Digital marketing has become a core part of businesses across industries. It’s now seen as a key channel to drive growth, boost brand awareness and enhance customer experience.
This has seen the demand for skilled digital marketing professionals surge. Our research with CMOs found that nearly half of senior marketers report their role has changed over the past two years while 53% are spending significantly more on digital marketing channels.
As a result, employers are looking for marketers with advanced knowledge and leadership skills to help their business succeed. While ambitious marketers are looking for ways to demonstrate their abilities and experience to climb up the career ladder.
This is where an online Digital Marketing Master’s program can be a game changer. An advanced qualification, it provides the key skills and knowledge that a senior marketer needs.
Plus as it’s delivered online, working professionals can upskill while still performing in their job and juggling personal commitments.
In this blog, we reveal the best online digital marketing Master’s so you can find one that suits your ambitions and lifestyle.
What are the top-rated online digital marketing courses?
There are a lot of things to consider when you’re looking to study for a Master’s degree as it’s a big commitment in terms of time and money.
But earning a Master’s can help you stand out from other applicants with similar experience and help you transition into a senior or leadership position.
Be aware that most of these institutions have payment options or discounts, so make sure to check out these options before you commit.
So, let’s look at some of the best online digital marketing courses in Europe and the U.S to help you decide on the best one for you.
1) University of Glasgow
Program content: This MSc has core courses in marketing, advertising and brand management along with more digitally focused elective courses in:
- UX design
- Digital marketing
- Retail marketing
- Social media marketing
- Services marketing
- Marketing ethics
- Consumption and technology.
You need to write a dissertation in year 3.
Accreditation: The online MSc Master’s in Marketing at University of Glasgow has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Duration: MSc in Marketing 30 months part‑time
Entry requirements: 2:2 degree from a recognized university or candidates with more than three years’ work experience will be considered.
Price: £15,000 for full program
2) Digital Marketing Institute
Program content: The Master’s in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute is informed by industry experts and covers key areas of digital marketing including:
- Professional & Digital Skills for Marketing Practitioners
- Social Media Marketing
- Search Marketing and Demand Generation
- Digital Marketing Analytics and Planning
- Digital Business Strategy and Management
- Brand Building in the Digital Age
- Data-Driven Decisions for Business
To complete the program (equal to 180 credits), you will need to submit a Business Project that demonstrates strong commercial/business acumen, professionalism, competency and credibility required in a senior management role.
When you enroll in this Master’s programme, you get free access to DMI Professional Membership Hub, featuring the world’s most extensive library of on-demand digital marketing resources.
Awarding body: BPP University – MSc in Digital Marketing
Accreditation: Approved and accredited by the Digital Marketing Institute for DMI Master professional certification
Duration: 24 months part-time
Entry requirements: A 2:2 Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international qualification or a relevant professional qualification; or professional experience with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience presented via a portfolio of evidence/supporting references.
Price: €10,200
3) Robert Kennedy College – Uni of Salford
Program content: The MSc in Marketing from Robert Kennedy College includes four modules:
- Digital Marketing Analytics and Strategy
- International Relationship Management
- Marketing Management
- Offline and Online Consumer Behaviour.
This is followed by a dissertation of 12,000 to 15,000 words.
Accreditation: Approved and accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing
Duration: 12 months to 3 years
Entry requirements: 2:2 honours degree or wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted either in partial or complete fulfillment of entry requirements.
Price: $583 or €542 per month for 24 months
4) University of Essex
Program content: The MSc Global Digital Marketing consists of ten core modules (equal to 180 credits), These include:
- International Business Environment
- Marketing in a Global Economy
- Services Marketing
- Consumer Behaviour in the Digital Age
- Strategic Online Marketing Management
- Corporate Communication
- Marketing Strategy and Management
- Data Analytics for Managers
- Research Methods
- Business and Management Research
Accreditation: The awarding body is the Essex Business School, part of the University of Essex
Duration: 2 years part-time
Entry requirements: An undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant Level 6 professional qualification. Or at least five years’ relevant work experience in marketing.
