Deciding to continue your studies with a master’s degree is a significant step, and choosing the right programme and university can shape your future career. In this blog, Joanne, MSc Marketing (Strategy and Business Development), shares her journey from undergraduate to postgraduate study, why she chose to specialise in marketing, and how Bristol’s vibrant city and strong academic community made it the perfect place to take her next step.
Undergraduate beginnings
I really wanted to study the MSc Marketing (Strategy and Business Development) programme for numerous reasons. Firstly, I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Bristol, studying Business and Management. Through this degree, I studied a huge range of modules and disciplines around different business functions, and it was in my final year that I realised marketing stood out to me. I didn’t want to go to work right after I graduated, and wanted to specialise further in marketing, so I decided to do a master’s degree.
Why MSc Marketing?
When looking for programmes, a range of factors affected my final decision. Even within marketing, there are a lots of sub-sections you could specialise in. Whilst many other programmes offered either a holistic view of the marketing world, or specialties in digital marketing, the University of Bristol did the same but also offered another pathway; ‘Strategy and Business Development’. As someone who seeks a career in brand management marketing or marketing strategy for business growth, I felt this course featured unique modules that could be tailored to me.
Furthermore, it offers an option between doing a traditional dissertation, and an applied extended group project. By undertaking the project, you could work with a company in Bristol to strategize and action real marketing plans, whether that’s curating a 1 year marketing strategy for a non-profit organisation or working with a design agency to improve their portfolio of existing business’ branding. This aspect of the course stood out to me as it was a unique way of being able to experience what working in marketing would be like through working with local businesses and agencies in Bristol, whilst also strengthening your professional network, and enhancing your employability.
Why stay in Bristol?
The city of Bristol was a huge reason as to why I wanted to continue my studies here. The social scene as a student here is unmatched, whether you want to grab a coffee from the vast number of independent coffee shops (they simply taste so much better than coffee chains), go clubbing on a boat, rave with Bristol’s phenomenal music scene, or have brunch before walking to the Clifton Suspension Bridge to catch some amazing views, there’s always so much to do in this vibrant student city. Most activities and places are within a 30 minutes’ walk from each other, so there’s so many accessible things to do nearby.
Why study at Bristol?
The University of Bristol also has a great sense of community. With its numerous study spots and Source cafés on campus, you can explore just how huge the space actually is. They also offer a range of services, such as careers and employability support. I’ve had help from them numerous times over the years, whether this is for writing CVs, cover letters, hearing talks on graduate schemes, and practicing assessment questions, the team are always happy to help. The Business School have their own careers and employability appointments, which I’ve found even better as they are more tailored to your needs. Moreover, the huge number of societies is also very attractive. From music to sports, film to politics, academia to theatre, you’ll definitely find something for you- or if you don’t you can just start your own! Throughout the years I’ve joined cultural, drama, writing, and dance societies, which I think is so important to do to have a break from your studies.
Conclusion
Overall, if you’re wanting to continue your studies and do a Master’s degree, then the University of Bristol is a great place and city to do it in. Funding can be tricky, so look for any scholarships, bursaries, and funding opportunities you could use to help support the costs of it, or you can consider taking a year out to help fund it. With the combined efforts of teaching in the Business School, societies to explore your hobbies, and the amazing social scene of Bristol, I’d highly recommend doing your Master’s here.
Author: Joanne Joseph, MSc Marketing (Strategy and Business Development) student