The Scholarship
There are many development programs which will teach you how to be a better marketer and many more that can tell you how to become a better leader. We deliver the only program that will also show you why.
The curriculum is designed around our 4P modules. These are core modules through which we empower our Scholars to be the best they can be:
Personal Development: Be an extraordinary human
People Development: Be an inspirational leader
Professional Development: Be an exceptional marketer
Purpose: Be a change maker
A free, highly selective, 15-day learning program delivered over 9 months for 30 carefully selected Scholars. Packed full of money-can’t-buy experiences and best-in-class content, this unique development program has been designed to include a powerful combination of mentoring, coaching and lectures delivered by some of the top CEOs, CMOs and business leaders from the UK and the rest of the world.
Here’s a quick program overview:
One to One Mentoring
Each Scholar meets with up to 8 of the UK’s most experienced and inspirational marketing leaders. We have a team of over 60 leading CEOs, CMOs & Directors from Marketing, Media & Advertising who each have committed their time to The Marketing Academy to mentor our Scholars.
Executive Coaching
9 months input from one of a team of 30 professional Executive Coaches. The coaching element of the program provides the Scholars with a critical sounding board, plus challenges and facilitates their thinking and development.
Residential Boot Camps
3 fully immersive ‘Boot Camps’ where Scholars share learning, insight and experiences. In addition to a full induction, inspirational speakers, workshops and learning sessions, the Scholars undergo an intense leadership development program.
Access to The Marketing Academy Virtual Campus
A supplementary online curriculum of LIVE keynote sessions, ON-DEMAND learning and Learning Journeys, attended by our Alumni, Mentors, Coaches, Partners and their teams around the world. Scholars are able to invite their colleagues to enrol on this exclusive program.
Attendance at the residential Boot Camps is mandatory for all 2026 Scholars so please ensure you are available on the following dates:
Bootcamp 1 – Monday 18th May to Thursday 21st May 2026
Bootcamp 2 – Wednesday 23rd September – Friday 25th September 2026
Bootcamp 3 – Thursday 28th January – Friday 29th January 2027
For a full copy of The Marketing Academy UK 2026 Scholarship Program Guide, please click here.
Nominations for 2026 are open, please click here to nominate your best talent.
The desired criteria
Want to be nominated or have someone in mind for the Scholarship Program? Here’s a guide to the desired criteria…
- Ideally between 8 and 18 years in a marketing or agency role
- Currently in a leadership role
- Highly ambitious to further career in marketing leadership, aspiring to C-Suite or board roles
- Demonstrates commitment to career with evidence of results and achievements
- Evidence of commitment to broadening horizons, such as an interest in charitable, social, cultural, creative, travel or sporting endeavours
- High emotional intelligence & natural drive to succeed
- Currently employed on a permanent basis* in the UK and have worked in current company for a minimum of 6 months.
- No known risk of termination or resignation for the duration of the program
*Please note: We have Scholarships available for individuals who do not have a ‘classic’ marketing background. Those who have demonstrated exceptional potential as natural marketers or who have shown outstanding entrepreneurial ability or exceptional achievement in the face of adversity will be considered.
*There are many reasons that this program is not suited to individuals currently in transition between roles or freelancing. Please refer to the FAQ section on pages 8-10 of the Program Guide for more information and support.
We support diversity, inclusion and equality in every context and firmly believe that everyone, irrespective of race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender or religion, should have the same opportunity to fast track their careers and learning via our programs.
The program is free but highly selective so firstly we ask senior business leaders working within Marketing, Media and Advertising to nominate the best of their emerging leaders for a place on the program. All ‘nominees’ then receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ which includes essential information about the process.
Nominations close Friday 13th February 2026
Application deadline is Friday 20th February 2026
Applicants are selected via a 3-stage application process, which involves:
Stage One – Application
Submitting a 3-part application including:
- CV
- Employer’s Endorsement
- 2 minute ‘Showcase Me’ – a digital piece demonstrating why they should be selected
Application submission deadline: Friday 20th February 2026
Stage Two – The Pitch
Following Stage 1, successful applicants will be invited to make a 10 minute ‘pitch’ followed by a 15-minute Q & A. The pitch will be via virtual meeting.
Stage Three – The Panel
Successful applicants will be invited to a virtual interview with a selection panel of Marketing and HR Professionals.
Final Decisions – by 11th May 2026
Throughout the selection process applicants will be assessed against a full range of competencies, desired characteristics, interpersonal skills and appetite for the program.
Academy People
Featured Fellow
ToM Malleschitz, Co Founder, M2 Property Solutions Ltd
Previously Chief Digital Officer, ToM’s focus is on maximising the opportunity to strengthen and grow digital products and services for the company and to create…
Featured Scholar
David Son, Communications Manager – Department of Work and Pensions
David is currently Communications Manager at the Department of Work and Pensions.Ê From 2007 to 2009 he worked for the Metropolitan Police Service as Marketing…
Featured Coach
Oona Collins
Oona is an international senior executive and board-level coach and consultant. She has over 20 years experience incorporating board level positions in sales and marketing….
Featured Mentor
The Scholarship – a 9 month, free, part time program for 30 of the UK’s fastest rising stars in Marketing, Advertising, Media and Communications.
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