Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This top-up year focuses on advanced concepts in business management and marketing, blending theory with applied projects. Typical modules include:

• Strategic Marketing: development and implementation of marketing strategies, market segmentation and positioning, and planning for competitive advantage.
• Consumer Behaviour and Insights: psychological and sociological drivers of purchase decisions, customer journey mapping and the use of qualitative and quantitative insight.
• Digital and Social Media Marketing: digital campaign planning, content strategy, paid search and social advertising, analytics and performance measurement.
• Brand Management: brand development, equity measurement and management of brand portfolios across channels and markets.
• Marketing Research and Data Analysis: research design, sampling, survey techniques, basic statistical analysis and translating data into managerial recommendations.
• Management and Leadership: organisational behaviour, leadership styles, change management and team dynamics.
• Business Strategy and International Business: strategic frameworks, global market entry, and adapting marketing and management approaches for international contexts.
• Final Project/Dissertation: an independent applied research or consultancy project that synthesises learning, often completed in collaboration with an organisation or based on a realistic business brief.

Teaching methods typically include lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies, guest speakers from industry and a substantial independent project. Assessment methods are a mix of individual coursework, group projects, presentations and the final project.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a relevant Level 5 qualification such as an HND, Foundation Degree, Higher National Certificate plus additional study, or an equivalent qualification in business, marketing or a related discipline. Relevant professional qualifications and substantial work experience in a business or marketing role may also be considered. English language requirements apply for applicants whose first language is not English; accepted evidence typically includes recognised qualifications or an approved English language test at the university’s specified level.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across marketing and general management. Typical career paths include:

• Marketing Executive, Assistant or Coordinator
• Digital Marketing Specialist or Social Media Manager
• Brand or Product Manager
• Market Research Analyst or Insight Executive
• Sales Manager or Key Account Manager
• Management trainee or graduate scheme positions within commercial organisations
• Entrepreneurship and small business management

The applied nature of the course, plus opportunities for live projects and industry engagement, helps graduates develop the practical skills employers seek in areas such as campaign planning, data-driven decision making and client-facing communication.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers a career-focused business education with an emphasis on applied learning and regional and international industry links. The Business School provides access to practitioner-led teaching, guest speakers and opportunities for live consultancy briefs with external organisations. Students benefit from the university’s location near Oxford — a hub of business, technology and cultural organisations — while studying in a supportive environment with dedicated academic and employability support. The programme is designed to build practical management and marketing capabilities that are immediately relevant to employers and further study.