Study marketing analytics and data science in Groningen and be trained thoroughly on methods to process and analyze big datasets to track marketing performance and generate customer insights.
In the Marketing Analytics and Data Science (MADS) track, part of the MSc Marketing, you will become an expert on marketing analytics and get a thorough understanding of the impact of digitalization on marketing. You will learn how to use advanced statistical techniques in a responsible way to analyze data, both structured and unstructured. You learn how consumers, firms, and society can benefit from data science, but we also discuss the ethical considerations of working with large amounts of data.
There is room for personal choices too, for example, you can choose electives on topics like digital marketing intelligence, supply chain analytics, and econometric models. Also, we want you to gain hands-on experience, which is why you will be working on an assignment using the latest Google Analytics 4. The programme offers you the potential to explore business ethics, the sustainability of supply chains, and the role of marketing in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
In the Master’s programme in Groningen, you will attend research-driven and fact-based courses about the most recent developments in the area of marketing analytics. To combine the best business practices with academic insights, we use lectures, hands-on tutorials (and assignments), and invite practitioners to give guest lectures.
On top of the mandatory courses, you can design your programme by choosing different courses. If you are interested in learning about the strategic and tactical decisions retailers make, improving the customer journey or calculating the customer lifetime value, and how B2B marketing is different, you can choose courses from group A. On the other hand, in group B, you can go deeper into the implementation and use of market and individual customer-level models, A/B testing, and social network analysis.
Semesters | ||||
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CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
Companies, Brands, and Consumers (5 EC) | ||||
Data Engineering for MADS (5 EC) | ||||
Statistical Learning in Marketing (5 EC) | ||||
Elective (5 EC) A few exampels are: Business Ethics; Econometric Methods; Business Research and Consulting; Supply Chain Optimization; Business Research and Consulting; Strategic Supply Chain Management. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys. | ||||
Data Science Methods for MADS (5 EC) | ||||
Market Models (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Retail Marketing: Strategy and Analytics (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Digital Marketing Intelligence (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Managing Customer Experience and Value (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Master's Thesis (20 EC) | ||||
B2B Marketing (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Customer Models (5 EC, optional) |
Programme options |
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Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Focus Area (specialization) Focus on the digital transformation within our society and understand how to successfully implement digital transformation in business. A successful digital transition allows businesses to conquer markets, witness industries converging, and step into the realm of winner-takes-all dynamics, like dominating tech-giants like Google and Facebook. |
Master Internship (specialization) Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study. You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester. |
Double Degree Master Marketing and Information Systems (Münster) (specialization) Does transforming large datasets into valuable marketing programs sound interesting to you? Then this double degree programme is for you! The School of Business and Economics at the University of Münster and the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Groningen have joined forces to set up a high quality, two-year double degree Master’s programme in Marketing and Information Systems.In Groningen, you will be educated thoroughly on methods that allow them to analyze and model (secondary, big) data to track the marketing performance of the firm and generate new customer insights. The information and insights generated by the Marketing Analytics and Data Science (MADS) profile (formerly known as Marketing Intelligence) are used as a basis for making research-based strategic and tactical marketing decisions.In Münster, the programme focuses on information systems. You will learn how marketing programs can be designed to create value for both customers and firms. You will write a Master’s thesis (20 ECTS) in Groningen and a research paper (10 ECTS) in Münster. |
Double Degree Master Strategic Marketing Intelligence (Oslo) (specialization) Would you like to learn how to deliver value to customers and build sustainable relationships? Then this double degree programme is for you! The double degree programme combines the expertise in Marketing Analytics and Data Science (MADS) from Groningen with the expertise in Strategic Marketing from the BI Norwegian Business school in Oslo.In Groningen, you will study thoroughly methods that allow you to analyze and model (secondary, big) data to track the marketing performance of the firm and generate new customer insights. The information and insights generated by the Marketing Analytics and Data Science profile are used as a basis for making research-based strategic and tactical marketing decisions.The second part in Oslo is based on three central topics: marketing theory, statistical methods and the financial implications of marketing investments. You will learn how to oversee the market research that provides the knowledge to guide your decisions on a wide range of issues, ranging from which markets to target and which new products to develop, to what price will optimize sales and what communication themes and channels will best build brand value.You will receive two degrees: an MSc in Marketing with Marketing Analytics and Data Science profile and an MSc in Strategic Marketing Management. |
Double Degree Master Marketing and Finance (Münster) (specialization) Would you like to expand and deepen your knowledge in the field of Marketing Analytics and Data Science and Management, combined with a minor in Finance? Then this double degree programme is for you! In Groningen, you will be educated thoroughly on methods that allow them to analyze and model (secondary, big) data to track the marketing performance of the firm and generate new customer insights. The information and insights generated by the Marketing Analytics and Data Science (MADS) profile (formerly known as Marketing Intelligence) are used as a basis for making research-based strategic and tactical marketing decisions.The second part in Münster is founded on two pillars: value-based marketing and finance. You learn how to design marketing programmes that create value for both customers and the firm and how to measure the financial implications of marketing strategies.For all students in this programme, a Master's thesis (20 ECTS) is written in Groningen and a research paper (10 ECTS) is written in Münster. You will receive two degrees: an MSc in Marketing with Marketing Analytics and Data Science (MADS) and an MSc in Strategic Marketing Management. |
Specific requirements | More information |
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previous education |
Below you will see a table with 'transfer options'. Please check the entry requirements for your Bachelor's degree (from a research university of a university of applied sciences). This programme offers customized entry packages: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-marketing. If your degree is not mentioned in the table below, you can still apply via a Pre-Master's programme. For information on application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions Board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
other admission requirements |
