Marketing and Public Relations with Foundation Year BA (Hons)
Study level: UndergraduateFoundation year

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.
Year of entry
Location
CU Coventry (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Sandwich
Duration
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich
Course code
N510
Start date
September 2023
November 2023
January 2024
March 2024
May 2024
July 2024
The information on this page is for 2022-23 entry and should be used as guidance for 2023-24 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.
Course overview
In recent years marketing and PR has gained increasing significance as organisations look to face local, national and international challenges. 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 strength of the course lies in preparing students, who are unable to follow the more traditional route onto a degree course in Marketing and Public Relations.
- The Marketing and Public Relations with Foundation Year BA (Hons) begins with an introduction to the world of business with a strong focus on management, business communications and marketing in a global context. The initial foundation year 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.
- Students who successfully complete their foundation year will then progress onto the Marketing and Public Relations BA (Hons).
- The Marketing and Public Relations BA (Hons) degree part of the course aims to equip you with the knowledge, competences and skills that are required to be successful in contemporary marketing and public relations industries. Recognised by and containing content from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), you will become a member of this professional association for the duration of your course.
- Marketing and PR roles range from identifying customer needs, creating ideas and building and managing a positive brand reputation. This function is required across almost every industry, giving graduates a variety of sectors to work in such as fashion, retail, public sector, professional services, manufacturing and more.
Why CU Coventry
We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. Wherever possible we aim to provide career-focused courses, coupled with placement opportunities2 to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, so you have the opportunity to study topics in-depth and give assignments your full attention before moving onto the next.
Accreditation and Professional Recognition
The degree part of this course is currently accredited and recognised by the following bodies for the 2022/2023 intake1:

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the leading representative body for the PR profession and industry in Europe. Students achieve both academic and vocational awards (including HNC/HND and Coventry University Honours Degree) and professional recognition from the CIPR. As members of the CIPR, students will have access to benefits offered by the professional body such as networking opportunities, extensive learning resources and improved employment opportunities.

Chartered Institute of Marketing
Students who complete the Marketing & Public Relations HNC (year two) will be exempt on an Accredited Prior Learning (APL) basis from the CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional Marketing modules ‘Marketing’ and ‘Integrated Communications’. They will be required to pass one elective module to obtain the CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional Marketing qualification. On completion of the BA (Hons) Marketing & Public Relations students will also be exempted on an APL basis from the CIM Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing module ‘Marketing & Digital Strategy’. They will be required to pass two modules, Innovation in Marketing (mandatory), plus one elective module to obtain the CIM Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing.
What you'll study
This course aims to provide an understanding of best practices in the marketing and PR industry.
Alongside extensive knowledge of significant marketing functions within core business strategies, you will be given the opportunity to learn skills for the marketing sector. Within this course, you will have the opportunity to embark on study trips2, as well as mandatory marketing training with local employers and industry experts.
Furthermore, you’ll learn to develop creativity with an entrepreneurial flair and successfully combine innovative ideas with strategic thinking.
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
Your initial foundation year is focused on applied learning geared to high intensity teaching and study throughout the course. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.
After your foundation year, you will have the option to do another three years full-time or another four-years full-time as a sandwich course, where you undertake a work placement or study year in a related field2.
Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our online learning platform, Aula.
Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.
Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.
Teaching contact hours
The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week each year (excluding placement year). Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, CU Coventry may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), CU Coventry may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
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
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.
Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2022 entry.
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK | TBC | Not available |
International | TBC | Not available |
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
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.
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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 government's 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
All our facilities are located at Mile Lane. Our building has been designed to enable collaboration, creativity and innovation to flourish, and includes (subject to availability):
- Indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a café
- A library that includes loan laptops, over 115,000 eBooks and a silent study area
- Open access IT suites and 83-inch teaching screens
- Engineering lab, science lab and a moot courtroom
- Student support and careers advice teams
Careers and opportunities
With an ever-growing demand for marketing professionals in all industries, graduates of a marketing course have an expansive list of career pathways to explore. Possible career routes include digital marketing, events management, account management and more. While many graduates progress directly into careers in marketing, PR and sales, this course could also lead to a master’s degree and professional qualifications.
On successful completion of Marketing and Public Relations with Foundation Year BA (Hons), you will have had the opportunity to:
- Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the theoretical, analytical and practical aspects of marketing and PR.
- Understand environmental factors that influence sales and marketing strategies, policies and processes which includes the competitive marketplace, supply chain, technology, legislation, regulation and social factors.
- Sources of market information, analysis and research techniques. You will be introduced to the fundamental tools and techniques to undertake reliable market research activities, including an exploration of the role of an external marketing agency. You will also look at the most readily available sources of market information, as well as a consideration of the theories related to assessing the quality of market research information.
- Critically appraise theories related to the development of an international marketing strategy and the risk factors that need to be considered in the development of a successful strategy, including country, currency, cultural and competitor risk.
- Strategic leadership and management. You will examine the resources and operations in respect of sales and marketing operations within an international business context. You will also put together a critical analysis of strategic leadership theory related to the context of a marketing and PR function, including issues related to ethics and governance. You will also explore methods for workforce management and control, including managerial principles as well as tools and techniques.
Where our graduates work
Graduates from our marketing degrees have progressed on to positions including Marketing Coordinator, Account Executive and Graduate Manager.
How to apply
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UK students
Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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International students
International students should apply directly to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor 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.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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 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
Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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.