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BA (Hons) Marketing

UCAS CODE: N502 (Full-time) or N504 (Foundation Year)
TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)
Jump to:
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three or Four Years
  • Start Date: September 2023

Calling all creative, detail orientated and innovative individuals. Our Marketing programme provides the perfect blend of practical theory and hands-on experience, allowing you to learn the latest marketing and communication strategies whilst working with industry organisations to implement them. BNUs BA (Hons) Marketing is also accredited by the leading professional body The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

A marketing related degree is the perfect way to gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of the marketer and to help develop the analytical and critical thinking skills required to succeed within a fast paced and diverse job environment. The only certainty in the rapidly changing and evolving commerce world is the customer. Being able to fully understand the customer and to gain actionable customer insights is critical to the success of any business.  

Pathways

Our Marketing programme gives you the opportunity to choose your specialism for your future career after your experience of the core curriculum in year one. Rather than having to make your big decision before you join us, we introduce you to various specialisms and offer you the flexibility to choose the pathway which leads to your chosen profession.

Make your application to BA (Hons) Marketing. You'll then choose one of the below pathways after your first year and your final degree award will be the pathway you have chosen.

These pathways are also offered as four-year programmes, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme.

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Marketing

What will I study on this pathway?

In a rapidly changing world, the only constant is that we live in is a consumer driven society and consequently the marketing function sits at the heart of modern business practices. We’ll help give you a comprehensive understanding of the role of marketing in this changing landscape, aligned with a portfolio of practical skills required to research, plan, develop and deploy marketing as an effective strategic business tool.

On this pathway you’ll examine customer insights and learn how changing social and cultural trends impact the power of communication as a tool to drive customers' behavioural responses.

You will graduate with BA (Hons) Marketing.

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Marketing and Media Communications

What will I study on this pathway?

Jump into the vibrant, buzzing and fast-paced world of marketing, communications and media. Our degree allows you to hit the ground running with a mix of planning and strategy in communications as well as the practical implementation of client briefs from media agencies and organisations.

You’ll study about the importance of effective internal and external communications, and how content creation and social marketing can be utilised in the rapidly developing world of media.

You will graduate with BA (Hons) Marketing and Media Communications.

Why study this subject?

Digital transformation combined with increasing complexity in data and technology have impacted on the marketing role and understanding the customer is becoming essential to ensure a competitive advantage for any customer focused company.

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of marketing in this changing landscape, aligned with a portfolio of practical skills required to make your mark in the business world. If you choose to study the Marketing and Media Communications pathway you will have more focus on content planning, creation and management to give you an understanding of how consumers use media.

There is an increasing demand from agencies, media owners, technology companies and management consultancies for new employees to have a solid knowledge of marketing and media communications and a familiarity for this new landscape. Graduating with a marketing related degree will give you the skills to develop and deploy effective marketing and media communications in this ever-evolving world.

We are a student focused and employer led university which means that you are at the forefront of all that we do. We provide you with a thorough understanding and grounding in marketing and business to ensure you graduate ready for employment or further post-graduate study. Recent graduates have gone to work for Premier League football clubs, Formula 1 racing teams and various global media communications agencies.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Our industry-experienced academics have specifically designed our courses to reflect the best industry practices along with established and newly emerging thinking in this dynamic sector. We have drawn upon our ongoing relationships with leading organisations, from major media owners and agencies to research and digital data companies. The teaching team has a wealth of experience and creates a working ethos that will enable you to not only develop highly relevant skills and knowledge, but also apply these in a variety of different ways. This manifests in guest speakers, and in assessments based upon real world projects. With the UK’s hub for media and marketing agency world, London, being so close we use our relationships within the industry to aid in this. 

At BNU we want you to get the most out of your time with us and being workplace ready is something we are proud to offer you. Our course will cover the impact on business and the consumer of the changing digital landscape and the evolving implications on the relationship between marketing and the wider sphere of the organisation and the external environment.

You’ll develop the marketing expertise needed to succeed in the rapidly changing world of business. From developing a ‘tool kit’ of knowledge, experience and skills to working as a strategic level ‘executive’ in your final year we have designed our course to allow you to graduate ready to enter the workplace.

Some of the companies we have worked with include large businesses such as Hovis, Percy and Reed, and Sacla; as well as not for profit organisations including James Wellbeloved dog food, Bucks Mind and One Can Trust.