Price: £12,471 UK / £13,049 International (2024-2025)
5) King’s College London
Program content: King’s College’s online Marketing MSc course consists of 12 compulsory modules (180 credits in total) that include:
- International Marketing
- Marketing Theory and Practice
- Consumer Behaviour
- Business to Business Marketing
- Sustainability and Ethics
- Digital Marketing
- Marketing Strategy and Planning
- Research in Marketing
- Brand Management
- Marketing Analytics
- E-Services Marketing
- Marketing Communications
Accreditation: Awarded by King’s College London
Duration: 2 years part-time
Entry requirements: 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree in a social science-related area, or significant relevant work experience, or a related graduate qualification (such as a Master’s or PGDip).
Price: £19,260 for 2 years
6) International University of Applied Sciences
Program content: The Master’s program at the International University of Applied Sciences is delivered in two semesters. You have to complete core courses and also choose from electives. The modules included are:
Semester 1
- Online and Social Media Marketing
- Performance Marketing: Search and Social
- Performance Marketing: Affiliate and Mail
- Digital Analytics and Strategies
- Applied Research
- Project: Agile Online Marketing
Semester 2
- Seminar: Marketing Responsibility
- Elective A
- Master Thesis
Electives (choose 1)
- SEA and Social Media Marketing
- Data Driven Marketing and Controlling
- Mobile Marketing
- E-Commerce
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Product Development and Design Thinking
- Sales, Pricing and Brand Management
- Artificial Intelligence
- Communication and Public Relations
- Salesforce Consultant Specialization
- Salesforce Developer Specialization
- Process Management with Scrum
- Project Management with Prince2
- Big Data Applications
- Data Science and Analytics
- Business Analyst
- Community Management and Online-communication
- Social Media Creation
- Neuromarketing
- Social Media Campaigns and Storytelling
- Growth Hacking and Conversion Rate Optimization
- Consumer Behaviour and Digital Business Models
- AI and Mastering AI Prompting
Accreditation: This Master’s is accredited by Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA).
Duration: 3 years self-paced
Entry requirements: An undergraduate degree (at least “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent) with 180 ECTS credits with a focus on economics or business administration from a state or state-recognised higher education institution/university. The recognition of knowledge and skills acquired outside of higher education is generally possible.
Price: €14,000 – 16,000
7) Northumbria University
Program content: Northumbria University’s MSc in Digital Marketing offers a number of modules (180 credits):
- Strategic Marketing in the Digital Era
- The Digital Customer Journey: Data, Profiling and CRM
- Digital Entrepreneurship
- Digital Campaign Management and Media
- Analyzing Self for Strategic Career Development
- Marketing Metrics and Analysis
- Research Methods
- Research Based Study
Awarding body: Northumbria University
Accreditation: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Data & Marketing Association
Duration: 2 years
Entry requirements: 2:2 honours degree or extensive and relevant professional experience in a related field such as Digital Business, Strategic Innovation & Entrepreneurial Leadership and Responsible Business
Price: €9,960 for 2 years
8) Boston University Metropolitan College
Program content: The Master of Science in Global Marketing Management at Boston University’s Metropolitan College requires you to complete ten courses (four core courses, four specialization courses and two electives).
Core courses
- Financial concepts
- Project management
- Quantitative and qualitative decision-making
- The innovative process: developing new products and services
Specialization courses
- Ecommerce
- International business, economics and cultures
- Innovative marketing techniques
- Market and economic research and analysis
Elective courses (select 2 courses)
- Marketing analytics
- Web analytics for business
- Contemporary issues in public finance
- Fixed income analysis
- Global supply chains
- International trade and logistics
- Multinational finance and trade
- Mathematics and statistics in management
- Social media marketing
- Digital platforms and quantitative marketing
- Applied neuromarketing research and ethics
- Doing business in North America
- Strategic brand solutions
Accreditation: Boston University Metropolitan College
Duration: 12–20 Months part-time or full-time
Entry requirements: A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or course waivers due to professional designations.
