Marketing and Public Relations BA (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

The BA (Hons) Marketing and Public Relations (PR) degree aims to equip you with the knowledge, competencies and skills essential for success in today's ever-evolving contemporary marketing and PR industries.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26 2026-27

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

N510

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

Course overview

The Marketing and Public Relations with Foundation Year BA (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in the contemporary marketing and public relations industries.

The foundation year will introduce you to the world of business with a strong focus on management, business communications and marketing in a global context. It creates opportunities for you to develop vital business skills and to put theory, both traditional and contemporary, into practice with real-world scenarios as well as preparing you for study at undergraduate degree level.

Why you should study this course

The course aims to offer you opportunities to embark on study trips, as well as mandatory marketing training with local employers and industry experts, subject to additional costs.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is currently recognised by the following bodies: the CIM and the CIPR for the 2025/2026 intake¹.

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations

Recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), you will become a member of these professional associations for the duration of your course and have the opportunity to gain a Level 3 Foundation Certificate and Level 4 CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing in addition to your degree (subject to additional fees).

Chartered Institute of Marketing

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) supports, develops and represents marketers, organisations and the profession all over the world. For the duration of the whole course, students will have access to benefits offered by the professional body such as learning resources and networking and employment opportunities. Please see the following link for further information: Contact us I CIM

What you'll study

This course aims to provide an understanding of best practices in the marketing and PR industries.

Alongside extensive knowledge of significant marketing functions within core business strategies, you will be given the opportunity to learn skills for the marketing sector. The course aims to offer you opportunities to embark on study trips, as well as mandatory marketing training with local employers and industry experts, subject to additional costs.

Furthermore, you may learn to develop creativity with an entrepreneurial flair and successfully combine innovative ideas with strategic thinking.

Students who successfully complete year one will be eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC).

Modules

Marketing Principles - 30 credits

Marketing Communications - 30 credits

Developing key analytical skills, you will learn the quintessential tools for marketing communications. Gaining invaluable insight, you will learn to understand integrated marketing activities and assess the importance of consistency with social and ethical principles, while fulfilling legal and regulatory requirements.

Compulsory

Public Relations in Context - 30 credits

This module focuses on the fundamental context of public relations. You will be introduced to core topics including definitions, history, ethics, corporate social responsibility, and importantly, how PR integrates with other marketing functions. You will also discuss the pros and cons of working for an agency or working in-house, and study good and bad PR practices.

Compulsory

Contemporary Skills for Public Relations - 30 credits

As the world moves further towards instant global communication, the skills needed for successful strategy have evolved. In this module, you will learn PR skills such as copywriting, internal communication and crisis communications for international companies. You will also cover media management, where you will identify and discuss successful strategies in digital media.

Compulsory

As the course progresses, you will build on the knowledge gained in year one to cement a solid foundation of core principles. You will learn about technological systems to successfully develop and implement innovative marketing strategies. The course also introduces relationship management, innovative strategy, enhanced digital marketing practice and effective market segmentation.

Students who successfully complete year two will be eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND).

Modules

Digital Marketing - 30 credits

By using real examples of advertising and marketing you’ll explore the essential tools to operate in a digital environment. You will learn how to monitor the effectiveness of a campaign and formulate unique strategies to enhance customer experience, while developing your knowledge of current trends, threats and opportunities in digital marketing.

Compulsory

Entrepreneurial Marketing - 30 credits

An entrepreneurial mindset is essential for the creation of innovative ideas for products and services. This module aims to introduce you to the concept of entrepreneurial marketing which is the process of creating new ideas by adopting the notion of effectuation. You also have the opportunity to practice the use of modern techniques such as targeting, segmentation and positioning.

Compulsory

Innovation in PR - 30 credits

Having the ability to integrate innovation into strategic creation is a skill sought-after by many. We aim to develop your skills in idea creation, innovation and enterprise in PR. Working with your peers, you will seek to develop creative approaches for successful public relations practice, studying famous companies for contemporary and relevant assessments.

Compulsory

Media Relationship Management - 30 credits

Focusing on characteristics of key media relationships, you’ll learn how to establish and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with media sources. This module aims to highlight the importance of trust and use case studies of companies to critically assess positive and negative media coverage.

Compulsory

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.

Modules

UK Work Placement - 0 credits

International Study/Work Placement - 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Upon successful completion of the course, you will have the opportunity to consolidate your expertise through professional placements and a self-defined marketing and PR research project. By the end of the program, you should have acquired the skills and proficiency needed to successfully integrate into the marketing industry.

Modules

International Marketing and PR - 30 credits

Refining knowledge of successful marketing and PR practices, this module focuses on international trade and the distinctions between multilateral marketing, international marketing and pure exporting. Familiarising yourself with key models and theories, economic and non-economic factors is highly important. Therefore, you’ll also explore topics such as globalisation.