Whatever your area of interest we have you covered, our lecturers work hard to ensure that you can develop your interests and abilities. From the core theoretical knowledge needed to excel to the ‘soft skills’ needed to work collaboratively, problem solve and creatively approach projects we will ensure you develop a well-rounded skillset ready to jump straight into the workplace. You’ll cover topics including the customer experience, introduction to data analytics, strategic marketing, consumer brand relationship and Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) strategy and planning.

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers.

What will I study? 

During your time studying marketing at BNU you will cover diverse subject areas including consumer behaviour, strategic marketing, responsible enterprise and ethical research. Studying such varied topics will help you understand how marketing impacts global businesses, alongside developing key skills, such as understanding financial decision making, attention to detail and analytical thinking which will ensure you are well placed to enter the employment market.

In your first year we are focused on providing you with all of the building blocks you need to create a solid understanding of the principals of marketing. You will study topics such as people management, employment skills, global business and sustainability as well as an induction to data and analytics to help with financial decision making.

Depending on which pathway you choose, during your second year you will study either: consultancy in practice, provided with live project briefs from real-life business clients you will develop skills including working effectively in a team and pitching for business You will be able to choose optional modules that are consumer behaviour and data analytics for business decisions.

If you choose the marketing and media communications pathway you will study media and communications management and planning, you will have the opportunity to pitch and present ideas and develop a technical and creative understanding of film and TV production.

In your final year, you will focus on preparing yourself for your future and career after graduation. In addition to learning about consumer brand relationships and Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) strategy and corporate communications, you will undertake an independent professional project on an area of marketing of your choice, this module will allow you to examine a contemporary business management issue or address a specific organisational management issue whilst using your time management, professionalism and personal discipline skills.

You will also be able to choose from a range of additional option modules, which include consumer behaviour, data analytics for business decisions, digital and e-commerce strategy and sustainable strategic agility and innovation.

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How will I be taught and assessed?

At Buckinghamshire New University we like to foster an interactive and student-focused teaching style where we blend lectures, interactive workshops sessions, guided self-study and directed research and investigations.

We have specifically designed our student teaching and assessment so it reflects how your work will be assessed in the real world. Our focus is on ensuring you develop skills in gathering clear insight from research material and being able to communicate effectively as possible both by the written word via reports and in the form of public speaking and presentation, through team presentations on live briefs, case studies and portfolio materials.

Throughout your three years on this course you will carry out the following assessment activities:

  • individual reports
  • essays
  • oral presentations
  • portfolios
  • enterprise activities
  • project work.

BA (Hons) Marketing Programme Specification

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Open Days

We understand that when it comes to deciding where you’d like to study, there are a lot of things to consider. Come along to our Open Day and discover why BNU could be the place for you. You can find out more about your course, meet the course team, and get all your questions answered.

 

Book your spot today
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Application Guide

For everything you need to know about applying, check out our Application Guide. You can find useful information for each stage of your application journey – from before you even apply to what to do if you receive an offer, and everything in between.

 

Read more
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Students' Union

At BNU, we believe in putting our students first. That’s why we’re the only university in the UK to offer free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities through our SU – all to enrich your university experience.

Get involved

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the three-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a degree course, can apply for a four-year programme including a Foundation Year; find out more.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

This course has Opportunity modules.

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules in both your first and second year from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers. Find out more.

Marketing Pathway
Core Modules
You’ll learn about the overlap between study skills and employability skills and develop your existing abilities in both areas. You’ll be prepared for successful progression to Level 4 academic study whilst preparing yourself for employment through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
You’ll develop the skills associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work. This module will prepare you for successful progression to Level 4 academic study while allowing you to learn about employment in the twenty-firs...

Read more

This module introduces you to the different business functions within an organisation, including finance, marketing and HR. You’ll learn about the business environment, including the internal and external factors which impact on businesses. This module will equip you with appropriate business language and terminology ready for undergraduate study.
This module has been designed to develop your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work. You’ll have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject area, making use of information gathered from various sources using different methods and strategies.
Core Modules
Credits
This module will consider the core competencies, intellectual and personal skills needed to become a successful people manager. This includes managing relationships with colleagues, subordinates and customers. You’ll also study key HR elements, development of people and sustainability employability strategies.
Business is an interconnected series of systems, networks and operations that span the globe where it is possible to conduct business at any hour of the day. You’ll learn about the impact and challenges of technology and the growth and benefits of emerging markets.
This module examines the importance of collecting and managing data to facilitate informed business decision making. You’ll study both qualitative and quantitative forms of data collection and use of appropriate software for the analysis and interpretation of data to provide insight into business and management research issues.
Develop your understanding of the purpose of financial accounting information, the structure of main financial statements, and the influence of economic factors on decision-making. You’ll learn about the importance of finance and accounting in the world of business and economics, its value and relationship with the other business functions.
This module will cover fundamental concepts and functions of marketing within a commercial business activity. You’ll explore the marketing planning process: segmentation, targeting and positioning of a brand offering with respect to the competition. You’ll also cover topics including, context, market research and decisions.
Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules.

