Top 10 Universities for Master's in Marketing Degrees

The QS Business Master’s Rankings: Marketing 2024 includes 131 of the world’s best institutions for master’s degrees in marketing. 

The marketing rankings are based on a methodology which assesses each institution’s employability, alumni outcomes, value for money, thought leadership and diversity, with data collected from a global survey of employers and other sources.  

Read on to discover the 10 highest ranked institutions for marketing or click here to view the full table. 

Other top universities for master’s in marketing degrees 

While the top 10 universities mentioned above are prestigious choices, there are numerous institutions excelling in various areas that deserve consideration. Renowned names like Texas (McCombs) in the United States and SKEMA Business School in France, the University of Edinburgh Business School from the UK sits a little after the top 10 institutions.  

For those seeking a budget-friendly alternative without compromising quality, Edinburgh Napier University's Business School is worth taking note of. The MSc International Marketing programme offered at this intuition is recognised for its considerably affordable fee, which presents it as a compelling choice for prospective students who are looking to study in a reputed institution in the UK but with a limited budget. 

10. EDHEC Business School

EDHEC Business School holds 10th position in the master's in marketing rankings, maintaining a consistent presence in the top 10 for the past four consecutive years. The university achieves a perfect score in the value for money indicator, with its second highest score for class and faculty diversity.  

The MSc in Marketing programme at EDHEC is a one-year full-time programme, which includes a four- to six-month internship. It also offers two concentrations: entertainment & services (with EDHEC’s learning partner Ubisoft) or luxury & fashion. 

9. Warwick Business School

Climbing its way back into the top 10, after being ranked 11th last year, is Warwick Business School. Originally established in 1967 as the School of Industrial and Business Studies, the school has educated alumni who now hold management positions in corporate, government, and academic institutions around the world.  

WBS scores the highest in the ranking for the thought leadership indicator, with a near perfect score of 97.6. Its second-highest score is achieved for class and faculty diversity, a testament to the school’s rich and inclusive academic environment. 

8. ESADE Business School

ESADE Business School, based in Barcelona, is ranked seventh in the world this year. The MSc in Marketing Management at ESADE has consistently been among the top 10 marketing programmes, attaining its highest score this year for employability.. 

ESADE’s marketing programme has a diverse class profile, with students from around 30 different nationalities across five continents. Classes are small, with an average of 89 students, and the average age of students taking the programme is 23.

=6. emlyon Business School

Ranked joint sixth globally, emlyon Business School is positioned alongside Columbia University. With campuses in Lyon, Paris, Casablanca and Shanghai, emlyon Business School has a truly global outlook. Their M.S. Transformation Digitale et Marketing Stratégique is a 13-month programme, including a six-month internship.  

emlyon achieves its highest score in the value for money indicator, ranked fourth globally. This demonstrates the programme’s strong emphasis on enhancing graduates' employment prospects by teaching transferable skills. 

=6. Columbia University

In joint sixth place, and the only US-based institution in the top 10 for marketing, is Columbia University. The university achieves a near perfect score (99.9) for alumni outcomes and the second-highest score in the rankings for thought leadership. 

As an intensive, two-semester STEM eligible course with a primary focus on marketing analytics, Columbia’s MS in Marketing Science is tailored to fit marketing researchers with a desire to acquire the same level of competence, technical skills and expertise provided in the coursework component of a PhD programme. 

=4. Imperial College Business School

Imperial College Business School, located in the global business hub of London, is ranked joint fourth globally and holds the top position in the UK for its master’s degree in marketing. Its highest score is attained for employability, for which the university is ranked joint second in the world.  

The school’s innovative and practical MSc Strategic Marketing is designed to encourage and develop strategic thinking in future marketers and students also have the option of a work placement. An impressive 92 percent of graduates are employed within three months of graduating. 

=4. ESCP Business School

Sharing fourth place in the world with Imperial College Business School, is ESCP Business School’s MSc in Marketing & Creativity. The university achieves its highest score in the ranking for value for money, closely followed by employability and diversity. 

ESCP is the oldest business school in the world, established in 1819, and is a globally recognised prestigious business school, with a network of 120 partner universities. The programme aims to put students’ learning into action through a minimum of four months’ work experience within a variety of potential employers, including companies such as L’Oréal, Apple, and Amazon. 

3. IE Business School 

IE Business School, a newcomer to both the business master’s rankings and the top 10 list this year, is ranked third globally for its Master in Strategic Marketing and Communications. The university achieved its highest score for employability as well as scoring highly for diversity. 

For the final project of the master’s programme, students are required to work on a consulting project with a renowned company. Additionally, the programme offers a global immersion week, featuring in-company visits to major organisations such as Google, Ipsos, Amazon, Diageo, and the Financial Times. 

2. ESSEC Business School 

Ranked second both globally and in France, ESSEC Business School has achieved its highest score in alumni outcomes closely followed by the value for money indicator. This depicts the school's commitment to delivering excellent post-graduation results and return on investment. 

The programme places a strong emphasis on luxury product marketing, guiding students to explore brand management in the luxury business, and exploring how the market has evolved in the age of digitalisation. Beyond traditional classroom learning, the programme also provides a dynamic and holistic experience, highlighted by a one-week overseas study trip to prestigious companies. 

1. HEC Paris

In first place globally for marketing again this year, with perfect scores in employability and alumni outcomes, is HEC Paris. 

HEC Paris’ Master in Marketing programme provides aspiring marketers with the essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for a successful career in today’s professional world of marketing.  

Students are required to write a thesis in addition to completing a four-month period of work experience – which ensures graduates leave with a guaranteed level of confidence and professionalism in their field. 

FAQs 

What is a master's in marketing? 

A master's in marketing is a specialised graduate-level programme that delves into advanced concepts and strategies within the dynamic field of marketing. It is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for navigating the complexities of modern marketing practices.  

The curriculum often covers areas such as consumer behaviour, market research, digital marketing, branding and strategic management. The programme aims to cultivate a deep understanding of marketing principles, fostering critical thinking and analytical abilities.  

Graduates of a master's in marketing programme are well-positioned for leadership roles in marketing and related fields, armed with the expertise needed to make informed decisions and drive innovation in today's competitive business landscape. 

What can you do with a master’s in marketing degree? 

A master's in marketing offers diverse career paths, from traditional roles like marketing coordinator to innovative positions such as mobile marketing manager or transcultural anthropologist.  

Beyond the conventional marketing sectors, graduates can excel in banking, finance, and creative industries like fashion and graphic design. The field's rapid evolution introduces novel positions like creative technologists and community management executives.  

The degree's adaptability empowers professionals to navigate the dynamic landscape, contributing to the ever-expanding realm of marketing. Find out more about what you can do with a degree in marketing. 

Which country is the best to consider for a master’s in marketing? 

While it's challenging to single out one country as the best for pursuing a master’s degree in marketing, most of the top-ranking universities are concentrated in France, the United Kingdom, and the USA, making Europe the standout performer.  

Notably, 37 European universities secure positions within the global top 50, with half of the top 10 universities being from France, while the majority of the European universities in the ranking overall are in the UK.  

The USA is also well-represented with 32 universities, including standout performers like Columbia Business School.  

In Asia, universities from particularly Hong Kong, Thailand, and India, showcase strong global rankings. Ultimately, the choice of the best country depends on individual preferences, career goals, and the specific strengths of each programme.