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At ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Business School, our programmes are designed not only to provide cutting-edge industry knowledge, but also to shape students into capable and confident marketing professionals equipped with the academic knowledge and practical skills needed to lead in today’s ever-evolving marketplace.

As we reach the end of another academic year, we caught up with two students from the MSc Strategic Marketing, Class of 2025: Elisa Yimei Wang from the on-campus, full-time programme, and Grayson Rachels from the online, part-time cohort. We asked them an important question: is MSc Strategic Marketing at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ really worth it?

Reflecting on their personal and professional growth over their respective programmes, Elisa and Grayson share insights into their experience at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. From their initial expectations to the challenges they encountered to their most impactful learning experiences, their stories shine a light on what makes our marketing programmes truly distinctive.

Elisa Yimei Wang, MSc Strategic Marketing

Why I chose ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Business School

During my undergraduate studies and early work experiences, I realised that I was particularly drawn to marketing, not just for its creative aspects, but also for the way data, consumer insights and business strategy can inform it. I was looking for a programme that could bridge the gap between creativity and analytics, helping me develop a well-rounded skill set.

When researching postgraduate options, the MSc Strategic Marketing at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Business School stood out immediately as it offered the perfect balance between qualitative and quantitative modules. I also appreciated how the programme integrates academic learning with real-world applications, encouraging collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving through practical projects.

Grayson Rachels, MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time)

Why I chose ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Business School

I always say that flexibility was one of the most important factors in my decision-making process and the format of the MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) programme meant that I wouldn’t have to put my career on pause.

For students who join the programme shortly after finishing their undergraduate degree, as I did, there’s an added advantage: by the time you graduate, you’ll not only hold a master’s from one of the world’s top universities, you’ll also have two years of work experience to your name.

What we expected vs what we experienced at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ

Elisa: Before starting on the programme, I felt a mix of excitement, curiosity and a bit of uncertainty about what lay ahead. I hoped to gain both a solid academic foundation and practical, hands-on learning that would prepare me for real-world challenges. ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is a highly reputable institution full of ambitious and talented individuals, so I had a strong sense that the programme would deliver something special, and I wasn’t wrong.

The quality of teaching, the structure of the modules and the range of opportunities have all exceeded my expectations. What surprised me the most was the strength of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s global network. The way that the Business School stays connected with its alumni and industry partners, along with the tailored career support available, is truly impressive.

Grayson: After connecting with my cohort over the course of the programme, I believe I have made friends for life along with a strong global network of marketing professionals. So, when it comes to networking, my expectations were met and exceeded!

Programme curriculum: a closer look
A proud milestone in our marketing journey

Elisa: There are obviously going to be challenges when you’re studying. For me, the Entrepreneurial Strategy module pushed me out of my comfort zone. Throughout, we were given a high level of autonomy, which initially felt overwhelming. But that is what made the module so valuable – it encouraged us to navigate uncertainty, think independently and make strategic decisions with limited information, much like real-life entrepreneurs would.

A personal highlight from the programme was the Applied Strategic Marketing module.

Grayson: I completely agree; that module stood out for me as well on the online programme. One of its main themes was go-to-market strategy, focusing on expanding into new geographic regions or product categories.

Elisa: The applied teaching style went far beyond the textbook, we were challenged through real-world cases and class discussions, making each session feel like a live business scenario.

The group project we undertook was both demanding and enriching; after developing a new market entry strategy for a company of our choice, I walked away with tangible hard skills and a deeper understanding of strategic thinking that I will carry forward in my career.

Grayson: My group explored what it might look like if my favourite American grocery chain launched in Dubai, the home market of one of my group mates. Some of the most fun and interesting marketing case studies come from new market entries, so this project was especially engaging and a fun and rewarding challenge.

A closer look at the online learning format at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ

Grayson: When it comes to the online learning experience, the main thing I’d say is that you get out of it what you put into it. If you enrol with the goal of expanding your network, building on your academic foundation, or developing skills you can apply professionally, you’ll absolutely achieve that.

The content had a good structure and was well-paced. Each week offered something to keep you engaged – discussion forums, polls or practical exercises alongside the live sessions helped to bring it all together. I initially expected an independent learning experience, but the level of interaction with tutors, the Programme team and classmates gave you a sense that everyone was with you all the way.

Alongside my studies, plenty of events and workshops helped me stay connected to the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ community. For those balancing full-time work, there are many opportunities to join online events if you seek them out.

Essential resources that supported our MSc journey at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ

Grayson: Honestly, I owe half my assignments to the library. It has exactly what I need in terms of credible sources. For the more research-heavy modules, having access to the right scholarly material is essential and not only is it easy to find, but the system even formats your citations for you in ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s preferred style.

Elisa: The most valuable resources for me have been ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s Careers team and the mentorship I received during the programme. My mentor, the Career Consultants and the Employer Relations team played a huge role in shaping my professional journey – helping me to figure out my professional goals, organising targeted events, networking opportunities and bringing in top firms for us to engage with directly. 

You have access to tailored support across key sectors - from consulting and FMCG to tech, finance and even region-specific guidance.

A standout moment was discovering a part-time job at a Trade Agency shared by my Programme team. I applied, got the role, and worked there for four months alongside my studies. This valuable experience let me apply my learning in real time, build professional skills and expand my network. It’s a great example of how ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s strong industry connections and support create meaningful opportunities.

Is ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s MSc Strategic Marketing worth it? Our honest answer

Elisa: I have grown significantly throughout the programme. Professionally, I have become more structured and strategic in my approach to problem-solving and I have gained a clearer understanding of where I can add the most value in a team setting. I have learned how to manage pressure more effectively, collaborate in diverse teams, and stay open to different perspectives. It has been a year of refining, rather than redefining, who I am and how I want to show up - for myself, for those around me and in my professional life.

It is not just about the skills I have developed, but also about the doors that have opened, the people I have met and the ambition I have gained in navigating next steps. ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has truly been a launchpad

Grayson: Balancing a full-time career with postgraduate study is no small feat, but in many ways, that’s what has made my experience so valuable. Working in a relevant role has been one of the most effective ways for me to apply what I’m learning in real-time. I find that concepts, frameworks and theories stick far better when I can connect them directly to my day-to-day work.

I joined the programme with the goal of building up my expertise in marketing, especially in brand management. To really lean into that, I chose all the elective modules related to branding and similar areas, which only confirmed how much I enjoy this side of marketing.

The programme has shown me how broad and flexible marketing is. With so many specialisations and the field evolving rapidly, it’s reassuring to know I can always apply the skills I’ve gained.