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Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Marketing with Foundation Year
Become a marketing expert with industry ties and real-world feedback. Specialise in digital, social media, and trends to excel in marketing management, advertising, or research. The foundation will equip you with the confidence to take the next step.
Our typical offer
32+ UCAS points
No.1 UK marketing experience*
At Plymouth you'll work with our experts and real clients, solving practical business problems from the start. Apply your knowledge to make your mark in the industry, graduating with sought-after experience.
Placement experience
With our leading industry connections we'll help you to add experience to your CV and build your own professional network in the marketing industry with a paid placement year.
Specialise in digital and social
Tailor your degree to your career goals by focusing on the latest digital marketing strategies and social media tools, making you expert in evolving industry trends
you're passionate about connecting with people and understanding consumer behaviour
you're eager to gain professional qualifications alongside your degree
you want to be the expert, in the know of latest industry trends and strategies
you aspire to work in dynamic fields such as marketing management, advertising, digital marketing, or market research
Details
Progression routes
The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree and you will benefit from experienced university lecturers. Whilst successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification in its own right, you will be able to confidently progress onto Year 1 of
BSc (Hons) Marketing
or one of the following programmes within Plymouth Business School:
-
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance -
BSc (Hons) Business Management -
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Finance -
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Human Resource Management -
BSc (Hons) Business Management with International Business -
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Marketing -
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Project Management -
BSc (Hons) Business Management (2 year fast track) -
BSc (Hons) Economics -
BSc (Hons) Events Management -
BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management -
BSc (Hons) Maritime Business -
BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management
Foundation year
In this year, you’ll experience a supportive environment to assist in the transition to successful study in higher education. You will learn about academic writing, critical thinking skills and begin to develop your research skills, as well as develop your knowledge and understanding through an introduction to key aspects of business, accounting and economics. You’ll also have the opportunity to do independent research into an area of your studies that interests you, with a supervisor to guide and support you through the process.
Core modules
ECN3100
The World of Economics and Finance
30 credits
This module will introduce you to a range of contemporary ideas within economics and finance. The module will use a range of contemporary real-world issues to demonstrate the relevance of foundation level economic and financial concepts for decision making.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
STO3001
Global Business
30 credits
The module will introduce the components, functions and context of a business. You will explore the impact of different models on business purpose, values, stakeholders and reporting. Aspects such as globalisation, sustainability, ethics and entrepreneurship will also be examined.
100% Coursework
STO3003
Business Research Project
30 credits
This module allows you to integrate subject specific knowledge and skills to investigate a specific topic relevant to your programme of study through a small-scale research project.
100% Coursework
STO3004
Introduction to Business Research
The module will enable you to develop business research at an introductory level and to develop a range of academic and professional capabilities. You will investigate research topics that will develop your understanding the importance of effective cross-disciplinary understanding and collaboration.
Year 1
Examine marketing and business basics and develop effective practical approaches to complex situations – putting theory into practice with topics such as marketing, economics, accounting and workplace behaviour. You gain an appreciation of business operations and have the opportunity to take a professionally renowned digital marketing qualification.
Core modules
HRL4003
Business Culture and Behaviour
40 credits
This module encompasses the internal aspects, functions and processes of organisations, including their diverse nature, purposes, structures, size/scale, governance, operations and management, together with the individual and corporate behaviours and cultures which exist within and between different organisations.
60% Tests
40% Coursework
MKT4001
Marketing in Action
20 credits
The module will give you a broad overview of marketing topics withinn a real-world context, including marketing concept; global marketing environment; buyer behaviour; marketing research; segmentation, targeting and positioning; marketing mix and the marketing planning process. You will consider the relevance of core marketing concepts for organisations whilst developing core competencies in group working, critical thinking, evaluation of information sources and referencing.
100% Coursework
MKT4002
Buyer Behaviour
20 credits
This module will give you theoretical and practical insights into the behaviour of buyers in both consumer and business-to-business markets. You will also explore the way in which marketing relationships are developed and maintained.
100% Coursework
STO4002
The Business Environment: A Global Perspective
40 credits
This module introduces students to essential understanding and competencies in the dynamic and changing nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, including the management of risk and business resilience.
60% Tests
40% Coursework
Year 2
From analysis of consumer behaviours and market research, to product development and brand management, you explore marketing in more detail. Learn to use theory to create solutions to complex marketing problems with real companies.
