International Marketing BA (Hons) top-up

Undergraduate
Top-up courses

Building in London covered in display adverts

This final year top-up course is aimed at students from outside the UK with a business and marketing background.

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

N550

Start date

January 2025

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

The course aims to enable you to top-up your existing qualification to a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree upon successful completion.

Studied full-time over one year, the course focuses on marketing from a strategic perspective and in an international context. Incorporating language modules, it aims to improve your critical thinking, problem solving and language skills, while giving you the chance to deepen your understanding of marketing and its integration into corporate strategy and structure.
Using real-life case studies and practical exercises, we will reflect on marketing thought and practice across the globe, analysing and discussing key managerial decisions on formulating and executing global marketing activities.
You will have the opportunity to apply this marketing knowledge to international business situations, considering areas such as international trade and export, intercultural business communications and global diversity in business practice, ethics and culture.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Preparing you for a variety of career options in marketing or general business management, this top-up course aims to boost your career prospects by achieving a globally recognised bachelor’s degree upon successful completion.
Our teaching emphasises the holistic nature of marketing. We reinforce the core principles and functional elements of business, marketing and advertising, moving you towards more strategic practice in relation to analysis and evaluation, problem solving and creative solutions.
You should also develop your proficiency in English, as you will have the opportunity to study specific English for Business modules and upon successful completion this will help to set you apart from other graduates.
As experienced practitioners, many of our staff have spent time in industry prior to joining academia, in roles such as marketing executives, managers and directors of private and public sector organisations. Many are recognised both nationally and internationally in their respective fields of specialism, publishing their research in the highest quality academic journals, including Journal of Marketing Management, Journal of Business Research, Psychology and Marketing and Journal of Consumer Behaviour to name but a few (please note staff are subject to change).
To monitor emerging sector trends and challenges, there is a high degree of practitioner input. We aim to invite guest speakers from industry (subject to availability) to give talks about their experiences, which in recent years, has included speakers from McCann Erickson, ITV Studios, Millward Brown, Marstons and the Mixed Reality Studio among others.

Memberships

AEME- Association for Events Management Education

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Association for Events Management Education (AEME). AEME is committed to raising profile of the events discipline through the sharing of education and best practice.

CABS - Chartered Association of Business Schools

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers and supports its members in maintaining world-class standards of teaching and research.

EFMD - European Foundation for Management Development

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries.

Coventry Business School is recognised by the above memberships for the 2024/25 intake.

PRME - The Principles for Responsible Management Education

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME is a United Nations-supported initiative founded in 2007 that aims to raise the profile of sustainability in their classrooms through seven principles focused on serving society and safeguarding our planet.

AACSB- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is the world’s largest network of business schools and organisations committed to advancing business education and making a lasting, positive impact on society to create next generation of great leaders.

BGA - Business Graduates Association

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA). BGA’s student and graduate benefits have been crafted to enhance your learning experience, providing a range of tools to support professional and personal development.

GBSN - Global Business School Network

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Global Business School Network (GBSN). The Global Business School Network is a nonprofit organisation that partners with business schools, industry, foundations and aid agencies to improve access to quality, locally relevant management and entrepreneurship education for the developing world.

SBC - Small Business Charter

Coventry Business School is a recipient of the Small Business Charter (SBC) Award. The award is a mark of excellence for business schools, recognising their expertise in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and effective engagement in the local economy.

Coventry University has exceeded my expectations! The learning environment and opportunities here are incredible. I’ve been able to compete in CIM The Pitch competition to test my skills, exposure to the LAUNCH program if you have a business idea (as part of the entrepreneurship module), Practioner Insight Week where guest speakers come from prestigious industry companies to discuss trends and issues of today.
Xiaohan Yao, Marketing Graduate, quoted in 2024

Portrait of Xiaohan with a plain background

What you'll study

By studying this course, you will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge of marketing, strategy and business English. By offering comprehensive modules, the course allows you to shape your marketing and business specialisms based on your areas of interest.

Modules

Global Marketing – 20 credits

You will gain a wide-ranging understanding of the international marketplace and the strategic issues involved in marketing across countries and cultures.  You will explore global marketing, with consideration given to European and other trade blocs, and the differences in marketing approaches taken in different markets and cultures.

Compulsory

Strategic Marketing Planning – 20 credits

This module will enhance your knowledge of marketing principles and practices by enabling you to critically analyse and apply concepts to the marketing planning process framework. The module utilises a marketing simulation game operating on a web-based software platform. The simulation enables you to design, construct and implement a marketing plan for a business, and evaluate its effectiveness through the analysis of marketing and financial data.

