Business and Marketing BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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This course focuses on developing your expertise in business management and the more specific function of marketing, which focuses on the key theories and practices across global multi-national organisations, national public and private sectors, small-medium enterprises (SMEs), non-profits, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and charities.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

NNF5

Start date

January 2025 - condensed


Course overview

The Business and Marketing BA (Hons) course aims to provide a solid understanding of areas such as business planning and management, alongside specialist marketing skills for potential careers in category management, marketing, customer insight, business development, sales and corporate communications. This course aims to:

  • Give you the confidence and business acumen necessary to develop, position and build businesses in the most strategically effective way.
  • Develop a solid understanding of business analysis, marketing planning and management, including exploring topics such as leadership, alongside specialist marketing skills, such as understanding customer behaviour, developing creative solutions and promoting competitive advantage.
  • Hone a broad range of practical and transferrable skills – creative, analytical, interpersonal and communications.

The January start for this course is condensed in Year 1. Please see the ‘How you’ll learn’ section below for more details.

A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

  • Real world applications - a distinctive feature of this course is the focus on real-world engagement and authentic assessments in a range of business and marketing situations. The course aims to offer you the opportunity to work on live projects and case studies from local and international organisations2 and possibly participate in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects2. Your business skills are further developed s through simulation games, role-play activities, and scenario-based learning by putting theory into practice4.
  • Highly flexible and transferable course options - this course is part of a suite of marketing courses that share a common first year, this enables you to gain a broad understanding of business and management concepts and practice before continuing your chosen specialism.
  • DigiComm Lab4  - our DigiComm Lab supports and develops your digital literacy skills through using industry-standard marketing platforms and software.
  • Prepare for your future - prepare for a future career in business and marketing with a work placement2. Past students have secured placements at IBM, L'Oreal, Rolls Royce and Warner Brothers.
  • Real-world insights and professional network development - you will be presented with opportunities to experience presentations and networking opportunities with practitioners, from both global businesses and small, niche advertising agencies, together with both real and virtual field trips2.

If you choose to start this course in January you will study exactly the same course but over a slightly shorter timescale in Year 1. This is ideal if you missed the September start, want to transfer from a different university or course or just need a bit more time to prepare for life at university.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

CIM logo

Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Graduate Gateway Programme

This course is part of the CIM Graduate Gateway programme, with the modules of the course aimed to map to certain CIM professional qualifications. This means that students who successfully complete the Marketing BA (Hons) course at Coventry University are exempt from certain modules of CIM qualifications. Please visit the CIM Graduate Gateway website for further information. Direct application and additional fees apply to study modules with the CIM.


The course is as much experiential as it is academic theory which further enhanced my own development. It enabled me to take part in Business School employability fair to allow for placement and professional networking opportunities, Practitioner Insight week where I got to hear from different seasoned professionals across marketing industry. Cross border project which enabled close collaboration with students from elsewhere. Also, throughout the years I was part of the “Global Leaders Program” where I had the amazing opportunity to take part in numerous practitioners talks, workshops and industry visits.

Sonia Caldioni, Marketing Alumnae, quoted in 2024
Sonia wearing her graduation gown outside Coventry cathedral

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first-year courses

  • Advertising and Digital Marketing BA (Hons)
  • Business Administration BA (Hons)
  • Business and Human Resource Management BA (Hons)
  • Business and Marketing BA (Hons)
  • Business Management BA (Hons)
  • Enterprise and Entrepreneurship BA (Hons)
  • Event Management BA (Hons)
  • International Business Management BSc (Hons)
  • Marketing BA (Hons)
  • Sport Management BA (Hons) 

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learned. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your:  

  • Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge
  • Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner
  • Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career
  • Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from years one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

Theory and practice-based lectures and seminars aim to develop your knowledge of a range of marketing topics, supported by a suite of industry-based software and hardware4.

There will also be opportunities to:

  • Explore consumer behaviour and analysis, and have the opportunity to learn how this insight and more can be used to inform the planning and implementation of marketing programmes.
  • Take part in group projects2 designed to develop advertising campaigns and hone your analytical skills using simulation games, such as marketing management games4 designed to develop your understanding and command of the marketing planning process.
  • Expand your skills and knowledge of the development and operation of business markets, entrepreneurship and the management of key resources, including human capital, financial management, strategic management, corporate social responsibility and organisational change.

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of Year 1, you will progress onto Year 2 in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.


Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

The fundamental nature of this course is international in its outlook, drawing on marketing and business best practice from around the world. We currently have long-running collaborations with KH Leuven in Belgium, School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE) in Hong Kong and PSB Academy in Singapore. We aim to run a number of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects on the course, which enables you the opportunity to work with students across the world on a live project tackling a specific marketing challenge in global virtual and multicultural teams2.

In the past, previous students have worked with peers in the USA, South America, India and many European countries undertaking business challenges as part of the international X-Culture competition.

Throughout the course, there will be opportunities to visit relevant companies giving you the chance to gain a real-life experience in marketing, both at home and abroad2.

There were so many international opportunities I enjoyed while studying Marketing at Coventry University. Not only did they enhance my learning experience but I was able to enjoy and personally develop through these moments including course day trips (such as Wimbledon and Legoland etc..) international field trip to Bordeaux, cross-cultural COIL project working with students from other institutions, two week exchange with Rennes Business school under the Turing scheme.

Sonia Caldioni, Marketing Alumnae, quoted in 2024
Sonia and her friend stood outside a cathedral in Bordeaux in France

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 112
A level BBC
GCSE 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including English and Maths
BTEC DMM
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.
IB Diploma 24 points

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an International Foundation Year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Business will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component area.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £16,800 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Condensed course – January start date

If you choose to start this course in January please make sure you check the Fees and Finance page for more information. Although starting this course in January does not prohibit you from being eligible for student finance, the way it is paid in your first year differs from those who start their course in September.

If you start the course in January, your tuition fees will be paid in accordance with the university’s Tuition Fees, Refund and Withdrawal Terms and Conditions for January starters and for any further years of study, your fees will be paid in accordance with the terms for September starters.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

We have a range of facilities4 available to support our business and marketing students in putting the theories you are taught, into practice. 

DigiComm Lab Seating Area

DigiComm Lab

Designed to build creative minds, the DigiComm Lab is currently equipped with the latest industry-standard marketing and advertising software and devices to support your creative development.

 

 

Three students sat at a desk while lecturer points at screen.

Business Simulation Suite

Coventry Business School's Business Simulation Suite utilises the latest business simulation software to give you the opportunity to improve your business skills.

 

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Talent Team

Our dedicated Talent Team can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops. They also aim to organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts2.


Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Apply appropriate business concepts, models or techniques to analyse marketing problems.
  • Source, analyse and apply appropriate marketing information to support decision making.
  • Present ideas and findings and communicate effectively to an audience in written, verbal or electronic format, using appropriate business media and IT applications.
  • Identify and analyse relevant sources of marketing information and research techniques across different contexts and cultures.
  • Appreciate current contemporary issues including sustainability, ethics and CSR in marketing and digital marketing.
  • Effectively use specialist tools in digital and social media marketing using appropriate software4.
  • Apply appropriate techniques to solve a range of different business management problems, including those of a financial nature.

Our Business and Marketing BA (Hons) aims to provide a highly flexible degree, which can easily facilitate entrance into general business management roles or act as a springboard for roles such as a Sales Manager, Category Manager, Market Research Manager or Marketing Manager. You can expect to develop a critical and reflective understanding of marketing and its relationship with the wider international business environment. It could lead to potential future specialist career options in such areas as advertising, digital marketing and project coordination, as well as more general roles in business analysis, project management or sales management.

Through completing the degree you will gain expertise and confidence in search engine optimisation, content management, creative integrated communications, social media marketing, big data analysis, campaign planning and channel management as well as knowledge and application of key concepts and practice within the broader marketing discipline.

Where our graduates work

Some of our past graduates have gone on to a range of careers in marketing, advertising, PR, brand management, marketing research, digital marketing, sales and general management, with a wide range of large and small organisations such as Disney, Virgin Media, Dell, PepsiCo and Network Rail.

Further study

Upon successful completion of our Business and Marketing BA (Hons) course, you may wish to continue to further your studies at postgraduate level. You can do that right here at Coventry University, with our Master of Business Administration (Marketing). Studied on campus or 100 per cent online, our MBA with Marketing specialism course looks in detail at topics such as strategy, digital and offline marketing, planning and management.

We also offer alternative postgraduate degrees if you decide to take a slightly different route. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study. 

I was fortunate to undertake a placement year at Samsung, where I was able to explore the corporate life for a year and experience so many different areas of Marketing. That opportunity helped prepare me for the world of work. It paved the way for my current role at creative marketing agency focusing on Youth and Family marketing. I am loving it very much because I am adding a lot into the job from what I’ve learnt at Coventry – and in doing so I am enriching my experience by doing marketing from the agency side!

Sonia Caldioni, Marketing Alumnae, quoted in 2024
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