business school students at long table giving a presentation
Undergraduate BA (Hons)

Marketing

Attendance

Full-time

With placement

Course

Three year

Four year

Next enrolment

September 2026

Introduction

In a nutshell

Explore how marketing, social media and digital technologies are reshaping the way brands connect with audiences in an ever-changing digital world. This course combines academic theory with creative thinking, giving you the tools to understand the principles of marketing while encouraging you to apply them in innovative ways.

You will gain valuable real-world experience by working on live projects and collaborating with partner organisations. Alongside this practical learning, you will have the opportunity to earn a CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing, a recognised qualification that enhances your professional profile and career prospects.

The course offers distinctive modules designed to immerse you in the realities of the industry. With expert-led instruction and exposure to real-world challenges, this programme prepares you to become a confident and adaptable marketing professional. You will graduate ready to shape the future of marketing and lead in a rapidly evolving industry.

  • Develop mobile marketing strategies tailored to social media platforms and consumer behaviour
  • Gain hands-on experience through live digital marketing projects with real partner organisations
  • Build customer-centric campaigns using data-driven insights and creative problem-solving
  • Earn a CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing through practical, industry-aligned coursework
  • Explore ethical, sustainable marketing practices that balance business goals with social impact

Become industry ready

Our teaching is practical and career-focused, with input from our industry partners, so you'll build the expertise that employers look for. You'll develop personal skills, such as communication and confidence, alongside the practical, including business concepts and the tools and techniques used in the industry. 

You’ll look ahead to the technologies that will affect the work of business professionals in the future and gain the essential digitals skills that will help you go further in the industry, such as:

  • Body swap technology
  • Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Project and Outlook
  • Generative AI
  • Ai Certification
  • iDea Bronze Award
  • Microsoft 365
  • Xero Accounting Software
  • PowerBI

Our Marketing course is accredited by The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) so you know that what you learn is aligned with industry standards. This means you can reduce the number of assessments you need to take after graduation to gain a CIM qualification as well as gaining access to the CIM Marketing club, its regular webinars and newsletter.

This course is also available with a foundation year or placement option. Speak to our enquiries team for information.

Your journey starts here

Ready to take the next step? Discover more by attending an Open Day, or speak to our dedicated course enquiries team for further information. 

Placement

options available

International

students accepted

Course accreditations

This is for you if...

1.

You want to gain a CIM certificate in Professional Marketing to boost your career prospects

2.

You are excited to work on live digital marketing projects with real businesses

3.

You are passionate about creating ethical, sustainable campaigns that make a difference

4.

You want to master mobile and social media marketing strategies

5.

You are looking to build a career in digital marketing, marketing communications or customer experience

6.

You value learning through practical experience, creativity and industry-relevant tools

Course details

All about the course

In your first year, you will establish a solid foundation in marketing principles and explore how marketing operates within broader business contexts through practical projects. 

The second year deepens your knowledge with specialised marketing theories and transferable skills supported by career-focused activities. You'll also have the opportunity to select optional modules to match your interests and career aspirations.

In your final year, you will advance into strategic thinking and leadership, with core modules that expand your expertise. You also have the chance to achieve an extra qualification for the CIM or participate in the CIM Pitch Challenge.  

Enhance your experience

Studying Marketing at Salford Business School offers numerous opportunities to gain additional practical experience and practice your skills in a real-world setting.

With the opportunity for all students to complete a paid work placement or study abroad between their second and third years, you will enter the world of work with an in-depth knowledge of the industry and of key business concepts.

Discover our extracurricular and out-of-classroom opportunities to see how you can take your studies further. 

Year one

Understanding Organisations

Through an immersive and intensive delivery, this introductory module explores how businesses operate through core functions like people management, finance, marketing and operations. Via an organisational visit and case studies, you will learn how organisations work and respond to external change. 

You will compare business types alongside developing essential academic and professional skills in analysis, reporting and presentation of information to support future study and careers. The module will leave you with understanding of appropriate academic practice and expectations of professional behaviour alongside a strong foundation of business knowledge to build on for the remainder of your degree discipline.