Price: $37,600–$39,300 for part-time
9) University of Roehampton
Program content: When you study for the Roehampton MSc Digital Marketing online, you must complete 7 compulsory modules which include:
- Strategic Marketing
- Digital Marketing Practice
- Emerging Digital Issues
- Online Consumer Psychology
- Social Media and Influencers
- Data and Analytics for Marketers
- Business Research Methods
The MSc is completed with the submission of a dissertation or consultancy project.
Accreditation: University of Roehampton
Duration: 2 years part-time
Entry requirements: A 2:2 honours degree from a recognized British or overseas university. Non-graduates with appropriate professional qualifications will be considered along with those with a third-class honours degree.
Price: £9,500 for 2 years
10) Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies
Program content: Georgetown’s Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Marketing Communications requires you to complete 11 courses (33 credits) including:
2 Core courses
- Conversations About Ethics
- Capstone
3 foundation courses (9 credits total):
- Consumer Research & Insights
- IMC Campaign Planning
- The Brand Concept
6 elective courses
- Mastering Money for Marketers
- Digital Media Buying
- MPS IMC Internship I
- MPS IMC Internship II
- Public Speaking for Professionals
- Capstone
Accreditation: Georgetown University
Duration: 2 – 5 years full or part-time
Entry requirements: You are required to submit an application form, CV, statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, transcripts from undergraduate or graduate institutions, and writing and work samples.
Price: $51,909 for the program
11) Southern New Hampshire University
Program content: If you study a Master’s in Digital Marketing Southern New Hampshire University you need to complete core and elective courses or concentrations that include:
Foundation & Major Courses
- Business Foundations
- International Market Strategy
- Marketing Strategies
- Integrated Marketing Communications
- Marketing Analytics
- Consumer Behavior and Marketing
- Strategic Digital Marketing
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Marketing
- Marketing Capstone
Elective Courses
- Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making
- Operations Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Project Management
- Sport Marketing and Media
- Managing Through Communication
Concentrations
- Digital marketing
- Marketing research analytics
- New media and communications
- Social media marketing
Awarding body: Southern New Hampshire University
Duration: 15 months
Entry requirements: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or 2.00 for provisional acceptance. Completion of a post-bachelor’s degree takes the place of this requirement.
Price: $637/credit (36 credits total) = $22,932
12) Liverpool University
Program content: The Digital Marketing MSc at Liverpool University covers the following topics in its modules (180 credits):
- Digital Marketing Strategy and Practice
- Becoming a Leader
- Ethical and Sustainable Business Practice
- Finance and Data Analysis for Managers
- Consumer Behaviour
- Digital Communications and Social Media Marketing
- Brand Creation and Management
- Research Methods
You will need to submit a dissertation to complete the MSc program.
Awarding body: University of Liverpool
Duration: 30 months
Entry requirements: Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:2 class degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or professional work experience in a related field and/or other prior qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Price: €18,497
13) University of Colorado
Program content: CU Denver’s online MS in Marketing offers a core curriculum along with the opportunity to tailor your degree with one of their three career-focused specializations, or customize it with three graduate marketing electives of your choice.
