Overview
Structured to simulate the dynamic work environment, the MSc in Marketing Practice is a comprehensive intensive masters programme offering students the unique opportunity to gain practical experience working with real clients on real projects, while also obtaining a masters from Ireland’s top graduate business school.
Students work as “marketing advisors” in the Marketing Development Practice (MDP), a marketing and business training agency based within UCD Smurfit School, providing business marketing solutions to a wide range of companies, from start-ups and non-profit organisations to large multinational companies.
Operating on the premise of “action-based learning”, students put the theory they learn during lectures into action, working with guidance from experienced industry professionals and managers. Projects include conducting market research, creating marketing and digital strategies, as well as implementing marketing plans and events. The combination of learning marketing theory and then applying it to real work with clients, is unique, setting both the course and its students apart.
Students receive one-to-one guidance and support from managers, enabling them to develop confidence both personally and professionally. The programme develops students’ essential marketing skill-base in areas such as research, creative problem-solving, strategic planning, critical thinking, teamwork, client management and effective communications. Students are linked to a strong global alumni community providing them with the opportunity to network and seek mentorship, equipping them with tools to build their own career path once leaving the programme.
The programme is suited to graduates from all disciplines, both business and non-business, who are interested in pursuing a career in business and marketing and who want to kick start their career with real work experience. The course transforms students into competent marketing professionals, through the development of both professional and personal skills, which can be taken into any industry.
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Quick Facts
88%*
% Employed after 6 months
11 Months
Full-Time Programme Duration
September 2025
Starting
Class Profile
Based on the class of 2023/2024
35
Class size
22
Average Age
7
Nationalities
26%
% International
66%/34%
Females/Males
The Smurfit Experience
View our Video Gallery and Webinars On-Demand to gain a deeper insight into our programmes and the student experience. These videos and webinars provide valuable and practical insight as you consider your Business Masters options.
You can also learn more about the MSc in Marketing Practice by listening to our dedicatd MDP Podcast Series featuring a host of alumni and marketing leaders. Listen in to gain insight into various industries from the extended MDP network.
Our Students
Our students are the ultimate ambassadors of the Smurfit learning experience and provide the most concrete proof of the excellence that typifies our School. Hear from some of our students as they share their experiences and motivations for choosing the MSc in Marketing Practice.
Events
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Scholarships and Awards
- The Regina Angela Scholarship in Marketing will be awarded to one student from Ireland who has been accepted on the MSc Marketing /Digital Marketing /Marketing & Retail Innovation or the MSc in Marketing Practice programme at UCD and who is in financial need and requires support to complete their Masters. The scholar will receive 100% towards the tuition fee.
- UCD Smurfit Scholarships offer a life-changing opportunity to prospective students. By offering merit-based scholarships, we recruit the highest quality students from across the world; while our financial needs based scholarships put a Masters within reach for a number of ambitious students each year.