Marketing with Advertising and Public Relations - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2026/27 Entry. Switch to 2025/26 Entry
A brand’s external image and reputation are just as important as the product or service they provide. Our BA (Hons) Marketing with Advertising and Public Relations course gives you the practice-based skills needed to succeed as an advertising and PR specialist....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time/Part Time
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2026
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location City Centre
This course is:
Available with Professional Placement year
Open to International Students
Overview
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the link agency is an in-house agency
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that is run by marketing students it's a
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real opportunity for students to engage
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with live briefs which are given to them
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from organizations in and around
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Birmingham my students taking
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responsibility and ownership of real
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life campaigns with real deliverables
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they understand that they're making
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immediate impact and long-term
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difference to clients businesses and it
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gives them a real world expective of the
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world of work
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we've worked on apps we've done fashion
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shows we've done TED Talks events when I
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bring the clients into our working space
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they're really impressed with the
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employability of our students they said
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they're very employable they're very
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professional in terms of their attitude
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and aptitude to work and they said gosh
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this is like being in a real agency
A brand’s external image and reputation are just as important as the product or service they provide.
Our BA (Hons) Marketing with Advertising and Public Relations course gives you the practice-based skills needed to succeed as an advertising and PR specialist. You will gain not only the knowledge needed to become a capable marketer but also the personal skills and real-world experience employers desire, enabling you to make an immediate impact upon graduation.
Employability, sustainability and the optimisation of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, simulation and data analytics are key fundamentals of this course as you prepare for a career in advertising and/or PR in any modern business. These skills, alongside the opportunity to obtain real-world experience with live clients will allow you to be an innovative, agile and flexible advertising or PR professional able to be reactive to brewing situations and opportunities to be immediately impactful a competitive and ever changing working environment.
A key benefit of the course is the opportunity to join The Link Agency - our student-led, in-house marketing agency. The Link Agency gives you the opportunity to work on live projects with real-world clients. Past clients of The Link Agency include the BullRing Shopping Centre, Acorns Children’s Hospice and Solihull Moors FC.
What's covered in this course?
This course covers the fundamentals of marketing with a specific focus on advertising and public relations. Alongside core marketing principles such as consumer behaviour, budgeting and finance, data, insights and analytics and live event experience, you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of contemporary advertising, digital enterprise, personal branding, digital analytics and public relations and reputation management. There is also a focus on crisis management, giving you all the necessary skills to be able to manage any number of PR, branding or reputational situations which may occur.
Employability and entrepreneurship are at the core of this course and these transferable skills will give you a solid foundation from which to build your career in marketing. By choosing this course, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a one-year, paid work placement in addition to the opportunity to work on live, real-world projects through the Link Agency.
We have links with many businesses, 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, Johnson & Johnson, and Disney.
As a student on the course, you will also get to participate in The Pitch, a nationwide marketing competition held annually by the Charted Institute of Marketing (CIM), that allows you to apply your academic knowledge and creative skills to real-world marketing problems. This opportunity serves as a critical steppingstone for future marketing professionals by enhancing your employability and practical skills.
Professional Placement year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Why Choose Us?
- We have a strong focus on employability and through placement opportunities and our links with local businesses, we aim to ensure you graduate not only with your degree but also with the skills and knowledge needed to embark on your chosen career.
- The STEAMhouse offers amazing opportunities for entrepreneurial students to kick start and build a business. Services available include the Incubator which helps focus and solidify business ideas and the Hatchery which offers support in getting your business off the ground.
- We pride ourselves on being the University for Birmingham and supporting and giving something back to the local business community. We have strong links with local businesses in the city across several industries. These links help us enhance students’ experiences by giving them access to industry experts for guest lectures, exciting placement opportunities and other chances to engage with the business community as a whole.
- We aim to infuse learning with exposure to real-world experiences. Through the Link Agency we give students the chance to work on real-life projects using industry-standard software and with real-world clients. These offer a unique opportunity for students to gain this invaluable experience while they study.
