Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This BSc covers the core disciplines of contemporary marketing across consumer behaviour, brand management, marketing communications and research methods, with strong emphasis on digital channels and marketing analytics. Modules typically introduce principles of marketing and markets, followed by intermediate and advanced topics such as digital marketing strategy, social media marketing, customer insight and data-driven decision making. Practical elements include live client briefs, campaign planning and implementation, UX and website optimisation, and the use of marketing analytics tools and software.

Programme structure usually progresses from foundational modules in year one to specialist options and applied projects in later years. Students can expect assessment through a mix of group work, individual coursework, presentations, portfolios and, where available, workplace projects or a placement/industry project. Optional modules often allow focus on areas such as advertising and PR, international marketing, marketing analytics, retail and sales management, or entrepreneurship.

Typical modules and subjects

• Principles of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour
• Digital Marketing and Social Media
• Marketing Research and Data Analysis
• Brand Management and Communications
• Marketing Strategy and Planning
• Professional Practice in Marketing (live briefs/industry project)
• Optional subjects such as International Marketing, Advertising & PR, Marketing Analytics or Entrepreneurship

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed a secondary school qualification equivalent to A-levels or a recognised vocational qualification (such as BTEC) relevant to business or humanities subjects. Typical offers also require passes in GCSE-level English and Mathematics or an accepted equivalent. Mature applicants and those with relevant work experience are welcomed; prior learning and professional experience may be considered during admissions.

International students must meet the university's English language requirements; those who need to improve their language skills can usually enrol on an appropriate pre-sessional English course or an integrated pathway. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to attend an interview or provide a portfolio of relevant work or evidence of interest in marketing.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go on to roles across commercial, public and third-sector organisations as marketing assistants, digital marketers, social media managers, brand executives, market researchers, account managers and sales or product specialists. The course also prepares students for careers in advertising, public relations, e-commerce and marketing consultancy, and provides a solid foundation for further professional qualifications or postgraduate study in marketing, management or data analytics.

Practical, placement and live-project elements are designed to help build employability, industry contacts and an adaptable portfolio of work that employers seek. Many students progress into graduate schemes, agency roles or start their own enterprises, while others combine marketing expertise with complementary skills in analytics, UX or business development.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University emphasises applied learning and close links with industry, delivered through professional practice modules, live client briefs and guest lectures from practitioners. The university’s business and media-focused environment means students benefit from cross-disciplinary collaboration with media, computing and creative-discipline peers, useful for contemporary marketing roles.

Students have access to specialised facilities and learning resources for digital marketing, analytics and creative campaign work, and there are opportunities to take industry placements, short internships or an industry-focused final-year project to develop practical experience. The course is designed to support progression to professional qualifications and to build the practical portfolio and industry contacts that help graduates start and develop careers in marketing.