Compulsory

Academic Report Writing for Business – 10 credits

This module helps you to develop your English language knowledge and skills to a level where you can communicate effectively and independently. This is achieved in a context where the language is used for the study of business skills. The emphasis is on developing practical reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support your study of business-related courses at the university.

Compulsory

Academic Presentations for Business – 10 credits

The aim of this module is to develop international business students’ academic English and communicative skills. As well as gaining more awareness of language and vocabulary, you will also have opportunities to practise key skills for business courses such as listening to lectures and giving presentations. The module includes tasks that focus on teamwork and foster learner autonomy.

Compulsory

Brand and Corporate Communications – 20 credits

The focus of this module is on developing your understanding of the role all aspects of corporate communications play in building and sustaining the corporate brand and organisational reputation. In a 24/7 media environment, the importance of reputation management has never been higher. You will explore the wider context in which brands operate and the myriad of stakeholders who influence and can impact on corporate reputation.

Compulsory

Contemporary Service and Retail Marketing – 20 credits

For marketing graduates who find employment in service industries, the traditional product-based models of marketing are not always useful. Services and retailing are of enormous economic significance to most developed countries. You will develop appropriate marketing solutions to problems using case studies and reference to contemporary services and retail issues and developments.

Compulsory

Globalisation in Emerging Markets – 20 credits

During this module you will study the strategic issues involved in doing business across countries and cultures. You will be able to recognise and evaluate the dynamics of international business, the global business environment, and the importance of emerging markets in the global world. However, given their increasing relevance, some coverage of European and non-European trade blocs will be afforded through case study sessions and assignment work.

Compulsory

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

Many aspects of marketing and advertising involve creativity and innovation, so we encourage you to develop and utilise your creative skills. For example, you could have the opportunity to work with advertising briefs adapted from the D&AD Awards which require you to produce creative solutions to real situations faced by actual organisations. During simulation games, we replicate markets so that you can plan and strategise in a dynamic and competitive environment.

Teaching contact hours

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

on-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
group work
self-directed learning.

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
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

This course is international by nature drawing on business practice and real-life case studies (where possible) from all over the world². Furthermore, the international experience of the course team means creates further opportunities to gain cultural insights when doing business in countries around the world.

You may also have opportunities to work with students, from other international universities on Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects².

I’ve been able to use various MarTech industry standard tools, such as Google Analytics in the Digital Analytics module and Salesforce in the ECRM module. While completing coursework, I also gained experience with tools like HubSpot’s CMS, Brandwatch for social listening, and Screaming Frog for SEO site audits. Proficiency in these tools will give me an advantage in job market as companies are looking for professional with a comprehensive and integrated MarTech stack.
Xiaohan Yao, Marketing Graduate, quoted 2024

Digital touch board with technology graphics

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

To apply for this course, you must have successfully completed Years 1 and 2 of an equivalent course.

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.

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 no component lower than 5.5)

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
International	£16,800 per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ 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.

*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.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

At Coventry Business School, our facilities and technology ⁴ are close to what you would expect in real-world business environments, so that when you enter the world of work you will be familiar with many of the processes and software used in leading companies.

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.

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 students the opportunity to improve their business skills.

Trading Floor

Students have opportunities to practice simulated trading and other finance-related activities using the various types of demo software available in the Trading Floor.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be equipped with the required knowledge and skills necessary to pursue career options in marketing, advertising, and digital marketing, as well as more general roles in business analysis, project management or sales management.

Critically apply the principles of marketing in an international context.
Demonstrate knowledge and a critical understanding of how international organisations develop marketing strategies in response to challenging international business and ethically demanding environments.
Identify and apply appropriate marketing information and research techniques to support marketing decision-making.
Work effectively using critical thinking to solve complex international marketing problems.
Show a professional level of transferable practical and digital skills to resolve a range of international business and marketing challenges.
Act as independent learners, and communicate to an audience effectively in a variety of different electronic formats to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills to work in a team.

Where our graduates work

Our previous marketing 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 IBM, Hewlett Packard, Rolls Royce, Procter and Gamble, Jaguar Land Rover, Silverstone, McCann Erickson, Volkswagen, South African Airlines, Millward Brown and Chime Communications.

Further study

After successfully completing the course, you will be well prepared for postgraduate study in marketing, such as our Advertising and Marketing MA or professional qualifications, such as the CIM Diploma.

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.

How to apply

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

International students

International codes:
FBLU103

Full-time students should apply directly to the university.
Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

You can also apply through UCAS for 2023. Our university code is C85 and this course code is N550.

Apply via UCAS

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International Guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation, tips for travel and guidance on how to apply.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

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 permit 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.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.