your professional network.

This course offers a strong element of exposure to practice, with some projects (dissertations and assignments) having the potential to be conducted in collaboration with the industry, giving you more opportunities to develop your professional skills and enhance your employability in real-world situations.

The teaching of this course incorporates blended learning practices and is supported by the intended course structure, latest technologies and top-level research expertise within Surrey Business School.

Professional recognition

MSc - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

MSc - Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
Accredited by The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) for the purpose of gaining CIM qualifications through the Graduate Gateway.

Course structure

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The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:

Modules

Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand, and/or class size caps.

The University operates a credit framework for all taught courses based on a 15-credit tariff, meaning all modules are comprised of multiples of 15 credits.

Please note that modules are listed by the academic calendar and are reflective of a September start date. For students that start a programme in February, please note that the modules listed as semester two will take place in the spring term and modules listed as semester one will take place in the autumn term.

Course options

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory

WEB ANALYTICS

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This module aims to help students recognize the role of web analytics within the digital marketing landscape, and practically apply web analytics tools and technologies to monitor performance of web-based marketing activities. The module involves both conceptual and practical aspects.

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MARKETING RESEARCH

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The main aim of this module is to get students ready for conducting professional and academic (dissertation) research. Whereas all stages of a research process are covered in this module, the clear focus is on conducting qualitative and quantitative studies to support marketing decisions in response to business opportunities or problems. More specifically, this module offers the relevant framework for making the informed marketing decisions. The module is organized around the stages of a marketing research project (e.g. problem definition, design, data collection, data analysis, and documentation). The course will be of particular value for students planning careers in marketing research and marketing consulting.

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STRATEGIC MARKETING

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During the module, students consider, discuss, and evaluate concepts, models, digital tools and processes that are necessary for gaining sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace. Emphasis is placed upon identifying key strategic issues, competitive positioning and strategy formulation. Marketing strategies are examined with a particular focus on environmental analysis, segmentation, targeting, positioning (STP) and strategic marketing planning.

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Optional

SERVICES MARKETING

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Services drive the modern economy, shaping how we communicate, travel, manage finances, receive healthcare, and conduct business. Mastering the marketing and management of services as unique, exceptional experiences is essential for service companies seeking to thrive in a competitive landscape and deliver value. This module equips students with advanced knowledge and expertise on services marketing, customer experience management, and relationship marketing. It also introduces cutting-edge topics, including the transformative role of digital technologies, the imperative of building responsible and ethical service organisations, and the strategic management of superior customer journeys.Through a combination of rigorous theoretical principles and applied learning, students will analyse real-world case studies of service industries, use practical tools and apply consultancy-based principles to develop critical thinking and analytical skills and make impactful decisions. By the end of the module, students will have acquired the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to design and manage superior experiences, harness digital technologies for service innovation, and build responsible organisations, preparing them to become strategic leaders in their future careers.

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

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In this module, students develop a holistic understanding of the theory and tools for Entrepreneurship which has a particular relevance in the context of the Digital Economy.  This begins with a discussion of key concepts around the Entrepreneur, Opportunity Recognition and the Entrepreneurial Process.  In turn, students review key elements for a start-up including resources, the founding team and business modelling.  Finally, we look at scaling strategies in the Digital Economy including a range of different business models where start-ups create, deliver and capture value.  The Digital Economy enables these innovative business models.    For assessment, students research and apply Key Entrepreneurship Topics to case studies and then critically evaluate the scaling strategy for a designated emerging-growth companies in the Digital Economy using Entrepreneurship theory, Digital Economy theory and a business model framework.

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Semester 2

Compulsory

MARKETING ANALYTICS

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This module introduces students to the concept and current practices in marketing analytics. Technology advances of the past decade have dramatically enhanced marketers' means of collecting and analysing data to measure the effectiveness of their marketing strategies. This module is designed to provide students with an overview of state-of-the-art marketing analytics practices that guide marketing executives in their strategic decisions. The module focuses on introducing students to key analytical techniques with an emphasis on interpreting results and generating strategic insights for marketing decision-making. The course will be of particular value to students planning careers in marketing and management consulting. The course is designed for students with a basic understanding of univariate and bivariate statistics. Addressing different learning styles, the following teaching methods are applied in this course: Pre-readings, Lectures, Class Exercises, Class Discussions, and Real World Cases/Industry Insights.

