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Undergraduate Course

Marketing BA (Hons)

Learn about the pivotal role of marketing in a competitive and challenging global business environment.

Lecturers pointing to powerpoint

In today’s world businesses need to be more innovative, take more risks and develop more sustainable marketing strategies. They need to do this whilst serving their customers and having a positive impact on society’s well-being. You will develop a core understanding of the marketing function of organisations and the role of these businesses in society.

  • 100x100

York campus

  • UCAS code – N115 (N106 with placement year)
  • Duration – 3 years full time, 4 years full time with placement
  • Start date – September 2024, September 2025
  • School – York Business School

Minimum entry requirements

    104 UCAS Tariff points

    3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.

Tuition fees

    UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time

    International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time

Discover Marketing

Emma Johnson, Course Leader for Marketing, introduces us to Marketing and Digital Marketing and Data Analytics at York St John University.

Course overview

On this course you will learn how vital marketing is to an organisation’s success. You will gain the experience and skills needed to apply marketing to a wide range of contexts. Whether you are interested in setting up your own company, working for a large organisation or joining the not-for-profit sector, this course will give you a broad understanding of how businesses operate.

There will be regular opportunities throughout the course to apply the theory you have learnt in the classroom in professional settings. You will work on live projects and engage with practising marketers, organisations and employers through a programme of guest speakers, work experience and internships. You will have the opportunity to work as a marketing consultant on a live brief with an organisation through our Business Consultancy Clinic. Our marketing team is relatively small, but we will support you as a student, watching you become outstanding members of society.

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). Through the CIM partnership, you can gain further certificates and invitations to events and webinars. You will also have the opportunity to qualify as a Microsoft Office Specialist. We encourage you to be involved with the wider university extra-curricular activities, to make the most out of your time here at York St John University. In recent years our year 3 students took part in the Chartered Institute of Marketing Pitch Competition, with one group obtaining a place in the finals.

As with all of our Business courses, you have the option to go on a placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree. If you choose not to do a full year, you can do a shorter placement module in Year 2. You can also choose to study abroad for a semester at 1 of our partner universities. 

Course structure

Year 1

Our academic year is split into 2 semesters.

In your first year, you will study:

  • 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
  • 3 compulsory modules in semester 2

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

On this module you will examine the nature of business enterprise and its relationship with wider society, focusing on what it means to be a responsible business. You will explore ideas including:

  • Stakeholder theory
  • The triple bottom line
  • Corporate social responsibility
  • Business ethics
  • The role of the state

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

The ability to recognise and meet customer needs is an important factor in the success of all organisations. You will learn how organisations can identify and address the needs of internal and external stakeholders. You will be introduced to specific marketing concepts, such as the marketing mix, SWOT, PESTLE, segmentation, targeting and positioning.   You will also review communication methods, and consider the wider definition of marketing, its role within business and its functions.

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

The service sector is the largest contributor to the UK’s economy. On this module you will investigate how to market in a service economy. Marketing services is different from marketing products. Services are intangible, difficult to store, vary in quality and offer additional challenges for marketers. You will explore the basics of service marketing and management theory and apply these to different business situations.

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

In the age of Big Data, analytics is becoming a necessity in all areas of business. It is an essential tool to drive managerial decisions and sustain competitive advantage. This module will teach you how to business data. We will consider the importance of visualising and understanding data, and representing data in a meaningful way so we can use it for decision making. You will also examine the importance of Big Data in today’s business environment and the increasing significance of Blockchain.

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

This module covers the management of customer information and research projects as part of the marketing process. You will learn to manage marketing information, along with the more specialist skills required to plan, undertake and present results from market research. You will learn how to collect primary and secondary data using a variety of data collection, analysis and presentation techniques.

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

On this module you will learn about marketing communications from both theoretical and managerial perspectives. The subject of communication is a key element of marketing and considered by many to be the most important element. The study of how to integrate the various communication mix tools is central to an understanding of marketing processes. You will examine the role of Integrated Marketing Communications, looking at why certain communication methods are appropriate for the target audience and the influence it has on buyer behaviour.

Year 2

In your second year you will study:

  • 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
  • 2 compulsory modules and 1 optional modules in semester 2

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.

Modules

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

With markets shifting and changing constantly it is crucial that organisations are able to create effective marketing plans. On this module you will apply key marketing theories and principles to the marketing planning process. You will learn to analyse marketing requirements as they affect a particular operation and work towards producing a marketing plan that covers all the relevant aspects of marketing. To help you do this you will use case studies from different organisations.

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

On this module you will focus on evaluating and developing digital marketing strategy and tactics. You will learn how different digital marketing tools and channels can be used to market products and services. You will explore areas such as:

  • Website marketing and usability
  • Search engine optimisation
  • Display and search advertising
  • Online PR and blogging
  • Social media and content
  • Email marketing and mobile marketing.

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

On this module we will introduce you to consumer behaviour theories and how this relates to consumer and organisational buyer behaviour. You will investigate how cultural and sociological shifts affect consumers and markets and how we can use these insights to inform future strategy. You will learn how to identify these opportunities and translate them through to creative solutions to satisfy future needs in line with industry practice. 

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

Organisations need to understand how and why data is acquired, and have the ability to collect, analyse and interpret it. On this module you will learn about quantitative and qualitative research methods and how to use them to your work. We will help you develop skills in data collection, analysis and reporting your findings. You will also develop your project planning and management skills as a way to manage the research process.

