The MSc in Digital Marketing is an intensive, one-year programme that equips students with the skills and strategic mindset to thrive in the fast-paced digital environment. Delivered from September to August, the programme combines expert-led teaching, practical assignments, industry certification, and continuous exposure to real-world digital tools. 

This programme is designed for graduates from any discipline who want to build a career in digital marketing. Whether you have a background in business, arts, science, engineering, or another field, this course equips you with the digital, strategic, and analytical skills needed to thrive in today’s marketing landscape. 

It also suits early-career professionals looking to upskill or pivot into the digital marketing space, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to grow their own ventures through digital channels. 

The programme includes:

• Eight taught modules covering all key aspects of digital marketing 
  
• A major group-based Digital Marketing Consultancy Project 
  
• Certification opportunities in platforms such as Google Ads, Analytics, HubSpot, and Meta 

Throughout the year, students develop expertise in:

• Digital marketing strategy and campaign management 
  
• Content creation, SEO, and performance media 
  
• Marketing analytics, data visualisation, and measurement
• Social media and influencer marketing 
  
• User experience, design thinking, and conversion optimisation 
  
• Ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations in digital environments 

Students benefit from teaching informed by cutting-edge research and industry practice, delivered by a team of academics and professionals with deep expertise in digital marketing. The learning experience is designed to be hands-on, engaging, and directly relevant to today’s digital marketing landscape. 

Curriculum Information

Certifications and Awards 

The MSc Digital Marketing programme is designed to equip students with in-demand technical skills and a portfolio of globally recognised certifications valued by employers. These include industry-accredited credentials from HubSpot and the Google Analytics Academy. Under a special arrangement with the Marketing Institute of Ireland (MII), students also sit the MII Qualifier Exam, enabling them to become full members of the Institute and use the professional designation MMII Grad. Successful graduates are also listed on the MII Register of Qualified Marketers. 

Industry Connections 

The MSc Digital Marketing programme at University of Galway maintains strong links with a wide range of industries, recruiters, and organisations, offering students invaluable opportunities to engage with real-world marketing challenges. Graduates are well-prepared to work across diverse sectors including commercial enterprises, non-profits, government initiatives such as the Road Safety Authority and Safefood, and innovative start-ups. 

Each year, students apply their digital marketing expertise to live projects for clients spanning healthcare, technology, tourism, finance, environment, and business services. This hands-on experience is highly valued by employers and helps students build a robust professional portfolio. 

Our close industry collaborations are exemplified through partnerships with organisations like An Post Insurance, Safefood Ireland, and the Healthy Cities HSE initiative, where students contribute directly to meaningful campaigns and policy implementation. Marketing events featuring leading experts, such as Alex Hamilton from Dentsu Creative UK, further enrich the learning experience by exposing students to cutting-edge trends like the Metaverse and Web3. 

Recent guest speakers have included Paul Kenny, CEO, ODLA, Joanne O’Boyle, Marketing Manager, Pamex Ltd and Marlena Kieszkowska, Brand Manager, Innocent Drinks. 

Graduates have gone on to careers with global companies including Microsoft, LinkedIn, Google, HubSpot, Rentokil Initial, Enterprise Ireland, Dell Technologies, Logitech, Moz, Sony Music Entertainment, and many more. Employers consistently praise the programme’s blend of strategic knowledge and practical skills, making University of Galway a trusted source of highly employable digital marketing professionals. 

Graduates of the MSc Digital Marketing programme leave equipped with versatile, in-demand skills that open doors to a broad spectrum of roles across the digital economy. Whether crafting compelling content, strategising social media campaigns, analysing data to optimise performance, or managing digital channels and e-commerce platforms, our alumni thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments. The programme’s strong industry links and practical focus help graduates secure positions with global tech giants, innovative startups, and leading marketing agencies - setting the foundation for successful, impactful careers. 

Graduates of the MSc Digital Marketing programme secure a wide range of roles that reflect the diverse and evolving needs of employers across industries. These include positions such as Digital Content Creator, Social Media Strategist, SEO Analyst, Digital Marketing Manager, Data and Analytics Specialist, PPC Specialist, E-Commerce Executive, and more. Many graduates also go on to found their own companies, applying their skills as entrepreneurial leaders. 

Our alumni have successfully launched careers with leading organisations worldwide, including Microsoft, LinkedIn, Google, HubSpot, Rentokil Initial, Enterprise Ireland, VHI Healthcare, Dell Technologies, Logitech, Moz, Sony Music Entertainment, and innovative agencies such as RezSocial, Pendo, Agency EA, Beantown Media Ventures, Galvia AI, and Wolfgang Digital. 

The MSc Digital Marketing programme is designed to equip students with in-demand technical skills and a portfolio of globally recognised certifications valued by employers. These include industry-accredited credentials from HubSpot and the Google Analytics Academy. Under a special arrangement with the Marketing Institute of Ireland (MII), students also sit the MII Qualifier Exam, enabling them to become full members of the Institute and use the professional designation MMII Grad. Successful graduates are also listed on the MII Register of Qualified Marketers. 

The MSc Digital Marketing programme employs a blend of teaching methods, including lectures, interactive workshops, case studies, group projects, and practical exercises using industry-standard digital tools. Students also benefit from guest lectures and close engagement with marketing professionals. 

Students will create digital portfolios of content including podcasts, pitches, campaigns and videos.  

Assessment includes a combination of exams, individual and group assignments, digital campaign development, presentations, and reflective journals. This varied approach ensures students demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing them thoroughly for the demands of the digital marketing industry. 

Programme Director: 
Dr Tina Flaherty 

Programme Administrator: 
Ms. Róisín Gavin  
E: mscmarketing@universityofgalway.ie 

Through the MSc Digital Marketing programme, students develop essential skills that are crucial for success in the digital marketing field and beyond: 

• Creative problem-solving to design innovative campaigns and content that engage target audiences.
• Data analysis and interpretation to make informed, evidence-based marketing decisions.
• Effective communication for crafting compelling messages across digital channels.
• Technical proficiency in using digital marketing platforms, analytics tools, and content management systems.
• Collaboration and teamwork through group projects simulating real-world marketing environments.
• Project management skills to plan, execute, and measure marketing initiatives efficiently.
• Adaptability and continuous learning to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Normally a second-class honours degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in any discipline. 

OR 

A primary degree with a minimum of three years relevant work experience will also be considered. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above. 

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships 
University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Business Merit Scholarships 

J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics is committed to attracting high calibre students from around the world. We are offering Merit Scholarships across all of our Taught Master's programmes. To be eligible candidates must have achieved a H1 (or international equivalent) in their primary degree and scholarships are offered on a competitive basis. All candidates who meet these criteria and have accepted a place on the programme are automatically considered for a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded up to 50% of the programme tuition fees. Click here to learn more 

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

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