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SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

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Social media marketing is an emerging and rapidly developing discipline with substantive changes periodically occurring in industry and academic research. While much of social media marketing is focused on the promotional mix, it also is used for customer care, research and more. The field has shifted from one focused on the influence of individual consumers in social channels to one including bots, AI, and influencers. This module provides students with both academic (theories and concepts) and practical grounding underlying strategic decisions for the use of social media for marketing and the implications of the emerging developments in the area. Discussions, study cases and examples will bring these theories to life.

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MARKETING RESEARCH

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The main aim of this module is to get students ready for conducting professional and academic (dissertation) research. Whereas all stages of a research process are covered in this module, the clear focus is on conducting qualitative and quantitative studies to support marketing decisions in response to business opportunities or problems. More specifically, this module offers the relevant framework for making the informed marketing decisions. The module is organized around the stages of a marketing research project (e.g. problem definition, design, data collection, data analysis, and documentation). The course will be of particular value for students planning careers in marketing research and marketing consulting.

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INTEGRATED AND DIGITAL MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

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This module provides students with practical and theoretical knowledge of Digital Integrated Marketing Communications in contexts, operations, and strategies. It aims to develop students¿ critical thinking and ability to apply and adapt theories to cases in international marketing settings. This module deepens your understanding of how to communicate as a marketer. You will:Extend marketing¿communications theories and frameworks and apply them to real business casesExamine how a brand¿s strategic goals shape its marketing communicationsExplore methods for assessing the target audience of marketing messagesLearn how to design messages that influence customers, using recent research and practice examples to understand how specific message elements should be integrated and evaluatedInvestigate additional message tactics for persuading customers, including the psychological processes and message formulations that can lead to both rational and irrational decisionsConsider the likely consequences of new and emerging media for marketing communications

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Optional

PERSPECTIVES ON CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

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Consumer Behaviour is evident in everyday life, therefore knowledge and understanding of this subject can be beneficial to personal decision-making as well as to marketing and strategy formulation, both in offline and online environments. The module Perspectives on Consumer Behaviour deals with a range of theoretical, practical techniques in understanding and researching consumer consumption behaviour and how such an understanding can be used to create successful and viable marketing strategies. This module gives students the opportunity to explore theories and leading-edge research findings and apply knowledge by conducting small group discussion and/or activities. Thus, reflective, and critical applications of relevant behavioural, cognitive, and socio-cultural approaches to consumption are discussed.

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SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL INNOVATION PROJECT

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The module is an advanced, research-led module on sustainability and social innovation. It offers research-led insights into current issues and anticipated trends in sustainability, social innovation, and the changing role of business in society. The module will consider the current theory and critically examine the corporate practice of managing for sustainability, including aspects of corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, innovation and strategic, operational and supply chain solutions for improving sustainability on an international scale. We will examine the social, environmental, economic and business case for sustainability in the global context and reflect on the possible trajectories for the advancement of the sustainability agenda. We will study the emergent trends in organizing for the fulfilment of social needs that are insufficiently (or not at all) addressed by either the private or public sector and examine the case for the social enterprise. We will examine the practice of social entrepreneurship and innovation and reflect on the transferability of the model to more traditional organizations. We will examine how value is created through social innovation and enterprise and look at the associated challenges and opportunities for the future.

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Semester 1 & 2

Optional

DISSERTATION IN MARKETING

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The dissertation is optional to all the three MSc Marketing programmes; International Marketing (IM), Strategic Management (SM) and Digital Marketing (DM). This module provides an opportunity for a sustained period of independent study and research. It allows students to concentrate on marketing and retail topics that are of particular interest to them. It also gives an opportunity for students to work independently with individual supervisors. The dissertation follows the standard academic pattern of identifying a topic arising from a gap in the literature and developing a methodology to explore this area in depth. The module will be run by the Marketing Department, and as such the students will have the opportunity to work in a smaller group and will receive better feedback and personal attention, thus enhancing student satisfaction and increasing progress in learning and understanding.

