Plymouth Business School

BSc (Hons) Marketing with Foundation Year

UCAS tariff 32+ Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code N502
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Become a driving force behind modern business. Our degree has deep industry ties and years of student feedback, which we use to shape the course and continuously adapt it to reflect current issues. Including an option to specialise in digital and social media marketing. Become a flexible, skilled communicator with a flair for marketing strategy, giving you the head start needed for a flying career in marketing management, advertising, digital marketing or marketing research.

Careers with this subject
Our marketing students have tremendous opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in a variety of work settings. Our hands-on approach to teaching and learning, and the use of live clients throughout the course will provide you with the topical skills and experience that you can apply to the wide range of career options as graduates. Our graduates have been employed by companies such as 3M, Apple, the BBC, Harley-Davidson, McLaren, Unilever, Barclaycard, Ben Sherman, British Airways, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Sara Lee, Radox, the National Trust, Wrigley and Microsoft.

Real experience every step of the way

As well as expert-led teaching, all undergraduate modules within Plymouth Business School have integrated CV building activity, for example, through micro-credentialing, problem-based learning, or embedded direct employer activity.
We have ensured every module contains a real world problem-based exercise. We have reached out to employers directly to involve real business in our assessments. You will experience real world employee engagement every month.
We know this is key to student academic and graduate success.

Careers service

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated careers service supporting you from the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation.
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements, networks - working with the academic staff teaching on your course. We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • In this year, you’ll experience a supportive environment to assist in the transition to successful study in higher education. You will learn about academic writing, critical thinking skills and begin to develop your research skills, as well as develop your knowledge and understanding through an introduction to key aspects of business, accounting and economics. You’ll also have the opportunity to do independent research into an area of your studies that interests you, with a supervisor to guide and support you through the process.

    Core modules

    ECN3100
    The World of Economics and Finance 30 credits

    This module will introduce you to a range of contemporary ideas within economics and finance. The module will use a range of contemporary real-world issues to demonstrate the relevance of foundation level economic and financial concepts for decision making.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    STO3001
    Global Business 30 credits

    The module will introduce the components, functions and context of a business. You will explore the impact of different models on business purpose, values, stakeholders and reporting. Aspects such as globalisation, sustainability, ethics and entrepreneurship will also be examined.

    100% Coursework

    STO3002
    Introduction to Business Research 30 credits

    The module will enable you to develop business research at an introductory level and to develop a range of academic and professional capabilities. You will investigate research topics that will develop your understanding the importance of effective cross-disciplinary understanding and collaboration.

    100% Coursework

    STO3003
    Business Research Project 30 credits

    This module allows you to integrate subject specific knowledge and skills to investigate a specific topic relevant to your programme of study through a small-scale research project.

    100% Coursework

  • Year 1

  • Examine marketing and business basics and develop effective practical approaches to complex situations – putting theory into practice with topics such as marketing, economics, accounting and workplace behaviour. You gain an appreciation of business operations and have the opportunity to take a professionally renowned digital marketing qualification.

    Core modules

    HRL4003
    Business Culture and Behaviour 40 credits

    This module encompasses the internal aspects, functions and processes of organisations, including their diverse nature, purposes, structures, size/scale, governance, operations and management, together with the individual and corporate behaviours and cultures which exist within and between different organisations.

    60% Tests

    40% Coursework

    MKT4001
    Marketing in Action 20 credits

    The module will give you a broad overview of marketing topics withinn a real-world context, including marketing concept; global marketing environment; buyer behaviour; marketing research; segmentation, targeting and positioning; marketing mix and the marketing planning process. You will consider the relevance of core marketing concepts for organisations whilst developing core competencies in group working, critical thinking, evaluation of information sources and referencing.

    100% Coursework

    MKT4002
    Buyer Behaviour 20 credits

    This module will give you theoretical and practical insights into the behaviour of buyers in both consumer and business-to-business markets. You will also explore the way in which marketing relationships are developed and maintained.

    100% Coursework

  • Year 2

  • From analysis of consumer behaviours and market research, to product development and brand management, you explore marketing in more detail. Learn to use theory to create solutions to complex marketing problems with real companies.

