Marketing BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Student writing on a whiteboard

This course focuses on the discipline of marketing. It will appeal to those with an interest in brands as commercial products and services, as ideas, and as charities and symbols in a variety of organisational settings.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

N500

Start date

September 2025
January 2026 - condensed


Course overview

Marketing plays an enormous part in our everyday lives and it is present in almost every exchange of goods and services. For those with creative flair, analytical minds and a love of communicating, our Marketing BA (Hons) course could lead to a potential future career in this exciting field.

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

City buildings next to a tree.

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

This course offers you the chance to:

  • explore areas of sales and marketing from the creative to the analytical – whether that is advertising and brands, consumer behaviour and retailing, or new product development and market research.
  • develop your awareness and understanding of contemporary marketing and advertising concepts and theories and utilise appropriate analysis tools to investigate a marketing and/or advertising problem and develop appropriate solutions.
  • gain hands-on experience in developing marketing plans and strategy, working in teams to create innovative solutions to an advertising brief and then pitching them to a client2.
  • experience presentations and networking opportunities with practitioners, from both global businesses and small, niche advertising agencies, together with both real and virtual field trips2
  • learn from experienced staff, many of whom have previously worked in roles such as marketing executives, managers and directors of private and public sector organisations. (Staff may be subject to change.)

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.


A key highlight of my experience was the pool of different opportunities to get involved in. From cross-border projects to competitions, societies or volunteering, there was never a shortage of opportunities to improve our marketing knowledge and gain practical experience. I truly think that the eagerness to learn and broad range of experiences is what set me apart from my peers when it came to new projects and challenges, as I could much easier navigate in between the theory and practice.

Sabina Sabova, Marketing Alumnae, quoted 2024
A close up portrait of Sabina in front of a Coventry University building

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

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.

We want your degree to fit around you, so 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 BBA (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 start to drill down into core marketing subject areas, such as consumer behaviour and marketing insight. You will also explore areas such as integrated marketing communications and digital marketing. The knowledge gained within the year provides a solid foundation for your ability to understand and analyse the marketing function. 

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 placement or study abroad years usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.  

If you choose to do a work placement or study abroad year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,2503. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. 

Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our placement/study abroad offering here, it is often tailored for each course every year and depends on the length of placement or study abroad opportunities that are secured. Therefore, the placement and study abroad arrangements vary per course and per student. Request further information about going on a placement or study abroad year. 

Modules

The final year 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.  The final year also allows you to personalise your learning experience depending on your interests or future career aspirations.

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

This course benefits from a focus on practical marketing skills and enables you to fully explore the marketing discipline. You will have the opportunity to develop skills in marketing and communications research, analysis and planning, and the chance to work with others to develop advertising campaigns2.

The course aims to offer opportunities to:

  • get involved in live and simulated cases2 which aim to bring the subject alive, for example, you could find yourself simulating marketing planning in the international smartphone market.
  • hear from guest speakers from the industry2 who are invited to give talks about their experiences. In previous years this has included speakers from McCann Erickson, ITV Studios, Kantar, Marston’s and the Mixed Reality Studio amongst others.
  • participate in industry field trips2, with past examples taking place at Jaguar Land Rover and Cadbury’s , as well as visiting professional exhibitions, such as the Digital Marketing Show.

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

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and Independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

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

Assessment methods may include:

  • phase tests
  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • projects
  • coursework
  • exams
  • individual assignments
  • simulations
  • critical reflections
  • role play.

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 best marketing practices 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 run a number of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects on the course, which aim to enable you 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, you will have opportunities2 to visit relevant companies to gain a real-life experience in marketing, either at home or abroad. Previous cohorts of students have visited Leuven in Belgium, Dubai and Malaysia to experience other cultures and take part in marketing activities in international teams.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements and are therefore not guaranteed2.

This is an ideal course for those who want to develop a well-rounded understanding of marketing, where flexibility is created to allow different marketing career pathways to be pursued. As the course progresses and the areas of marketing interest are developed, there will be opportunities to develop more market specialisms.

Dan Zhang, Marketing Course Director BA (Hons), quoted in 2021
A lecturer and students using a think board

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 112
A level BBC
GCSE 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 28 points
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.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

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.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.


Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year
Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £16,800 per year
Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 of £1,250 to 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.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

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.

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).

Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

*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 facilities available4 to support our marketing students in putting the theories you are taught into practice.

Two students working in the Digicomm Lab

DigiComm Lab

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

 
Students sat with a tutor in the Business Simulation Suite

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.

 

A student with a Talent Team adviser

Talent Team

Our dedicated Talent Team can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate-level jobs and offer skills development workshops. They also 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:

  • demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the essential principles and practices of marketing and advertising, and how an organisation interacts with its external environment customers and stakeholders.
  • 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.
  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the holistic nature of a business organisation, the financial management of organisations and the strategic management and operational aspects of marketing, within a business context.

This course seeks to equip you with the latest skills in marketing, helping to provide a springboard for a successful career in marketing. The course is aimed at students wishing to pursue a career in marketing, in roles such as Brand Manager, Market Research Manager, Customer Experience Manager and Marketing Manager.

Where our graduates work

Some of our previous 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:

  • Haines Watts
  • Listers Group Reckitt
  • Duracell
  • Blum UK
  • IBM
  • L’Oreal
  • Rolls Royce
  • Warner Brothers
  • Disney
  • Huawei
  • Purity Brewing
  • Philips
  • KIA Motor Cars
  • Molson Coors.

Further study

Upon successful completion of our Marketing BA (Hons) degree, you may wish to continue to further your studies at postgraduate level. You can do that right here at Coventry University, with our International Marketing Management MSc. You could continue to build on what you have learnt, further exploring the skills which may be needed to work within an international businesses, using marketing to drive growth and business success.

We also offer alternative postgraduate degrees if you decide to take a slightly different route. You can explore all of your options using our postgraduate course search tool. 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 seriously can’t recommend undertaking a placement year enough! Even drafting an application taught me so much about the job landscape. I secured my place at Mondalez International and allowed me to grow as a marketing professional, deepen my knowledge and gain a competitive advantage in the graduate job market. Additionally, it has provided me with a new perspective of approaching university assignments in my final year and helped to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Sabina Sabova, Marketing Alumnae, quoted in 2024
A portrait of Sabina at Cadbury's world in front of a Cadbury's illustration of a glass of milk
Two students sat at a desk working on a laptop

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