Core Modules
Credits
This module will explore the role of a business consultant and the realities of undertaking live projects. You’ll develop skills include working effectively in a team and pitching for business. You’ll be provided with live project briefs from real-life business clients and will relate your skills and knowledge to the requirements of the client.
This module outlines the importance of all the key stages within the marketing planning process, from the audit, through strategic decision making, to the implementation of plans. You’ll study the importance of managing resources and employing monitoring and measurement techniques to enable the achievement of strategic marketing objectives.
Delivering an exceptional customer experience is a challenge which requires skill and in-depth knowledge of customer requirements. You’ll learn to understand and assess customer expectations and develop and deliver activities that meet expectations. It introduces customer experience frameworks, and how to monitor and measure customer satisfaction.
This module will equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to start your own business venture whether a competitor to Alphabet and Amazon or an SME or as a side-hustle to supplement your income. You will also examine the environmental sustainability, social and ethical aspects of the business venture.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module covers the importance of the individual customer in the practice of marketing. You’ll study how to profile the end consumer to gain customer insights, a central function of marketing in the strategic planning process. This module will consider both psychological and sociological factors affecting the consumer’s decision-making process.
Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Technology and Augmented Reality are providing real-time data insights for decision making in business operations. This module examines how data analytics can be used to inform audience communications across marketing, e-commerce and partnerships, operations and logistics, business strategy, HRM and finance...

Read more

Opportunity Modules

In addition, you must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 5 Opportunity modules.

Core Modules
Credits
This module aims to develop your knowledge of brands in both theory and practice. You’ll learn branding theories and the contemporary issues shaping practice, especially digital technology and communication channels. Examine brands as seen by the consumer and recognise the relevance and significance of brands for organisations and consumers.
You will build on knowledge gained from levels 4 and 5 marketing modules to develop a deeper understanding of key concepts, theories and contemporary debates in international marketing. This module will enable you to recognise the opportunities, issues and complexities surrounding the international markets and marketing decisions.
You’ll learn about the importance of effective internal and external communications and social marketing alongside studying how marketing communications have evolved. You’ll examine consumer tastes and lifestyles and the impact of these factors and the power of communication as a tool to drives customers' behavioural responses.
You’ll complete a major piece of independent research that will enhance your employability. This module will allow you to examine a contemporary business management issue or address a specific organisational management issue whilst using your time management, professionalism and personal discipline skills.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module will equip you with the necessary skills for understanding, designing and assess strategies from an orthodox and agile perspective in a fast-moving business environment. You’ll develop resilience, time management, leadership of self, teamwork, creativity and innovation in deconstructing and creating an agile strategy.
This module will focus on the changing digital and technological environments that presently exist, digital strategy and its implementation and the development and deployment of an e-commerce strategy. You’ll learn analytic tools to assess digital optimisation to ensure the effectiveness of the developed digital and e-commerce strategy.
Marketing and Media Communications Pathway
Core Modules
You’ll learn about the overlap between study skills and employability skills and develop your existing abilities in both areas. You’ll be prepared for successful progression to Level 4 academic study whilst preparing yourself for employment through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
You’ll develop the skills associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work. This module will prepare you for successful progression to Level 4 academic study while allowing you to learn about employment in the twenty-firs...

Read more

This module introduces you to the different business functions within an organisation, including finance, marketing and HR. You’ll learn about the business environment, including the internal and external factors which impact on businesses. This module will equip you with appropriate business language and terminology ready for undergraduate study.
This module has been designed to develop your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work. You’ll have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject area, making use of information gathered from various sources using different methods and strategies.
Core Modules
Credits
This module will consider the core competencies, intellectual and personal skills needed to become a successful people manager. This includes managing relationships with colleagues, subordinates and customers. You’ll also study key HR elements, development of people and sustainability employability strategies.
Business is an interconnected series of systems, networks and operations that span the globe where it is possible to conduct business at any hour of the day. You’ll learn about the impact and challenges of technology and the growth and benefits of emerging markets.
This module examines the importance of collecting and managing data to facilitate informed business decision making. You’ll study both qualitative and quantitative forms of data collection and use of appropriate software for the analysis and interpretation of data to provide insight into business and management research issues.
Develop your understanding of the purpose of financial accounting information, the structure of main financial statements, and the influence of economic factors on decision-making. You’ll learn about the importance of finance and accounting in the world of business and economics, its value and relationship with the other business functions.
This module will cover fundamental concepts and functions of marketing within a commercial business activity. You’ll explore the marketing planning process: segmentation, targeting and positioning of a brand offering with respect to the competition. You’ll also cover topics including, context, market research and decisions.
Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules.