Core modules
MKT5009
Advertising Brand Management and Marketing Communication
The module will introduce you to the key elements of the marketing communications’ mix (including advertising), examining their role and significance in developing and managing brand identity and equity.
MKT5010
Consumer Insights: Data Driven Decisions
This module explores the fundamental methods and principles of marketing research, illustrating how various research techniques are applied to gather meaningful data. It further demonstrates how the resulting insights are leveraged to inform and guide marketing decisions, enabling more targeted and effective strategies that align with consumer behaviour and market trends.
MKT5012
Innovation and Marketing Planning
This module is set in the context of marketing management, with the primary aim being to introduce the concepts of marketing strategy and marketing planning and apply them around the framework of a new product development programme. This will enable students to develop an understanding of marketing as both a principle and a job function.
MKT5013
Service Marketing
This module explores the distinctive characteristics of service products and examines how innovation reshapes consumer behaviour and influences marketing strategies within the service industry. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, case studies, and practical applications, students will gain insights into the role of innovation in service marketing and develop strategies to address the challenges and opportunities in the UK's service-dominated economy.
Optional modules
MKT5006
Digital Marketing
20 credits
In this module you will examine the impact of new forms of digital technology on all aspects of the modern marketing mix, organisational strategies and consumer facing activities. You will explore modern marketing activity through a digital lens, providing you with a greater understanding and awareness of the relationships between marketing and digital technology.
100% Coursework
PBS5001C
The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business
20 credits
Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy.
100% Coursework
PBS5002C
The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade
20 credits
In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.
100% Coursework
PBS5003C
The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action
20 credits
Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.
100% Coursework
MKT5011
International Marketing with AI Consciousness
The module introduces you to the key concepts of international marketing, providing you with an understanding of the environmental factors, international marketing strategies and the international marketing planning process.
Optional placement year
You are strongly encouraged to undertake a placement year. Placement opportunities are available in a wide variety of companies, from start-ups to blue chips, across the world. Alternatively, you could start or run your own business.
Core modules
PBS600PLC
Placement Year
The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows the student to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation. Students on BA International Business may also or alternatively undertake a study placement at an approved partner institution.
Final year
Focus on the theoretical and strategic aspects of marketing, investigating the issues. Undertake an independently researched dissertation project in a marketing subject of your choice.
Core modules
MKT6001
Contemporary Issues in Marketing
20 credits
You will examine and critically appraise contemporary principal theoretical marketing approaches and investigate their implications for practical marketing management.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
MKT6007
Strategic Marketing
20 credits
You will critically assess the value of strategic marketing as part of a broad corporate environment, considering long-term applied corporate management issues and opportunities affecting the marketing function and recommending appropriate strategic, marketing-led solutions. Using case studies, you will gain an insight of key internal factors relating to the successful development and implementation of marketing strategy, through engagement with invited ‘client’ organisations.
100% Coursework
MKT6008
Public Relations in the Digital Era
20 credits
This module seeks to demystify public relations, explain what it is, how it can be used and its relationship with marketing. You will explore both marketing public relations and corporate public relations and examine how marketers can utilise public relations as part of the marketing mix in the digital era.
100% Coursework
PBS6001
Final Year Dissertation
40 credits
The module builds upon research and study skills developed in earlier modules. Students are required to undertake supervised independent research into a marketing or economics field of their choice. Use should be made of appropriate research qualitative and / or quantitative methodologies.
100% Coursework
Optional modules
MKT6005
Social Media Marketing in Practice
20 credits
In this module you will study the application of social media marketing strategies and techniques, applying theoretical knowledge in practice and examining systems, software and techniques typically used in the marketing environment. You will have the opportunity to gain ‘external’ awards from key industry ‘academies’ including; Google, Hootesuite, Hubspot, etc.
100% Coursework
Specialise in digital and social media marketing
- Gain practical experience creating engaging online campaigns, designing impactful digital ads and managing e-commerce platforms using industry-standard tools.
- Learn to craft compelling content, optimise for search engines, convert social media engagement into customer loyalty, and use data analytics to refine your strategies.
- Build a portfolio of real-world projects, giving you a competitive edge as you start your marketing career – equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in roles such as social media management, e-commerce, and digital advertising.
You'll graduate this pathway with the degree title BSc (Hons) Marketing (Digital and Social Media).
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing
Accredited by the Institute of Data and Marketing
Market Research Society
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Real experience every step of the way
We embed real employer engagement and CV building experiences throughout the course to prepare you for graduate success.