Data Driven Decision Making

Explore how data drives business success and learn about essential tools for data collection, analysis and decision-making. You'll also learn how to use data to make and justify business decisions and will have the opportunity to develop your professional digital skills to ensure you meet the growing demand for these in the modern workplace. You will learn how to communicate in collaborative digital environments to a high professional level using a range of industry standard tools, and you'll be introduced to emerging tools for AI and automation.

 

Mobile, Media and Marketing

This module introduces the main ideas, concepts, models and tools of mobile, media and marketing. Mobile devices are now the most dominant device amongst all age groups and much of the browsing time on mobile is spent within social media apps. As a result, brands and organisations are required to develop a mobile first mindset in order to engage and target customers and consumers. Media plays a vital role in how brands and organisations create and curate content to leverage social media platforms that are relevant to their target audiences and execute content that resonates and engages them. 

Marketing is a significant business function that affects not only how businesses operate but also affects us as consumers in our everyday lives. As a business function, marketing incorporates all the processes involved in anticipating, understanding and fulfilling customer needs and wants but its role in society extends well beyond that. We will explore these ideas, campaigns, content formats and the practical tools relevant to contemporary marketing.

Developing your Career Foundations

This is the start of your professional career, and this module lays the foundation that will support you in being a successful graduate. In your first year, you will research potential career options and map-out skills and opportunities to be developed through your second and third years. By building a graduate portfolio, and demonstrating employability skills, you will identify your strengths and weaknesses to create a personalised and targeted plan alongside your programme pathway. Starting early will give you the confidence and adaptability as you progress through your undergraduate career.

Global Business and Sustainable Digital Futures

This module examines the twin forces shaping the future of business: the urgent drive toward sustainability and the disruptive potential of emerging technologies. You will explore ecological economics, climate change and the global energy transition alongside the dynamics of digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0 and 5.0, robotics, automation, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, blockchain and virtual reality. 

Through case studies and applied learning, you will develop the ability to lead and innovate responsibly in a rapidly changing world, applying creative and sustainable solutions to transform industries and shape next-generation business strategies.

Campaigns in Practice

Explore the practical application of marketing principles through real-world business projects. You will gain experience in project definition, planning and delivery while developing essential teamworking and professional skills. This module bridges theory and practice, preparing you to design and implement effective marketing campaigns in dynamic business environments.

Year two

Project Management

This module will examine various aspects of project management through a variety of means, including online content and practical seminars informed by research and industrial collaborations. It will focus on theoretical approaches, tools and techniques of planning and controlling projects. You will learn to appreciate project management as an important and integral part of a business whether product or service based.

Insight to Impact - Business Decision Making in Context

Building on the knowledge and skills gained in the first year, this module aims to provide you with a more detailed understanding of how data is used and applied in a business setting. This module will introduce the concepts of business intelligence as a service that underpins decision making in different business functional areas, providing you with experience of using industry standard business intelligence tools to lead and inform evidence-based decision making in your subject specialisms. You will understand how to use data visualisations to inform decision making to influence change in the organisations. This will include human centred design approaches, developing understanding of user experience and people in organisations.

Customer Experience and Value Creation

This module develops your ability to lead customer experience strategy through critical thinking, data-driven insight and purposeful decision making. You will innovate by exploring creative approaches to value creation, applying curiosity and evidence to design engaging, customer-centric experiences that inspire change. Emphasis is placed on analysing and improving customer journeys, fostering relationship-based value and delivering service excellence through adaptive and reflective practice. 

Using practical tools and strategic analysis, you will learn to sustain meaningful customer connections that balance organisational growth with social, ethical and environmental responsibility, preparing you to shape, inspire and maintain innovative customer experiences that create lasting value for people and planet.

Developing Your Professional Identity

This module will enable you to build on the embedded employability skills developed during year one of the programme. Through engaging in various professional development and reflection activities, you will be able to identify or realise, evaluate, plan and lead on the development of your future-focused knowledge, skills, behaviours and activities required to help secure your professional career aspirations, according to your programme of study. You will develop knowledge on how to access career-specific and professional graduate-level job opportunities through exploring graduate-level labour market trends, and job-specific employer requirements. 

