Entry requirements for MSc Marketing

• undergraduate degree at 2.1 level or above, or international equivalent. See international entry requirements Applicants from any academic background are welcomed. Prior formal study of quantitative subjects is not 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. 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. More about GMAT/GRE. 
• English language requirements

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. You should note that 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. It is therefore in your interests to apply as early as possible.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose
- two references
- GMAT/GRE
 - CV

See further information on supporting documents

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 1:1 Zoom chats on a weekly basis for prospective students and offer holders:

Book 1:1 session (prospective students)

Book 1:1 session (offer holders)

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however, we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Please note that to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below on this page for more details. 

Apply now >

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The 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 does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MSc Marketing

Home students: £35,472
Overseas students: £36,168

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

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. Detailed guidance, including details around exceptions, will be made available from December 2023.

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. 

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 25 April 2024.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. Find out more about financial support.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, 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

Fees and funding opportunities

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students. 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Curriculum overview

We are ranked #5 in the world for social science and management, and the MSc Marketing programme is founded in LSE’s tradition for academic excellence.

The curriculum is designed around four compulsory core courses providing an in-depth training in two areas: managing big data and analytics, and understanding 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.

You can also customise your programme according to your own interests and career goals with a choice of optional elective courses from leading academic departments across LSE.

You will complete the programme with a Marketing Action Learning Project, which will enable you to develop your practical marketing skills, bring together knowledge from courses throughout the programme and deepen your knowledge in a specific area of interest.

Introductory course (non-assessed)

Students are required to attend an introductory course in early September 2024, before the beginning of the programme.

This is designed to give an essential context to the specialist marketing knowledge which you will develop throughout the programme, in order to build your understanding of the strategic role marketing management plays in driving business.

Compulsory core courses (2.0 units)

(* denotes a half unit)

Principles of Marketing*
Exploring the key analytical frameworks, technical tools and concepts essential to building an effective marketing strategy, and developing students' skills in analysing and making sense of complex real-world business situations.

Marketing Analytics I: Consumer Analysis Fundamentals*
An absolute essential in the age of Big Data, this course provides a fundamental understanding of marketing analytics and research methods, and the interpretation and use of data insights.

Consumer Insights: Behavioural Fundamentals*
Developing an understanding of human psychology and consumer behaviour to bring insights to fundamental questions, including why consumers want what they want, what information they will respond to and what they will ignore, and how and why they make decisions.

Marketing Action Learning Project*
A team project analysing and solving a real-world marketing issue within an organisation, bringing together learning across all courses in the programme. Students will develop team-working skills and consulting experience, working to produce a marketing report with in-depth insights to provide a basis to recommendations for effective solutions to a complex real-world issue.  

Optional elective courses (2.0 units)

In addition to the core courses above, you will tailor your programme according to your own interests and career goals with optional elective courses.

You will have the opportunity to select from a choice of specialist marketing elective courses below, 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.

Specialist marketing electives:

Consumer Neuroscience*
This course covers the insights gained from this new field often referred to as Consumer Neuroscience or Neuroeconomics, which sits at the intersections of consumer behaviour, psychology, behavioural economics, and neuroscience.

Providing an essential understanding of the fundamental principles of pricing strategy, pricing tactics and implementation, using analytical tools, theories and frameworks to formulate successful strategies in pricing.

Brand Strategy*
Managing  Products & Brands is a rigorous examination of the theory and corporate practices relevant to product and brand management.

Other elective options:

Algorithmic Techniques for Data Mining*

The Audience in Media and Communications*

Contemporary Issues in Media and Communications Policy*

Pricing Strategy*

Decisions, Biases and Nudges*

Strategic Decision Making*

Incentives and Governance and Organisations*

Organisational Behaviour*

Leadership in Organisations: Theory and Practice*

Marketing Analytics II: Analytics for Managing Innovations, Products and Brands*

Brand Strategy*

Firms & Markets in Emerging Economies

Research Methods for Evaluation in Health, Development and Public Policy*

Qualitative Research Methods*

Doing Ethnography*

Multivariate Analysis and Measurement*

Survey Methodology*

Multivariate Methods*

Generalised Linear Modelling and Survival Analysis*

Time Series*

To find the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page. 

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises. 

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page. 

The LSE learning experience

The curriculum is designed to challenge your view of the world, and of marketing as a discipline. You will 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 will 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 will 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.

Teaching and assessment

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.

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.

You will also be assigned an academic adviser who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.

Academic support

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Programme Director

Dr Heather Kappes
Assistant Professor of Marketing

Teaching team

Dr Hye-Young Kim
Assistant Professor

Dr Xiaolin Li
Assistant Professor

Dr Nikki Sullivan
Assistant Professor

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme and arranging exam adjustments. They run groups and workshops. 

IT help – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.  

LSE Faith Centre – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­– with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library – founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding. 

PhD Academy – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice – this offers discounted private dental services to LSE students. 

St Philips Medical Centre – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers – we have a Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy) and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget. 

Student profiles

Allison, USA

WATCH VIDEO >

Kaden, Hong Kong

WATCH VIDEO >

Class profile

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 >

Career development with the MSc Marketing

WATCH VIDEO >

Whether you are 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 will graduate as a well-rounded marketing manager, 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 will build your professional talents with core courses developing your team working and communication skills, and consolidating your fundamental understanding of the marketing industry.

LSE Careers

LSE Careers will provide tailored individual support with your professional development and job search throughout the programme. They offer one-to-one Career Consultant sessions, access to employers with career fairs, seminars and workshops, a vast database of employment opportunities via the LSE Career Hub, and help with job hunting, CVs/resumes and interviews.

Graduate destinations

Graduates from the LSE Department of Management have gone on to successful careers in a range of industries and leading organisations worldwide.

Here are some examples of the companies and organisations which our alumni now work for:

• Accenture
• Air France
• Amazon
• Barclays
• BBC
• Boston Consulting Group
• Bank of China
• Bloomberg
• Chevron
• Christian Dior
• Coca Cola
• Deliveroo
• Deloitte
• Google
• HSBC
• Jaguar Landrover
• KPMG
• Nestle
• PwC
• Unilever
• UBS

Programme and admissions enquiries

With questions related to your application or the admissions process, please check our admissions frequently asked questions page.

If you have any queries which are not answered on the website, please contact the Programme and Admissions Team:

Email: dom.msc.admissions@lse.ac.uk

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus. Experience LSE from home. 

Visit LSE

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour. Find out about opportunities to visit LSE. 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders. Find details on LSE's upcoming visits.