The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Business Administration | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Operations Research | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
International Business | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Industrial Engineering and Management | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Psychology (NL) | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of There is a customized entry package for graduates of our BSc Psychology. Please check: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-marketing |
Sociology | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
Communication and Information Studies | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of In addition to your BSc programme, you need a customised entry package of 25 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-marketing |
Psychology (EN) | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of There is a customized entry package for graduates of our BSc Psychology. Please check: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-marketing |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Econometrics and Operations Research | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
Fiscale Economie | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
International Business Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
Business Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Business Analytics | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
Business Engineering | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Operations Research | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
Fiscale Economie | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
Global Studies | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
International Business | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Accountancy | Nyenrode New Business School |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
Business Administration | Nyenrode New Business School | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Business Administration | Radboud University Nijmegen | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | Radboud University Nijmegen | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Fiscale Economie | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
Econometrics and Operations Research | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
Economics | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
International Business Administration | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Actuarial Science | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
Business Analytics | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Data Science | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Business Administration | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Fiscale Economie | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
International Business Administration | University of Twente | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Economics and Business Economics | Utrecht University | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Management and Consumer Studies | Wageningen University | No additional requirements |
Economics and Governance | Wageningen University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Business Administration | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
International Business Administration | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Operations Research | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Operations Research | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Business Analytics | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Public Administration Science | Leiden University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of For students following the profile Economics, Public Administration and Management: You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
Computer Science | Leiden University |
No additional requirements More information:For profile Computer Science & Economics. |
Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. In Studielink, please register for the specific track (Marketing Management or Marketing Analytics and Data Science). If you are a current FEB student and you want to re-enrol, please contact transfer.feb@rug.nl.
More information on the steps to apply .
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 |
Specific requirements | More information |
---|---|
previous education |
To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Economics, Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management. To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions. |
language test |
IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176). |
Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. In Studielink, please register for the specific track (Marketing Management or Marketing Analytics and Data Science). After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply.
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 |
Career prospects for graduates with a Master's degree in Marketing Analytics and Data Science are bright. The academic theory and practical tools that you will have acquired are highly valued in the labour market and will give you access to exciting job opportunities.
You will be able to take up positions such as data analyst at a research or consultancy company, business intelligence specialist, marketing automation consultant, or database marketeer. You will be responsible for bridging the gap between data and marketing strategies. Our alumni help marketing teams make data-driven decisions, optimize campaigns, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately achieve better results in terms of customer engagement and revenue generation.
You also become a researcher at a university by doing a Research Master's and/or a PhD programme. Recent graduates have successfully transitioned into data science roles outside of the marketing field. This proves that our programme equips students with the skills and knowledge to become proficient data scientists across various domains. Our recent graduates have started working at companies such as KPMG, Lynk &Co, AdResults, ING, ABN AMRO, Jumbo, Microsoft, Capgemini, Bol.com, and McKinsey & Company.
Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. At the heart of our teaching approach is (interdisciplinary) research and in collaboration with external partners, students, and professors conduct projects on societally relevant topics such as healthy society, digitalization and how AI is shaping business and societies, sustainability, climate change and how to tackle the shift to renewable energy. From day one of your degree, we are about making a real impact.
The Customer Insights Center of the University of Groningen (RUGCIC) connects scientific research and practice and brings together the marketing knowledge and expertise of students, researchers, and businesses
You can also read more about our Marketing research institute that focuses on. three main disciplines in the field of marketing: strategy, modeling, and consumer behaviour.
A lovely conversation with a group of Dutch students in China inspired me to study in the Netherlands. Groningen quickly became my home. I got to know a very different lifestyle, learned to become independent, and most importantly made friends for life from all over the world. I wanted to do something with marketing and data, the study was a perfect fit and the perfect preparation for my current work. The good amount of teamwork alongside the great support from the teachers helped me to prepare for the work I am doing today. The combination of my studies and my job at the University of Groningen helped me to discover the passion I get to follow today. I now have my dream job in Amsterdam where I work as a Marketing Analytics Consultant.
Are you interested in marketing communications, branding and customer management? Find out more about the Marketing Management track.
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