UCAS code
N500Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placementDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023, September 2024Overview
Marketing is about so much more than advertising. Through this broad degree you'll understand what makes a brand, you'll develop a new product, learn how to understand consumer psychology and improve your ability to make a sale.
Marketing is a key part of every business and this degree looks closely at how marketing works with other specialisms such as finance, operations and public relations. When you finish this degree you'll have a deep understanding of how marketing interacts with all the working parts of a business and you'll be able to apply your skills as a marketing specialist in any sector that interests you.
I chose my course because of the variety of options, a great reputation and a stellar support system.
Course highlights
- Explore all the key concepts of marketing, sales, digital marketing, brand and advertising and then focus on the areas that really interest you as the course progresses
- Apply your learning in a 1-year paid work placement
- Work with a real client in our marketing consultancy module
- Get additional certifications in tools, software and specific skills like SEO, Google Ads and Google Analytics as part of your degree
- Learn to interpret data to inform your decisions and present that data to a variety of different audiences
- Benefit from expert industry speakers, from companies such as O2, TK Maxx and Gartner
- Learn from teaching staff who have worked in the industry and are actively researching the rapidly changing world of marketing
90%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19)
No. 3
influential business school in the world
Financial Times Teaching Power Rankings 2021
Accredited by:
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the leading professional body for marketers worldwide and exists to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing practitioners. University of Portsmouth has joined forces with CIM to give students the opportunity to gain professional qualifications through the CIM Accredited Degree partnership. CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers, and their content is reflected in our own degrees which ensures we are equipping students with the best opportunities for a successful marketing career.
Business and management studies at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 2nd of the modern universities by research power
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) Marketing degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBB
- UCAS points – 120–128 points from 3 A levels or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112-128 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
- International Baccalaureate – 29–30
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ideal skills and qualities for this course
Students who do well on this course are those who are adaptable and proactive. We want you to show us that you'll actively engage in your learning and show commitment to honing your skills. An interest in problem solving is key, but we'll help you develop these skills as you learn.
Experience with creative tools or software is useful but not essential as you'll get all the support you need to develop your skills on the course.
Careers and opportunities
You'll graduate from this course with projects and certificates to demonstrate your competence with tools and you'll have real-world experience to talk about in interviews. That experience might be through a work placement, or through our marketing consultancy project module.
You'll also have an understanding of business and how the marketing function fits into business, which is a skill you'll be able to apply to any sector that interests you.
Previous graduates of this course have secured jobs such as:
- marketing executive
- social media account manager
- advertising planner
- ecommerce trading executive
- international project manager
- customer relationship executive
- field marketing executive
- operations manager: sales and marketing
- recruitment consultant
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Microsoft
- Sky
- BMW Financial Services
- FatFace
- Quintessentially (luxury lifestyle management)
- Pendragon (automotive)
- Blue Reef Aquarium
- Immediate Media Co. (content and platforms)
- The Bank of England
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get work experience while you study with support to find part-time jobs and volunteering opportunities. Towards the end of your degree and after graduation, you'll get 1-to-1 support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to find your perfect role. On top of this you'll get bespoke careers support through our faculty 'career-ready' programme.
You could also choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level, or set up your own business with help and support from the University.
I learned how to think deeply and critically, which is essential for my job which involves understanding human behaviour and culture and making strategic decisions for brands. It enabled me to build connections in the creative/marketing industry that have led me to where I am today.
What can you do with a Marketing degree??
Read our blog to discover the jobs you can get with a Marketing degree, and the skills you can take into the workplace.
Read the blog
Work placement year
You can boost your employability by taking an optional paid placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree.
Previous students on this course have had placements in organisations such as:
- Warner Bros
- Nissan
- Renault
- Rolls Royce
Many of our students are offered graduate jobs by their placement employers.
Katarzyna's placement led onto a job she loves:
"My role has included organising the project's data, creating the newsletter, updating the website and posting on social media, as well as organising online events. Recently I supervised the filming of a short, promotional video."
Katarzyna Stachurska graduate from BA Marketing in 2021
The average salary for a 12-month paid placement is £19,800 for students in the Faculty of Business and Law. It could be more or less than this amount depending on your placement. You'll only pay a very small percentage of your tuition fee for this year.
You could also set up your own business during your placement year, or take a voluntary placement.
Ways to enrich your study
Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme (EiR)
We have more than 20 experienced business entrepreneurs on our free EiR programme who can help you develop your business idea.
"I have a business idea, but I was not too sure about it. After this meeting, I felt so encouraged and positive about it! I felt so motivated to pursue my business venture. He gave me real life advice and helped me how to approach my ideas."
Rabab El Habchi Mahir meeting EiR Mark Smith
Study abroad year
Between your second and third year you can choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, Australia or North America. All classes are delivered in English and you'll still be able to get both your tuition fee and maintenance loans. You may also qualify for a government travel grant.
