Is it really worth doing a Digital Marketing Masters? The MSc in Digital Marketing?

A Masters (MSc) in Digital Marketing marks out a tiny fraction of the world’s marketing practitioners.

The program is a challenging and rewarding experience that can help people in corporate and consulting roles elevate their value to their organisations and clients while returning significant personal benefits.

Studying for a Masters in Marketing / Digital Marketing may be expensive and intense, but there are many benefits.

In this new post, we explore some of the frequently asked questions around committing to studying for a MSc in Digital Marketing.

Studying for a masters level digital marketing qualification is an exciting prospect and there are a number of reasons students choose to study.

The following are some of the most common reasons for pursuing a MSc in Digital Marketing:

• Making yourself more employable
• Meeting the evolving requirements of a current role
• Opening up access to more senior roles
• Developing a specialist interest and deeper understanding
• Entering a particular profession or sector
• Progressing to further qualifications (such as a PhD).

A MSc in Digital Marketing can also help mid-career professionals work for themselves, support the attainment of Chartered Marketer status and provide a new peer group of useful industry contacts and connections.

However, Masters level study, as you may know having arrived at this post with some knowledge, is intense and often comes with a significant price tag because of the depth of material.

Any reputable provider will run an application process and you’ll definitely need relevant work experience at a reasonable level in order to understand and apply the learning.

Masters qualifications in the UK are generally highly regarded by employers and this translates well around the world too.

Postgraduates were also more likely to be in high-skilled employment (professional or managerial roles). (Source – GOV.UK – Graduate labour market statistics: 2020)

For some roles in some sectors, potentially senior, strategic team-management roles in large corporates, a Masters in a marketing discipline is essential, while for many others it is highly beneficial.

As the world goes digital, having an MSc in Digital Marketing could give you a crucial competitive edge in a very crowded job market. It supports the modern thinking of the T-shaped Marketer and helps employers distinguish between candidates.

If you’re already working in your preferred industry, an MSc in Digital Marketing could lead to rapid career progression, especially if you take charge of specific digital transformation projects and succeed. Adding value to your organisation with a live project as part of the study might mean your employer supports your study financially.

You will only benefit fully from a MSc in Digital Marketing if it’s complemented by relevant work experience. And that’s the reason most application processes insist on this and the ability to identify a project for the assessment part of the qualification.

Obtaining any type of Masters qualification can be expensive, at times time-consuming and when approaching key deadlines, emotionally draining. Therefore you need to be clear on your reasons for studying carefully. Depending on the learning provider, a digital marketing master course may cost anything between £8K and £20K.

In comparison to first undergraduate degrees and follow on PhD and MBA options, Masters qualifications offer real value.

Postgraduates earn 10% per annum or more compared to undergraduate counterparts. (Source – GOV.UK – Graduate labour market statistics: 2020)

Some applicants may incorrectly assume that a MSc in Digital Marketing will automatically mean they earn more.

Yes, having a qualification shows you’ve attained more knowledge, learned new processes and considered their application, but it requires you to make the most of your studies in the real world.

You may want to consider the following points to ensure MSc in Digital Marketing study meets your expectations, and return on investments as quickly as possible:

• Show real-world and daily passion for your subject, role, industry
• Consider whether MSc in Digital Marketing study will boost your credentials in your existing role and industry
• Have a career plan and understand that an MSc offers the best way of achieving your career goals
• Apply for roles where there is an appreciation of an MSc and what it represents
• Identify people who have already travelled your path.

Your goals need to be crystal clear, especially if you find yourself self funding your study.

You’ll usually need a 2:1 at Bachelors (undergraduate) level, or an equivalent qualification, to be accepted onto a MSc in Digital Marketing course of study.

However, applicants with a 2:2, a third, or no undergraduate degree at all may be considered provided they have appropriate in-role professional experience.

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need to prove proficiency with a recognised language test so you can make best use of the materials and not struggle, such as:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
• Cambridge English Language Assessment.

Most providers will have listed contacts and a specific application process.