Sales & marketing

You could get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

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

For 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/

Apprenticeship

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

For 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

Work

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

Direct application

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

More information

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.

You can also find out about marketing events and challenges by DMA Talent on the Institute of Data and Marketing.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could move up to:regional manager; marketing director; brand or account director

You could choose to work as a freelance marketing consultant.

You can find out more about marketing careers from The Chartered Institute of Marketing and The Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing.