Marketing and Consumer Psychology (Taught)

1st in the UK for annual research income (Chartered Association of Business Schools 2025)
11th in the UK for Psychology (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
8th in the UK for Marketing (The Guardian University Guide 2026)

Consumer psychology is the key to understanding how consumers behave. It plays an important role in many aspects of marketing. Insights into consumer psychology enable organisations to design innovative, value-adding products and to create effective communications in marketing campaigns.

On this MSc, you’ll learn to:

• evaluate the theories, concepts, tools and models used in marketing practice and understanding consumer decision making

• apply consumer psychology theories to interpret consumer behaviour

• use analytical skills to assess the choices consumers make

• make informed judgements on the use of key analytical and decision-making techniques in developing and appraising marketing strategies.

You’ll benefit from the academic expertise and industry experience in the School of Psychology and the University of Sussex Business School. You'll receive valuable marketing and psychology training, equipping you with a deep understanding of how psychological principles intersect with marketing strategies for effective business outcomes.

Your studies culminate in a research project that bridges marketing and psychology. On graduation, you’ll be prepared for a range of careers – whether you want to work in marketing, or apply psychological theories to the business world.

Accreditation

You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School. Learn more about all of our course accreditations here. Find out more

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Please check our website in January 2025 for the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Assessment is through a combination of coursework, projects, examinations and presentations.