Great Degrees for Market Researcher: How to Launch Your Career

Market research is the perfect career for students who love working with data, problem-solving and communicating with various teams. Professionals in this industry analyse data on competitors, market trends, and marketing strategies to help businesses improve their products or services.

A bachelor's degree is a great first step to landing a job in market research. A degree programme covers all the skills professionals need and exposes them to real-world problems and networking opportunities.

At LIS, we take an interdisciplinary approach to helping students seamlessly enter market research. We ensure students have the qualitative and quantitative expertise they need, as well as career support and wellbeing resources.

This guide explores excellent degrees for market researchers, how to get started in this field and the job outlook. 

Table of Contents

• Why a Degree is Important for Market Researchers
• What Does a Market Researcher Do?
• Amazing Degree Programmes for Aspiring Market Researchers
• Do You Need Certification in a Market Research Course?
• Planning Your Market Research Career
• How to Choose the Right Degree for Your Market Research Career

While many marketing professionals may choose self-learning to break into this industry, it's best to gain a degree in market research. Achieving a bachelor's degree will help professionals stand out in this field and make it easier to land a lucrative career. Completing a degree pathway will equip students with all the skills they need to excel in this profession. 

Through their studies, they will learn all the required expertise, from creating research proposals to conducting research design and data collection. In addition, market research degree pathways cover critical disciplines, including:

• Finance
• Economics
• Consumer Behavior
• Accounting
• Data Analytics
• Digital Marketing 

Gaining all these insights will prepare a student for a successful career in market research. 

A market researcher studies customer preferences, competitors and trends to determine a product or service's potential sales. Based on data collection and research findings, these professionals can evaluate whether a particular product or service is profitable for a business and how its profitability will perform in the long run.

A market research professional can also help companies make informed decisions by understanding their target audience demographic, how much these buyers are willing to pay for a product or service, and the best techniques to appeal to these customers. 

Here is what a typical market researcher does:

• Implement marketing research to collect and analyse data on human behaviour, competitors, product and market trends
• Conduct product testing and brand research on positioning a product in the market
• Optimise the research process to improve findings
• Put together research proposals
• Evaluate market campaigns and strategies
• Contribute to and establish marketing budgets
• Coordinate research projects 

There are many degree programmes for those who want to enter the research profession. But choosing among these options takes time and effort. 

Luckily, we've compiled a list of fantastic market research degree programmes to get you started. 

Arts and Sciences: Interdisciplinary Problems and Methods (BASc) – The London Interdisciplinary School

The London Interdisciplinary School (LIS) offers the BASc degree to help aspiring market researchers develop interdisciplinary skills. Students will gain critical expertise in core areas, including problem-solving, creative thinking, data analysis, and communication.

Unlike degree programmes focusing on a specific specialisation, LIS offers a flexible learning environment. Students can transfer the skills they gain to various career pathways, expanding their career opportunities. Our lectures are led by diverse industry experts, including epidemiologists, philosophers, journalists, and artists.

In addition, LIS brokers summer internships for qualifying students. They can participate in one internship per year for at least five weeks. This opportunity allows students to establish industry networks, making it easier to land a job after graduation.

Key Curriculum:

• Problems 1A: Explore the pillars of inequality and how to apply the theory of knowledge, problem-framing and public speaking.
• Qualitative Methods 1A: Learn the core of language and communication through thematic analysis, close reading, and participant observation. 
• Quantitative Methods 1B: Understand how to use and implement data to think through ideas of probability and uncertainty in evidence.
• Capstone Project: In the final year, students will apply the skills they've learned in a capstone project. ‍

Fees:

• £9,000 / a year for home students
• £15,000 / a year for international students

Financial Aid:

• Income from internships: Eligible students who have an internship and earn at least the London Living Wage can apply for financial support. 
• Hardship grants: LIS helps students who experience sudden economic difficulties. They award this financial aid on a case-by-case basis. 
• Financial support bursary: Qualifying learners can apply for annual financial assistance between £1,000 and £7,000 toward their degree.

Key Takeaways:

• The tuition fees for international students are highly affordable compared to other degree programmes.
• Students can learn a wide range of critical skills, making it easier for them to change careers in the future.
• The opportunity to complete internships is a fantastic way for students to gain practical experience and establish industry connections.
• LIS provides valuable resources to make it easier for students to launch their careers. 

