Marketing - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2026/27 Entry. Switch to 2025/26 Entry
The success of any business lies in its ability to attract and retain its customers. Marketing, now more than ever, is absolutely vital in an evolving and increasingly competitive business environment. Marketing can identify opportunities, drive profits and enable businesses to stay relevant in a competitive and fluctuating marketplace....
- 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
The success of any business lies in its ability to attract and retain its customers. Marketing, now more than ever, is absolutely vital in an evolving and increasingly competitive business environment. Marketing can identify opportunities, drive profits and enable businesses to stay relevant in a competitive and fluctuating marketplace. With the advancement in technology and ever-changing consumer behaviour, marketing is an exciting discipline to enter.
Our BA (Hons) Marketing degree, recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), gives you the practice-based skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the dynamic discipline of marketing. 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.
The course is built on the principles of employability, sustainability and the optimisation of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, simulation and data analytics . These key strands, alongside the opportunity to obtain real-world experience, will allow you to be an innovative, agile and flexible marketing professional able to have an immediate impact in a competitive and ever-changing working environment.
A key benefit of the course is the opportunity to join our student-led, in-house marketing agency, The Link. The Link Agency gives you the opportunity to work on live projects with real-world clients, which in the past have included the BullRing Shopping Centre, Acorns Children’s Hospice and Solihull Moors FC.
What's covered in this course?
Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to work on live campaigns with real-world clients. This could be supporting the launch of a new product, advising on a rebrand, promoting events or giving guidance on social media optimisation.
You will be assessed through authentic assessments, based on practical application of your skills and knowledge in coursework and project work rather than solely through exams.
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 stepping stone 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 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. In the past, we have partnered with organisations such as Acorns Hospice and Solihull Moors FC.
- As part of this focus on offering real-world experiences, you'll have the opportunity to undertake trips and visits to marketing agencies and organisations. In the past, such trips have included to Mother and Saatchi & Saatchi in London.
- This course is accredited and meets the high standards of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
- 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.
- 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.
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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This module aims to equip you with the conceptual knowledge needed to develop your understanding of contemporary technologies available to be leveraged by digital marketers. It explores a diverse range of activities including the use of automation tools as they specifically pertain to Digital Marketing campaigns in order to enable you to appreciate the major differences between traditional and Digital Marketing at an operational level.
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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All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Professional Placement (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of BA (Hons) Marketing 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 40 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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In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 80 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
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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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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Public relations is a strategic asset of any firm or organisation and the ability to appraise and analyse the characteristics of a successful PR strategy is fundamental to a successful practitioner. PR utilises a variety of techniques and skills to create the compelling content and word of mount media coverage that makes this PR, after personal recommendation, the most effective marketing channel.
Sales and Channel Management 20 credits
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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 nowGo Abroad
Undergraduate students can apply to study on an exchange programme for one semester at one of our partner universities across the globe. The opportunity to apply will depend on which course you study. The majority of courses offer this in the second semester of your second year. You will obtain credits which are recognised by BCU. Find out more about Go Abroad.
Alternatively, each year, the University offers students the chance to volunteer or study overseas at one of our partner institutions/organisations during the summer. In previous years, our students have been to France, Spain, Brazil, Fiji, India, Mexico, South Korea, and USA on a variety of activities. All students are eligible to apply, although PG and PhD students may require academic approval. Find out more about Go Abroad.
Student Profile - Jake Newton
Finding a course with academics who are passionate about their area of expertise was a huge factor I’d considered when deciding to study BSc Marketing at Birmingham City University.
It was clear the course tutors were so passionate about their subject area when I first stepped foot into BCU on an Open Day back in 2016. Not only did they prove how dedicated they were to their subject but also the opportunities that were available to you as a student.
The marketing industry is oozes with exciting opportunities and studying Marketing at BCU reflects that. There are opportunities to gain real in-house marketing experience with their internal marketing agency ‘The Link’ which isn’t provided anywhere else. Alongside the experience gained in-house, I also undertook a micro-placement where I worked a month as an intern at a Social Media company in Birmingham called ‘Updates Media’. These experiences set me up really well for my year-long Professional Placement in my third year.
For my Professional Placement, I worked at BCU as a Marketing, Communications and Events Assistant. During this time I experienced many roles with a lot of responsibility such as organising events and campaigns, designing emails directed to thousands of prospective students, working on BCUs corporate marketing campaign and more! In fact I enjoyed it so much, once my placement was complete, I have continued to work as a Social Media Ambassador for BCU to broaden my skill set even more through my final year.
The support from the staff is truly fantastic. The academics go the extra mile to help you succeed with their industry experience shining through their teaching, taking the learning experience to a whole new level. They care about your development and provide many opportunities to work with businesses and network with professionals to help you build your own personal network for your future career.
Student life in Birmingham is vibrant, fast-paced and exciting; this course mirrors that. From supportive staff, ongoing events around campus and constant opportunities, it truly couldn’t be done without the fantastic group of people working at BCU. You can build experience, increase your employability and learn off older students as well as your academics. I know because of my Professional Placement, employers are more likely to hire me, and I have BCU to thank for that.
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 your 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, Johnson & Johnson, and Disney.
Whether you take the four-year or three sandwich route, the important thing about work placements is that they provide an opportunity for you to get to grips with working, meeting deadlines and working in a team. A placement enhances your knowledge in many ways, helping you with your course, as well as helping you to find out more about a job or industry, leading to more informed decisions upon graduation.
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