MSC CONSUMER INSIGHTS AND BRANDING STRATEGY (PART TIME)

In a dynamic business world, marketers need to understand how to build and maintain strong brands over time. This 2-year part-time programme targets the critical need for expertise in branding strategy. You'll develop knowledge and gain practical experience through its project-led modules.

Qualification
Master Of Science Degree
CAO/MU Apply code
MH95D
Award Type and NFQ level
TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
Study Mode
Part time
Closing Date
14 August 2026

Overview


In a dynamic, rapidly changing business world, marketers need to understand how to build brands and maintain strong brands over time. Strong brands are central to a company’s success. Organisations in the consumer goods, luxury, services, business-to-business, non-profit and sports sectors all benefit from
having strong brands. This programme targets the critical need for expertise in branding strategy.

In addition, most modern businesses place an emphasis on understanding consumer behaviour to drive their marketing and branding strategies. Effective branding strategies help to generate positive customer responses such as brand recognition, word of mouth, brand trust, and brand loyalty. Gaining consumer insights helps firms to plan, drive and evaluate their marketing strategies, to develop and maintain their brands, and to evaluate the effectiveness of branding activities. This programme is unique as it focuses on consumer insights to address these needs, and to inform branding strategies.

The practice of branding and brand management is always evolving. External forces, including the impact of new technologies, demographic changes, and a greater need for sustainability, corporate responsibility and authenticity, affect the world that brands inhabit. Successful brand strategists are able to navigate the ever-changing environment and utilise consumer insights to make better marketing decisions. Our approach to learning gives you the opportunity to develop knowledge and gain practical experience through project-led modules that also provide invaluable skills.


Course structure

Duration: 2 years part-time

This challenging and demanding programme is fast-paced, developing a high level of competence in consumer insights and branding strategy across the programme.

In our modules, you will have the opportunity to develop skills that are relevant to gaining consumer insights and developing branding strategy in industry today, and to benefit from insights from our research active faculty, and industry contacts.

You will also get to experience our ‘Marketing Live’ module.

Our final semester permits you to work on placement with an industry partner, or design and implement branding activities for an organisation, or undertake an academic dissertation.

Modules are delivered over two semesters (September–January & February–May) with the Business Consulting Project/Placement/Dissertation conducted between May and August.

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.

Year 1

MNCIP6 - Consumer Insights And Branding Strategy

Credits: 30  |  Compulsory

Consumer Insights And Branding Strategy modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MI6280

10

1

Y

MI6281

5

2

Y

MI6288

5

1

Y

MI6243

5

2

Y

MI6283

5

1

Y

Year 2

MNCIP62 - Consumer Insights And Branding Strategy

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Consumer Insights And Branding Strategy modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MI6274

25

Year-Long

Y

MI6272

10

1

Y

MI6277

25

Year-Long

N

MI6226

5

1

Y

MI6287

10

2

Y

MI6282

10

2

Y

Careers after your Masters

The MSc in Consumer Insights and Branding Strategy provides students with clear differentiation that aligns with industry needs.

The programme offers a path to advanced positions in marketing and branding, in roles including product or brand management, brand consulting, brand activation, social media marketing for brands, customer engagement, customer and marketing experience management, and consumer insights management.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) in a Business discipline and/or media, psychology or psychological studies with a minimum of a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2). Candidates with a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in any discipline who can demonstrate significant experience in business-to-consumer marketing or branding will also be considered.

Applicants who do not hold a primary degree but has at least 10 years relevant work experience, at least 3 of which are in a management position in business-to-consumer marketing or branding, may apply via Maynooth University's RPL process for Non-Standard Entrants. Please click here for further information.

Minimum English language requirements: please visit Maynooth University International Office website for information about English language tests accepted and required scores. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non-EU applicants.
National University of Ireland Maynooth’s TOEFL code is 8850


How to apply

To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, applications must be made via the MUApply portal. Please click here to start your application.

When making your application, please ensure you upload the below documentation to your application prior to submission to avoid delays in application assessment:

  • Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
  • Graduation Certificate if you have graduated/conferred
  • A copy of your passport
  • Up to date CV
  • Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.

Got a question about this course?


Programme Director Prof. Elaine Wallace
Tel +353 1 708 4721
Email elaine.wallace@mu.ie / business@mu.ie
Website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/business
Address School of Business, 3rd Floor, TSI Building, North Campus, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. W23 WK26