You will also draw on the expertise of the school’s Career’s and Employability team, employer visits and workshops delivered by the academic team within the school. This will enable you to identify and engage in innovative development strategies to improve your work experience and employability, enabling you to further strengthen in a sustained way your career-focused digital footprint in relation to your professional career goals and around the graduate level employer selection process.

Live Project for Digital Marketing

This module provides you with the opportunity to work on a live project in digital marketing in collaboration with a partner organisation. You will apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges, developing problem-solving, data analysis and decision-making skills. 

The module also supports personal and professional development, with a strong emphasis on employability, innovation and practical experience within a dynamic digital marketing environment.

Marketing Communications

This module gives you an effective introduction to the key aspects of marketing communications theory and practice. You will study key topics including advertising, public relations, direct marketing, sales promotion, personal selling, point-of-purchase and digital marketing communications. You will have an opportunity to understand what is required to lead and sustain marketing communications, taking account of current innovations in the subject area.

Optional year

Placement

You have the option to do a placement year, taking a year in industry to learn in a real-life environment whilst earning a salary and paying no tuition fees.

This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of and we will help you find out about vacancies and make the right connections with high profile employers through regular events and presentations.

 For more information, please visit the placement and internships page

Year three

The Professional Graduate

This module enables you to step confidently into your future as a professional graduate. Building on your development at Levels 4 and 5, you will critically reflect on who you are, what you offer, and how you will make your contribution. You will deepen your emotional intelligence, evaluate workplace behaviours, and identify strengths and aspirations to shape a compelling professional identity. Using strengths-based diagnostics and simulated recruitment environments, you will learn to lead through critical thinking and data-driven decisions, innovate with curiosity and entrepreneurial skills, and sustain positive impact for people and planet while building a lifelong learning plan.

Sustainable Business Practice

In this forward-thinking module, you will critically examine the impact of local business decisions across globalised value chains. The module builds on prior learning and integrates multi-disciplinary themes, including ethical leadership, innovation and digital transformation, to explore how businesses can accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through case-studies, co-creation activities and student research, you will critically reflect on the assumptions and systems that underpin business as usual before examining the role of managers and leaders in leading change to address the complex challenges of environmental sustainability and social inequalities. The module prepares you for your final year of study and future as an independent learner, by developing your academic skills and problem-solving mindset as you investigate, present and recommend innovative solutions to inspire positive change in both local and global communities.

Marketing in Action

This module prepares you for one of the modules that comprise the CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing. You will explore one theme – marketing communications campaign in detail using the CIM brief to help you understand the current needs surrounding an organisation’s communication with the wider audience/s. You will develop a communications plan around a real-world communication issue that requires the use of decision-making skills and creative ideas as solutions to the identified problems. Issues may include a new product/service launch, refreshing a brand identity or reminding audiences, among others. Satisfactory pass completion of this module, subject to all other mapped modules achieving a pass, will enable you to attain the Certificate Level in CIM. The assessment will use the current CIM assessment for each academic year.

Innovation Project

This module supports you in developing a deep understanding and practical application of innovation and entrepreneurship, to develop innovation skills that will support your future career, whether you plan to launch your own enterprise as an entrepreneur or drive change within an organisation as an intrapreneur. Working with a partner organisation you will gain an in depth appreciation of the current status of, and external landscape influencing the core business functional areas. This serves as the foundation for exploration of evidence based opportunities for growth and innovation. You will research and respond to contemporary issues, asking critical questions and use the authentic business challenge to research and develop a sustainable and ethical innovation solution which focuses on your chosen area of the business. Building on prior learning, you will develop the confidence and creativity needed to lead innovation and create sustainable value in your chosen career. On completion you will have created a tangible innovation solution that you can use as evidence of your capabilities in a job interview.

