Study consumer studies abroad

Consumer studies is a branch of social sciences that investigates how and why people consume products and services. It’s a broad discipline with economists, psychologists, sociologists, and marketing specialists combining their knowledge to understand why people buy what they do.

As a consumer studies student, you’ll examine what motivates people as consumers, how they make their purchasing decisions, and what factors influence these choices. You’ll look into areas like social class, culture, and the effects of marketing.

Understanding what motivates people is fundamental to every industry, from manufacturing and retail to finance and tourism. This makes consumer studies an exceptionally versatile subject to specialize in. There are also many transferable skills you can develop.

Consumer studies degrees can be studied at bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD levels. The duration and focus of your chosen course will depend on the level, country, and university you choose to study at.

Bachelor’s degrees in consumer studies are typically three years in length. A master’s degree usually takes a year to complete, while a consumer studies doctoral qualification can take between three to five years to achieve.

Consumer studies courses are typically delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, and tutorials. You’ll be expected to read into the subject and conduct in-depth research into particular topics. You may also need to give presentations and take part in debates.

The modules you can expect to study in a consumer studies program include:

• Consumer psychology
• Research methods
• Consumer behavior
• Advertising and branding
• Consumer policy
• Marketing management
• Economics

There are many different career paths open to consumer studies graduates. There’s everything from analytical roles in market research to creative ones in the advertising sector. Examples of typical consumer studies careers include:

• Market researcher
• Retail analyst
• Marketing officer
• Advertising executive
• Brand manager
• Product buyer

Working while you study is a great way to gain the skills employers are looking for, it can also help you decide which aspects of consumer studies you enjoy and want to pursue. Look for internships, placements, and volunteering opportunities during your studies.