"Students that go abroad are more likely to obtain first-class honours [and] more likely to be in graduate employment than their non-mobile peers."
Universities UK International: 'Gone International, Rising Aspirations', 2019
What you'll study on this BA (Hons) Marketing degree
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core Modules
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Discuss the purpose of accounting in the financial management of an entity
- Interpret the Annual Report for a quoted company
- Describe the main financial principles and conventions
- Identify and use budgeting and the basic costing principles, concepts and cost classifications
- Identify and use costing techniques and methods for analytical and managerial problem solving purposes
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll:
-
Have knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles, decision frameworks and practices of operations and systems management in business
- Understand the contribution of operations and systems management to the performance and sustainability of businesses
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate an understanding of the key academic skills required to become a successful marketing student
-
Demonstrate an understanding of the key skills required to be a successful marketing professional
-
Develop an awareness of the skills and knowledge required when planning university studies and future professional development
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Explain the nature and context of working and managing in organisations with diverse membership, including consideration of equality, diversity, cross-cultural and ethical issues in the management of people
-
Select and apply a range of appropriate theoretical and conceptual frameworks in the analysis and potential resolution of management issues within an organisational context
-
Identify and apply some key activities of people management practice, and consider their potential impact in achieving organisational goals, and the role of line managers in their implementation
- Review and discuss contemporary issues in managing people in organisations and identify the implications of these for managers and other employees
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Explain the significance of marketing as a management process and discuss it in the wider context of the organisation
- Understand the importance and relevance of the global marketing environment to sustainable and ethical marketing decision-making and be able to use resources to gather data to undertake a marketing audit
- Identify key marketing problems and opportunities within an organisation
- Recognise the stages within a marketing plan and be able to differentiate between strategic and tactical marketing decision making
- Identify and recognise the key model, tools and concepts associated with marketing decision-making and apply them in the appropriate context of the organisation
- Recognise the elements of the marketing mix and explain how they are used to inform marketing decision-making
Core modules
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the role of B2B marketing in the current global business environment
- Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical issues in B2B marketing
- Present solutions for improvement in the B2B marketing context
- Apply B2B marketing theory to a real-life scenario
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Understand the creative process and its role in marketing communications within the context of the global market place
-
Develop and design creative strategies and responsible, sustainable and ethical marketing communication messages
-
Communicate creative ideas, messages and strategies for evaluation by appropriate audiences
-
Develop a portfolio of work to demonstrate skills to potential employers
-
Develop a portfolio of work to demonstrate skills to potential employers
Additional content
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Understand the key tools and media channels used in digital marketing within the context of a global market place
-
Develop responsible, sustainable and ethical digital marketing campaigns
-
Develop practical digital skills required for the workplace
-
Use data to create appropriate written digital marketing content
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Describe and discuss the elements of the marketing communications mix and mainstream media vehicles
-
Review key theories and concepts associated with the promotional mix
-
Analyse an organisation's (or brand's) use of marketing communication tools and media
-
Recognise the impact of the global market place and responsible, sustainable and ethical marketing practice on marketing communications
-
To evaluate and develop personal employability skills to prepare for a career in marketing
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Discuss different research approaches and explain different research designs
-
Construct and apply a suitable research design and research instrument to investigate a practical issue
-
Demonstrate a responsible and ethical approach to research
-
Analyse and interpret data gathered and make recommendations based on findings
Additional content
Optional modules
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Identify event theories and planning models
- Demonstrate the ability to distinguish between different types of event (e.g. business, cultural, sporting, etc) and understand their individual marketing requirements
- Communicate clearly and effectively an event marketing plan using recognised theories and approaches
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate co-operative working and the ability to communicate effectively and professionally in a virtual environment
-
Develop transferable skills in sensitivity to diversity in terms of culture and inter-cultural competencies
-
Use knowledge gained from this and other modules to produce a marketing solution for a real life organisation
What you'll learn
The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Compare and contrast new product development theories and concepts
-
Identify key decisions points in the new product development process
-
Select and employ a range of new product development techniques, including marketing analysis, idea generation, concept development and launch planning
-
Present a business case for a new product
Independent study time
Additional content
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Explain the role of PR in managing stakeholder relationships in the business environment in a responsible and ethical manner
-
Examine the campaign planning process
-
Identify and appropriately use the tools and techniques of PR to communicate with stakeholders
-
Understand how to evaluate the effect of PR effort
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Explain the characteristics of services and their impact upon responsible, sustainable and ethical marketing
- Identify and explain key theories and concepts associated with marketing in the service sector
- Analyse and reflect upon how service providers use technology and the extended marketing mix to enhance their marketing
Core modules
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate an understanding of strategic marketing theories and concepts
-
Demonstrate an understanding of the global context in which businesses operate and its impact on marketing strategy and responsible, sustainable and ethical marketing thinking
-
Appreciate the issues and problems in formulating marketing strategies
-
Analyse marketing opportunities and prepare strategic marketing plans
-
Critically appraise strategic marketing models and decision tools
