Marketing

Course overview

In today’s fast paced business world, marketing is essential to overcoming significant challenges. This includes maintaining a competitive advantage, meeting customer needs that are always changing, and shaping how organisations plan their future.

Our BSc (Hons) Marketing degree is closely connected to real-world industry through our experienced academics who have worked in this field. This means that you will learn from professionals who have been where you want to go.

This degree will give you the opportunity to grasp the main ideas of marketing theory and gain practical skills which will empower you to use these concepts in innovative and exciting ways in the real world.

The course is delivered by Aston Business School which is part of an elite group of global business schools that hold the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

"Aston University is a great place to study. The placement year helps you to put knowledge into perspective, and then when you graduate you’ll know exactly what you’re doing. You will be a step ahead of everybody else, you have got that experience, you are ready, and you are rearing to go."

Chloe Lansbury

BSc (Hons) Marketing

Senior Social Media Manager, Butterfly 3ffect

Why Marketing at Aston University?

Recognised for quality

Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation

Earn more

Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £36,100 five years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2023)

Professionally accredited

This programme leads to exemptions from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Safe in our hands

Marketing at Aston University was ranked 16th overall in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2024)

66th in the world

We’ve been ranked as 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024)

Chloe's story

BSc (Hons) Marketing graduate Chloe Lansbury talks about her experience at Aston University and how following her placement year at Gymshark, she secured a role as a Social Media Executive with the company.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

Course description

BSc (Hons) Marketing

Our BSc (Hons) Marketing will not only provide you with the theoretical knowledge and a good foundation of marketing from a strategic business perspective, but also deepen your learning in specialisms through the modules you choose as you progress through your degree.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. Our programme will empower you with core concepts of marketing theory, equipping you with practical skills for real-world scenarios. You will collaborate on live marketing projects, with local companies and experts, making your learning experience more rewarding.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from dedication, a willingness to learn and the ambition to drive change and create value for businesses.

What skills we teach
On our BSc (Hons) Marketing course, you will learn valuable skills that go beyond the classroom and into the real world. You will develop management and leadership skills that are applicable to real life situations. Our graduates are problem solvers who have developed the essential skills needed to keep up to date with the ever-changing world of business.

Placement year
We all know that taking a placement year will boost your employability – it’s what makes Aston University graduates some of the most employable in the country. It’s for this reason that we encourage every student to take one. The placement year gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills.

The placement year is compulsory for BSc (Hons) Marketing students. International students can request permission to opt out of the placement year, but we strongly recommend that it is completed where possible.

Career prospects
As an Aston University Marketing graduate, you will be equipped for a range of different career options. Our recent graduates have gone on to work across the public, private and third sectors for organisations including: Amazon, Capgemini, Jaguar Land Rover, Lloyds Bank and Thompson Holidays.

How you will learn

Our teaching approach is both modern and innovative. Alongside traditional lectures and training in the latest analytical tools, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience during your placement, enhancing your overall learning. At the beginning of your course, you'll be assigned a personal tutor for individual study guidance. Module tutors are readily available to answer questions, and all lectures are recorded for future reference.

Our emphasis is on practical knowledge application, with guest lectures from prominent business leaders and mentoring programs offering unique insights. Our renowned Visiting Professors, top UK business figures, share their expertise and expectations from students and graduates.

Complementing traditional teaching, our virtual learning environment provides electronic support materials. You'll have access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals. University-wide services like the careers service, Jobshop, counselling and advice services, sports facilities, and Chaplaincy enhance your overall university experience and prepare you for your professional career.

Aston University also offers an array of extracurricular activities, including clubs and societies like Aston Bright Futures, which works with leading businesses across various sectors. These activities not only enrich your student experience but also help you explore your specific interests and career pathways.

What you will learn

This degree will equip you with problem solving skills that you can apply to various careers. Whether you’re interested in a career in international marketing, within social media strategy or as a market analyst, our highly ranked BSc (Hons) Marketing course (16th in the UK; Complete University Guide, 2024) will support this.