Core courses
- Marketing Dynamics in the 21st Century
- Marketing Strategy
- Marketing Challenges at the Global Frontier
- Services Marketing for Traditional and Creative Industries
- Market Research Analytics I
- Consumer Intelligence – Psychology and Behavior
- CRM, Big Data, and Marketing Metrics
Brand Communication in the Digital Era Specialization
- Brand Identity & Marketing Communication Strategy (MKTG 6070)
- Digital Media Marketing – Tools and Analytics (MKTG 6092)
- One additional MKTG 6000 or higher elective course
Marketing Intelligence and Strategy in the 21st Century Specialization
- Brand Identity & Marketing Communication Strategy (MKTG 6070)
- Big Data Customer Relationship Management (MKTG 6090)
- One additional MKTG 6000 or higher elective course
Marketing and Global Sustainability Specialization
-
Marketing & Global Sustainability
You’ll also choose two of the following elective courses:
- Managing for Sustainability (MGMT 6821)
- Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (MGMT 6822)
- Business for a Better World (MGMT 6826)
- Global Climate Change (MGMT 6827)
General Marketing Track
Options include courses in market research, marketing strategy, data analytics, and digital marketing.
Accreditation: AACSB Accredited CU Denver Business School
Duration: 24 months part-time
Entry requirements: Completed an undergraduate degree in any field from an accredited institution. No prerequisite courses are needed to join the program.
Price: In-state tuition: $21,600/Out-of-state tuition: $25,170
What should I consider when choosing an online digital marketing Master’s course?
A Digital Marketing Master’s course is a big investment, so you should do your research before deciding.
When choosing an online Master’s course, there are several important factors to consider to make sure you select a program that aligns with your needs and career goals.
Here are some key things to consider:
- Accreditation and reputation: Look for courses that are from accredited institutions or reputable providers with a strong track record in digital marketing education. Gaining a professional accreditation in addition to a Master’s degree, can indicate that the syllabus meets the needs of current professional practice. And it’s always good to read reviews and testimonials on sites like Trustpilot or Google reviews.
- Curriculum and course content: Evaluate the course curriculum to ensure it covers relevant and up-to-date topics in digital marketing, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, analytics, and emerging trends. The curriculum should be comprehensive and aligned with industry best practices.
- Instructors and faculty: Look at the instructors’ qualifications, experience, and expertise in the field of digital marketing. Instructors with industry experience and a strong academic background can provide valuable insights and practical knowledge.
- Delivery format and flexibility: Consider whether the course is self-paced or has scheduled live sessions to see if it fits your preferred learning style and schedule. Some programs offer a combination of recorded lectures, live virtual classrooms, and interactive assignments.
- Hands-on projects and practical experience: Look for courses that provide opportunities for hands-on projects, presentations, case studies, and real-world simulations as they offer practical experiences to help apply theoretical concepts and develop practical skills.
- Career support and job placement assistance: Evaluate the career support services offered by the program, such as job placement assistance, career counseling or networking opportunities. These resources can be valuable in helping you transition into a digital marketing career after completing the course.
- Cost and financial aid options: Compare the tuition fees and overall costs of different programs, and explore financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, or payment plans, to ensure the course fits your budget.
- Reviews and success stories: Read reviews and testimonials from past students to gain insights into their experiences, the quality of instruction, and the program’s effectiveness in helping them achieve career goals. You can also look at the institution’s LinkedIn page to see alumni and get an idea of what they did next.
- Certification and recognition: Check if the course offers industry-recognized certifications or credentials upon completion, as these can enhance your credibility and marketability in the digital marketing job market.
By looking at these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose an online digital marketing Master’s course that aligns with your learning goals, career aspirations, and personal circumstances.
What are the benefits of enrolling in an online digital marketing Master’s course?
As businesses continue to gain visibility online, the demand for skilled digital marketing professionals continues to soar. But it’s also a competitive job market as employers look for candidates with specific skills, knowledge and experience.
That’s where a digital marketing Master’s comes in. As an advanced program, it offers a game-changing opportunity for ambitious professionals looking to advance their careers and make an impact.
While you can study a Master’s on-campus, there are tangible benefits to enrolling in an online program such as:
- Accessibility: You can study at any time and from anywhere so you don’t need to worry about a commute or relocate.
- Flexibility: You can balance study with work and personal commitments to avoid burnout and stressful juggling.
- On-demand: With online learning, you’re not tied to instructor or classroom hours so you can access it 24/7.
