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BA (Hons) Marketing Communications

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  • UCAS Code:
    N591
  • Institution:
    B50
  • Delivery:
    Sandwich (Thick) out of college.

This degree has been developed to produce visionary Marketing Communications professionals with key knowledge and skills to be able to define new industry practice and benchmarks for excellence in the field.

You will develop an understanding of the historical roots of marketing communications, as well as the context in which it takes place globally, to be able to adapt to the fast-paced and rapidly changing marketing communications sector. Furthermore, you'll learn how to place the knowledge you gain into the wider context of the media and contemporary communication issues, allowing you to create comprehensive marketing strategies across a range of channels and market types, preparing you for work in this full-throttle industry.

Employers are increasingly looking for graduates with broad knowledge, as well as specific expertise in one aspect of the marketing mix which is why we give you the option to redefine your specialism in the second year, as you develop knowledge of the industry and gain confidence in your particular skills.

You’ll apply to Marketing Communications via UCAS (N591) and then in your second year, you can either carry on with the broad Marketing Communications route or choose one of our specialist pathways which include:

Not only will you graduate with a degree from Bournemouth University but, as this course has been awarded Graduate Gateway status by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the leading international body for marketing and business development, you’ll also have the opportunity to gain a professional qualification through the CIM Graduate Gateway scheme during your studies. Read more about our professional qualification opportunities. 

In year three you’ll have the opportunity to put theory into practice as you complete a work placement anywhere in the world, giving you the chance to make great career contacts and bolster your blossoming resume.

In year four you’ll complete a dissertation, and craft your own curriculum as you select units to suit your interests and, ultimately, your career aspirations.

This course received an impressive 92% overall satisfaction rating from our final year students, 90% also reported that staff made the subject interesting, so why not book on to an Open Day to come and meet us, or join us on live chat now to find out more?

View our webinar presentation to find out more about our suite of BA (Hons) Marketing Communications degrees. 

All statistics shown throughout this page are taken from Unistats, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE), BU institutional data and Ipsos MORI (National Student Survey) unless otherwise stated.

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Marketing student presenting research
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Marketing student pitching concept
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Talbot Campus
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Outside the Fusion Building
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The Student Centre
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Kimmeridge House large lecture theatre
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Talbot Campus
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The Sir Michael Cobham library
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Kimmeridge at night
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Sir Michael Cobham Library at night

Key information

Next start date:

September 2020, September 2021

Location:

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Duration:

4 years (including a 30-week placement), full-time

Accreditations:

Chartered Institute of Marketing

Required subjects:

All subjects considered

Entry requirements:

For September 2020 entry: UCAS 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

International entry requirements:

For September 2020 entry: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent. For more information, check out our international entry requirements.

Accredited by:

Course details

This degree has been developed to give you a critical understanding of marketing communications, consumer behaviour, branding, customer relationships and digital communication. You’ll learn how to place the knowledge you gain into the wider context of the media and contemporary communication issues, allowing you to create comprehensive marketing strategies across a range of channels and market types.

On this course you will usually be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry.

Contact hours and assessment 

Details of the assessment methods and contact hours for each unit of the course can be found in the programme specification. 

Download the programme specification (pdf 915kb)

Placements

At BU, we recognise that placements are extremely valuable and can give you a head start when it comes to your future career. That’s why we offer every new student the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of their course.

You could even choose to undertake your placement abroad, giving you the opportunity to develop yourself personally, academically, and professionally and gain skills to help you stand out in the job market.

Find out about BU students’ experiences on placementsAll you need to know about placements

CIM Graduate Gateway

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the leading professional body for marketers worldwide and exists to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing practitioners.

Bournemouth University has joined forces with the CIM to give you the opportunity to gain professional qualifications through the CIM Graduate Gateway.

CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers and their content is reflected in our own degrees which ensures we are equipping students with the best opportunities for a successful marketing career. 

Your application

This course will suit applicants who can demonstrate:

  • an understanding of the marketing communications industry
  • the potential to develop an awareness of the political, social and economic context for marketing communications 
  • intellectual and creative abilities
  • an ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • good written and oral communication skills.

How to apply

Entry requirements

Careers

This course will give you all the skills you need to get ahead in this thriving sector and the work placement will allow you to make contacts and build relationships with those already working in the industry.

95% of our students are working or studying 6 months after graduating.

Careers advice, resources, events and job opportunities

Costs and fees

All fees are quoted in pounds sterling and are per year. Your tuition fees will be the same for each year of your course. You can find full information about funding your studies and paying your fees in our undergraduate fees and funding section. That’s also where you’ll find information about the scholarships and bursaries on offer – including unlimited Academic Excellence Scholarships for UK, EU and International students.

Fees quoted are for tuition only unless stated otherwise, and we’re committed to ensuring there are no hidden extra costs while you’re at university – that’s why we’re clear about what you can expect us to cover, and what your cost of living will be.

Find out more about budgeting and living expenses

Our staff

On this course you will be taught by staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This could include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners and research students, many of whom are actively engaged in research and/or professional practice which is integrated into the teaching of this course. Please note that staff can change.

Course changes

What our students say

Katy Dawson

The lecturers are really dedicated and want you to succeed. They'll take the time to help - not just on the academic side of things, but to check you're happy.

Hear from our staff

Colin Merrett

Our graduates have gone on to work within large multinational companies such as Sony, Twinings, Unilever and Siemens as well as many smaller independent firms.