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Overview
Business is now conducted on a global scale. This means organisations need marketing professionals with an international mindset and the ability to have an impact wherever in the world they operate.
You can take this course if you have a keen interest in marketing and meet our entry requirements, regardless of your original undergraduate degree subject.
On this MA International Marketing Master's degree course, you'll build business acumen while you develop a comprehensive and rigorous understanding of international marketing practice.
You'll learn about core marketing theories and models, and cover topics such as global marketing strategy, international brand communications, social media marketing, and web analytics.
When you graduate, you'll have knowledge, skills and experience necessary to develop marketing strategies for international businesses, making you an invaluable hire for any organisation. You could use your qualification to work abroad and in organisations engaged in business across international boundaries and cultures.
Accreditation
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (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 practitioners.
The University of Portsmouth has joined forces with CIM to give students the opportunity to gain professional qualifications through the CIM Accredited Degree partnership. CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers, and their content is reflected in our own degrees which ensures we are equipping students with the best opportunities for a successful marketing career.
Contact Information
Contact Student Recruitment CentreEntry requirements
MA International Marketing Master's degree entry requirements
Qualifications or experience
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
What you'll experience
On this International Marketing Master's, you'll:
- Get a grounding in marketing principles and theories
- Study all aspects of marketing including branding, social media marketing and consumer analytics
- Learn about how globalisation has increased the connection between business, markets, people and information across different countries and cultures
- Improve your knowledge of different cultures and nations, to make yourself a more effective member of the international marketing community
- Apply what you learn, as you learn, including working with the local business community
- Develop transferable skills you can apply in all areas of your life, such as critical thinking, independent research, teamwork, verbal and written communication, analytical thinking and ethical practice
- Benefit from the experience of guest speakers from a range of backgrounds – past speakers on similar courses include Jo Pabari (Director of Good Stuff Consulting and marketing consultant for Heineken, PepsiCo, Heinz and Twinings) and Emma Searle (Head of Digital at Verb Brands, a leading digital agency for luxury and premium brands)
You may also:
- Visit some of the world's leading digital marketing and advertising companies in London – we have links with organisations such as Google, Twitter and IBM (subject to travel restrictions and the Covid19 pandemic)
- Immerse yourself in a different culture on a week-long self-funded study visit to a European university (subject to travel restrictions and the Covid19 pandemic)
- Obtain additional qualifications that will boost your CV, via online training for qualifications such as Google Analytics and Ads
Careers and opportunities
Countries such as India, China and Japan now among the world's top 10 economies, while Mexico and Brazil are expected to enter the top 10 by 2050 (The World in 2050, PWC).
This has led to a high demand for marketing professionals who have the ability to work effectively across cultures, regions and countries.
Marketing opportunities exist across all industry sectors – private, public and voluntary. These can range from the financial, consumer and information technology industries to not-for-profit organisations, such as charities, local government and higher education institutions.
Roles you could work in when you graduate include:
- International market researcher
- Marketing campaign officer
- International marketing executive
- Public relations account executive
- Marketing consultant
- Social media manager
You'll also be able to pursue further studies at postgraduate or research level, or set up your own businesses with help and support from the University.
After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
Work experience and career planning
During the Collaborative Marketing Project module, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside clients from the local community, giving you a taste of working in the industry.
We can also help you identify placements, internships, voluntary roles and freelancing opportunities that will complement your studies and build your CV.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
You need to study modules worth a total of 180 credits.
You'll build a fundamental knowledge of marketing in the first teaching block before you study specialist topics.
Modules
Core modules in this year include:
- Collaborative Marketing Project - 30 credits
- Consumer Insight and Analytics - 15 credits
- Contemporary Issues in Marketing - 15 credits
- Essentials of Marketing - 15 credits
- Global Marketing - 15 credits
- Independent Marketing Research Project - 60 credits
- International Marketing Communications - 15 credits
- Social Media Marketing - 15 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
How you'll spend your time
A typical week
You'll typically spend 30–40 hours a week studying if you're a full-time student, or 15–20 hours a week if you study part-time.
This includes 8–10 hours a week in scheduled teaching activities if you study full-time, or 4–5 hours a week if you study part-time. There's additional time set aside for personal tutor meetings, and catch-ups with the course leader.
The rest of your study time is self-directed, with support from staff when you need it. This includes activities such as reading books and journals, preparing presentations, undertaking assignments and group work, and practising your skills using Google Analytics and other applications.
Most teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. There's occasional evening teaching.
Term times
An academic year is divided into 3 teaching blocks and 2 assessment periods:
- Teaching block 1 (includes Christmas break) – September to January
- Assessment period 1 – early January to early February
- Teaching block 2 (includes Easter break) – February to May
- Assessment period 2 – May to June
- Teaching block 3 – June to September
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Practical sessions in computer labs
- Collaborative sessions with peers in our Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) room
The teaching team has extensive academic and industry experience. Most academics have PhDs in marketing research or digital marketing.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through:
- Written essays
- Written reports
- Exams
- Online tests
- A portfolio
- Group presentations/group pitches
The independent research project assessment consists of 2 elements:
- A 5,000-word written assignment
- A 5–10 minute presentation at a conference/poster exhibition, held in May
You'll get feedback on all assessments, and receive further feedback on your general progress in seminar sessions and consultation meetings with academic staff.
Supporting you
You'll get face-to-face support from teaching and support staff when you need it. These include the following people and services:
Personal tutor
Your personal tutor gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
Student engagement officers
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have support from student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
Study support tutors
You'll have help from a team of faculty study support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
Technical support
The faculty's Technical Services Unit provides help with technical facilities, including lab support.
Academic skills support
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Library support
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from librarians who specialise in business and law.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Maths and stats support
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
Support with English
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2024 and January 2025 start)
Fees subject to annual increase.
- Full-time: £12,000
- Part-time: £6,000 per year
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £12,000
- Part-time: £6,000 per year
- Full-time: £17,900
- Part-time: £8,950 per year
Tuition fees terms and conditions
Funding your studies
Find out more how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government postgraduate loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students and our international student scholarships.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Apply
Standard applications
Starting in September 2024
Starting in January 2025
Starting this course in January is for full-time study only.
How to apply
Please contact us to apply for this course.
International students
If you're from outside of the UK, you can apply directly to us (above) or you can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.