Credits: 20

Optional module

Enhance your future employability by experiencing the workplace. We have designed this module to help you develop your skills, knowledge and understanding in different areas related to your career. You will engage with issues such as:

  • Career decision making
  • The recruitment cycle
  • Applying for jobs
  • Interviewing

As part of this module you will embark on a work placement or business project in a group, or individually.

Credits: 20

Optional module

This module aims to develop you into a confident, enterprising and creative graduate who will be able to cope with the ever changing business environment, recognise opportunities and to take responsible and measured risks. This is a very practical module. Starting with an initial idea, you will explore and assess a business opportunity and present a feasible business concept. Working alone or in groups, you will develop skills in collecting, analysing and organising ideas and information.

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

The power of a brand plays a significant role in strategic marketing. It is often referred as one of a few strategic assets that can provide a company long-lasting competitive advantage. This module introduces youto theories about brand, branding, and brand management, as well as confronting contemporary issues related to branding and brand management. 

Year 3

In your third year you will study:

  • A compulsory Research Investigation module across semesters 1 and 2
  • 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
  • 2 compulsory modules in semester 2

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.

Optional Placement Year

As with all of our Business courses, you have the option to go on a placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree. If you choose not to do a full placement year, you can do a shorter placement as part of a module in year 2. This module is called Career Development and Employability. You can also choose to study abroad for a semester at one of our partner universities.

Modules

Credits: 40

Compulsory module

This module is your chance to plan and conduct a piece of independent research. You will be able to choose from the following projects:

  • Traditional dissertation: Plan and conduct a piece of independent research. Present your findings in a writing.
  • Business Research Project: Complete a small scale piece of individual research work.
  • Consultancy Project: Work with industry professionals and investigate a business project and produce a research based report.
  • Business creation project: Develop a full business proposal and plan. Use primary and secondary research to support your work.

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

The module will help to prepare you for your future career goals. You will evaluate your current skills and produce a professional curriculum vitae, learning more about how to prepare for interviews and the application process. You will also research the careers market within your chosen field at a national and international level. By the end of the module you will have a strong exit portfolio to offer a potential employer. 

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

Social media is both exciting and terrifying for marketers. The world of constant connectivity has created new, game changing opportunities. This module will give you a broad understanding of social media marketing, content marketing and the essentials of branding. You will explore:

  • Different social media platforms
  • Social media audits
  • How to create persuasive and engaging content
  • How to build strong brands
  • How to measure social media
  • Content marketing and branding success

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

On this module you will gain a detailed knowledge of marketing theory and operations at an international level. An understanding of international marketing is particularly important when considering contemporary management issues, such as cultural diversity and strategic decision making. You will develop your understanding of the international context of marketing and particular issues that affect marketing decision making and planning at this level. We will introduce you to the complexities of international marketing practice by analysing product development, branding and market entry strategies in different international contexts.

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

The module will help you understand how the customer experience shapes perceptions of an organisation and can contribute to the success of companies across different sectors. You will explore the relationship between the customer and the organisation, and the methods businesses use to develop, maintain or improve the customer experience. This includes business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) environments.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning

All of your modules will be delivered using a variety of different teaching sessions. This includes:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Guest speakers
  • Workshops
  • Events

Each module has 3.5 hours of contact time a week. Lecturers also offer 2 hours of dedicated time a week, where students can have 1-1 time, this can be booked through out tutorial booking system

You will have an allocated academic tutor, who will have regular individual tutorial sessions to support you with your learning.

You will also have opportunities to gain work experience through modules which take your learning beyond the classroom and into the city. Recent live projects have been Brew York, The Grand, Grantley Hall, Castle Howard, York Dungeons, Living North and others.

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

We use a wide variety of assessment types, which help you to develop skills relevant to the workplace. This includes:

  • Written assignments
  • Individual and group presentations
  • Exams
  • Practical activities
  • Portfolios

You will receive detailed feedback on your work throughout each module. This will help you to improve your work for your graded assessments. We will advise you on developing your skills, useful areas for research and how to extend your business knowledge further.

Professional skills

We encourage you to extend your learning through Continuing Professional Development as you study. Our Success Lab provides extra events, short courses and opportunities to help you make the most of your degree. The academic and professional skills you develop through this will help to boost your employability when you graduate.

Career outcomes

Your future with a degree in Marketing

This course will prepare you for a career in marketing. You will develop an understanding of customer demands, target markets, digital media and more. The skills you gain in strategic thinking, research and communication will open up a range of career options.

This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:

  • Advertising art director
  • Market researcher
  • Marketing executive
  • Public relations officer
  • Social media manager
  • User experience (UX) designer

Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.

You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.

Postgraduate courses at York St John University

Digital Marketing and Data Analytics MSc

Marketing MSc

 

Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.

Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

  • Employer events
  • LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
  • Workshops on application writing and interview skills
  • Work experience and volunteering opportunities
  • Personalised career advice

This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.

Entry requirements

Qualifications

Minimum entry requirements

    104 UCAS Tariff points

    3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.

Calculate your UCAS Tariff points

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

This course is available with foundation year

If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.

Business foundation year

Mature Learners Entry Scheme

If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.

Mature entry offer scheme

Advanced entry

Considering transferring to join us in year 2 or 3 of our Business Courses? Please see our Advanced Entry page for information on the courses available and how to apply.

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

Fees and funding

To study for a degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.

UK 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is £9,250 per year for full time study.

This price applies to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page.

Funding Opportunities

Placement year funding

If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.

Tuition fees

    UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time

    International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time

International 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.

This price applies to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your degree.

International Fees and Funding

Additional costs and financial support

There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include a DBS check, purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Study Abroad

For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.

Accommodation and living costs

For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.

Financial help and support

Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.

For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.

Course highlights

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