Plymouth Business School

MSc Digital and Social Media Marketing

Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available

Location Plymouth

With companies spending more of their budgets than ever before on digital marketing, and brands like Google, Amazon and Facebook continuing to grow their user base, digital and social-media marketing is changing the rules of competition, giving customers ways to directly influence modern businesses. With this MSc you’ll learn how to succeed in this new reality of marketing, actively participating in the planning, development and deployment of real digital and social media marketing campaigns.

Digital and Social Media Marketing

Careers with this subject

Graduates enter a workplace in which digital marketing graduates are highly sought after. Opportunities exist within multinationals (for example Google, Amazon and Facebook), small businesses, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations/charities.

Careers service

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated careers service supporting you from the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation.
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements, networks - working with the academic staff teaching on your course. We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features

  • This programme is designed to keep you at the forefront of modern marketing practices. It equips you with an advanced knowledge of digital marketing strategy and planning to build core competence and deep specialisation
  • Build the skills to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application in business situations with hands-on experience through practical workshops and real-world projects working alongside industry professionals on genuine digital marketing campaigns.
  • Work with real projects, real firms, real challenges, real skills and competencies and build your skills ready to succeed in this increasingly competitive sector.
  • The programme comprises an intensive series of stimulating lectures, energetic seminars and small group work which can take you anywhere in the world.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Assessment against learning outcomes is conducted predominantly through completion of coursework. You are introduced to and explore a diverse range of topics and perspectives that examine business and society’s relationship with digital marketing. In addition, you develop personal skills that are vital for individuals seeking to work in this field.
    The design of our postgraduate programmes focuses on four taught modules and a capstone project. We believe that simplicity in programme design provides you with a better learning experience. The dynamic and challenging nature of contemporary business does not isolate concepts into small packages – and neither do our programmes. This approach links concepts together as they are in the real world, and enables you to focus in on what really matters. 

    Core modules

    • Marketing and Strategy (MKT7001)

      In this module, you will develop an understanding of the role of marketing and strategy in a range of contemporary organisations, examining the major themes within the marketing arena to enable you to evaluate and recommend appropriate actions to fulfil objectives. The module introduces key concepts and frameworks of strategy which will develop your ability to apply appropriate analytical techniques used in strategic decision-making. You will explore the relationships between marketing and strategy and other business functions, using case studies to provide an integrative perspective on aspects of marketing and strategy within organisations.

    • Digital Marketing (MKT7002)

      You will examine the constantly changing nature of digital marketing, looking at the origins of the discipline in the context of early e-commerce and moving into the current day. Focusing on the leading edge of technology and practice, you will explore how digital marketing impacts on a whole range of other disciplines, such as “traditional” marketing, management, international business and business strategy.

    • Digital Analytics and Marketing Research (MKT7003)

      In this module you will learn how to deploy and evaluate data analytics and develop expertise to be able to engage in effective market research.

    • Social Media Theory and Practice (MKT7004)

      This module exposes students to key concepts and theories relating to online communities and social networking. The module will provide the academic and conceptual basis for the development of effective social media engagement strategies such as, social media user behaviour, online community and personalisation.

    • Capstone Project (PBS7000)

      In this capstone project, you will synthesise and apply learning from the taught element of the programme to a project of your choosing. There is scope for you to undertake a broad range of project types, including consultancy, business analysis, business development or academic study.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Digital and Social Media Marketing Programme Specification Sep23 5346

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements

A good honours degree, first or second class, or equivalent, in any discipline.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. 
If English is not your mother tongue 6.5 IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 in any element in a secure English language test. English language requirements. 
The University of Plymouth offers pre-sessional English language courses if you do not have this.
We welcome students from a broad range of disciplines who are keen to place their undergraduate discipline knowledge into the context of digital and social media marketing.

Fees, costs and funding

Student 2023-2024 2024-2025
Home £11,000 £11,600
International £17,500 £18,400
Part time (Home) £610 £640
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.

How to apply

When to apply
Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.
Before you apply
Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance. 
Disability Inclusion Services
If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides.
International students
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Submitting an application
Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page). 
What happens after I apply?
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeksof us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail. 
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 
Admissions policy
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Institute of Data and Marketing (IDM). Students who pass the Digital Marketing module will be exempt from two parts of the IDM’s Certificate in Digital Marketing. To fully qualify for the honorific Cert DigM, students must sit an additional external IDM exam which can be taken at the University of Plymouth.
IDM - Institute of Data and Marketing - logo new

Meet our experts

  • Lecturer in Marketing
    Programme Leader, highly experienced in research and sustainability marketing
  • Lecturer in Marketing
    Taught extensively across marketing, management and strategy disciplines
  • Lecturer in Marketing (Education)
    Extensive industry experience with connections to local businesses
  • Lecturer in Marketing (Education)
    Expert in charity fundraising
  • Lecturer in Marketing (Education)
    Teaching interests include online consumer behaviour and corporate culture
  • Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer)
    Research interest include brand building, retro-branding and agri-food marketing

Plymouth Business School

Fitzroy Building

The University of Plymouth is creating an exciting new space for the Plymouth Business School in which current and future students can foster the knowledge and enthusiasm that they will need to achieve their ambitions. Work is underway at the heart of our city centre campus. 
Watch our video visualising what the new building will look like.