    Core modules

    MKT5001
    Advertising Brand Management and Marketing Communication 40 credits

    The module will introduce you to the key elements of the marketing communications’ mix (including advertising), examining their role and significance in developing and managing brand identity and equity.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    MKT5007
    Consumer Insight, Innovation and Marketing Planning 40 credits

    In this module, you will better develop an understanding of marketing as both a principle and a job function. You will explore the methods and principles of marketing research and in particular the role of research in supporting innovation, marketing planning and strategy.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    Optional modules

    MKT5002
    International Marketing 20 credits

    The module introduces you to the key concepts of international marketing, providing you with an understanding of the environmental factors, international marketing strategies and the international marketing planning process.

    100% Coursework

    MKT5005
    Social Media Marketing in Practice 20 credits

    In this module you will study the application of social media marketing strategies and techniques, applying theoretical knowledge in practice and examining systems, software and techniques typically used in the marketing environment. You will have the opportunity to gain ‘external’ awards from key industry ‘academies’ including; Google, Hootesuite, Hubspot, etc.

    100% Coursework

    MKT5006
    Digital Marketing 20 credits

    In this module you will examine the impact of new forms of digital technology on all aspects of the modern marketing mix, organisational strategies and consumer facing activities. You will explore modern marketing activity through a digital lens, providing you with a greater understanding and awareness of the relationships between marketing and digital technology.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5001C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business 20 credits

    Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5002C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade 20 credits

    In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5003C
    The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action 20 credits

    Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.

    100% Coursework

  • Optional placement year

  • You are strongly encouraged to undertake a placement year. Placement opportunities are available in a wide variety of companies, from start-ups to blue chips, across the world. Alternatively, you could start or run your own business.

    Core modules

    PBS600PLC
    Placement Year

    The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows the student to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation. Students on BA International Business may also or alternatively undertake a study placement at an approved partner institution.

  • Final year

  • Focus on the theoretical and strategic aspects of marketing, investigating the issues. Undertake an independently researched dissertation project in a marketing subject of your choice.

    Core modules

    MKT6001
    Contemporary Issues in Marketing 20 credits

    You will examine and critically appraise contemporary principal theoretical marketing approaches and investigate their implications for practical marketing management.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    MKT6007
    Strategic Marketing 20 credits

    You will critically assess the value of strategic marketing as part of a broad corporate environment, considering long-term applied corporate management issues and opportunities affecting the marketing function and recommending appropriate strategic, marketing-led solutions. Using case studies, you will gain an insight of key internal factors relating to the successful development and implementation of marketing strategy, through engagement with invited ‘client’ organisations.

    100% Coursework

    PBS6001
    Final Year Dissertation 40 credits

    The module builds upon research and study skills developed in earlier modules. Students are required to undertake supervised independent research into a marketing or economics field of their choice. Use should be made of appropriate research qualitative and / or quantitative methodologies.

    100% Coursework

    Optional modules

    HRL6010
    Experiential Practice 20 credits

    This module provides you with the opportunity both to reflect upon practical experience as well as develop your capabilities and profile so you are on course for life after graduation.

    100% Coursework

    MKT6002
    International Marketing 20 credits

    The module introduces you to the key concepts of international marketing, providing you with an understanding of the environmental factors, international marketing strategies and the international marketing planning process.

    100% Coursework

    MKT6005
    Social Media Marketing in Practice 20 credits

    In this module you will study the application of social media marketing strategies and techniques, applying theoretical knowledge in practice and examining systems, software and techniques typically used in the marketing environment. You will have the opportunity to gain ‘external’ awards from key industry ‘academies’ including; Google, Hootesuite, Hubspot, etc.

    100% Coursework

    MKT6006
    Digital Marketing 20 credits

    In this module you will examine the impact of new forms of digital technology on all aspects of the modern marketing mix, organisational strategies and consumer facing activities. You will explore modern marketing activity through a digital lens, providing you with a greater understanding and awareness of the relationships between marketing and digital technology.