BSc Consumer Behaviour and Marketing – University of Reading

The BSc Consumer Behaviour and Marketing degree at the University of Reading is ideal for students who want to learn about marketing and its science. Over three years, Students will learn consumer behaviour, business, applied psychology and applied economics. Industry experts will lead the lectures and guide toward understanding how the industry works.

This programme explores data collection and analysis concepts and how to leverage technology for marketing research. In the final year, students can complete marketing consultancy research projects or an independent project linked to real-world organisations. 

Curriculum:

• Consumer Psychology
• The Economic Environment
• Digital Marketing
• Marketing Strategy 

Fees:

• £9,250 / a year for home students
• £25,250 / a year for international students‍

Financial Aid:

• Vice Chancellor Global Scholarships: The University of Reading offers 100 scholarships of £4000 each based on academic achievement.
• The University of Reading Sanctuary Scholarship: Sanctuary seekers can apply for financial aid regardless of their background. 
• IFP Ambassador Scholarships: Eligible international students can apply for a £3,000 discount on tuition fees. 

Key Takeaways:

• There are limited scholarships for international students.
• Students have an opportunity to gain practical experience from real-world projects.
• In contrast to many market research degrees, this pathway focuses on human behavioural science and its relationship to marketing. 

University of East London – Marketing BSc (Hons)

The Marketing BSc (Hons) degree from The University of East London (UEL) requires three to four years of full-time study. If students opt for the four-year option, they can complete a placement year and understand the marketing research field first-hand. This degree covers essential marketing topics, including marketing, accounting, economics, and data analysis.

Students will learn about the challenges of the research process, how human behaviour impacts marketing and techniques for communicating research findings. What's impressive about this pathway is that UEL has a marketing and analytics lab hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS), so students can access real-time data and resources. 

Curriculum:

• Foundations of Marketing 
• Fundamentals of Business Accounting
• Digital Marketing
• Contemporary Issues in Marketing 

‍Fees:

• £9,250 / a year for home students
• £14,820 / a year for international students

Financial Aid:

• Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: Eligible students can apply for Up to £27,750 for three years as a tuition fee waiver or cash reward. 
• Dean Scholarship: Qualifying students with excellent academic records and financial needs can apply for Up to £13,500. 
• Hardship Bursary: Students from low-income households experiencing sudden financial hardship can apply for Up to £3,000 toward their degree programmes.

‍Key Takeaways:

• UEL offers an optional work placement year so students can gain real-world experience and establish industry connections.
• The tuition fees for international students are affordable.
• A foundation year exists for students to learn core knowledge before starting this degree programme. 

University of Sussex – Marketing and Management BSc (Hons)

Students can complete the Marketing and Management BSc (Hons) degree at the University of Sussex for three years. This pathway focuses on comprehensive marketing topics, from strategy, economics, and finance to research design and data analysis.

Students will also learn about organisational behaviour, human resource management, entrepreneurship and the role of technology in marketing. They can opt for an optional study abroad year to work alongside real-world companies and gain valuable insights into what professionals in this industry must do. 

Curriculum:

• Introduction to Business and Management
• Introduction to Economics
• Marketing Analytics and Metrics
• Marketing Communications

Fees:

• £9,250 / a year for home students
• £22,575 / a year for international students

Financial Aid:

• The University of Sussex still needs to publish the details of its scholarships for the next academic year. 

Key Takeaways:

• This degree programme is designed to help students develop in-depth marketing skills.
• There is an optional study abroad year.
• The information on scholarships and bursaries isn't readily available, which could be better. 

University of York –  BSc (Hons) Marketing

Aspiring market research professionals can study the BSc (Hons) Marketing degree at the University of York for three years full-time. An optional placement year allows students to gain practical skills and a complete understanding of the market research profession.

This degree programme explores every aspect of marketing, from finance and management to branding, consumer behaviour, and ethical marketing. Students can opt for various pathways to personalise their learning experience and gain expertise to prepare them for their careers. 

Curriculum:

• Marketing Essentials
• Humanity, Economics and Management
• Branding Strategies
• Strategic Marketing Consulting

Fees:

• £9,250 / a year for home students
• £25,800 / a year for international students

Financial Aid:

• York Bursary: Students can apply for an annual award throughout their programme based on household income. 
• Cowrie Foundation Scholarship: Black British from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can apply for financial support. 
• International Regional Scholarship: Qualifying international students can apply for £2,500 to £9,000 toward their first year of study. 

