Master of Science (MSc) Marketing

  • Overview
  • Course Content
  • Structure
  • Career Opportunities
  • Fees
  • Next Steps

Master of Science (MSc) in Marketing

Master of Science (MSc) Marketing

Overview 

The MSc in Marketing aims to enhance the prospects of its graduates in the job markets and enable them to obtain entry into a variety of roles ranging from junior executive to senior marketing positions in a range of organisations both nationally and internationally. The programme is at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications and with the combination of taught and research stage, it provides added value for both learners and employers. The programme is academically challenging and strategically relevant in advanced marketing and will equip students with current and emerging theories that inform and comment upon the new practices of marketing within the digital media arena.

Aims and Objectives

The objectives of the Master of Science (MSc) in Marketing programme are:

1. Provide an academically rigorous framework through which students can develop a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in the marketing function to further develop and expand their knowledge of the science of marketing.
2. Develop a systematic detailed knowledge, experience and understanding of marketing concepts and theories and encourage critical thinking and analysis as they apply in organisations today.
3. Develop critical knowledge of marketing technologies and the role they play in marketing strategies.
4. Develop critical knowledge of the relationship between finance and marketing and the impact of this ongoing relationship on the functioning of an organisation.
5. Develop learners’ knowledge and ability to apply a methodical research approach to their study.
6. Apply advanced research skills, constructively criticise, draw conclusions and offer recommendations within the marketing environment.
7. Develop the ability to develop key personal and professional skills in areas including decision‐making, design-thinking, analytical skills, collaboration, critical analysis, entrepreneurial mindset thinking, leadership and appreciation.

Delivery

The blended multi-modal environment allows for the most appropriate mode of delivery to be applied to different parts of the syllabus. Typically, the more theoretical content would be delivered through the OnDemand mode, with the discursive aspects of the syllabus more inclined to be delivered in the synchronous live online mode. The more practical and assessment-driven parts of the syllabus can also be reserved for the in-class time. All in-class and live online learning will be recorded and the resources made available to you through Moodle.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the Master of Science (MSc) in Marketing are:

- A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours degree with a minimum Second-Class Second Division classification (2.2) from a recognised third-level institution in any discipline that wish to specialise in the field of marketing, or

- An equivalent professional qualification attributed to the marketing sector.

- For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.

- Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification at a 2.2 award level and who have at least 3 years’ work experience may also be considered through the college’s normal RPL procedures.  Relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures.

Course Content

The Master of Science (MSc) in Marketing programme has the following content:

Core Modules

Consumer Behaviour Trends

Sustainable Marketing Practices

Web Marketing Management and Metrics

Global Marketing

Strategic Brand Management

Finance for Marketers

Integrated Marketing Communications

Conducting Research for Marketing

Dissertation/Placement

 

Teaching and Assessment

In-class/on-site
This mode is when you are on-site on the DBS campus. This mode is on your timetable and you are expected to be at a certain place at a certain time to engage with guided learning.
 

Live Online/ Synchronous (Zoom) sessions
Here you are online at the same time in a Zoom room or digital communication platform as your lecturer. These sessions are typically more interactive and used for engagement such as workshops and facilitated discussions on topics. The synchronous live online environment also facilitates screen share, breakout rooms, collective access to a whiteboard and chat. Synchronous live online sessions are, where possible recorded, thereby providing the opportunity for you to reflect on the learning experience. This mode is on your timetable as they are expected to be at a certain place at a certain time to engage with guided learning.
 

OnDemand / Asynchronous content
Asynchronous, also called OnDemand, is instructional designed learning content that you access online and work through at your own pace. This content is not on your timetable. However, on-demand content is often connected to live sessions. Some live sessions are independent of OnDemand content but some will be dependent upon you having been through the OnDemand content.

Subjects will be assessed through continuous assessment. Students are involved in group projects, oral presentations, poster presentations and real-life company case analysis. Students will also be exposed to guest lecturers from leading Irish and multinational companies and will participate in practical workshops with academics and practitioners. 

Module: Capstone Elective Placement

Overview
As an alternative to the traditional Research Dissertation, learners in their final semester can choose the Capstone Elective Placement. This option requires a minimum of 150 hours of practical work experience (equivalent to four weeks full time) and demands that students align their overarching Research Methods topic with their industry role. Throughout the placement, students attend weekly online meetings with the DBS Placement Coordinator and submit a Weekly Journal detailing tasks, tools used, and reflections, which is also shared with their workplace line manager. The final module grade is based on both practical workplace performance and the submitted Research Placement Report.
 

