Overview
Introduction
Whether you’re looking to advance your marketing career, move into marketing or even launch your own venture, this MSc Marketing programme offers a distinctive blend of human insights, analytical expertise and business acumen, aimed at equipping you with the skills needed to succeed. By studying on this programme you’ll be studying on one of the world’s leading marketing programmes, ranked eighth in the world (QS Business Master’s Rankings 2026: Marketing).
Alongside your diverse, global cohort, you'll build a fundamental understanding of:
- customer behaviour, drawn from the latest research and insights
- how to apply analytics to drive marketing success
- the wider business context in which marketing teams operate
- the role of marketing in driving strategic organisational objectives
- the tools to create evidence-based solutions to ever-changing marketing challenges.
You’ll also have the opportunity to apply your learning through a practical project and tailor your studies with optional courses to reflect your interests and support your career goals.
LSE is ranked fifth in the world for social sciences and management (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026). So, you’ll be studying in a globally renowned learning environment with world-class academics.
Read more about our MSc Marketing on our blog, The Student Lens.
Entry requirements
- Undergraduate degree with upper second-class honours (2.1) or above, or international equivalent. Applicants from any academic background are welcome. Prior formal study of quantitative subjects isn't required, but students must come prepared to engage with quantitative topics such as statistics and data analytics.
- No prior work experience is required, however, students with experience are welcome. Please detail any relevant experience in your application.
- GMAT or GRE is recommended for all applicants and is required for applicants without a UK undergraduate or graduate degree. See more below under "Additional tests".
- English language requirements
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
Overseas
Additional tests
GRE/GMAT requirement
GMAT or GRE is recommended for all applicants and is required for applicants without a UK undergraduate or graduate degree. For those with a UK undergraduate or graduate degree, a good GMAT/GRE score, although not a requirement, will significantly enhance your chances of being admitted.
GMAT median score for cohort 2022/23 was 720.
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Standard. Read more about our English language requirements.
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.
Programme content
The curriculum is designed around four compulsory core courses providing in-depth training in two areas: big data and analytics, and consumer behaviour. These two key areas are underpinned by an understanding of the wider business context in which marketing teams operate, and the role of marketing in driving strategic organisational objectives.
These core courses bring learning from the latest research into the classroom, giving a well-rounded, critical analysis of consumer behaviour and data analytics, in the context of real business challenges.
Not only will you gain an in-depth understanding of consumer markets through innovative research and insights into human behaviours, but you'll also develop your talent and expertise in data analysis, empowering you to take a strategic approach to designing and developing marketing campaigns.
You can also customise the programme according to your own interests and career goals with a choice of optional elective courses from leading academic departments across LSE.
The programme concludes with a Marketing Action Learning Project – with companies like Colgate-Palmolive, Cartier, Tata Group, and Unilever, as well as a variety of start-ups, nonprofits, and social enterprises. This will enable you to develop practical marketing skills, bring together knowledge from courses throughout the programme and deepen your knowledge in a specific area of interest.
Programme highlights:
- pre-sessional Week – cross-programme networking event with MSc in Management
- Marketing Action Learning Project celebration in Spring Term
- Marketing Action Learning Project (MALP) - MALP commences in Winter Term
- students are allocated a group project to work on and there's a Sprint Week in Spring Term
- groups have a research period throughout May to June
- presentations take place in early July with a project report deadline in August.
Previous organisations students have partnered with include Cartier, European Space Agency, Tata Consultancy Services plus exciting SMEs such as The Cheeky Panda, FERNFUTURES and Aila Money.
Programme trips/social events:
- ice-skating in Autumn Term
- cross-programme social events with MSc in Management during pre-sessional and in Winter Term.
Year 1
Students are required to attend an introductory course in early September, before the beginning of the programme.
This is designed to give essential context to the specialist marketing knowledge which you will develop throughout the programme, to build your understanding of the strategic role marketing management plays in driving business.
In addition to the core courses below, you'll tailor your programme according to your own interests and career goals with optional elective courses.
You'll have the opportunity to select from a choice of specialist marketing elective courses, as well as options to expand your knowledge with elective courses from the LSE Department of Management, covering a range of broader topics relevant for marketing managers today.
For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page.
A few important points you’ll need to know:
We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances. We’ll always notify you as early as possible and recommend alternatives where we can.
The School is not liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study, due to developments in teaching practice, regulatory requirements that require us to comply, lack of demand, financial unviability of a course, or due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the loss of a key member of staff or where a location or building becomes unavailable for use.
