Strategic Digital Marketing MSc

There are two options to choose from for this course. You can either apply to study:

• MSc Strategic Digital Marketing
• MSc Strategic Digital Marketing (with Professional Experience)

In both options, you will examine the challenges faced by digital marketers in today’s dynamic and competitive business environment and how such challenges can be overcome. You will consider and debate aspects of ethical considerations which impact digital footprints and the evolution of AI. These also include ethical issues that influence digital communications, how these issues affect organisations and how they can be optimised to be more effective.

You will engage with the latest research in digital marketing to develop your critical thinking skills. You will build and apply knowledge of the latest thinking in digital marketing to lead organisations’ success. A prominent focus of the course is practically applying your knowledge of digital tools to business problem identification and solving. Overall, we want you to identify good management practice and apply this contextually to a rapidly evolving and ever challenging business environment.

If you choose the option with professional experience, you will engage in experiential activity for one academic year. This could be a work placement, where you’ll address the demands of digital marketing profession in a workplace, which will give you a competitive edge in your career. Another alternative is the Venture Lab, where you’ll develop entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to advance a new commercial opportunity. York St John University will provide guidance and support throughout the year of professional experience.

Today’s business landscape is almost unimaginable without digital marketing. Most organisations have websites and interact with audiences through social media or through search engines. Digital marketers help organisations strive by taking successful actions in supporting and creating these digital channels and contribute greatly to an organisations’ strategic success.

How you will study

You can study this postgraduate course full time or part time. You will study 5 modules over the course.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

A key part of the course is that by bringing together relevant academic theory and practical experience, you can enhance your understanding of these elements and develop yourself as an individual and as a leader.

All modules are delivered utilising a range of teaching, learning and assessment strategies including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and global café style learning activities. Each module has a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you and other Master’s level students will be encouraged to be involved with online debate and collaborative approaches to learning.

Assessment

All modules are assessed through a programme of work undertaken whilst studying for the award. A range of assessment tools are used including presentations, critical essays and reports, portfolios and reflective journals and case study work. Each module tutor will provide opportunities for formative assessment feedback to inform your work prior to submission.

You will receive detailed feedback on assessment to help you develop and continuously improve your performance whilst on the programme. Advice will be provided in relation to development, further areas for research and guidance on how to enhance your subject knowledge.

Study support is also available to enhance employability and career development.

Qualifications

The minimum entry requirements for this course are:

• 2:2 in an undergraduate degree from an approved listed institution
• Current or recent work experience

If your degree is in an unrelated subject, but you can provide evidence of relevant professional experience, your application may still be considered.

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

International students on a Tier 4 visa will have a valid CAS for the course duration of two years, subject to your meeting the UKVI’s standard requirements.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission.

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2025 - 2026 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £8,600 for full time study

If you choose to study this course with a Year in Industry, the tuition fee for full time study would be £9,890.

These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

International 2025 - 2026 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this postgraduate course is £11,800 for full time study.

If you choose to study this course with a Year in Industry, the tuition fee for full time international students would be £15,500.

These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Strategic Digital Marketing take you?

This postgraduate course could prepare you for a marketing career in any sector or industry. The leadership skills you will develop will put you in a good position to move into roles in digital marketing.

This will give you an advantage in careers such as:

• Marketing
• Advertising
• Market research
• Media buying
• Social media management
• Public relations

The course could also lead you to undertake further postgraduate study through an MPhil or PhD.

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £8,000 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2019)

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.