Why study marketing? Discover 7 compelling reasons
Marketing is at the heart of every successful organisation. From global brands and tech startups to charities and public services, organisations rely on marketing to understand customers, build relationships and stand out in competitive markets. If you enjoy creativity, problem-solving and understanding people, marketing could be the perfect subject for you to explore.
The University of Strathclyde is a leading destination for international students who want to study marketing in the UK. With industry-focused learning and excellent career outcomes, it is an inspiring place to begin your journey into this exciting field.
Why study marketing?
Marketing plays a vital role in shaping how organisations communicate with the world. It helps businesses understand what customers want, create value and share meaningful messages through advertising, digital media, branding and more. In today’s digital world, marketing has become even more important as companies operate online.
For international students, studying marketing offers the chance to develop globally relevant skills while experiencing life in a country known for innovation and business leadership. At the University of Strathclyde, home to a triple-accredited business school, students benefit from teaching that blends theory, creativity and real-world thinking.
7 compelling reasons to study marketing
1. Marketing skills are needed across all industries
One of the biggest benefits of studying marketing is that marketing skills are valued everywhere. Whether you are interested in fashion, finance, technology, hospitality or non-profit work, every sector needs professionals who understand customers and know how to communicate effectively. This means marketing graduates enjoy flexibility when choosing where and how they want to work.
Marketing roles exist in small businesses, multinational corporations, agencies and entrepreneurial environments. With such broad opportunities available, ‘Is marketing a good degree for students who want choice and career mobility?’ is an easy question to answer: absolutely!
2. Marketing blends creativity with strategy
Marketing is ideal for students who enjoy combining creative ideas with logical thinking. Professionals work on everything from campaign storytelling and visual branding to market research and performance analysis. This balance of imagination and strategy keeps the work interesting and varied.
Students learn how to analyse audiences, develop messages and make decisions based on data. At the same time, they get to experiment with engaging content, visuals and communication styles. If you like both creative expression and critical thinking, you will quickly see the benefits of studying marketing.
3. It prepares you for a global career
Marketing is a truly international field. Global brands must understand different cultures, languages and behaviours to connect with audiences around the world. When you study marketing in the UK, you gain exposure to multicultural learning environments and international perspectives.
Graduates can go on to work in cities and markets worldwide, applying their skills to diverse industries and global campaigns. This international focus makes marketing a great choice for students who dream of working across borders and cultures.
4. Digital marketing skills are in high demand
As technology continues to shape how we communicate, digital marketing has become one of the fastest-growing career areas. Students develop knowledge in areas such as social media, content creation, analytics, SEO, email marketing and AI-powered tools. They also learn how to plan and deliver integrated marketing strategies that bring together both digital and traditional channels.
Understanding online audiences and digital platforms is now essential for almost every organisation. This means graduates with strong digital skills are highly employable and well-prepared for the future of work.
5. Multiple career pathways to explore
Another key reason many students ask, ‘Why study marketing?’ is the wide variety of career routes available. You can work in roles such as brand management, advertising, PR, consumer insights, digital communications, content strategy and marketing analytics. There are opportunities to specialise, progress into leadership roles or even start your own business.
At the University of Strathclyde, recent marketing graduates have gone on to roles such as:
- Account Executive
- Brand Manager
- Digital Marketing Assistant
- Business Analyst
- Retail Buyer
- Marketing Manager
- Media Executive
- Social Media Consultant
Employers include leading organisations such as Apple, IKEA, Unilever and Whyte & Mackay – showing the strong reputation of Strathclyde Business School graduates.
6. Real-world experience and practical learning
Marketing is best learned through experience. At the University of Strathclyde, students benefit from live projects, case studies, collaborative group work and interactive teaching. Classes are delivered through lectures, tutorials and seminars, alongside digital learning materials and practical assignments.
A highlight of the Business School is the innovative Management Development Programme (MDP), which runs throughout Years 1 to 3 of undergraduate study. It focuses on developing essential skills such as teamwork, communication, presentation and problem-solving – all highly valued by employers. Major companies including Barclays, Deloitte, Procter & Gamble and Ernst & Young contribute to this programme.
Throughout your degree, you will also build a portfolio of work and achievements that you can share with future employers.
7. High employability for marketing graduates
With strong demand for skilled professionals worldwide, marketing graduates enjoy excellent employability prospects. You will develop transferable skills such as communication, analysis, teamwork, creativity and leadership – qualities that are useful across many different careers.
So, is marketing a good degree for students thinking about long-term opportunities? Yes! It opens doors across industries and provides the foundations for a successful and adaptable career.
An average day for a business student in Strathclyde: we’ll probably have a lecture in the morning, we’ll have a tutorial maybe once or twice a week. All business students have to take a compulsory module in addition to all our classes which is called the ‘Management Development Programme’. It’s very useful as it gives us an edge in comparison to other business students. It focuses on presentation skills and transferable skills, so that’s really good.
Estelle from Singapore
Why choose the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre for marketing?
The University of Strathclyde is a fantastic place to begin your marketing journey. The University is home to a triple-accredited business school (AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA) and is ranked among the top institutions in the UK. The University is also ranked in the global top 100 for Marketing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025) and is a top 15 UK university (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026). Glasgow itself is ranked as the 3rd best student city in the UK (QS Best Student Cities 2026), offering a friendly, vibrant and affordable student lifestyle.
Begin your study abroad journey at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. Here you will find pathway programmes expertly designed to make your transition to UK university learning as smooth as possible. All programmes equip you with the skills and knowledge required to succeed at the University of Strathclyde.
If you are planning to study an undergraduate degree, you can join the Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences. This programme introduces you to core subjects such as marketing, business and management while supporting you as you adjust to studying in the UK. When you successfully complete the programme and meet the progression requirements, you can continue to the second year of your chosen degree at the University of Strathclyde.
Students who already have a strong academic foundation and wish to enter directly into the second year of a degree may be eligible for the International Year Two in Business. This route allows you to study a curriculum that is closely aligned to the University’s own modules, meaning you develop the same subject knowledge while benefiting from additional academic and language support. After completing the programme, and achieving the required grades, you can progress to the third year of a business-related degree at the University of Strathclyde.
If you are a graduate looking to continue your studies, the Pre-Masters in Business and Social Sciences is designed to prepare you for postgraduate study. During this programme, you will strengthen your subject knowledge, academic writing and research skills while gaining experience of the teaching style used at the University of Strathclyde. On successful completion, you can progress to a wide range of related Master’s degrees at the University.
There is also the Accelerated Pre-Masters Programme available for students who are ready to progress more quickly. This route enables you to complete your preparation in 12 weeks, while still receiving structured academic and English language support. It is ideal for motivated students who want to move confidently into postgraduate study as soon as possible.
Find out the entry requirements, fees and visa information for your chosen programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
FAQs
What is the need for the study of marketing?
Marketing is essential for understanding customer needs and helping organisations grow in competitive markets. It equips you with skills to connect products, people and strategy effectively.
Is marketing in-demand in the UK?
Yes, marketing is in high demand across the UK, especially in digital roles like SEO, analytics, social media and brand management. Employers actively seek graduates with strong marketing skills.
Is a marketing degree worth it?
Yes, a marketing degree is worth it because it offers excellent career flexibility, strong global demand and opportunities in both creative and analytical roles. It opens doors across multiple industries.