Live client briefs
Our optional placement year is an invaluable opportunity to gain experience and to apply theories into practice. Undertaking a placement allows you to gain real-world experience in marketing and pick up a range of skills to kick-start your career.
Guest speakers
In addition to working with live clients the programme also includes guest speakers from the industry to demonstrate theory in practice and to illuminate the prospects of marketing as a profession.
Placement opportunities
Our optional placement year is an invaluable opportunity to gain experience and to apply theories into practice. Undertaking a placement allows you to gain real-world experience in marketing and pick up a range of skills to kick-start your career.
“We get you in front of industry straight away to start developing your leadership, communication and problem solving skills. And to start you networking with potential employers.”
–
Dr Cat Hine
, Lecturer in Leadership and Business Management
The Business Challenge in week three brings all first-year BSc (Hons) Marketing and BSc (Hons) Business Management students together to pitch solutions to real-world business challenges.
–
The Business Challenge in week three brings all first-year BSc (Hons) Marketing and BSc (Hons) Business Management students together to pitch solutions to real-world business challenges.
It’s a great event for industry professionals to network with one another.
Ella, BSc (Hons) Marketing
The annual Building Brands conference is one of many opportunities that gives you the opportunity to learn from and connect with marketing professionals from the South West.
A new home to cultivate business leaders
Our Fitzroy Building has been transformed, becoming the new home of the Plymouth Business School, providing students with specialist facilities and social learning spaces.
Among these spaces for business, management, accounting, finance and marketing students, you'll find the Bloomberg Interactive Suite for tracking stock markets and The Cube – support for our student and graduate entrepreneurs, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
Watch our video visualising what the new building looks like.
Meet your expert teaching staff
Dr Xiazhao Chen
Lecturer in Marketing
Programme Leader
Dr Christopher Agyapong Siaw
Lecturer in Marketing
Dr Shikhar Bhaskar
Lecturer in Marketing
Join the Marketing Society
The Marketing Society is an academic society open to all students at the University of Plymouth, especially those considering a career in the marketing and business sector.
We plan to get involved with local Plymouth businesses to provide volunteer marketing services. We also understand that your time at university is both educational and social, so we aim to host interesting socials and events for all members.
Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Being so close to the sea was very appealing as back home I’m never close to a beach. I was also enticed by the fact that Plymouth is a very compact city, it is possible to see and do a lot of stuff by walking. Another benefit of living in Plymouth is how much cheaper it is to live here than London. The price of going out and doing activities is accessible for students, which was something I accounted for whilst choosing a university.
Adam, BSc (Hons) Marketing student
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
My marketing experience has opened doors to jobs in numerous industries and positions. I've worked in business development, sales, events and creative direction. Marketing is at the core of every business.
Our marketing students have tremendous opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in a variety of work settings. Our hands-on approach to teaching and learning, and the use of live clients throughout the course will provide you with the topical skills and experience that you can apply to the wide range of career options as graduates.
Our graduates have been employed by companies such as 3M, Apple, the BBC, Harley-Davidson, McLaren, Unilever, Barclaycard, Ben Sherman, British Airways, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Sara Lee, Radox, the National Trust, Wrigley and Microsoft.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£5,760 per year
£5,760 per year
Part-time study
£480 per 10 credits
£480 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Classroom-based Foundation years
Classroom-based foundation years
On 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to cap the home student fee for the foundation year of this programme at £5,760, this will be applied from 1 August 2025. Subsequent years of this degree programme will be charged at the new standard rate for home undergraduate tuition fees of £9,535 per annum. Implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
£17,600 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,850
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,385
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Secure your place this September
Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the University of Plymouth.
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
32+ UCAS points
32+ UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above or City and Guilds; Key Skills Level 2 will be considered on an individual basis.
A levels
32+ points from a minimum of 2 A levels.
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
Pass PPP-MMP in any subject.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All Access courses
Pass Access course (any subject) plus GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4 or above or equivalent.
T level
Pass in any subject.
International Baccalaureate
24-25 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level. English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5.
Other
Irish Highers: 32+ points.
City and Guilds Level 3: We will accept with a minimum of Merit overall alongside a good GCSE profile, including English and Maths grade C / 4.
Cyprus Apolytirion: 15/20 to 16/20 overall to include a pass in Maths and IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
N502
N502
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
32+ UCAS points
32+ UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
N502
N502
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.