- Up-to-date and relevant: The advancement of technology has made it much easier to update the content of online courses meaning that what you learn is up-to-date and relevant.
- Affordability: Online learning is often cheaper than on-campus programs and there are also no commuting or accommodation costs.
- Self-Paced Learning: You can learn at your own speed and at a time that suits, which makes it ideal for working professionals.
- Experience of technologies: You get experience with the latest digital platforms and tools such as AI tools, collaboration tools, customer relationship management systems and digital communication techniques.
10 ways to make the most of your online Master’s experience
With so much to learn, it’s important to find ways to make the most from your online Master’s experience.
This should not only make it easier to learn and more fun but also help you progress through the course and gain as much knowledge and skills as possible. Here are 10 great ways to do that.
- Set goals – It’s worth defining your academic and career objectives and then aligning them with short-term and long-term goals to keep you motivated.
- Create a study schedule – Develop a consistent study routine by allocating specific times for study, lectures, and completing assignments, etc.
- Be organized – Along with a study schedule, try to keep things in order. For example, keep material and notes for each module together to find things easily.
- Use technology – Make technology your friend by using tools that help you learn and stay motivated. Get familiar with any platforms that your institution uses and use productivity apps for time management, note-taking, and collaboration.
- Connect with peers – Take time to get to know others on the course and connect with your peers. This can be through messaging apps, forums, virtual meet-ups, or any comms platforms available through your course.
- Participate in discussions – While it can be daunting to speak up, it’s important to participate in discussions and get your point across. This will help develop soft skills, help you get to know peers and cultivate collaboration and leadership.
- Ask for feedback – Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from faculty members and peers. This will help you develop and take stock on what you’re good at and what you may need to work on.
- Reflect and take time out – Make time to reflect on your progress and how you’re feeling. Practicing mindfulness can help you take time out to reflect and recharge and it’s easy with so many apps on the market.
- Seek additional resources – As the digital marketing sector evolves so quickly, it’s important to stay on top of new developments and trends. Subscribe to newsletters or blogs, or listen to webinars and podcasts from experts for insights. Our resource portal and membership is invaluable for information, insights and guidance.
- Plan for the future – Set career goals and create a roadmap for achieving them, and consider creating a portfolio or website to showcase your skills and accomplishments.
“Everyone learns differently, and the first step to success is to find an approach that works for you. You can use the VARK questionnaire to help you understand your learning style. It is a framework that categorizes learning preferences into visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic styles,” says Ali Gamaledin, Learning Specialist at DMI.
What are the career prospects after completing an online digital marketing Master’s?
A Master’s in Digital Marketing can open up a lot of doors for an ambitious marketer. You will gain advanced digital marketing skills, learn how to be more strategic, and learn to lead and motivate a high-performing team – traits employers are crying out for in today’s job market.
This means there are lots of job opportunities and career paths available. You can aim for a more senior role (even set yourself up for a CMO position), advance to a more specialized area (social media marketing, content marketing, SEO or martech), or just start moving up the career ladder.
We’ve looked at potential roles you can aim towards and career opportunities with a Master’s degree but here’s a list to get you thinking!
- Marketing Manager
- Brand Manager
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Chief Growth Officer
- Social Media Manager
- SEO Manager
- Chief Executive Officer
- Entrepreneur
- Digital Marketing Analyst
- Sales Manager
Whichever position you set your sights on, a Master’s in Digital Marketing will help you gain key skills required of a senior marketing professional and stand out from your peers.
Become a Leader with a Digital Marketing Master’s
It can be a challenge to transition into a senior role so it’s important to gain new skills and knowledge. DMI’s Master’s in Digital Marketing, informed by leading industry experts (Coca-Cola, Google, Microsoft, IBM and more), is an advanced program that provides you with key digital marketing skills and provides you with the strategic, management, planning, and analytics know-how expected by employers across industries. Download a brochure today to see what you can achieve.