Undergraduate course

BSc (Hons)

Marketing with Foundation Year

Become a marketing expert with industry ties and real-world feedback. Specialise in digital, social media, and trends to excel in marketing management, advertising, or research. The foundation will equip you with the confidence to take the next step.

Our typical offer

32+ UCAS points

Secure your place this September

Already applied or yet to apply? Get guidance on the next steps you need to take to start a course in 2025.

No.1 UK marketing experience*

At Plymouth you'll work with our experts and real clients, solving practical business problems from the start. Apply your knowledge to make your mark in the industry, graduating with sought-after experience.

Placement experience

With our leading industry connections we'll help you to add experience to your CV and build your own professional network in the marketing industry with a paid placement year.

Specialise in digital and social

Tailor your degree to your career goals by focusing on the latest digital marketing strategies and social media tools, making you expert in evolving industry trends

About

I haven't met a lecturer who wouldn't go above and beyond for their students. This can be academically or personally, just to make you feel better as an individual.

Michael, BSc (Hons) Marketing

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
A full list of potential progressions routes is listed under course details
A foundation year is for you if...
  • You would like to build your confidence to study at university level.
  • You want to gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.

This course is for you if...

you're passionate about connecting with people and understanding consumer behaviour
Four heads linked together showing speech bubble in middle, depicting communication
you're eager to gain professional qualifications alongside your degree
Ticklist depicting goal setting for graduates
you want to be the expert, in the know of latest industry trends and strategies
person with lines around their head, depicting experience
you aspire to work in dynamic fields such as marketing management, advertising, digital marketing, or market research
Three arrows pointing upwards

Details

Progression routes

The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree and you will benefit from experienced university lecturers. Whilst successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification in its own right, you will be able to confidently progress onto Year 1 of BSc (Hons) Marketing or one of the following programmes within Plymouth Business School:
 
 
 

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.
A groups of students discussing work or studying around a table in the library.

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

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

STO3004
Introduction to Business Research

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.

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.
BSc (Hons) Business Management Business Challenge Event.

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

STO4002
The Business Environment: A Global Perspective 40 credits

This module introduces students to essential understanding and competencies in the dynamic and changing nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, including the management of risk and business resilience.

60% Tests

40% 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.
A Marketing student makes valuable connections with industry professionals and key community players at the Building Brands event

Core modules

MKT5009
Advertising Brand Management and Marketing Communication

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.

MKT5010
Consumer Insights: Data Driven Decisions

This module explores the fundamental methods and principles of marketing research, illustrating how various research techniques are applied to gather meaningful data. It further demonstrates how the resulting insights are leveraged to inform and guide marketing decisions, enabling more targeted and effective strategies that align with consumer behaviour and market trends.

MKT5012
Innovation and Marketing Planning

This module is set in the context of marketing management, with the primary aim being to introduce the concepts of marketing strategy and marketing planning and apply them around the framework of a new product development programme. This will enable students to develop an understanding of marketing as both a principle and a job function.

MKT5013
Service Marketing

This module explores the distinctive characteristics of service products and examines how innovation reshapes consumer behaviour and influences marketing strategies within the service industry. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, case studies, and practical applications, students will gain insights into the role of innovation in service marketing and develop strategies to address the challenges and opportunities in the UK's service-dominated economy.

Optional modules

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

MKT5011
International Marketing with AI Consciousness

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.

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.
Group of young people working inside coworking office

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.
Amina Miah - Digital and social media marketing

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

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

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

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

 
 
 

Specialise in digital and social media marketing

  • Gain practical experience creating engaging online campaigns, designing impactful digital ads and managing e-commerce platforms using industry-standard tools.
  • Learn to craft compelling content, optimise for search engines, convert social media engagement into customer loyalty, and use data analytics to refine your strategies.
  • Build a portfolio of real-world projects, giving you a competitive edge as you start your marketing career – equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in roles such as social media management, e-commerce, and digital advertising.
You'll graduate this pathway with the degree title BSc (Hons) Marketing (Digital and Social Media).
University PALS students using the new facilities within Babbage.
 
 
 

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.

Experience

 
 
 
“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.â€

– 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.
 
 

A new home to cultivate business leaders

Our Fitzroy Building has been transformed, becoming the new home of the Plymouth Business School, providing students with specialist facilities and social learning spaces.
Among these spaces for business, management, accounting, finance and marketing students, you'll find the Bloomberg Interactive Suite for tracking stock markets and The Cube – support for our student and graduate entrepreneurs, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
Watch our video visualising what the new building looks like.
 
 
 
 
 

Meet your expert teaching staff

Dr Xiazhao Chen Lecturer in Marketing


Lecturer in Marketing

Programme Leader
Dr Christopher Agyapong Siaw Lecturer in Marketing


Lecturer in Marketing

Dr Shikhar Bhaskar Lecturer in Marketing


Lecturer in Marketing

Show all
 
 
 

Join the Marketing Society

The Marketing Society is an academic society open to all students at the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ, especially those considering a career in the marketing and business sector.
We plan to get involved with local Plymouth businesses to provide volunteer marketing services. We also understand that your time at university is both educational and social, so we aim to host interesting socials and events for all members.
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ Marketing Society logo
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Being so close to the sea was very appealing as back home I’m never close to a beach. I was also enticed by the fact that Plymouth is a very compact city, it is possible to see and do a lot of stuff by walking. Another benefit of living in Plymouth is how much cheaper it is to live here than London. The price of going out and doing activities is accessible for students, which was something I accounted for whilst choosing a university.

Adam, BSc (Hons) Marketing student

Adam Barnes, BSc (Hons) Marketing student smiling outside Fitzroy building

Careers

My marketing experience has opened doors to jobs in numerous industries and positions. I've worked in business development, sales, events and creative direction. Marketing is at the core of every business.

Perci Orasio, BSc (Hons) Marketing graduate
 
 
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.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Data from BSc (Hons) Marketing.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£5,760 per year
Part-time study
£480 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,850
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,385
 
 

Tuition fee price changes

Following an , the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,850
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,385
 
 

Tuition fee price changes

Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Careers Hub

Apply

Secure your place this September

Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ.
Check what you need to do
Three students sitting on a wall at the Barbican eating fish and chips
 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
32+ UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

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

GCSE

All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above or City and Guilds; Key Skills Level 2 will be considered on an individual basis.

A levels

32+ points from a minimum of 2 A levels.

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.

All 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.

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.

Other

Irish Highers: 32+ points.
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.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
N502
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years
(+ optional placement)

Course type

Full-time

Study location
Plymouth
 

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
32+ UCAS points
 
 

BSearch entry requirements for your country

English language requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

Ready to apply?

As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
UCAS course code
N502
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years
(+ optional placement)

Course type

Full-time

Study location
Plymouth
 
 
 

Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ.
Book your place
Man sitting outside with surrounded by friends
 
 
 
* National Student Survey (NSS) and Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) results are available via