- This course is accredited and meets the high standards of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Open Days
Join us for an Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation. Booking isn't open for this event yet, register your interest and we'll let you know when booking goes live.
Next Open Day: 4 October 2025
Entry Requirements
Essential requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2026
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,535 in 2026/27
- Apply via UCAS
- Part Time
- 6 Years
- Show fees
- Register interest
- £1590 per 20 credits
- Year 1 - 80 credits
- Year 2 - 80 credits
- Year 3 - 80 credits
- Year 4 - 80 credits
- Year 5 - 40 credits
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.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2026
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £18,570 in 2026/27
- Register interest
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 and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for 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
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the three areas you’ll need to address:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Here’s where you explain what makes this course exciting to you. Think about your motivations for studying the course and your future plans. If you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons.
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
This is your chance to show what you’ve learned at school or college. You should include the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from education or training and how this will help you succeed in your chosen course.
- What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Not everything you’ve learned comes from the classroom. Life experience counts too! You might want to talk about work experience, employment, or volunteering and how they’ve helped you develop the skills needed for your chosen course or future career.
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.
Course in Depth
First Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
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This module will provide a gentle introduction to the world of accounting and finance for business managers of the future and is designed for those new to accounting or those studying on non-accounting related degree programmes.
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Second Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
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In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
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The aim of this module is to provide you with ‘real world’ event management experience. Integral to the module will be a focus on group work, enabling you to utilise your event management skills accrued at level 4 to exhibit decision making skills when choosing a viable event to execute, selecting an appropriate venue and promoting the event, and ultimately running their chosen event. The relevant literature is explored, but with a consistent view of the importance of applying theory and planning in practical business contexts.
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Professional Placement (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of BA (Hons) Marketing With Advertising And Public Relations with Professional Placement Year you must successfully complete the following module.
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Final Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
Marketing is usually involved in providing information used in strategic decision-making and is often in the forefront of executing such decisions. It is very important for marketers to have an understanding of strategy and planning as it enables marketing activities to be directed to the specific needs of that organisation. You must appreciate the complexities of preparing and implementing longer-term, customer-focused plans and the significant role of marketing and management in contributing to the core vision of the organisation and the achievement of its plans.
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Contemporary Advertising, will explore best practice advertising techniques, In this field creative, marketing communication tools and techniques are continuously evolving. Current examples pulled from real-world experiences, will be analysed from the view of a practitioner’s perspective. Taking a comprehensive view of the industry, advertising will be analysed from the creative standpoint and continuing to address the importance of integrated marketing communications in the field of advertising and how it impacts advertising strategy through featured campaigns.
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In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules
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To successfully market products and services, it’s never been more important to apply the science of how people make decisions. However, marketing goes beyond the purchase decision, the ultimate destination for any organisation is the creation of loyal customers that repeat purchase and advocate the brand/organisation.
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All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Download course specification
Download nowThis course is accredited by 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 our CIM Accredited Degrees. 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.
Employability
Enhancing employability skills
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 transferrable 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
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent £500 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 and Business 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 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
- Accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the Parkside Building and Millennium Point
Our staff
Dr Dianna Nderitu
Lecturer and Course Leader in Marketing
Dianna is Lecturer in Marketing and the Course Leader for the Marketing course and pathways. Dianna gained a PhD from Coventry University in the areas of Relationship Marketing and Service Marketing. Before joining BCU, Dianna taught at Coventry University Group within the Marketing department. Her current areas of research are in the areas of...
More about DiannaDavid Cashmore
Subject Group Leader (Marketing), Senior Teaching Fellow in Marketing
David joined BCU in 2017 as a Senior Teaching Fellow in Marketing, bringing over 20 years of industry experience. He has held senior marketing roles across a diverse range of B2B companies, from SMEs to global corporations, and continues to collaborate closely with industry leaders and professional bodies, particularly the Chartered Institute of...
More about DavidDr Charlotte Carey
Associate Professor in Digital Marketing
Dr Charlotte Carey currently leads BCU’s Entrepreneurship research cluster, which is part of the CEIG research centre.
More about Charlotte