Marketing BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Marketing lies at the heart of any successful business or enterprise. This degree is designed to develop talented marketing professionals for the business challenges of the future. In today’s modern world, successful organisations appreciate the value that marketing brings to their business. Successful students on this marketing degree course will understand the importance of creating and delivering competitive advantage for their organisation.

  Marketing is an exciting, dynamic, and multi-focused discipline. For all organisations, the role of marketing is increasingly important. Whether it’s a business looking for new customers or a brand expanding into new global markets or a charity seeking to raise funds, marketing lies at the heart of these activities. The marketing challenges of the future encompass the rise of technology, the digital metaverse, increasing global competition, fast and ever-changing consumer trends and the challenge of managing the entire customer experience whether that is in-person, online or through social media channels. In this complex world the demand for skilled marketing professionals is critical for all businesses and organisations.

  Digital Northampton

  As a student, you have an opportunity to become involved in activities and events organised by Digital Northampton. which can help enhance their studies and build connections to employers. Digital Northampton is a collaboration between local digital businesses, the University of Northampton and local councils designed to support the digital innovation in the region.

  The Digital Northampton Podcast is created at the University and is produced and hosted by Ken Punter, Lecturer in Digital Marketing. It covers a range of subjects, primarily focusing on digital marketing and communications. Students can learn more about the podcasting and creating digital content when choosing from our wide range of optional modules on offer.

  Listen to The Digital Northampton Podcast now! You can also find the podcast on Spotify by searching for ‘The Digital Northampton Podcast’.

  Placement Year Opportunity

  You are encouraged to undertake a year-long placement in between Stages Two and Three of study. If you meet the entry criteria, and choose to take up a placement year you will find it an invaluable experience that helps you to apply your learning in your final year and prepares you for your career. Whilst on your Optional Work Placement Year you will study a 40 credit module ‘The Placement Year Experience – Organisations in Context’. We offer a lot of support in helping you to find a placement, which can be in the UK or overseas.

  List of modules

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.

  • Stage 1
    • Reflections on Work (WBL) (20 Credits)
      Module code: HRM1017

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is for students to identify and examine the internal systems, processes and activities involved in their organisation?s daily operation, considering how each contributes to organisational effectiveness and goal-meeting. Students will analyse their own job role, reflecting upon the skills and knowledge needed to perform effectively.
    • Foundations of Marketing (20 Credits)
      Module code: MKT1001

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce the concept of marketing to students. To explain what marketing is and to show the way in which marketing impacts on organisations, customers and other stakeholders. The idea of ?creating value? is central to a marketing orientation and this module seeks to explain what this means in a rapidly changing external environment..
    • Introduction to Marketing Communications (20 Credits)
      Module code: MKT1002

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to explore current and emerging practices in marketing communications across a range of industries and sectors.
    • Foundations of Advertising Media (20 Credits)
      Module code: MKT1018

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide an opportunity for students to learn about a variety of advertising media such as Television, Radio and Out of Homeand develop an understanding of the key concepts around media selection, audiences and buying.Students will go on to experience the challenge of creating a campaign, with particular focus on the creative thinking and project management, essential for an advertising environment.
    • Digital Marketing Essentials (20 Credits)
      Module code: MKT1029

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides students with a foundation in digital marketing. Students will explore the promotional and brand-community aspects of the discipline via social media platforms and promotional content. They will also develop the skills and knowledge to develop plans, going on to create a digital marketing campaign, selecting the right combination of tools to achieve specific, commercial objectives.
    • Understanding Consumers (20 Credits)
      Module code: MKT1030

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide an overview of the importance of consumer behaviour and the relationship between understanding consumers and its impact on business. This module will focus on understanding the basis for consumer behaviour, and the importance to marketers in understanding the factors that affect it, including psychological, personal, social and technological factors.
    • Professional Skills for Marketing Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: MKT1043

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will equip students with the practical skills needed to undertake effective research and analysis. Students will learn to differentiate a range of marketing research strategies and use a selection of marketing research techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis, applying findings to solve a set marketing problem and to approach the analysis of the business environment when conducting marketing audits applied to specific brands, companies and industry sectors. This is a skills-module and as such its focus is on the learning of the practical real-life skills required by professional marketers when conducting research in business.