First year

You will gain a solid foundation in your first year across a breadth of marketing topics before shaping your second and final years to concentrate your study on your specialisms.

Second year

You will apply core theories of marketing to given scenarios, explore alternative solutions and provide recommendations. You will reflect and articulate your own learning and plan and implement strategies to build upon this. You will apply clear and original thinking in problem solving, demonstrating the ability to select and evaluate evidence and use the appropriate methods of analysis.

Placement year

The Aston University placement year forms an integral part of your educational journey and gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills. Our award-winning careers and placements team are on hand to support you through every step of your placement journey.

Placement stories

This course offers an Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway, meaning you could study overseas at one of our partner institutions during your placement year and graduate with two undergraduate degrees for the price of one.

Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway

Final year

You will have more freedom and take ownership of your degree, having experienced both theoretical, applied and practical aspects of the subject, with more module choice to tailor your studies to your interests. Not only will you graduate with a great depth of knowledge, but you’ll also be equipped with independent, work-ready, commercial skills and relevant work experience.

Tolu Olugunju Business and Politics student

My placement year experience

Tolu Olagungu completed two placements as part of his degree - at Redbull and Mercedes Benz. His experiences opened his eyes to the world of opportunities out there.

Discover Tolu's journey

Course objectives

Enables you to demonstrate understanding and application of core theory and knowledge in marketing within the wider business context.
Enables you to work effectively as an independent self-managed/self-regulated learner who is socially responsible.
Enables you to communicate effectively in a manner appropriate to the setting, task and/or audience.
Develops innovative thinking in problem solving.
Enables you to make appropriate operational and strategic decisions and to apply knowledge based on sound analysis in an international context.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Marketing Principles	15
Essential Skills for Marketers	15
Consumer Behaviour	15
Marketing Communications	15
Content Marketing	15
Law, Economics and Accounting for Marketers	15
Introduction to Organisational Behaviour	15
Principles of Operations Management	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Explain and effectively use the fundamental concepts and theories of marketing.
Evaluate and translate concepts and theories within that business subject area.
Utilise different forms of communication in an individual or group setting.
Demonstrate awareness of different approaches to solving problems related to your area of study.
Apply communication and team working skills within your area of study.
Demonstrate presentation skills within a marketing/business discipline.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Market Research	15
Services Marketing and Management	15
Stakeholder Relations Management	15
Digital Analytics	15
Digital and Social Media Marketing	15
Total	75

You will choose three of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Influencer Marketing	15
Doing e-Business	15
Sports Marketing	15
Events Management	15
B2B Marketing and Sales	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Evaluate and apply the marketing theories and concepts from the varied marketing disciplines.
Demonstrate competency in digital analytics and measuring metrics.
Analyse and integrate marketing concepts and theory to a specific construct or strategy.
Evaluate and interpret quantitative data with a view of constructing argument and making sound judgement within business disciplines.
Provide innovative ideas/solutions to a problem or task.

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement year

Module Title	Credits
Integrated Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Analyse how marketing and or business principles operate within a company (work experience).
Demonstrate the ability to work in a self-managed/self-directed way in an organisation.
Demonstrate the ability to solve or provide solutions to a problem/issue within a company.
Apply transferable skills and competencies within a real work-based situation (via placement experience).
Identify and explore an organisational issue, using appropriate analytical tools, and recommend actionable improvements.

Final year modules

In your final year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Marketing Strategy	15
Strategic Management	15
Digital Innovation for Marketing	15
Ethical and Sustainable Marketing	15
Strategic Brand Management	15
Total	75

You will choose three of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
International Marketing	15
Retail Management	15
Strategic Sales Management	15
Enterprise and Entrepreneurship for Marketing	15
Leadership and Management Communications	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Final year outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate a systematic critical analysis and application of marketing concepts.
Appreciate the implications of ethical practice within an organisational setting as an individual learner.
Develop strategies based on a sound analysis and make decisions about how to implement them.
Analyse specific digital innovations and technologies that impact upon the organisation, its core functions and audiences.
Develop communication solutions that are relevant to marketing related practitioners.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

A Levels
BBB (standard offer)
BBC (with EPQ or Core Maths minimum grade B)
BBC (contextual offer)
Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDD (standard offer)

BTEC Extended Diploma - DDM (contextual offer)

The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three full A2 Levels.

