- UCAS Code: N50A
- Level: Undergraduate
- Starting: September 2021
- Study mode: Full Time (3 Years), Full Time (4 Years with Professional Placement), Part Time (5 Years)
- Location: City Centre
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
This course has recently been updated. Please download the course specification for the up to date information.
Recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing our BA (Hons) Marketing with Consumer Psychology degree gives you the practice-based skills needed to succeed in the ever-changing discipline of marketing.
This approach not only gives you the marketing knowledge needed but also the personal skills employers demand, allowing you to make an immediate impact upon graduation. This experience is further enhanced by the opportunity to undertake a yearlong placement.
Businesses value marketing more than ever due to its ability to identify opportunities, shape experiences and drive profits. It is an ever-evolving discipline, constantly responding to changes in technology and consumer behaviour.
To be successful in this exciting area not only requires a depth understanding of the core principles, but also relies on having the acumen and practical abilities to apply and adapt this knowledge in a wide variety of scenarios. This in-demand course has been designed to give you the practical and professional skills that employers seek through our practice-based learning approach.
Tailor your Marketing Degree
Our suite of Marketing courses will enable you to tailor your interests to a specific area.
Our BA Marketing degree has a number of optional modules, or after the successful completion of your first year you can switch to one of the other specialised marketing degrees:
What's covered in the course?
Inspiring our students in all aspects of marketing, we put an emphasis on employability, Employability focused means more than securing a role on graduation, it is an enduring principle that ensures that you have the resources and competencies to maximise all of your future career opportunities. You will receive this through every module and through enhanced experiences such as the opportunity to work in our very own student-led marketing agency. Placements are available, with numerous companies holding our placement students in high regard thanks to their real-world practical skills.
Subject to approval this course is also fully recognised by Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). This helps to ensure content remains fresh, relevant and full of key industry insight to endure you industry-ready the second you graduate. This recognition also ensures you will receive the maximum possible exemptions from the CIM Professional Diploma.
This course is one of five marketing degrees that have been designed to meet the diverse areas of marketing. Your course allows you to understand all of the core principles of marketing with digital communications but it is part of a suite which allows you to switch to another course irrespective of the one you entered on. This allows you to develop additional specialist skills of your choice and career aspirations, alongside the core underpinning market concepts you will need in practice.
Each course in the suite has been designed to:
- Equip students with the ability to apply marketing theory and practice in a variety of business situations.
- Develop key transferable skills that are essential to a career in marketing.
- Meet the accreditation requirements of Chartered Institute of Marketing.
- Provide students with the opportunity to develop specialist marketing skills of their choice.
Why Choose Us?
- This degree course is aligned with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). This means that the course is as professionally relevant and up-to-date as possible, taking into account the very latest developments in the profession.
- On all of our courses you will gain a professional focus and real world experience of marketing, ensuring you are equipped to make an immediate impact in the business world. You have the opportunity to embark on a year-long professional placement as part of your degree course.
- Recognising the global scope of marketing, all our courses have an international focus. This is embedded throughout the curriculum, giving you the opportunity to transform your experience with us into a global one. There are a variety of exciting possibilities open to you, ranging from our successful international travel scholarships scheme, through which you can spend a summer working for a charitable organisation overseas, to one of our many overseas study exchange programmes.
- As a student on one of our undergraduate degrees, you will be able to benefit from our Graduate+ initiative. This three-year award course enables you to gain award levels for all the extra-curricular activities you undertake so that you can stand out from the crowd on graduation.
- Don't meet the entry criteria? Our Foundation Year courses offer a route to a full undergraduate degree at a lower entry tariff.
- You’ll learn from industry experienced staff, and have the chance to network with fantastic guest speakers year-round. Our excellent links with Birmingham businesses mean everything about our course is linked to the constantly evolving marketing sector.
- We teach by using real business scenarios, so you’ll get the chance to draft marketing plans for actual companies, create marketing material and gain practical experience both within the University and with industry contacts.
- We have our own student-run, in-house marketing agency, The Link, where you can sharpen your skills with briefs and projects from leading businesses and organisations, such as Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Serco and Cure Leukaemia.
- You will study in our state-of-the-art City Centre Campus, ideally located for you to take advantage of our links to Birmingham’s business district, one of the largest in the UK.
- All of our team have an open door policy offering drop-in tutorials to make sure you get as much advice as you need, when you need it, to get the most out of your time here.
Find out more
Similar Courses
- Marketing with Digital Communication - BA (Hons) - 2021/22 Entry
- International Marketing (Top-up) - BA (Hons) - 2021/22 Entry
- Business Management with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons) - 2021/22 Entry
- Marketing - BA (Hons) - 2021/22 Entry
- Marketing with Advertising and Public Relations - BA (Hons) - 2021/22 Entry
- Marketing with Commercial Management - BA (Hons) - 2021/22 Entry
Open Days
Our next Virtual Open Day is taking place on Saturday 20 March. It's the perfect opportunity to virtually tour our facilities, hear from some of our staff and get a feel of what it's like to study at BCU.
Book your place
This course is open to International students
I AM BCU
Bright Ifeanyi
After being out of education for five years, Bright knew it was the right time to return. Returning was one thing; but making the right choice was very important to him.
Job Roles
- Head of Marketing
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Account Executive
- Content Manager
- Media Executive
Course Accreditations
This course is accredited by:

Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from a maximum of 3 subjects. |
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Level 2 Qualifications | ||
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UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
GCSE |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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Scottish National 5 |
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Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
A level and Advanced VCE |
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AAT Diploma in Accounting (QCF) |
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Access to HE Diploma |
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IBO Certificate in Higher Level |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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IFS / LIBF Diploma in Financial Studies |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Applied General Certificate in Health and Social Care |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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Scottish Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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Other Qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
Additional information for EU/International students
Essential | ||
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Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications to 112 points are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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English language requirements 2020/21 | ||
IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page |
From A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
- UK students
- International students
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via UCAS
- Full Time
- 4 Years with Professional Placement
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via UCAS
- Part Time
- 5 Years
- Show fees
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
Year 1 80 credits - home fee status: £6400
Year 2 80 credits - home fee status: £6400
Year 3 80 credits - home fee status: £6400
Year 4 80 credits - home fee status: £6400
Year 5 40 credits - home fee status: £3200
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £13,200 per year
- Full Time
- 4 Years with Professional Placement
- £13,200 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
Guidance for UK students

UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Fees for part time students
If you study this course part-time or via distance learning, you will be charged on a pro-rata basis. This means your fee will be calculated per module.
Additional costs
There are no compulsory additional costs or charges associated with studying on this course. While you may choose to purchase personal copies of text books, all our key text books are available from our library or online (subject to normal library loan and online access arrangements).
Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £50 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
Accommodation and living costs
The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.
Worried about personal statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Financial Support
We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Year Two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Final Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
This course is aligned to the following organisation:

Chartered Institute of Marketing
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the leading professional body for marketers worldwide and exists to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing practitioners.
Birmingham City University has joined forces with CIM to give students the opportunity to gain professional qualifications through CIM Graduate Gateway. CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers, and map alongside our own degrees which ensures we are equipping students with the best opportunities for a successful marketing career.
Further Study
Upon graduating, you could continue your progression with a Master’s degree.
What our students say
"One thing I am most enthusiastic about is how practically-based the course is. For example, our lecturers use live clients for our assessments. We created a marketing, advertising and PR portfolio for HS2."
Katie Holmden-Bollard, Marketing student
Your programmes will provide you with specific business knowledge and skills, appropriate to graduate careers in marketing. Our specialist pathways will enable you to reflect on the dynamism and vibrancy of the business environment, enhancing your career prospects in the process.
Alongside gaining marketing skills will be a range of transferable attributes, which will see you become a highly desirable graduate, able to work in a number of different industries.
In addition, you could gain first-hand experience with the Link Marketing Agency, our voluntary, student-led agency which provides you with the chance to work with a wide variety of clients.
You will also have the chance to undertake a work placement, gaining valuable real-life skills in a professional working environment.
Placements
By choosing this course, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a one-year, paid work placement. We have links with many businesses across industries, locally and worldwide. This means you’ll get really valuable, direct experience on your paid placement.
Previous students have undertaken placements with companies such as Sky and Disney.
OpportUNIty

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
BCU Graduate+
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
More about Graduate+
What our graduates say
"Working with brands is one of the highlights of my jobs, I really enjoy working together on a brief and finding a way to naturally integrate products I genuinely love into my usual content. I’ve also been lucky enough to accompany brands on amazing trips around the world to learn more about their upcoming launches, a standout trip for me was visiting Ghana with Sport Relief."
Lily Pebbles, Marketing graduate
Welcome to the Birmingham City Business School, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!
Birmingham City Business School is one of the UK’s largest, most established and most respected business schools. Our programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.
We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.

BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.




Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law, Business and English students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive new library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Brand new, accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the recently opened Parkside Building and Millennium Point
"We’ve got lots of exciting opportunities waiting for you, such as live client projects, a marketing agency, and much more. Marketing is a wonderful area to learn about and an exciting area to work in, and we’re so looking forward to starting this journey with you."
Nicola Gittins, Course Leader

David Cashmore
Senior Teaching Fellow in Marketing
David Cashmore joined Birmingham City University in 2017 as a Senior Teaching Fellow in Marketing. With 20 years' experience in industry, David has held senior marketing roles in a diverse range of B2B companies, ranging from SMEs through to large global corporations.

Emma Neale
Senior Lecturer in Marketing
Emma Neale is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing. As a marketing professional with over 15 years' industry experience, Emma has held high profile roles in organisations such Siemens, and continues to work closely with industry and professional bodies.