Course overview

Do you have an interest in marketing and its role in modern business? Are you looking for a career in marketing, but have yet to decide whether this is in communications, market research, product management, consultancy or a more general role? Do you see yourself as a marketing specialist working with others from different areas of business? If so, then this course is definitely for you.

Faced with today's highly sophisticated customers, the need for effective marketing is greater than ever. To achieve their aims in the face of increasingly demanding customers and against ever greater competition, requires that businesses have a deep understanding of customer needs and the ability to offer highly distinctive and valued products and services in new and interesting ways.

This degree is based on direct entry into year two or three, depending upon the number of relevant higher education credits already achieved.

Course content

As a student on this course, you will develop a range of work skills, such as creativity, critical analysis, problem-solving, team-working and communication. This is in addition to developing your marketing strengths. You will be dealing with current topics and issues in marketing and we are interested in students who want to enhance their communication and presentation skills, and who are keen to work both independently and as part of a group. Proficiency in ICT will be vital to your future career in marketing and we will support your development by offering access to our computer suites and academic support services.

The following units are currently studied in the second year:

• Marketing Research and Planning
• Managing Product Portfolios
• Developing Marketing Communications
• Digital Marketing Strategies
• English Language
• Business Communication

In the final year you will undertake an individual business research project providing you with the opportunity to study a relevant topic of your choice in depth. You will also take units which will develop your understanding of marketing within an international environment.

Core units studied in the final year include:

• Strategic Marketing

Optional units offered for study include:

• Cross Cultural Awareness for Business
• Advertising and Public Relations
• Global Marketing
• Managing Marketing Communications
• Professional Selling and Sales Management

You will also continue to develop your English language and business English skills, and complete an independent study project.

Teaching and assessment

Here at Portsmouth we place a lot of emphasis on student support. At the start of each academic year you will be assigned a personal tutor, who will be available for regular meetings to discuss your progress, as well as help resolve any problems or questions that you may encounter along the way.

You will encounter a range of teaching methods, from lectures, seminars and tutorials to workshops and team-based projects. You will be taught by experienced marketers with a track record of success in business. Current staff members are drawn from a wide range of industries including retailing, banking, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, defence, IT, public services, and consultancy. Most have held senior management positions and have international experience. Several have run their own businesses. All are committed to blending their practical experience with a strong grounding in marketing theory, providing a stimulating and academically challenging learning environment.

Assessments are an integral part of our teaching and learning approach. There are half-yearly examinations in most subjects, but also individual and group coursework. We ensure a balance in assessment approaches, in order to support the theoretical and practical aspects of the course and to suit the differing learning styles of our students.

Career prospects

This degree is an excellent starting point for a career in marketing. Career opportunities include product management, marketing research, advertising, public relations, sales, web marketing, market analysis, competitive intelligence, marketing management, general management, business strategy, and new product development.

Rates of employability among Portsmouth graduates are considerably above the national average and our excellent employment record bears testimony to the quality of our courses and most importantly our students.

Facilities and features

You will attend lectures in the purpose-built Richmond Building, where the Business School is located. It offers a computer drop-in and resource centre containing a wireless network access area, as well as printing and photocopying facilities.

The University Library is at the centre of academic life and is only a short walk away. Open from 8am until midnight every day during term-time, it provides a variety of information to help with study and research.

The library has also invested heavily in the purchase of electronic resources. There are thousands of electronic journals and ebooks that can be accessed across campus, from home or wherever there is an internet connection.

For international students we have a dedicated team of advisors to support you as you settle into life in Portsmouth and at the University. One of the team almost certainly has direct experience of your culture and may even speak your language.

Entry requirements

View all the entry requirements for BA (Hons) Marketing with Business Communication for the academic year 2013/14 (opens in new window).