Places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements so we cannot therefore guarantee you a place.
Changes to programmes and courses may be made after you’ve accepted your offer of a place – normally due to developments in the discipline or as a consequence of student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are made to improve the learning experience.
For full details about the availability or content of courses and programmes, please take a look at the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department.
Some major changes to programmes/courses are posted on our updated graduate course and programme information page.
Why study with us
Discover more about our students and department.
Meet the department
Our mission
Welcome to the Department of Management. Our mission is to inspire superior management practices by fostering a comprehensive understanding of individuals, teams, organisations, and markets, along with the psychological, social, political, and technological contexts that influence them.
By studying with us, you'll gain access to a world-leading centre for education and research, uniquely positioned within a world-class social science institution at the heart of a truly global city.
The environment
Join a vibrant intellectual community comprising of world-renowned faculty, astute students, dedicated and responsive professional services staff, and high achieving alumni. Through pioneering research and high-level teaching, you'll receive comprehensive, intensive, and rigorous methodological training to help you become an expert in your specialist fields.
The rich and culturally diverse learning environment at LSE’s Department of Management, won't only enrich your experience through developing a broad perspective and understanding, but also unlock an invaluable network of global peers.
Create a better world
We go beyond the boundaries of a traditional business school by integrating diverse disciplines such as economics, marketing, data, and analytics. Our comprehensive approach ensures that students gain a profound and multifaceted understanding of the business world, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in a dynamic global environment.
Join us in our vision to create a better world, where a profound understanding of management drives positive change in both business and society.
Discover more about our programmes and research.
Who's who
Why LSE
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK in 2025 and 2026
Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 2025 and 20261st in London for the 14th year running
The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 20265th in the world for the study of social sciences and management
QS World University Rankings by Subject 20266th in the world for leading the way in social and environmental sustainability
QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026Your application
Overview
Your application will be considered on its academic merits. An offer of a place may be conditional on attending additional courses and/or passing qualifying examinations at a suitable standard, in addition to your degree. There are always many more applications than places available at LSE and possession of the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee that you will be offered admission. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.
We carefully consider each application and examine all the information included on your application form, such as your:
- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose
- two academic references
- CV
- GRE/GMAT.
See further information on supporting documents and check if you're exempt from taking the GRE/GMAT.
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.
Speak to an admissions specialist
If you have any queries which are not answered on the website or would like to chat with an admissions specialist, we run one-to-one Zoom chats on a weekly basis for prospective students and offer holders:
Contact us
For questions related to your application or the admissions process, check our admissions frequently asked questions page.
If you have any queries which aren't answered on the website, contact the Department of Management Programme and Admissions team at dom.msc.admissions@lse.ac.uk. Please note that we're only able to assist with enquiries relating to the Department of Management.
Who attends
The LSE Department of Management attracts outstanding students from a diverse range of international backgrounds each year, and the MSc Marketing programme is designed to bring a variety of global perspectives to the classroom.
We expect to welcome students from a broad mix of academic backgrounds, including those with previous marketing experience, as well as those wishing to make a career transition from another field.
The programme is designed for graduates with a little work experience, as well as those who have yet to begin their career, to give a solid foundation to launch or accelerate a career in marketing.
Read more about the LSE student experience on our student blog, The Student Lens.
When to apply
Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.
There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.
Fees and funding
The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.
You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.
Home
Home student fee (2026/27)
For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.
Deposit
To secure a place on the programme offer holders will be required to pay a deposit of 10% of the tuition fee within six weeks of receiving their offer.
Overseas
Overseas student fee (2026/27)
For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.
Deposit
To secure a place on the programme offer holders will be required to pay a deposit of 10% of the tuition fee within six weeks of receiving their offer.
At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status using The Higher education (Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2017.
Fee reduction
Students who have completed and passed an undergraduate degree at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a 10 per cent tuition fee reduction.
Students who have completed and passed two or more Summer School courses are eligible for a five per cent reduction.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for both discounts, the higher 10 per cent discount rate will apply.
Find out more about the LSE alumni discount.
Scholarships and other funding
We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your hometown, city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.
We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme. Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong. To apply for an award, you must have an offer of a place and submit a Graduate Financial Support application before the funding deadline.
The funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 23 April 2026.
In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects.
You can’t apply for a Graduate Support Scheme or LSE scholarship once you’ve joined the School.
Please note: we do expect students who register for a programme to have sufficient funds for the duration.
