Overview of Master’s in Marketing Abroad
As consumer behaviors evolve, all companies need marketing experts to reach their audiences in new ways. This is where advanced marketing skills and expertise come into play. An MS in Marketing equips students with the academic knowledge and industry exposure required to build and master these skills. Some of the most lucrative jobs for graduates who complete this course include global marketing, business management, digital marketing, and business analytics. Marketing jobs are available in almost every industry, such as healthcare, technology, fashion, finance, e-commerce, and consumer goods, etc.
Many universities abroad offer versatile marketing courses, including two-year and one-year programs, online executive programs, and even part-time programs. Many universities in the USA offer STEM-designated courses, meaning students can stay in the USA for an additional 24 months beyond the usual 12 months once they complete their MS in Marketing program.
An MS in Marketing in the USA can cost between $30,000 and $120,000 annually. In France, the program costs €35,500 per year at HEC Paris University in Paris. In Australia, at the University of Melbourne, it costs AUD$56,900 per annum
Many universities also offer scholarships and financial aid to successful applicants with strong academic performance, analytical skills, creative intelligence, and communication skills.
Top countries to study MS in Marketing
The top countries for an MS in Marketing include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Germany. Let’s examine them one by one.
United States
The United States has a booming marketing industry, making it a prime location for marketing studies. Some of the top universities that offer this course are UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business, and Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is the second premier location for an MS in marketing. Some top universities offering MS in Marketing are the University of Greenwich, London, Imperial College London, and University of Warwick. Master’s courses in the UK can be completed over a shorter duration than in other countries but they still maintain a high quality of education.
France
According to the QS World University Rankings, France is considered the best place to pursue an MS in Marketing because it houses top universities offering this program. Some top universities are Emlyon Business School, EDHEC Business School, and ESCP Business School.
Australia
Australia is also considered one of the best countries for an MS abroad. Some of the top universities that offer an MS in Marketing are the University of Technology Sydney, the University of Melbourne, and the University of New South Wales.
Germany
Germany has also become a popular destination for international students in recent years. Some popular universities are the Berlin School of Business and Innovation, the Free University of Berlin, the University of Bayreuth, and the University of Wuppertal.
Top universities in the world for MS in Marketing
According to the QS Business Master’s Rankings, the top universities worldwide for an MS in Marketing are mostly in Europe, particularly France, Spain, and the UK.
As you can see below, France has the most schools among the top 10 global universities, with 5 universities. The UK has 3, and Spain has 2. The only non-European school in the top 10 is Columbia University in the USA, which ranks 6th globally.
Here’s a list of top universities worldwide for MS in Marketing, as per the QS Business Master’s Rankings: Marketing 2024.
| University | Location | Global Rank | Program |
| HEC Paris | Paris, France | 1 | Master in Marketing |
| ESSEC Business School | Paris, France | 2 | MSC in Marketing Management Digital |
| IE Business School | Segovia, Spain | 3 | Master in Strategic Marketing and Communications |
| ESCP Business School | Paris, France | 4 | MSc in Marketing & Creativity |
| Imperial College Business School | London, United Kingdom | 4 | MSc Strategic Marketing |
| Columbia Business School | New York (NY), United States | 6 | MS in Marketing Science |
| EMLyon Business School | Lyon, France | 6 | M.S. Transformation Digitale et Marketing Stratégique |
| Esade Business School | Barcelona, Spain | 7 | MSc in Marketing Management |
| Warwick Business School | Coventry, United Kingdom | 9 | MSc Marketing & Strategy |
| EDHEC Business School | Roubaix, France | 10 | MSc in Marketing |
| WU Vienna University | Vienna, Austria | 11 | MS in Marketing |
| SKEMA Business School Paris | Paris, France | 12 | MSc International Marketing & Business Development |
| Manchester (Alliance) | Manchester, United Kingdom | 13 | MSc Marketing |
| Texas (McCombs) | Austin (TX), United States | 14 | Master’s of Science in Marketing |
| University of Edinburgh Business School Edinburgh, | Edinburgh, United Kingdom | 15 | Master’s In Marketing |
Course curriculum for MS in Marketing and specializations
The MS in Marketing program is designed to keep up with the latest marketing trends in the curriculum. The latest core courses and specializations in an MS in Marketing typically are explained below.
