Brand Management MA

Postgraduate

In modern business, a powerful and well-managed brand is key to standing out in a crowded marketplace, with many of the world’s most successful companies also boasting successful brands.

Year of entry

2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
16-24 months (with professional experience)

Course code

FBLT064

Start date

September 2024

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

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Course overview

Upon successful completion, this contemporary course will help to put you on the radar of potential employers, looking for professionals with the skills to lead their brand marketing strategies.

The opportunity to take part in a simulated public relations exercise, exploring how to leverage the media to increase the strength of a brand.
Develop your understanding of the role that analytics has in the evaluation of the importance and relevance of the brand to the organisation and of brand valuation.
Allow you to make brand-related decisions and recommendations through the appraisal of brand position within the marketplace.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 UK Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2024

Why you should study this course

Opportunities to participate in industry field trips², to advertising agencies, exhibitions and events (subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional fees may apply).
Opportunities to hear from guest speakers (subject to availability) from industry speaking about various marketing challenges, for example, Big Data, social media and online customer engagement.
Option to apply for professional experience opportunities², which could see you gain experience of employment in the sector. See modules for more information.
Chance to study a module dedicated to luxury branding, a growing area of importance within branding with far-reaching, global implications, and one focused on crisis management and PR, crucial areas in maintaining a successful brand.
The chance to access our digital communications lab – the DigiComms Lab⁴ – equipped with industry-standard software, including Adobe Comp, Adobe Slate, Adobe Voice, Behance, WordPress and social media platforms.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited¹ and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

This course is accredited¹ by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) for the 2024/25 intake as well as being part of the CIM Accredited Degree scheme.

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute for the 2024-25 intake. Upon successful completion of this module (achieving a pass grade), you will be eligible for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.

Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through its quality systems.

Memberships

European Foundation for Management Development

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 90 countries. Coventry Business School is recognised by the above memberships for the 2024/25 intake. There is currently no intention for this membership to lapse however if it was not to be renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Chartered Association of Business Schools

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers and supports its members in maintaining high standards of teaching and research. There is currently no intention for this membership to lapse however if it was not to be renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

What you'll study

Modules

International Brand Management - 15 credits

Building a successful brand is both an art and a science. In today’s world, brands represent invaluable intangible assets and their creation and nurturing brings considerable challenges for brand managers. This module provides you with a comprehensive and up-to-date perspective on brands, brand equity and strategic brand management and approaches to managing a brand over different geographical areas.

The module combines current thinking and developments surrounding global brand management with illustrative examples for you to draw from and particularly focuses on branding in an international context.

Compulsory

Luxury Branding - 15 credits

This module aims to provide you with a critical examination of the key challenges and opportunities for luxury branding. It is crucial to understand the motivations for the purchase of luxury products and to critically examine customer perceptions of luxury quality. The module explores the diversity of meanings of luxury across different markets and includes a review of current practice, as well as the digital evolution of luxury brands. The module appraises the nature of conspicuous consumption, the creation of symbolic meaning and their implications on price management in luxury branding.

Compulsory

Brand Analytics - 15 credits

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the importance and relevance of the value of a brand to the organisation. It presents you with theoretical and practitioner-driven methods of brand valuation in order to appreciate the utility, strengths and limitations of the different approaches available.

The module considers tangible and intangible assets, as well as financial and non-financial indicators that contribute to the assessment of brand value. The module aims to allow you to make brand-related decisions and recommendations through the appraisal of brand position within the marketplace.

Compulsory

Contemporary Issues in Research - 15 credits

This module aims to introduce you to the key concepts involved in contemporary research related to your course subject area. You will also be given critical insight into relevant contemporary trends and research priorities. The module will enable you to develop your understanding of key current research techniques and methodologies. You will be provided with the opportunity to critically explore innovative research methodologies, while seeing such approaches in practice through practical examples of contemporary research in their subject area.

Compulsory

Marketing Strategy Planning and Control - 15 credits

This module is key to developing operational marketing skills for future application in the workplace. The module aims to develop a strategic focus for marketing management by applying operational principles and practices to the framework of the marketing planning process in building organisational strategy. It also focuses on the implementation, control and evaluation of the marketing planning framework.

Compulsory

Consumer Behaviour - 15 credits

A critical understanding of consumer behaviour underpins all marketing activities, service provision, digital platforms and policy formulation. This module aims to show the importance of globalisation in understanding consumer behaviour with an aim to provide you with a detailed insight into the psychology of global consumers and their motivations, thoughts, feelings, reasoning, information processing, decision making behaviours and how they interact with technology to reallocate social and cultural capital to achieve well-being in contemporary society.

Compulsory

Marketing Communications - 15 credits

This module is key to providing you with a critical understanding of the theory, knowledge and skills required to plan for and make marketing communications decisions. You’ll have the opportunity to use interactive learning, to develop the analytical and decision-making skills required by marketing communications practitioners in the workplace.

Compulsory

Crisis Management and Public Relations - 15 credits

The purpose of this module is for you to examine the challenges of managing corporate communications, crisis management, and public relations. This module explores key themes around corporate reputation and corporate communications using crisis management techniques and public relations as the main communications tools to help address and minimise gaps and to avoid potentially serious issues impacting on the organisation’s reputation.