Placement and Host Company Requirements
Host companies must be able to accommodate the 150 hour requirement, with flexible working arrangements (in house, hybrid, or online) permitted. Once a potential provider is identified, the DBS Placement Coordinator will meet with the company to outline all expectations and requirements. To formalise the arrangement, the workplace line manager and the student must sign a Placement Agreement detailing the working terms, as well as a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Line managers are also required to maintain regular contact with the Placement Coordinator and complete an Employer Evaluation form at the end of the term, which directly contributes to the student’s final grade.
 

Arranging Your Placement
Students are responsible for sourcing and securing their own placements, heavily supported by guidance from the DBS Careers Hub. Occasionally, exclusive placement opportunities from the DBS employer network are circulated for students to apply directly. Following dedicated briefing sessions early in the academic year, interested learners must submit an Expression of Interest. If a student is unable to secure a suitable placement, they will seamlessly revert to the standard Research Dissertation module to ensure they can complete their final semester without delay.

 

Structure

The Master of Science in Marketing is a 1 year full-time/ 18-month part-time programme consisting of eight taught modules, four 10 ECTS modules, four 5 ECTS modules, and a 30 ECTS elective Capstone (Dissertation or Placement). For learners who cannot continue, for personal or professional reasons, to the Capstone component of this programme, there is an embedded exit award titled, Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Marketing (Level 9, 60 ECTS).

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Marketing (Level 9, 60 ECTS, exit award only)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Marketing is an embedded exit award in the Master of Science in Marketing. The Postgraduate Diploma is not offered as a separate award. The programme shares the 60 ECTS-taught components of the Masters programme.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Marketing will acquire specialised skills and competencies that will enable them to pursue positions in many fields, including Marketing Management, Market Research, Brand Management, Advertising & Public Relations and Marketing Consultancy.

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €9,100 full-time, €5,600 per annum part-time for EU students.

Please note also that there is tax relief for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €1,000 and up to €7,000. 

International Fees

EU Fees

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner.   More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS (https://www.dbs.ie/terms-and-conditions) and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

Improve your employability

All of our postgraduate courses offer strong links with industry and the professional world and often carry accreditation from professional bodies. By choosing to study at postgraduate level, not only do you gain valuable skills and experience but you also demonstrate your determination to succeed in a chosen career. Far from being a postponement to employment, postgraduate study can help you progress further and faster in your chosen career. And, if you're not certain what direction you would like your future to take, further study can provide a secure and structured space to help you find out through exploring your strengths and interests.

Get your foot on the career ladder

A large number of our postgraduate programmes include a work placement option, giving you the opportunity to gain vocational experience, make valuable contacts and gain transferable skills. It is also worth considering that some postgraduate qualifications are essential requirements to getting on the career ladder.

Gain skills for success

During your undergraduate degree you will have developed a strong foundation of transferable skills. Postgraduate study will build on this base, giving you the opportunity to put these highly valuable skills in to practice. You will also gain invaluable practical working examples that you can go on to use at interview to set you apart from other candidates.

Next Steps

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about DBS and learn more about the Master of Science (MSc) in Marketing and MSc in Marketing (Digital Media Stream). As well as experiencing our outstanding facilities, you'll have the opportunity to receive personalised advice from academics from your subject area, meet current postgraduate students and also have your questions answered on general subjects such as entry requirements, student support and the admissions process.

EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation:

• Academic Transcripts (Original & Official English Translation where issued in another language). Applicants who have previously attended DBS need not provide this documentation.

• Proof of Identification (Birth Certificate, Drivers Licence or Passport)

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae

• Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) where full time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English

• Academic/Business References - Ideally one Academic & one Business

• Please see programme content for any course-specific additional application procedures.

In addition to the above, in the instance of Non-EU applicants who have residency in Ireland:

• A copy of your GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) Card, Work permit (if applicable) & Passport

• The letter that was issued to you by the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform stating why you were provided with the above documentation

International Students/ Non EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation:

• Academic documents  

• Academic transcripts 

• Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) 

• A Curriculum Vitae 

• A copy of your passport

Please note that copies of all documentation must be submitted, and that it must be translated into English where issued in another language. Please do not send original documents as these will not be returned.

Dublin Business School has a number of overseas offices and representatives worldwide. Please contact us if you wish to receive further details on your closest DBS representative.

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Course overview

Awarding Body: 
Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
QQI AWARD LOGO (1)
Award: Masters Degree
NFQ Level: 
Level 9
Award Title:
 Master of Science in Marketing
Award Type:
 Major
Duration: 
Full-time: 1 Year
Part-time: 2 Years
Next Intake:
September 2026

Contact Us

Email: admissions@dbs.ie
Phone: 01 417 7500
Opening times:
Monday to Friday
8:45am to 5:15pm