WBS number two in the UK for Marketing Master's courses as it climbs to seventh globally

Warwick Business School has been ranked second in the UK and seventh globally for Marketing by the QS Business Master’s Rankings 2025.

The ranking used data from the School’s hugely popular MSc Marketing & Strategy course, which sees students go on to work for multinational giants like Mars, Alibaba, Chanel, Unilever and PwC.

Master’s programmes were ranked based on five categories – diversity, thought leadership, employability, alumni outcomes, and return on investment – with WBS above the global average in all of them.

Irina Surdu-Nardella, Professor of International Business & Strategy and Course Director for MSc Marketing & Strategy, said: “This ranking is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and students. It reflects our continuous efforts to provide a world-class education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.

“WBS is for the Change Makers and we help transform our students so they are prepared to make a positive impact on society and the world. Our students are driven by a desire to change the world for the better and believe business can be a power for good in the world.”

Only courses accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), or the European Foundation for Management Development Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) are included in the rankings – WBS is one of an elite band of schools accredited by all three.

In the Master’s in Marketing 2025 ranking, QS rated WBS second in the world for thought leadership, which measures research impact and academic reputation by surveying 49,888 academics around the world.

Why is the MSc Marketing & Strategy course ranked so highly? 

Professor Surdu-Nardella emphasised the unique aspects of the MSc Marketing & Strategy programme that contribute to its high ranking.

“We focus on developing our students’ analytical and creative skills, ensuring they are well prepared to tackle real-world challenges,” she said.

“As well as learning the latest theories and tools we bring in guest speakers from some of the world’s leading companies so students can see how they are applied in real-world situations.

“We believe that learning from those who are actively shaping the industry is invaluable. It not only enhances the learning experience but also helps our students build a strong professional network.

“They will understand how strategy and marketing are intrinsically linked, with modules to specialise in either area so they can build a career in marketing, strategic management or brand management in a consultancy or marketing agency.”

The University of Warwick is among the top six universities targeted by the largest number of top employers in 2024, according to education research analysts High Fliers, and MSc Marketing & Strategy students benefit from a careers service that begins as soon as they are accepted and continues after they graduate.

Students have access to one-to-one career guidance appointments, CV checks and tailored mock interviews, with job opportunities, events and workshops posted on the School’s bespoke online learning platform my.wbs.    

 “Our graduates are highly sought after by employers, thanks to the rigorous training and practical experience they gain during their time at WBS,” said Professor Surdu-Nardella.

“We are constantly reviewing and updating our curriculum to ensure it remains relevant and impactful. Our goal is to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their careers and make a positive impact on society.”

Find out more about our Change Makers at Warwick Business School.