Here’s a list of core courses that build the foundations of your marketing studies.
| Core courses | Description |
| Marketing Strategy and Planning | This course covers the development of marketing strategies and plans, including market research, competitive analysis, and positioning |
| Marketing Analytics | Students learn to apply statistical and data analysis techniques to marketing problems, including data visualization and interpretation |
| Marketing Management | This course focuses on the management of marketing functions, including budgeting, resource allocation, and team leadership |
| Consumer Behavior and Marketing | Students explore the psychological and sociological factors influencing consumer behavior and how to apply this knowledge to marketing |
| Digital Marketing Strategy | This course covers planning and executing digital marketing campaigns, including social media, search engine optimization, and email marketing |
| Specialization | Description |
| Digital Marketing | This course explains how to use digital technologies to reach, engage, and understand consumers |
| Marketing Analytics | This course explains how to use data to make effective decisions and create competitive advantages |
| Marketing Management | This course helps students to adapt marketing strategies to respond to competition, new products, and other changes |
| Brand Management | In this course, you’ll understand brand strategy, equity, positioning, and architecture |
| Marketing Research | This course teaches you to apply basic marketing principles to marketing strategy and planning, including market research, communications, and consumer behavior |
| Marketing Communications | In this course, you’ll learn about marketing communications programs, including setting objectives, positioning, and media strategy |
| Product Management | This course helps you create, market, and manage products or services to meet customer needs and organizational goals |
| International Marketing | This course will teach basic international marketing concepts, including the international political and legal environment |
Executive MS in Marketing
Are there any options to study an MS in Marketing for those who are already working? Very often, those who are working as software developers or in finance have to switch to a more client-facing role. They already have domain specialization in tech and finance. A brand new degree in marketing is necessary to prepare a pitch to convince clients to buy the product.
An Executive MS or Master’s in Marketing in Marketing is an ideal path for those who wish to upskill without interrupting their career for a year or two. These programs combine flexible formats with contact classes and online coursework. Some courses even blend experiential learning with coursework to prepare graduates for marketing positions.
Here are a few Executive MS in Marketing courses that are well recognized:
HEC Paris
HEC Paris offers a 16-month Executive Master’s in Management – Marketing & Business Development course. The course content explores the principles and practice of marketing and sales. There are modules on the use of data science and artificial intelligence.
It costs approximately $50,000, and the program is not open to freshers. The program is for senior managers and executives who want to augment their skillset. The candidate must have at least three years of managerial experience and 5 – 10 years of work experience.
NYU School of Professional Studies
NYU SPS offers a 20-month Executive Master’s in Marketing and Strategic Communications course. The course is meant for mid-senior level executives. It is instructed through a blend of in-person sessions and flexible online learning.
The curriculum teaches product portfolio management, revenue strategies, basic data science, and the latest communication strategies for pitches and launches. The total cost is approximately $29,000.
The biggest difference between a conventional MS in Marketing and an Executive MS in Marketing is that the latter allows sufficient time for attending to one’s career needs. Since the student is a working professional, the course load is also lower.
How to choose an MS in Marketing course
You must choose the right MS in Marketing program. There are at least a hundred options worldwide, and the challenge lies in identifying the course that aligns best with your goals.
Accreditation and ranking
Always choose a course that is recognized by AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA. These are three leading three leading international accreditations for your degree.
Curriculum relevance
As the world changes, so do university courses. Several programs combine traditional marketing principles with new models such as AI, consumer behavior analytics, and digital marketing strategy. Look for a curriculum that reflects current industry trends.