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Explain how marketing concepts and techniques can be applied to the marketing of social challenges
- Examine how marketing approaches can be used to change behaviour and encourage ethical, responsible and sustainable consumerism
- Apply marketing concepts and techniques to address a real social issue to achieve behavioural change
Optional modules
What you'll do
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Analyse and discuss how advertising works in both a domestic and global marketplace
-
Critically appraise how different media can be used to achieve advertising campaign objectives
-
Assess the challenges faced in ethical and responsible advertising and demonstrate understanding of how advertising can be used to engage a diverse audience
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate understanding of the role of B2B marketing in the current global business environment
-
Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical issues in B2B marketing
-
Present solutions for improvement in the B2B marketing context
-
Apply B2B marketing theory to a real-life scenario
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Critically appraise consumer psychology theories and concepts
-
Examine how marketing practice can influence consumer behaviour
-
Reflect on ethical consumption practices and the social responsibility of marketers
-
Reflect on ethical consumption practices and the social responsibility of marketers
What you'll do
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Evaluate product and service development management theories, models and concepts
- Compare and contrast key decisions and tools used within product and service development projects
- Compare and contrast emergent external factors influencing product and service development within an international context
- Critically appraise new product and service development in light of ethical and environmental sustainability issues
What you'll do
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Examine what is meant by culture and its influence on the individual's behaviour
-
Analyse the nature of differences in workplace behaviour in a cross cultural context
- Articulate the need to develop cross cultural competence as a business attribute
- Justify the significance of the cross cultural dimension in the increasingly multicultural globalised working environment
Independent study time
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate the ability to select a original topic for investigation, and define clear, original and actionable research questions or objectives
-
Critically evaluate the relationship of the topic with relevant literature in the respective subject area(s)
-
Select an appropriate research method, concisely and clearly explain data collection and subsequent findings
-
Present insightful conclusions and recommendations, and clearly discuss the theoretical utility to relevant literature and practical utility to marketers
-
Demonstrate an awareness of research ethics and safeguard the welfare of all subjects potentially affected by the research
-
Appreciate the production and dissemination of a research project that focuses on immediacy and current interest, and that appeals to anyone working in consumer research and marketing strategy and management
Additional content
What you'll do
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Be able to apply the common tools and technologies used in digital marketing for data analysis purposes
-
Understand and evaluate digital marketing metrics
-
Develop a nuanced understanding of responsible and ethical digital marketing strategies
-
Apply the knowledge gained from the analysis of data to create and develop responsible and ethical digital marketing strategies
Independent study time
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate the ability to select a original topic for investigation, and define clear, original and actionable research questions or objectives
-
Critically evaluate the relationship of the topic with relevant literature in the respective subject area(s)
-
Select an appropriate research method, concisely and clearly explain data collection and subsequent findings
-
Present insightful conclusions and recommendations, and clearly discuss the theoretical utility to relevant literature and practical utility to marketers
-
Demonstrate an awareness of research ethics and safeguard the welfare of all subjects potentially affected by the research
-
Appreciate the production and dissemination of a research project that focuses on immediacy and current interest, and that appeals to anyone working in consumer research and marketing strategy and management
Additional content
What you'll do
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Develop a critical awareness of current and future technology trends
-
Develop an awareness of the impact of technology on sustainable, ethical and responsible marketing
-
Critically appraise the impact of current and future technology trends on marketing activity and decision making
-
Synthesise and disseminate research findings and implications
Independent study time
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Alternative marketing courses
Not quite sure this course is right for you? Take a look at our other marketing courses to compare your options.
If you know you want to focus on the digital aspects of marketing and get very hands-on with creating content take a look at our BA (Hons) Digital Marketing degree.
Your facilities
Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) room
Our technology enhanced active learning space promotes social learning.
Business Simulation Suite
Experience the boardroom in our replica business suite.
Teaching
We've listened to our students and they've told us that they want to keep some of the positive changes we've made to teaching and learning, so we're keeping a blended and connected model which will include some online learning. Around 20% of your timetabled teaching will be online.
The majority of your learning will be face-to-face and will include:
- lectures
- workshops
- seminars
- ICT sessions
We pride ourselves on the academic support we offer our students. You'll have a personal tutor, student engagement officers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.
The lecturers are all very friendly and open. They make it so much easier to communicate with and make the course more enjoyable.
Assessment
Your assessment will depend on which modules you take. Assessment methods are likely to include:
- projects
- portfolio work
- live client work
- presentations
- group work
- essays
- exams
- multiple-choice tests
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for this degree.
Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but in your first year this is what your week may look like:
- timetabled teaching activities (lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 13 hours a week
- independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 22 hours a week
You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- Academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- Reflective writing skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University's library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from librarians who specialise in business and law.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (2024 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £18,100 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional course costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – N500
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – N500
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.