Compulsory

Advanced PR Planning and CSR - 30 credits

Drawing on the knowledge of the previous years, tutor insight and independent research, you’ll explore the advanced practice of PR planning in modern organisations and how Corporate Social Responsibility plays a positive role in the community by considering the environmental and social impact of business decisions. Our tutors will take you through the disciplines of planning and strategy with key considerations, such as behaviour change, target planning, management and structuring of PR teams.

Compulsory

Strategic Marketing Management - 30 credits

Your tutors will teach you core subjects of marketing management, including the building of profitable relationships, creating and delivering brand value and global marketing. Most importantly, you’ll develop the skills and techniques required to create successful marketing strategies and learn how to sustain competitive advantage for contemporary organisations.

Compulsory

Marketing and PR Research Project - 30 credits

You will take charge of delivering a relevant and innovative research project to industry standard. This offers the opportunity to consolidate and showcase the skills and knowledge accumulated throughout the course on a topic of your choosing, incorporating contemporary marketing and PR issues, recommendations and critical reflection on outcomes.

Compulsory

Modules

Business Communications - 30 credits

This module explores the application of communication in business through a variety of methods. You are required to undertake a range of practical activities such as role plays, in different organisational and cultural settings, and examine the relationship between management and the workforce. You’ll also conduct thorough research of communications, using analytical theories as well as examining key management communication tools. 

Finally, you’ll identify your own personal learning style, and have an opportunity to develop these skills within a supportive and culturally sensitive environment.

Compulsory

Management Skills - 30 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the skills required by managers and leaders in business. You’ll explore why having an effective manager is crucial to the success of an organisation, in addition to identifying the successful characteristics of a manager and highlighting how they contribute to the development of a cohesive and productive workforce. We also encourage you to develop and refine your own management characteristics, as you look at relevant theories such as motivation, decision-making and problem-solving. You’ll get to practice a range of management activities and learn the competencies required to manage a business effectively.

Compulsory

Marketing for Business - 30 credits

The role of marketing within an organisation is critical to the success of any business. This module develops your understanding of the key principles of marketing and how these contribute to the achievement of business objectives. Marketing is a vibrant, fast-paced and exciting area of business and by the end of this module, you should know the role of marketing research, effective planning and the development of a fundamental tool, the marketing mix. 

You’ll also exercise your acquired analytical skills and evaluate key, contemporary techniques and their practical applications in a business setting.

Compulsory

Global Business - 30 credits

In today's highly competitive environment, there is an increasing number of small and medium-sized firms that are involved internationally and the trend is expected to continue due to the globalisation of the world economy, markets, and intensified international competition. 

Students will explore the growing importance of global business in the 21st century and consider a range of operational activities and their interdependent roles and impact upon the wider strategy of the organisation wishing to trade internationally. The module will cover the principles of international trade and global business and the challenges faced by organisations, cultural differences, ethics and logistics from the viewpoint of achieving both operational and strategic objectives.

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

There are two main taught options for this course. It is available as a full-time three-year programme or an optional four-year sandwich course, where you undertake a work placement or a study year in a related field².

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 depending on 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 learned 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

During your foundation year, the learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block. This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the degree selected or the module.

Course breakdown:

coursework
interactive assessments
formal examinations
phase tests
essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
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.

Teaching contact hours

On successful completion of the course you should have the skills,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:

Guided and independent study:

hroughout 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 learned 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. The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes, and your final feedback will refer to each outcome and provide an overall percentage grade.

Breakdown of final grade assessment (may be subject to change):

coursework
interactive assessments
presentations and pitches
individual projects.

The Coventry University Group’s 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

Previous students have had the opportunity to participate in international field trips to Barcelona, Prague Amsterdam and Geneva, as well as getting involved in collaborative online learning projects with international universities.

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 guaranteed).

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed.

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.

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£5,760	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	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 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

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.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

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.

Applies to degree only:

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).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*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.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

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

The modern CU Coventry Mile Lane campus has been designed to promote collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Facilities include:

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.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of this course, you will have had the opportunity to:

demonstrate your understanding and knowledge of the theoretical, analytical, and practical aspects of marketing and public relations
gain insights into the environmental factors that influence sales and marketing strategies, policies, and processes
critically appraise theories related to the development of an international marketing strategy
explore strategic leadership and management within the context of sales and marketing operations in an international business setting
possible career routes include digital marketing, events management, account management and more.

Where our graduates work

Possible career routes include digital marketing, events management, account management and more. While many graduates progress directly into careers in marketing, PR and sales, you may wish to further your studies at master's degree level or complete professional qualifications such as CIM level 6.

Graduates from this degree have progressed on to positions including Marketing Coordinator, Account Executive and Graduate Manager.

How to apply

BA (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. If a part-time option is available, part-time students should apply directly to CU Coventry. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

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

(+44) 02477 652222

cuc@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUCU064I

International students should apply to CU Coventry directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

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

(+44) 02477 652222

internationalenquiries.io@coventry.ac.uk

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

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 for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. 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.