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MSc Market Research & Consultancy

Key information

Duration of programme: Full-time - 12 months 
Start date:
September

Fees:
UK/EU:          £10,000 (2013 fee)
International:  £16,500 (2013 fee)

Scholarships:
If you are among ‘the brightest and the best’, we have a range of generous scholarships which can open the way for you to study with us. Find out more >>

Apply for this programme online        

Contact details:
Ms Jodie Mansell
Aston Business School Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0) 121 204 3074
Email: j.mansell@aston.ac.uk

In dynamic and turbulent competitive markets, organisations increasingly rely on timely and rigorous market-based information to inform strategic decision-making. New for 2013, the MSc Market Research and Consultancy is designed to equip you with an in-depth knowledge of market research principles and practice. It provides a solid grounding in the essential skills and capabilities required to execute robust and effective market research. It is perfect for motivated students seeking a demanding and challenging programme of study.

You will study advanced market research methods with a practitioner perspective. The course is designed to develop your knowledge by focusing on the application of strong theoretical principles in an applied and supportive environment. You will gain an appreciation of how rigorous data collection and analysis impacts on important marketing decisions.

Modules

Modules explore a number of key areas:

  • Core marketing management theories

  • Consumer behaviour theories

  • Foundations of marketing science

  • Qualitative, quantitative and experimental research methods

  • Marketing consultancy

  • Dissertation

In addition to your Aston degree, you will have the opportunity to participate in our international study exchange programme. Studying with one of our partner institutions, the programme will enhance your international experience and communication skills, preparing you for a career in the international business environment.

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Entry requirements

One of the following:

  • A good honours degree from a UK university

  • Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University

  • A degree-equivalent professional qualification

As well as:

  • Evidence of experience using statistics, ideally demonstrated by a component or module of a degree level qualification or an A Level or equivalent in Mathematics

  • Two professional references – at least one must be from an academic referee

  • An official academic transcript of your university grades to date

  • A completed application form

No particular first degree subject is required. However you must be able to demonstrate strong analytical skills gained from a business and management-related degree or from a degree in a numerate or quantitative subject, such as psychology, economics, quantitative sociology, engineering or computing. Students from an arts or humanities background will be considered, supported by evidence of analytical ability; we may request additional tests as appropriate. Those with significant practical experience in a market research role will also be considered.

For International Students:

  • An official academic transcript, with an official English translation, of your university grades to date

  • Students whose native language is not English will also need to satisfy our English language requirements Pre-sessional English language programmes are available for good applicants whose English qualification falls just short of these requirements.

The MSc Market Research and Consultancy is an exciting and innovative programme. It has been specifically designed to be demanding and challenging for participants. All applications will be assessed individually; however, those with demonstrable academic credentials, such as a GMAT score of over 550, will be viewed favourably.

Learning, teaching & assessment

The learning and teaching methods used throughout the course will sharpen your oral and written skills, and your ability to make persuasive and professional presentations. Group work will also develop your negotiation and team working skills. Assessment is through a combination of examination, coursework, dissertation and project work.

Career opportunities

This programme is designed to equip you with a very transferrable skill set that allows multiple career options. Successful students will be able to design and implement robust market research programmes, as well as interpret outcomes to the highest level. These skills are primarily used in data driven environments, and it is likely that most graduates will pursue careers in marketing management, market research or consultancy roles. The qualification also provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral education.

Personal development

Students will aquire skills in giving presentations, team working, report writing, negotiation and IT.

Modules taught on this MSc will enable students to develop a wide range of analytical, technical and transferable skills demanded by graduate employers in addition to knowledge and understanding of market research processes and procedures.

Facilities & equipment

Aston Business School's outstanding student facilities include:

  • A purpose-built suite which is accessible exclusively to Masters students 

  • 24 hours access

  • Free Wi-Fi connection

  • Modern lecture/tutorial rooms

  • Computer labs

  • Lounge area

  • IT equipment and packages and use of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Course director

Professor Heiner Evanschitzky

Heiner is Professor and Chair of Marketing at Aston Business School. He was formerly Professor of Marketing at the University of Strathclyde, and has also worked as Assistant and Associate Professor at the Marketing Centre at Muenster University (Germany). Heiner is also Visiting Professor at University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) and at Curtin University of Technology (Australia). He is widely published in specialist journals and proceedings, notably in the field's leading Journal of Marketing, Journal of Retailing, and Journal of Service Research. His research has won several Best Paper Awards at leading marketing conferences.