Brand and Marketing Management

This postgraduate programme equips you with advanced skills in brand strategy, consumer behaviour, digital marketing, and campaign management. You will explore how brands are built, positioned, and sustained across sectors such as FMCG, drinks, retail, and services. Modules typically combine lectures with real client briefs, case studies, and group projects, giving you hands-on experience of solving genuine marketing challenges. Many programmes include a research dissertation or a live consultancy project, and some offer short-term industry placements or Erasmus exchange opportunities in Europe. In a typical week you might analyse pricing strategy one day and pitch a brand repositioning concept to industry guests the next, blending analytical rigour with creative thinking.

Entry to this NFQ Level 9 programme normally requires an NFQ Level 8 Honours Bachelor degree (minimum 2.2, though a 2.1 is competitive) in business, marketing, commerce, or a cognate discipline. Applicants with degrees in other fields such as arts or science may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant work experience or prior marketing modules. A background in Leaving Certificate Business, Economics, or Mathematics is useful but not a formal entry requirement at postgraduate level. Relevant industry experience in marketing, communications, or brand management strengthens your application considerably. Mature applicants and those from non-traditional academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply through the mature or DARE/HEAR access routes offered by individual institutions.

Demand for skilled brand and marketing professionals in Ireland remains strong, driven by the dense concentration of multinational consumer goods and tech companies. Graduate salaries for entry-level brand or marketing roles typically range from €35,000 to €45,000, rising to €55,000–€75,000 at manager level with a few years of experience. Senior brand directors and marketing leads at large Irish or multinational firms can earn well above €80,000. The combination of digital skills and strategic brand thinking makes graduates attractive across a broad range of industries.