Is a Marketing degree worth it

If you’ve ever asked, “is a Marketing major worth it?” or “is Marketing a good degree?”, you’re far from alone. Many people weigh the cost, effort, and uncertain returns before committing to study.

The truth is that for those with passion and strategic thinking, a Marketing degree still offers strong value.

• The benefits of a Marketing degree
• How long will a Marketing degree take?
• Is Marketing a difficult degree?
• Career opportunities with a Marketing degree
• How to make your Marketing degree worthwhile

We will explore what a Marketing degree offers and what career paths it opens up in Australia.

The benefits of a Marketing degree

One of the biggest advantages of studying Marketing is learning how people make decisions, how consumers behave, and what motivates them. You gain insight into how companies innovate products or services to match the needs of consumers.

If you have amazing instincts for marketing, a degree gives you a framework to understand things like buyer psychology, brand positioning, segmentation, and the factors that drive demand.

Beyond theory, you can build a suite of practical skills in communications, media planning, content creation, advertising, social media, analytics, campaign strategy, and market research. These are skills that employers are on the lookout for when they want to hire a marketer.

Through project work and live marketing briefs, you will have the chance to practise developing marketing strategies, using digital tools, analysing data, managing budgets, and crafting persuasive messages.

A Marketing degree also helps you see the bigger picture. Rather than working in a silo, you understand how marketing connects with sales, operations, finance, supply chain, and customer service. It gives you a structured, comprehensive education in consumer insight, strategic thinking, and communication, which can all help kickstart your career.

How long will a Marketing degree take?

The Bachelor of Business (Marketing) takes 3 years, though we offer part-time options to help fit around your life. You can also choose to accelerate your studies and complete your degree in just 2 years.

We offer a variety of scholarships designed to support you throughout your degree. Merit, alumni and industry scholarships are available so you can focus on preparing for a career in marketing with less pressure.

Is Marketing a difficult degree?

You may find the degree demanding, particularly if you are returning to study or juggling assessments with work. However, there are always ways to help you stay on top of it.

• Use flexible or online offerings when possible, so that you can adjust around shifts or family demands
• Organise a weekly timetable and utilise study blocks
• Be realistic with workload and reduce commitments, particularly during assessment weeks
• Use peer study groups for accountability
• Utilise learning support services

If you’re trying to calculate the time you’ll need for studying, a standard single subject requires 10 hours of study per week. That’s 3 hours facilitated and 7 hours self-directed, which you can break up to fit what’s important around your schedule.

Career opportunities with a Marketing degree

One of the best parts of a Marketing degree is the huge number of careers you can choose from. These include Marketing Coordinator, Social Media Manager, Content Strategist to SEO/SEM specialist, Marketing Analyst, and even the role of a CRM.

Learn more about the jobs you can get with a Marketing degree >

There is a strong demand in Australia for Marketers. Jobs and Skills Australia classifies “Advertising and Marketing Professionals” as a recongised occupation with more than 100,000 employed currently.

In terms of earning potential, the average Marketer salary is estimated to be around $95,000 to $105,000 in major Australian cities. As a recent graduate, you may start at a lower salary package with entry-level roles often in the $53,000 to $66,000 range.

There are many fields within marketing, and your experience, specialisation, skill set and network can heavily influence your salary.

How to make your Marketing degree worthwhile

Just getting a degree isn’t enough nowadays. Consider the following to help stand out in the crowd.

Networking and making industry connections

From day one, build your network. Attend industry talks, university events, meet-ups, and marketing associations like the Australian Marketing Institute. A strong network can learn to internships, job referrals or mentorship, so make sure to take advantage.

Internships and work placement

One of the most powerful ways to make your Marketing degree worthwhile is real-world experience. Seek internships, part-time marketing roles, agency assignments, or work placement programs (we call it Work Integrated Learning or WIL). These let you apply theory, test different roles, build a portfolio, and show prospective employers you have done more than coursework.

The Bachelor of Business (Marketing) with us includes 300 hours of WIL industry experience, so you’re one step ahead already.

Use university resources and support

Make the most of career services, Success Coaches, workshops, guest lectures, and job fairs. Use the study spaces, technology, and library resources.

Choose your niche

Though not essential, if you have a specific interest (e.g. event management, e-commerce, entrepreneurship, and sustainability marketing), you can tailor your degree to fit your goals. It is important to research the niche and seek out extra opportunities to learn about it, so when you graduate, you've already got a point of difference.

A Marketing degree is not a guarantee of success, but it can be an incredible launchpad for your career. It gives you a comprehensive toolkit of analytical, creative, strategic, and communicative skills, along with credibility.

The effort and cost of a degree can pay off well if you make the most of internships, networking, and specialisations while you study.