We show what the secret to the success of the Budapest Metropolitan University (METU) marketing master's program is according to the students!
The master's program in marketing at the Budapest Metropolitan University (METU) started three years ago and has become one of the largest training grounds for current and future marketing professionals. According to a survey conducted among the students of the program, success is attributed to three factors: practical training and instructors, the correspondence curriculum, and the state-funded format.
Decades of experience
The Budapest Metropolitan University has always been known for its marketing communication programs, as education started twenty years ago at its predecessor, the Budapest College of Communication – specifically with the communication and business communication majors.
Since then, the institution has continuously expanded its training offerings in business, communication, tourism, and later in the arts, and today it provides a wide range of options from higher education vocational training to bachelor's programs, specialized further training, and master's programs.
The master's program in marketing – and what lies behind it
Among the master's programs, marketing is one of the most popular, attracting more than fifty students every year since its inception. The program leader, Dr. Papp-Váry Árpád, who is also the dean of the METU Faculty of Business, Communication, and Tourism, says in this regard:
„Of course, we did our homework andasked the students who come to us why they chose METU. They first highlighted the practical subjects and instructors. This is no coincidence, as there are courses available here that are mostly not found in other marketing master's programs.”
The dean is already listing these: in the four-semester training of the METU marketing master's program, students can attend courses such as advertising research and campaign planning, intercultural management, search marketing, strategic social media marketing, or marketing technologies.
„Not to mention ourelective offeringswhere such subjects can be chosen as copywriting and creative strategy, sports marketing, country branding, or even business to woman, the marketing female targetmarket. Moreover, these subjects are taught by those who have worked in the profession for decades or are currently working in it.”
– added Dr. Papp-Váry Árpád, who is also the vice president of the Hungarian Marketing Association, thus being able to present best practices and case studies in classes with the help of the association.
Available in full-time or part-time, state-funded form as well.
While the full-time program is primarily popular in English, where students participate in classes together with international students in a global environment and work collaboratively on project tasks, Hungarian students mainly seek the part-time program.
„The advantage of this is that classes are on Saturdays, making it possible to complete the program alongside work – and those part-time instructors who work as marketers during the week, whether on the client or agency side, can also be more involved. They bring topics and tasks into the education that have posed challenges for them that week, and together they seek solutions with the students.” - emphasizes the dean.
Last but not least, the attractiveness of the METU master's program is contributed by the fact that it is available in both full-time and part-time, state-funded forms, and indeed, the vast majority continue their studies this way.
A significant portion of the students graduated from a bachelor's program in commerce and marketing, but many come from other business bachelor's programs, such as management or tourism and hospitality. Additionally, a degree in communication and media studies is also common, as the main focus of the METU marketing master's program is integrated marketing communication. All of this, of course, has a digital focus, which is indicated by the name of the first foundational course: Marketing Theory and Marketing Management in the Digital Age. Beyond these, there have also been applicants from other fields, such as sociology, psychology, or food engineering.
Why apply specifically to METU?
Árpád Papp-Váry again cites research conducted among students: the desire for knowledge, the exploration of a new field, higher income, and advancement on the career ladder are the main motivations.
„We provide all the assistance beyond the classes. Students can participate in various professional events where they can build their network. Or precisely we create the opportunity for them to publish in marketing-related journals and websites, which contributes to the development of their personal brand.”
As the dean says, perhaps this is why most applicants for the marketing master's program list METU as their first choice, and indeed, many apply only here.
Where can you apply for the METU marketing MSc program?
This year, as usual, you can apply on the felvi.hu website – those who wish to study in a state-funded program without tuition fees should definitely pay attention to the deadline, which is Tuesday, February 15.
More information about the program you will find here.