Core Modules
Credits
This module outlines the importance of all the key stages within the marketing planning process, from the audit, through strategic decision making, to the implementation of plans. You’ll study the importance of managing resources and employing monitoring and measurement techniques to enable the achievement of strategic marketing objectives.
This module will equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to start your own business venture whether a competitor to Alphabet and Amazon or an SME or as a side-hustle to supplement your income. You will also examine the environmental sustainability, social and ethical aspects of the business venture.
Delivering an exceptional customer experience is a challenge which requires skill and in-depth knowledge of customer requirements. You’ll learn to understand and assess customer expectations and develop and deliver activities that meet expectations. It introduces customer experience frameworks, and how to monitor and measure customer satisfaction.
This module will cover the roles and management structures within different types of marketing and media communication organisations. You’ll develop skills in marketing communication management, an understanding of how consumers use media, how to become an account planner and how to develop and deploy a marketing communication campaign.
This module will provide you with the hands-on skills that will help you stand out to employers, including working to a client brief, pitching and presenting ideas and a technical and creative understanding of film and TV production. You will have the opportunity build up a track record of productions available to use on your CV and show reels.
Opportunity Modules

In addition, you must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 5 Opportunity modules.

Core Modules
Credits
This module aims to develop your knowledge of brands in both theory and practice. You’ll learn branding theories and the contemporary issues shaping practice, especially digital technology and communication channels. Examine brands as seen by the consumer and recognise the relevance and significance of brands for organisations and consumers.
You’ll complete a major piece of independent research that will enhance your employability. This module will allow you to examine a contemporary business management issue or address a specific organisational management issue whilst using your time management, professionalism and personal discipline skills.
You’ll learn about the importance of effective internal and external communications and social marketing alongside studying how marketing communications have evolved. You’ll examine consumer tastes and lifestyles and the impact of these factors and the power of communication as a tool to drives customers' behavioural responses.
This module will introduce the importance of corporate communications in the development of image and reputation and in delivering stakeholder and employee engagement. You’ll study reputation management, crisis communications, public affairs/issues management, ethics, internal communications and financial/investor relations.
You will build on knowledge gained from levels 4 and 5 marketing modules to develop a deeper understanding of key concepts, theories and contemporary debates in international marketing. This module will enable you to recognise the opportunities, issues and complexities surrounding the international markets and marketing decisions.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£9,250 per year

International

Overseas/International, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£15,000 per year

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.

You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

Contact our Enquiries Team:

0330 123 2023

advice@bnu.ac.uk

What are my career prospects?

Marketing is a core element of all organisations and therefore opportunities exist across all industry sectors covering business to business, business to consumer and not for profit organisations. Alumni have entered a diversity of organisations including technology and digital companies, like Vodafone and Amazon, within marketing roles as well as successfully running their own businesses.

Additionally, the degree equips you with the skills and required technical knowledge for working in an agency environment within the media and marketing communication fields. Graduates have entered top multi-national media communications agencies including Mediacom and Publicis Media, based on the skills developed over the three-year programme and showcased by working on a client brief within the final year of study.

Careers in marketing are highly sought after across the globe. Having the foundation of having studied a degree in the subject the world becomes your oyster. The topics you will study on this programme and the transferrable skills you will have developed will make international careers easily accessible.

We are committed to working with you to ensure that you graduate with a competitive degree and industry experience, ready to hit the ground running post-university. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good workplace leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Did you know?

We are one of the top 10 UK universities mostly likely to produce graduates who go on to own or manage a business (Capital on Tap, 2021), find out more about this excellent news.

Course leader

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Sarah Hill
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Sarah Williams
  • Head of School of Business and Law
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John Hathaway
  • Senior Lecturer
  • University Senate Representative
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Pia Carnegie
  • Senior Lecturer
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Suzanne Doria
  • Senior Lecturer
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Dr Anh Nghiem
  • Lecturer
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Penny Bradshaw
  • Senior Lecturer
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Dr John Mariampillai
  • Senior Lecturer
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