    100% Coursework

    MKT6008
    Public Relations in the Digital Era 20 credits

    This module seeks to demystify public relations, explain what it is, how it can be used and its relationship with marketing. You will explore both marketing public relations and corporate public relations and examine how marketers can utilise public relations as part of the marketing mix in the digital era.

    100% Coursework

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32+

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level: 32-80 points from a minimum of 2 A levels.
BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: Pass PPP-MMP in any subject.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
International Baccalaureate: 24-25 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level. English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5.
ITELTS: If overseas and not studying English within IB – Must have IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.
New Irish Highers: From 2017 32-80 points.
Access courses: Pass Access Course (any subject) plus GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4 or above or equivalent.
T level: Pass in any subject.
City and Guilds Level 3: We will accept with a minimum of Merit overall alongside a good GCSE profile, including English and Maths grade C / 4.
Cyprus Apolytirion: 15/20 to 16/20 overall to include a pass in Maths and IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.
GCSE’s or equivalent: Maths and English at Grade C/4 or City and Guilds; Key Skills Level 2 will be considered on an individual basis.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
New student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £5,760
International £17,100 £17,600
Part time (Home) £770 £480
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

Classroom-based Foundation years
On 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to cap the home student fee for the Foundation year of this programme at £5,760, this will be applied from 1 August 2025. Subsequent years of this degree programme will be charged at the new standard rate for home undergraduate tuition fees of £9,535 per annum. Implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

“We get you in front of industry straight away to start developing your leadership, communication and problem solving skills. And to start you networking with potential employers.”

– Dr Cat Hine , Lecturer in Leadership and Business Management

The Business Challenge in week three brings all first-year BSc (Hons) Marketing and BSc (Hons) Business Management students together to pitch solutions to real-world business challenges.

It’s a great event for industry professionals to network with one another.

Ella, BSc (Hons) Marketing

The annual Building Brands conference is one of many opportunities that gives you the opportunity to learn from and connect with marketing professionals from the South West.

Real experience every step of the way

We embed real employer engagement and CV building experiences throughout the course to prepare you for graduate success.

Plymouth Business School's partnership with Chartered Management Insitute
Live client briefs
Employability is a key focus on the degree and one which is emphasis from the first year all the way through to the final year. Our students work on live client assignments from local and national companies from a variety of sectors
BSc (Hons) Marketing, guest speaker
Guest speakers
In addition to working with live clients the programme also includes guest speakers from the industry to demonstrate theory in practice and to illuminate the prospects of marketing as a profession. 
Marketing student Millie Evans
Placement opportunities
Our optional placement year is an invaluable opportunity to gain experience and to apply theories into practice. Undertaking a placement allows you to gain real-world experience in marketing and pick up a range of skills to kick-start your career.

Meet our experts

  • Lecturer in Marketing
    Programme Leader for Marketing
  • Lecturer in Marketing (Education)
    Extensive industry experience with connections to local businesses
  • Associate Professor in Marketing
    Research interests in poverty reduction and consumer behaviour
  • Lecturer in Marketing
    Highly experienced in sustainability in marketing communications research
  • Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer)
    Over 20 years of wide-ranging research and teaching experience
  • Lecturer in Marketing (Education)
    Expert in digital and social media marketing
  • Associate Professor (Reader) in Persuasion and Communication
  • Lecturer in Marketing
  • Lecturer in Marketing
    Taught extensively across marketing, management and strategy disciplines

Fitzroy Building

The University of Plymouth is creating an exciting new space for the Plymouth Business School in which current and future students can foster the knowledge and enthusiasm that they will need to achieve their ambitions. Work is underway at the heart of our city centre campus.
Watch our video visualising what the new building will look like.

Plymouth Business School

  • ?Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

  • ?Committed to social, economic and environmental responsibility

  • ?Supporting the internationally recognised focus on sustainability and social purpose of the University

  • ?Leading business ready graduates onto a successful career and happy life

  • ?Supporting graduates to make informed choices based on current economic and market trends

  • ?Building students resilience and confidence

  • ?Promoting practical skills development

* National Student Survey (NSS) and Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) results are available via DiscoverUni.