Marketing manager

You can become a marketing manager as graduate of any subject. Some higher national diploma or degree subjects might be particularly relevant like:

• marketing
• business management
• digital marketing
• advertising
• psychology

Some companies might offer graduate marketing management schemes.

You might be able to fast-track through professional marketing qualifications if your degree is accredited.

You can find out more about the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) accredited degree .

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could start by taking a Marketing Assistant or Marketing Executive Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

If you already have some marketing experience, you might be able to do a Marketing Manager Level 6 Higher Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as a marketing executive  and then take a qualification offered by a professional marketing body such as:

• The Chartered Institute of Marketing
• the Chartered Institute of Public Relations
• the Institute of Data and Marketing

You might be able to apply directly for marketing manager jobs if you have experience in a related area like:

• sales management
• advertising
• communications
• public relations

Career Tips

The Institute of Data and Marketing runs a Talent Marketing Challenge , which offers opportunities to get some experience of being involved in a marketing campaign.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join The Chartered Institute of Marketing for professional development and training opportunities.

Further Information

Learn more about how to get into marketing from The Chartered Institute of Marketing.

As a marketing manager you'll:

• create marketing and social media strategies
• plan and manage the launch of new products and services
• oversee and approve campaign content, budgets and targets
• work with in-house or external agencies
• report on the effectiveness of campaigns

You could work in an office or at a client's business.