  The wide range of modules offered allows students to specialise and focus on their own areas of interest. Designed to offer the skills and knowledge needed to enhance employability, recent marketing students have worked for organisations such as Amazon, Mercedes-Benz, National Express, Red Bull Racing and ViacomCBS.

  The wide range of Marketing modules available to choose from provides you with a solid foundation in marketing, while also providing you with the opportunity to specialise by choosing topics that meet your ambitions and supports your future employability.

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• Professional Body

  The University of Northampton BSc Marketing is accredited by the leading professional marketing body, The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). This means that our academic content is mapped against the CIM to ensure we are delivering the skills and knowledge that employers require in the competitive world of work.

  This degree offers exemptions from the CIM allowing you to gain a professional qualification such as the CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing alongside your degree.

   

   

   

   

  You will also become a DMI Power Member for the last two years giving you access to over 1200 pieces of unique content including videos, tools, webinars and templates created and curated by some of the worlds leading subject matter experts. If you plan to study Marketing with us, you have the added benefit of knowing that your course has been approved by an internationally recognised global certification provider. DMI certification is recognised by the worlds leading employers and will help you get the job you want.

  

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join our full-time BSc Marketing degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  By joining our BSc Marketing degree at UON, you will automatically become a member of the CIM Marketing Club which gives you access to CIM resources, podcasts and online events for the duration of your course and six months after graduation.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for a degree in marketing we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Marketing programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  Please see our Integrated Foundation Year page for more details.

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• Optional Work Placement Year

  The optional placement year enables you to put into practice what you have learned on your degree and gain practical industry experience. Your Marketing degree is extended to four years and the placement is undertaken at the end of your penultimate year, this is for one year (48 weeks) and paid. If you meet the entry criteria, and choose to take up a placement year, you will find it an invaluable experience that helps you to apply your learning in your final year and prepares you for your career. We offer a lot of support in helping you to find a placement, which can be in the UK or overseas.

  Where have previous Marketing students worked during their placement year?

  • RCI Financial Services
  • Nationwide
  • Atlas Copco Ltd
  • Amazon
  • BSH Home Appliances LTD

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• FAQs

  How will I learn?

  On our BSc Marketing Degree you can expect taught study to be a combination of  seminars and workshops usually for 12 hours per week. We recommend that you spend 12 hours per week in self-directed study time.

  How will I be assessed?

  A variety of individual and group-based assessments are used including reports, presentations, e-portfolios, posters, projects, live-client briefs, multiple-choice tests and presentations.

  Will I have any ‘real-world’ experiences on this course?

  In recent years, our students have worked on live client projects with activities including designing international market-entry strategies for new products and designing marketing strategies for various organisations such as a medical dispensing company, a specialist online company and a local salon, to improve customer retention and enhance their customer relationships.

  The course offers many opportunities for students to liaise with and hear from industry guest speakers and marketing experts who contribute to modules. There are alumni events that students can take part in, learning directly from former students about their successful marketing career paths, post-graduation. There are potential opportunities for trips and industry visits aligned to the subject area, previously students have participated in Advertising Week and visited the Museum of Brands in London.

  There is also the Placement opportunity, a year-long experience available to students gain real-world paid employment with companies to enhance their CV and gain new skills putting classroom theory in practical action in the workplace.

  Are there any special features for this course?

  • This degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and offers exemptions from their professional qualifications, including the CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing, allowing you to obtain a professional marketing award alongside your degree.
  • We are building a student community and encouraging cross-year collaboration between our students. To keep up-to-date with the latest activities on the programme and the achievements of our students following @MKTstudentsUON on X.
  • Networking opportunities with input from industry professionals including guest speakers, live client projects and opportunities to gain real world experience.

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