Location and industry exposure
Top study destinations like the USA, UK, France, Germany, and Australia offer distinct advantages. These range from internship opportunities to post-study work visas. Take into account how well the school connects with leading brands and agencies.
In brief, selecting the right MS in Marketing course involves balancing the reputation of the institution, the course material, and your budget.
Eligibility for studying MS in Marketing
The eligibility requirements for a Master of Science (MS) in Marketing can vary by institution, depending on different locations. Here’s a list of requirements that you must meet to pursue this program:
- A bachelor’s or undergraduate degree in any field.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0.
- English proficiency test scores include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo.
In addition to meeting these requirements, you must submit other documents that the universities will review to determine your eligibility for the MS in Marketing program.
Other documents include:
- Academic transcripts
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
- University application form
GMAT/GRE requirements for studying MS in Marketing
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are used for graduate school admissions abroad. However, business schools prefer the GMAT.
Some say that the GRE may be better suited for Master of Marketing programs because it’s more verbal and qualitative, which may be more relevant for marketing students. However, many schools don’t specify a particular test for their Master of Marketing programs and instead focus on a strong GPA.
For example, Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business may waive the GRE/GMAT requirement for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in a quantitative discipline or at least two years of professional work experience.
However, top universities like HEC Paris have made it optional.
Scholarships to study MS in Marketing abroad
International students can benefit from the following scholarships for their MS in Marketing in the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, and France.
USA
| Scholarship Name | Type | Basis |
| Karsh International Scholarships at Duke University | University-based | Merit-based |
| Knight-Hennesy Scholarships at Stanford University | University-based | Merit-based |
| #Youarewelcomehere scholarship at Rutgers Camden | Government-based | Need-based |
| Capital University International Scholarships | University-based | Merit-based |
UK
| Scholarship Name | Type | Basis |
| Chevening Scholarships | Government-based | Merit-based |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Government-based | Merit-based |
| Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford | University-based | Merit-based |
| Imperial College London Scholarships | University-based | Merit-based |
Germany
| Scholarship Name | Type | Basis |
| University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships | University-based | Merit-based |
| DAAD Scholarships | Government-based | Merit-based |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees | Government-based | Merit-based |
| Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships | Government-based | Merit-based |
Australia
| Scholarship Name | Type | Basis |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Government-based | Merit-based |
| Destination Australia Program | Government-based | Merit-based |
| Endeavour Leadership Program | Government-based | Merit-based |
| University of Queensland Scholarships | University-based | Merit-based |
| RMIT University Scholarships | University-based | Merit-based |
France
| Scholarship Name | Type | Basis |
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program | Government-based | Merit-based |
| French Government Scholarships | Government-based | Merit-based |
| Campus France Scholarships | Government-based | Merit-based |
| HEC Paris Scholarships | University-based | Merit-based |
| ESSEC Business School Scholarships | University-based | Merit-based |
Other Notable Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Type | Basis |
| Malaysian Government MTCP Scholarship | Government-based | Merit-based |
| Slovak Government NSP Scholarships | Government-based | Merit-based |
| Malaysian Government Scholarships (MIS) | Government-based | Merit-based |
| Hohai University Scholarships in China | University-based | Merit-based |
| Jiangsu University Presidential Scholarships in China | University-based | Merit-based |
Career scope after pursuing an MS in Marketing
A marketing career is an ever-expanding dynamic field that will continue to grow along with technological advancements and innovations. Today, every company requires a marketing professional to connect their brand’s mission with the respective consumers.
According to the US News and World Report, the marketing manager position is #1 in Best Sales and Marketing jobs. Marketing Managers are ranked 11th among the top 100 jobs across all sectors
Marketing also offers huge financial compensation compared to other professions. It’s regarded as #11 in Best-Paying Jobs, sharing the same spot as the top job ranking overall.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that marketing managers will experience career growth of about 6% between 2024 – 2034. Master’s degree holders also tend to earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree, on average taking home nearly 20% more weekly earnings.