Government tuition fee loans and external funding
The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.
Find out more about tuition fee loans.
Further information
Learn more about fees and funding opportunities.
Learning and assessment
How you learn
The curriculum is designed to challenge your view of the world, and of marketing as a discipline. You'll be asked to read the latest research to understand the underlying reasons why consumers and markets across the globe today exist as they do, and the practical implications for your future career as a marketing manager. You'll critically assess trends, conflicts and patterns in business, consumer behaviour and markets, and form your own opinions to defend and debate with your classmates in seminars. You'll learn how to develop and communicate well-reasoned arguments, and to tackle complex decisions and problems in marketing in the context of the real socioeconomic and geo-political architecture in which businesses operate across the globe.
Courses are taught in lecture and class or seminar format. Lectures introduce the core theoretical and technical concepts whilst their associated classes allow students to discuss and apply these concepts through exercises and in-depth study. Seminars allow for the focused study of key concepts in a more informal style and often involve presentations by students on selected course materials. Many teachers adopt a variety of teaching methods to deliver their courses such as class exercises, team presentations, individual or group work, or case study discussions.
Given the high level of academic performance expected from students, a significant amount of independent study and preparation is required to get the most out of the programme.
You'll also be assigned an academic adviser who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.
LSE’s Department of Management is committed to supporting our students throughout their journey with us. This includes:
Academic mentor: You may meet with your mentor to discuss your studies at any point.
Faculty office hours: advice and guidance on academic issues are available when you meet with our teaching staff during their office hours.
Programmes team: our dedicated team can offer advice and guidance on your programme, signpost you to school support, and help you navigate the challenging year.
Other academic support: at LSE, we offer lots of opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom.
The Learning Lab is the place to discover and develop the skills you’ll need to reach your academic goals at LSE.
Through the Learning Lab, you can:
- attend practical workshops and one-to-one sessions on essay writing, conducting research, and on managing your reading lists, workloads, and deadlines
- develop your academic writing, reading, and critical-thinking skills to meet degree-level expectations
- work in study groups to strengthen collaboration, cross-cultural communication, and teamwork skills in a supportive environment.
Disability and Mental Health Service: we want all LSE students to achieve their full potential. Students can access free, confidential advice through our Disability and Mental Health Service. This is the first point of contact for students.
How you're assessed
Half-unit courses can be assessed by two hour unseen examinations, coursework assignments, class participation or group/individual project work.
You can view indicative details of hours and assessment for all courses listed in the online Programme Regulations.
Graduate destinations
Overview
Career development
Whether you're looking for a way to take the next step in your existing marketing career, wishing to change your career path and move into marketing management from another field, or working toward launching your own entrepreneurial venture, this programme will provide the intellectual and practical skills to enable you to drive your career forward.
You'll graduate as a well-rounded marketing professional, with a rigorous scientific approach to data analysis, coupled with a nuanced and insightful understanding of customers, giving you the ability to drive strategic marketing success. Alongside this you'll build your professional talents with core courses that develop your team working and communication skills, and consolidate your fundamental understanding of the marketing industry.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates are often in high demand by employers. Marketing graduates have taken roles across a wide variety of sectors, in companies across the globe.
The top 5 sectors graduates have gone onto work include:
- FMCG, manufacturing and retail
- advertising, marketing, PR, media, entertainment, publishing and journalism
- information, digital technology and data
- financial and professional services
- transport, logistics, procurement, storage and courier activities.
Examples of organisations that graduates work in include:
- Deloitte
- Phillips
- Tencent
- Coca-Cola
- Danone.
We’re also proud of what the impact of studying on the MSc Marketing brings to our graduates’ careers, with the median salary 15 months after graduating* being £31,000.
* Data collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and supplied to LSE as part of the 2018/19 - 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Surveys.
Career support
Our Careers Alumni and Employer Relations (CAER) team support you in preparation for whichever path you choose to follow beyond LSE.
We work alongside you each step of the way; from researching different sectors and opportunities available, to identifying internships for your optional work placement pathway, jobs or further study, and then navigating the application and interview process.
You can take advantage of one-to-one careers appointments (that continue when you're a graduate), complemented by a wide range of events and engagements throughout the duration of your programme, including:
- industry-focused alumni panels
- alumni and employer networking evenings
- employer skills seminars
- business projects
- office visits
- mock assessment centres/interviews
- careers skills boot camps.
All Department of Management students have access to the services of our team in addition to the support of the central LSE Careers team, who support the wider university.
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