31 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,5 in 3 higher level subjects.

You must also have Standard Level grade 4 in Mathematics and grade 5 in English Language.

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3.

You must obtain a minimum of 30 distinction and the rest must be at merit or distinction.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction - grade D
Digital Production, Design and Production - grade D
Education and Childcare - grade D
Onsite Construction - grade D
Building Services Engineering for Construction - grade D
Digital Business Services - grade D
Digital Support Services - grade D
Health - grade D
Healthcare Science - grade D
Science - grade D
Accounting - grade D
Finance - grade D
Management and administration - grade D
Design and development for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Legal Services - grade D

5 GCSE grades A*/9 – C/4 to include:

GCSE Maths – grade C/4
GCSE English Language or English Literature – grade C/4

Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a first year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 2 entry: Please note that second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme. Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have successfully passed (or be expected to pass) your first year with 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university with very similar module content. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 3 entry onwards: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3 or final year.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,250
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£18,250
During placement year:	£2,500

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

Assessment is provided through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments. In addition, you will also be assessed on your portfolio that will be produced as part of your placement experience. You will reflect on your experience and evidence your analysis of a situation identified within the placement organisation, which draws on learning from your previous studies.

Career prospects

Our BSc (Hons) Marketing programme will prepare you for a range of careers across the public, private and third sectors. Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, according to the 2023 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO). This data shows that five years after graduation, employed Aston University graduates have the 15th highest median salary among all UK Higher Education Institutions, with a median salary of £36,100.

Our graduates are in high demand by organisations that need managers who can combine broad-based and specialist knowledge in marketing. Our graduates are successful in finding employment in a range of business roles such as:

Marketing manager
Marketing consultant
Social media executive
Marketing and communications coordinator
Associate product manager
Marketing product management trainee
Graduate business analyst

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as BMW, Renault Group, Boots, Ford Motor Company, the Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Bank.

Dreaming big

Ali-Reza Panjwani talks about his experience at Aston University and how it propelled him to becoming an executive director at J.P. Morgan in New York City.

Discover Ali-Reza's journey

Aston Business School graduates achieve some amazing things - whether it's setting up their own businesses, landing competitive graduate schemes, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Simba's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I went on The Apprentice

Sunjay's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I worked with Kylie Minogue

Christine's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I founded a global football franchise

Frequently asked questions

Why study marketing?

Not only will you gain theoretical knowledge and a good foundation of marketing from a strategic business perspective, you will also deepen your learning in specialisms through the modules you choose as you progress your degree.

CIM accredited.
More strategically focused, from creative strategy through to understanding of the subject from both client and agency side.
Deeper strategic understanding of marketing.
You can shape your own career path with greater ownership and module choice in the final year.
Breadth of practical and applied experiences.
Gain degree and professional marketing diploma plus a year’s worth of industry experience.

How will a placement year benefit me?

Whether you choose to study abroad or do a work placement, Aston University’s links with employers and universities around the world mean you will have a wide range of options to boost your employability and explore the world of work.

Our work placements give you the opportunity to apply what you have learnt on your course while gaining valuable professional and paid experience. It can enhance your graduate employment prospects and help you to make more informed career decisions. Around one in five of our placement students are offered graduate jobs by their placement employer.

Find out more

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

What is the Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway at Aston Business School?

You can deepen your learning and stand out from other graduates whilst gaining a fantastic learning experience overseas. The Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway is similar to an exchange programme. During your placement year, you’ll follow a curriculum that sets you on track for our partner institution’s degree award. This means, if successful, you will graduate with two undergraduate degrees.

Find out more about the Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway here.