Some of the popular job roles and their average salaries, as per Glassdoor, are:
| Job Role | Salary Range |
| Brand Manager | $70,000 – $120,000 |
| Market Research Analyst | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| Digital Marketing Manager | $60,000 – $115,000 |
| Marketing Strategist | $60,000 – $100,000 |
| E-commerce Manager | $58,000 – $120,000 |
| Key Account Manager | $60,000 – $110,000 |
| Strategic Planner | $55,000 – $90,000 |
| Trade Marketing Manager | $65,000 – $105,000 |
Top recruiters
Some of the top companies that hire MS in Marketing graduates are
-
FMCG Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
- Hindustan Unilever
- Procter & Gamble
- Nestlé
- Johnson & Johnson
- Adidas
- Nike
2. Tech Companies
- Amazon
- Flipkart
- Apple
- Samsung
- Cognizant
- TCS
3. Consulting Firms
- Nielsen
- Accenture
- Deloitte
- McKinsey & Co
- Bain Consultants
- Boston Consulting Group
4. Other Industries
- Adidas
- Nike
- Zomato
- Swiggy
Job prospects and salaries offered after studying MS in marketing
MS in Marketing graduates are highly sought after by a wide range of industries, including consumer goods, technology, consulting, and financial services. These companies value the specialized marketing skills and knowledge that marketing graduates possess.
Some of the highest-paying roles for MS in Marketing graduates include marketing manager, marketing director, brand manager, and marketing analytics specialist, especially in in-demand sectors like technology, consulting, and consumer goods.
Graduates with strong digital marketing and data analytics skills earn the highest salaries. Here is the annual salary of some of the highest-paying roles as of 2024.
| Job roles | Salary range |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | $65,418 |
| Marketing Consultant | $131,660 |
| Product Marketing Manager | $131,000–$218,000 |
| Brand Manager | $161863 |
| Marketing Research Analyst | $78,816 |
| Marketing Manager | $80,915 |
Is a Masters in Marketing worth it?
The question that most students preparing for their masters in sales and marketing have is: is a MS in Marketing worth it?
The answer is a resounding yes since every company depends on someone to sell their product. The era when products sold themselves is largely over and companies like Nike have a shrinking market share. Nimble competitors such as Hoka and On Running have gained substantial market share.
In FMCG and white goods, there is cutthroat competition for every cent a customer spends. It is the same for banking and finance. Even with the Big Three of cloud computing – Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform – it is often the skill of the sales team that closes the deal. Businesses depend on research for product development and on the marketing and sales team for selling the same.
Globally, the jobs for advertising and marketing managers will grow 6% between 2024–2034. The biggest plus is that this sector is hands-on and cannot be taken over by AI. While demand for other sectors, e.g., data analytics and software development, might shrink due to AI, the marketing team will be left unscathed.
FAQs
1. Is MS in Marketing a STEM degree?
Yes, some Master of Science in Marketing (MSM) programs are STEM-designated. This means that students who complete the program can stay in the USA for an additional 24 months beyond the usual 12-month Optional Practical Training period, and get valuable work experience.
2. What are the admission requirements for studying an MS in Marketing abroad?
The admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, GMAT/GRE scores, English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Many universities consider relevant work experience as an admission requirement.
3. What are the career prospects for someone with an MS in Marketing degree?
The career scope for graduates with an MS in Marketing is excellent globally. There are many high-paying marketing roles, such as marketing manager, digital marketing specialist, brand manager, marketing research analyst, and marketing consultant, whose average salaries range between $70,000 to over $130,000 per year.
4. Are any scholarships available for international students studying for an MS in Marketing abroad?
Yes, there are numerous scholarship opportunities available for international students interested in pursuing an MS in Marketing degree abroad.
5. How long does an MS in Marketing typically take to finish?
A full-time MS in Marketing program takes between 16 and 18 months to complete. Some accelerated courses take 10 – 12 months. The UK has shorter duration courses, while the USA offers 18-month courses. Executive MS in Marketing courses typically have a lower course load than full-time courses.
