Marketing and Consumer Psychology MSc

Key information

Duration:
1 year full time
Start date:
September 2025
Apply by:
1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)

Consumer psychology is the key to understanding how consumers behave. It plays an important role in many aspects of marketing. Insights into consumer psychology enable organisations to design innovative, value-adding products and to create effective communications in marketing campaigns.

On this MSc, you’ll learn to:

  • evaluate the theories, concepts, tools and models used in marketing practice and understanding consumer decision making
  • apply consumer psychology theories to interpret consumer behaviour
  • use analytical skills to assess the choices consumers make
  • make informed judgements on the use of key analytical and decision-making techniques in developing and appraising marketing strategies.

You’ll benefit from the academic expertise and industry experience in the School of Psychology and the University of Sussex Business SchoolYou'll receive valuable marketing and psychology training, equipping you with a deep understanding of how psychological principles intersect with marketing strategies for effective business outcomes.

Your studies culminate in a research project that bridges marketing and psychology. On graduation, you’ll be prepared for a range of careers – whether you want to work in marketing, or apply psychological theories to the business world.

Accreditation

You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School. Learn more about all of our course accreditations here. Find out more

    We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

    I explored the ethical side of marketing. I read real-life case studies and learned how unethical practices have brought disastrous results not only for customers but for organisations too.”Srishti Pathak
    Marketing and Consumer Psychology MSc graduate

    Masters Campus Open Day

    Join us on campus to find out the essentials of Masters study.

    Saturday 15 March, 12.30am - 4.30pm

    Book your place

    Entry requirements

    Degree requirements

    You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above.

    Subject-specific requirements

    Your qualification can be in any subject. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

    Please select your country from the list.

    English language requirements

    IELTS (Academic)

    Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component).

    IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about IELTS

    We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

    We do not accept IELTS Online.

     

    Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

    Alternative English language qualifications

    Proficiency tests

    English language qualifications

    Country exceptions

    English language support

    If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

    Visas and immigration

    Find out how to apply for a student visa

    Admissions information for applicants

    How to apply

    You will be able to apply from November 2024. 

     

    Personal statement

    Yes. You must submit a personal statement as part of your application. 

    Find out how to write a personal statement

    If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

    For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

    Pre-Masters

    Need to boost your academic skills for your taught course? Find out about Pre-Masters routes

    Application deadlines

    1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)

    We strongly recommend an earlier application where possible, as some courses are in high demand and may close before the above dates. Find out more at How to apply for a Masters course

    Modules

    Core modules

    Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

    Autumn teaching
    Spring teaching

    Options

    Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

    While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

    Spring teaching
    Spring and summer teaching

    We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

    We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

    Check back in January 2025 for the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

    Our experts

    On this MSc, you’ll gain an understanding of consumer behaviour through the application of key psychology theories. You’ll also learn to evaluate decision-making techniques used in marketing strategies.”Dr Ngoc Luu
    Marketing and Consumer Psychology MSc Course Director

    Fees and scholarships

    How much does it cost?

    Fees

    Home students:
    £14,975 per year for full-time students
    Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
    £14,975 per year for full-time students
    International students:
    £26,250 per year for full-time students

    Receive a £2,000 award towards your international tuition fee.

    If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits

    Living costs

    Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

    Find out about our terms and conditions

    How can I fund my course?

    Scholarships

    Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

    Working while you study

    Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

    Careers

    Our Marketing and Consumer Psychology MSc prepares you for a range of careers – from marketing to applying psychological theories to the business world. This may include:

    marketing research and customer/client insights

    • complex services in, for example, health, education and finance
    • specialist insight and consulting companies
    • international businesses

    marketing, media and advertising

    • executive marketing/sales in a broad range of sectors
    • specialist media and advertising companies

    branding, products and merchandising

    • research, design and innovation
    • specialist areas such as merchandising

    management, HR, client/account management

    • showcase application of skills and knowledge to areas outside of marketing
    • business development and account directorship
    • project management
    • specialist areas such as loyalty marketing and CRM

    entrepreneurship

    • establishing own business
    • working as a freelancer.
    My goal is to help businesses across several industries meet customer expectations and deliver a delightful experience.”Soumia Chajal
    Founder of Millenia
    Marketing and Consumer Psychology MSc graduate

    Design your future at Sussex

    Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

    As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

    • our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
    • one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
    • entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

    Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

    The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services logo

    Winner
    Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
    AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024

    National Enterprise Educator Awards logo

    Winner
    Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
    National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024

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