Key Takeaways:

• There are various scholarships and bursaries available for home-fee paying and international students.
• Students can complete a placement year and gain real-world experience.
• This degree pathway allows students to choose from a wide range of specialisations.  

No, you don't need to complete a market research course for a career in this field. However, completing further courses to expand your skill set will make it much easier to find a job. 

These courses will help you develop a well-rounded expertise, which will help you stand out in the job market and prepare you for a successful career.

At LIS, we provide short courses covering various interdisciplinary skills. Students can understand leadership, technology, collaboration, and management critically. You can complete one or all of these courses:

• Risk and Reputation: Learn to understand the complexities of leadership through interdisciplinary methods.
• Cross-functional Leadership: Aspiring market researchers will learn valuable leadership skills and how to solve complex problems and manage diverse teams. 
• Systems Thinking for Sustainability: Understand how systems thinking transforms sustainability and helps organisations make eco-driven decisions. 

Your studies are only the first step to a career in market research. Here are the essential skills you need, the average salary for professionals and the job outlook. 

Critical Skills for a Successful Career in Market Research

To start as a market research professional, students must acquire the necessary skills employers seek. These are the top soft and technical skills aspiring market researchers need on their resumes:

• Research Design: Professionals must know how to design research projects and strategies to answer critical business questions. They must outline methodologies, theories and models in research projects to help marketing teams make informed decisions. 
• Project Management: Market researchers often oversee multiple projects and must know how to prioritise them and manage various deadlines.  
• Analytical Reasoning: This skill enables professionals to identify trends and patterns in their research results. Techniques like these guide them in making sense of the data they gather. 
• Communication: Market researchers must understand how to transmit information and research results to marketing teams, executives, clients and stakeholders. 
• Data Analysis: This expertise allows researchers to extract valuable insights from data and thoroughly understand the needed information. 
• Competitive Analysis: A significant aspect of market research is competitive analysis. Professionals must know how to gain necessary information about a business's competitors and use that to give the marketing team an advantage. 

What is The Average Salary for Market Research Professionals?

The average salary for market research professionals in the UK is £32,500 per annum. 

Professionals in entry-level positions typically earn £26,000 per year, while those with more experience can secure up to £54,375 per year.

Will Market Research Jobs Grow?

In the US, market research jobs will grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033. In the UK, data shows the industry grew 11% between 2022 and 2023, with over 48,000 people currently employed in various market search roles.

This strong job growth rate proves that market research is a promising career choice. Students with a degree and the right skills can expect to find a job more efficiently than pathways with less growth. 

To choose the right degree, consider the tuition fees, financial aid options, specialisations, hands-on training and career support. ‍

Tuition Fees

The cost of tuition is one of the first considerations for students. International students are charged higher tuition fees, while home-fee-paying students tend to pay around the same amount for various market research degree programmes. Regardless, pick a degree pathway you can realistically afford. 

Financial Aid

Student loans aren’t your only option to fund your bachelor's degree. These loans often come with hefty interest rates, meaning you'll pay back much more than you borrowed. Broaden your options and consider degree pathways with financial support, like bursaries and scholarships. 

Specialisations

Some degree programmes often have specific specialisations, such as finance, economics, marketing or consumer behaviour. However, programmes like ours at LIS focus on interdisciplinary skills to help students gain critical skills they can transfer to a wide range of careers. It's best to evaluate the better option for you and how this works for your professional goals. 

Hands-on Training

Practical experience is paramount for market research students. Opt for a programme like LIS that exposes you to real-world problems so future employers know you understand how to navigate the complexities of this field. 

Career Support

Students must have access to career support and wellbeing programmes while developing the skills for market research. These resources ensure a positive learning experience and establish industry connections for entering the workforce. 

Completing a bachelor's degree is a great foundation for becoming a market researcher. These pathways cover all the skills you need to launch your career, making it easier to find a job after graduation.

A bachelor's degree covers all the skills you need to launch your career and proves to potential employers that you have the experience and commitment for this industry.

At LIS, we provide all the resources students need to succeed in market research. Our students gain core skills in various disciplines and have the opportunity to develop industry connections, preparing them for a thriving career in multiple industries.

Ready to become a market researcher? Contact us today.