Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This honours degree develops an understanding of marketing communications with a specialist emphasis on digital strategy. Core study areas include consumer behaviour and brand strategy, digital and social media marketing, content strategy, search marketing (SEO/SEA), email and mobile marketing, digital analytics and data interpretation, user experience and web design principles, online advertising, and integrated campaign planning.

Teaching combines lectures and seminars with practical workshops, studio sessions and live briefs set by real organisations. Assessment methods typically include campaign portfolios, live client projects, individual essays, group presentations, digital artefacts (for example websites, social content and analytics reports) and a final-year major project or dissertation that demonstrates strategic planning and execution.

Students can expect modules on marketing principles and communications, research methods for marketing, creative and copywriting for digital platforms, social media strategy, analytics and insight, and a capstone module in integrated digital campaigns. There are also opportunities to take optional modules in entrepreneurship, public relations, or user experience depending on availability.

The course emphasises professional practice: industry guest speakers, workshops with digital tools, and opportunities for short work placements or an optional professional placement year that allow students to gain workplace experience and build a portfolio.

Entry requirements

Bournemouth University seeks applicants with a mix of academic achievement and demonstrable interest in marketing, media or digital work. Typical offers ask for a successful completion of secondary-level qualifications such as A-levels (generally requiring three A-level passes), BTEC National Diplomas, or equivalent qualifications. Applicants with Access to HE diplomas, relevant work experience, or strong portfolios of marketing or digital work are also considered.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or qualifications at a level appropriate for undergraduate study. Mature applicants and international students are welcome; specific entry requirements and acceptable qualifications vary by country and will be confirmed by the university admissions team.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for roles across the marketing and communications sector where digital skills are essential. Common career paths include digital marketing executive, social media manager, content or communications strategist, SEO/SEM specialist, digital analyst, brand or product executive, account manager in advertising or PR, and e-commerce or customer experience roles. Some graduates pursue careers in media agencies, in-house marketing teams, consultancy, or start their own digital businesses or freelance practices.

The programme’s practical focus and placement options support employability by enabling students to build a live portfolio, gain workplace experience and make industry contacts. Graduates also have a foundation for postgraduate study in marketing, digital media or related fields.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University has a strong profile in media, communications and creative industries, providing an environment rich in practical facilities and industry connections. The university places emphasis on professional practice and employability: modules are designed around real-world briefs, and students benefit from guest lectures, employer partnerships and careers support tailored to the creative and digital sectors.

The campus provides access to digital labs, multimedia studios and analytics tools used in contemporary marketing practice, and the course team includes staff with practitioner experience. Bournemouth’s location and alumni network within the creative and tourism-driven regional economy also help students access internships and graduate roles across agencies, brands and digital organisations.

Overall, this programme is suited to students who want a hands-on, career-focused education in marketing communications with a clear pathway into digital strategy and industry roles that require practical digital competency and strategic thinking.