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APPLIED MARKETING CONSULTANCY

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In this module, you will step into the role of a marketing consultant, applying advanced strategic and marketing frameworks to solve real business challenges. Working with a pre-vetted industry partner, you will diagnose a live marketing problem, conduct market and consumer analysis, and develop actionable recommendations supported by taught content that builds your consultancy skills. You will learn to manage client relationships, present insights persuasively, and reflect critically on your professional practice. By the end, you will have produced a portfolio-ready consultancy output and strengthened your employability through authentic business engagement.

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Module selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7

For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.

General course information

Contact hours

Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.

Timetable

New students will receive their personalised timetable during Welcome Week. In later semesters, at least one week before the start of the semester.

Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled for one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.

View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.

Location

This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Career opportunities

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We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.

Your career prospects include:

  • Ad manager
  • Content marketing manager
  • Content strategist
  • Data analyst
  • Digital marketing manager
  • Digital marketing strategist
  • E-commerce channel manager
  • SEO manager
  • Social media manager.

If you decide to enrol with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) as an affiliate, you can study CIM qualifications without having to complete all the modules.

For most qualifications, you'll only need to take two assessments instead of the usual three. Therefore, you'll add an individual award to supplement your degree. There’s a fee to join CIM.

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Entry requirements

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UK qualifications

A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree, or a recognised equivalent international qualification.

We may be able to take relevant work experience into consideration if you don't meet these requirements. If you have at least one year of relevant experience in a full-time graduate-level role (or a minimum of two years’ experience in a relevant graduate-level part-time role) please provide full details of your role and responsibilities in your personal statement and CV when you submit your application.

Country-specific qualifications

International students in the United Kingdom

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English language requirements

Course lengthIELTS Academic requirements or equivalent
Full-time: 1 year6.5 overall including 6.0 in each category
Full-time (with study abroad): 15 months6.5 overall including 6.0 in each category
Part-time: 2 years6.5 overall including 6.0 in each category

These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

International Pre-Masters

Prepare for postgraduate study and boost your career prospects. This is an intensive programme of academic subjects, study skills and English language preparation designed to help you succeed.

More information

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.

If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.

There are restrictions on some courses, and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please contact the Admissions team with any queries.

Fees and funding

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Fees per year

Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.

Fee options

UK
£15,800
Overseas
£25,900
UK
£16,400
Overseas
£26,900
UK
£8,200
Overseas
£13,500
  • Fees for part-time routes are applicable in each year of the course
  • These fees apply to the academic year 2027-28 only. Fees are reviewed annually, and tuition fees may increase for courses running over more than one year.

Read our tuition fees guidance to find out more about payment schedules and how to pay.

Additional costs

Students are required to pay the upfront cost of travel and accommodation expenses incurred when on placement when not covered by the placement provider. These may vary depending on the location.

Find out more about additional costs that may be incurred during your time at Surrey.

Funding

You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.

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Apply options

UK applications

Digital Marketing MSc

Full-time, 12 months, February 2027

UK status

UK applications:
open
Closing date:
Saturday 23 January 2027
Select

Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.

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Overseas applications

Digital Marketing MSc

Full-time, 12 months, February 2027

UK status

Overseas applications:
open
Closing date:
Friday 11 December 2026
Select

Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.

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UK applications

Digital Marketing MSc

Full-time, 12 months, September 2027

UK status

UK applications:
open
Closing date:
Tuesday 31 August 2027
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Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.

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Overseas applications

Digital Marketing MSc

Full-time, 12 months, September 2027

UK status

Overseas applications:
open
Closing date:
Friday 23 July 2027
Select

Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.

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UK applications

Digital Marketing MSc

Part-time, 24 months, September 2027

UK status

UK applications:
open
Closing date:
Tuesday 31 August 2027
Select

Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.

Apply
Overseas applications

Digital Marketing MSc

Part-time, 24 months, September 2027

UK status

Overseas applications:
open
Closing date:
Friday 23 July 2027
Select

Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.

Apply

Admissions information

Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.

Our code of practice for postgraduate taught admissions explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you will be agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.

We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage. You will be asked to accept these when you accept the offer made to you. You will be provided with these terms and conditions again at registration by way of reminder.

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.

Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate; some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.