Compulsory

Leading Strategic Change through Creativity and Innovation - 10 credits

This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to manage change using creativity and innovation whatever the master’s degree of specialisation you elect to follow, in different types of organisational scenarios. You will critically assess strategies for change and change management, and explore the leadership skills required to lead such successfully.

Compulsory

Project - 50 credits

You are required to carry out a substantive piece of individual research into a business management issue, supported by a series of workshops on research methods. You’ll be expected to draw upon the knowledge acquired, and the variety of skills developed during the course. You will be given the opportunity to either research a theoretical research question of your choice or to address a real question from a host organisation.

Compulsory

With professional experience option

The professional experience opportunity² enables you the opportunity to apply for optional professional experience in semester 1, which, upon successfully securing an opportunity, will extend the duration of your master’s to either 16, 20 or 24 months. The professional experience provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability.

Please note that the optional professional experience modules incur an additional tuition fee, for which 1 semester of professional experience is £1,333.33, for 2 semesters of professional experience is £2666.67, and for 3 semesters of professional experience is £4,000.

Professional experience may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Professional experience opportunities are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of our Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the professional experience option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The course is structured to provide a mix of classroom and lab-based activities and can be delivered through a combination of face-to-face teaching and online classes and tutorials:

Lectures
Associated seminars
Practical workshop classes
Personal tutorials
Opportunity to work in our DigiComm lab⁴ – equipped with industry-standard marketing software allowing you the chance to undertake tasks in an environment that closely replicates a contemporary marketing agency
Guest speakers (subject to availability)
National and international field trips² (subject to competitive application, availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional fees may apply)

This course can be offered on a full-time or part-time basis. While we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.

Teaching contact hours

In your first and second semester, you will have around 12 contact hours of teaching a week. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials. In addition to the contact hours, we offer the opportunity to attend additional optional sessions, such as guest lectures (subject to availability), or to meet with staff during their advice and feedback hours.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 12 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

A strong emphasis is placed on the postgraduate dissertation/consultancy project in your final semester and therefore total teaching contact hours may be reduced in the final semester.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

Providing a real client with a marketing communications plan and campaign
Preparing a brand manual
A developmental conference research paper
A crisis management manual
E-portfolio on luxury branding
Data dashboard with academic commentary

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

There are opportunities² to visit other countries and institutions, with previous cohorts on similar courses having visited countries such as Greece. While in Athens, past students on similar courses had the opportunity to visit the Perfetti van Melle headquarters (the organisation which own global brands like Mentos and Alpenliebe) and work on live case studies. In addition, past students on similar courses attended a seminar on negotiations at Athens University of Economics and Business.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Accepted applicants will normally hold an honours undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2) in a relevant academic discipline, such as a marketing or a business management degree.

Applicants with a degree in another discipline may be admitted after consideration on a case-by-case basis. Applications from candidates with relevant experience are encouraged and will be considered on an individual basis.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our International Pre-Master's - Business will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

Accepted applicants will normally hold an honours undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2) in a relevant academic discipline, such as a marketing or a business management degree.

Accreditation for prior learning (APL) is in accordance with university regulations.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200 \| £15,200 (with prof. experience)	Request fee information
EU	£11,200 \| £15,200 (with prof. experience) per year with EU Support Bursary £20,050 \| £24,050 (with prof. experience) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£20,050 \| £24,050 (with prof. experience)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

As part of the Coventry Business School, this course will take place primarily in the Faculty of Business and Law building and with that you have access to a number of innovative learning spaces⁴.

DigiComm Lab

Designed to build creative minds, the DigiComm Lab is equipped with the latest industry-standard marketing and advertising software and devices to support your creative development.

Business Simulation Suite

Coventry Business School's Business Simulation Suite utilises the latest business simulation software to give you the opportunity to improve your business skills.

Talent Team

Our dedicated Talent Team can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate-level jobs and offer skills development workshops. They also organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts².

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you will be able to:

Apply the latest paradigms used to develop marketing planning, crisis management and public relations to solve issues using a range of techniques at the forefront of contemporary brand management practice in a multi-domestic context.
Critically analyse and evaluate consumer behaviour, researching the brand and the theoretical underpinning of luxury branding, encompassing the narrative of ethical, sustainable, regulatory and societal considerations.
Make informed decisions on branding research, marketing management and marketing communications management.
Identify synergies within multifaceted contemporary brand research as well as brand analytics and make sound judgements at the forefront of branding thought, both domestically and globally.
Construct, recommend and execute an international brand management, crisis management or marketing communications project to meet the corporate objectives of an organisation.
Undertake independent research either in an academic or work context to solve complex problems, reaching informed decisions and critically review them.

Through our Talent Team, you will have the support of dedicated employability support staff, who are industry trained, and are able to tap into their extensive network of employers with a wide range of internship possibilities. The Talent Team’s staff based in Coventry Business School can also support you with workshops and guidance on the various aspects of the employment process such as preparing your CV, interview practice and mock assessment centres. Please note that internship opportunities may be subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply².

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The central Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your future career.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates on our similar marketing courses have secured positions in marketing areas, such as brand management, creative advertising development, social media campaign management and website analysis, working with leading organisations worldwide, such as Airbus, BMW, Millward Brown, Silverstone, McCann’s, Zurich and many others.

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

Part-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2023/2024 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2024/25 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.