Organisational Strategy and Leadership

This module provides you with in depth understanding of strategy and leadership. Using scenarios, you will be equipped to lead transformational change, make evidence-based strategic decisions and contribute meaningfully to sustainable organisational performance in complex, dynamic environments. You will examine and critique the underlying principles of key leadership theories and critically evaluate how effective leaders embed a culture of innovation in organisations. Finally, you will review and critically examine the strategic role of leaders within organisations.

Optional modules

You will choose one of the following 20 credit modules. 

Advanced Digital Marketing

This module aims to develop core skills in digital and social media-based targeting and communication strategies. The practical module covers a host of topics including effective digital presence, critical components of a digital marketing strategy and its strategic significance. The module also aims to develop capabilities in digital brand awareness, search engine optimisation and search engine marketing, content optimisation, etc. A comprehensive coverage of marketing communication through digital media is achieved through intensive case discussion sessions, group activities, practitioner lectures and insightful study materials, allowing students to understand how the concepts underpinning digital and social media marketing support business success.

Integrated Learning Project

The Integrated Learning Project is a capstone module which allows you to apply the knowledge that you have acquired during your degree in a substantive real-world project. You will be able to select from three different types of project: a research dissertation; a consultancy project; or an entrepreneurial simulation project. The module allows you to apply your skills in critical thinking, independent research, project management, communication, and problem-solving, whilst engaging in an in-depth exploration of a topic relating to your degree. The output will be a portfolio that showcases your innovation in the generation of a sustainable and responsible solution to the selected problem which showcases your academic and professional abilities as a future leader. The project outputs will provide evidence of your knowledge and skills within your graduate portfolio, supporting your graduate career journey.

We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.

Our undergraduate courses are normally made up of 20 credit modules which are equal to 200 hours of learning time. A three-year degree qualification typically comprises a total of 360 credits (120 credits per year).

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What Will I be Doing?

Teaching 

Through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials, using learning activities such as business simulations, you will develop the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that you'll need when you begin working. Our academics are experts in their field and work closely with industry to ensure that our courses reflect the needs of businesses.

Assessment

We use different assessment techniques in different modules and try to ensure all assessments reflect the types of work you will do after graduating. This may include multi-media portfolios, presentations, individual reports and more.

For further information about teaching and assessment, please speak to our dedicated course enquiries team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is marketing?

Our Marketing degree combines business management principles with marketing strategies, teaching students how to manage business operations and effectively promote products or services. Topics include market research, consumer behaviour, strategic management and financial analysis.

Is a marketing degree worth it?

A marketing degree is worth studying if you are interested in pursuing a career in business, marketing or management. This degree can provide you with valuable skills in strategic planning, marketing analysis and leadership, which are highly sought after in various industries.

Is marketing part of business management?

Marketing is a crucial part of business management. Effective marketing strategies help businesses reach their target audience, build brand awareness and drive sales, all of which are essential for successful business management.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

A marketing degree opens doors to exciting careers in every industry. You’ll graduate with digital, strategic and analytical skills that employers around the world need. Career paths include brand manager, digital marketing executive or marketing analyst, helping businesses shape products, run campaigns and understand customers.

If you enjoy creativity, you could become a content strategist, social media manager or creative director. If you prefer the commercial side, roles in product marketing, CRM, loyalty or e‑commerce may suit you. With CIM accreditation, you’ll also gain a head start towards Chartered Marketer status, boosting your career prospects.

Marketing is changing fast with AI, influencers and sustainability. This course gives you the skills to stay ahead and build a career as innovative as you are.

Further study

A postgraduate degree is a great option if you want to take your knowledge and skills to the next level. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a fee discount. 

A Marketing graduate could continue their studies at postgraduate level in areas such as:

A taste of what you could become

A Marketing Manager

A Marketing Analyst

A social media manager

A Content Marketing Manager

An Entrepreneur

And more...

Requirements

What you need to know

Applicant profile

An ideal candidate for this degree is one who is curious, creative and commercially aware. You thrive on understanding people and what drives their choices, how trends evolve and how brands connect with them. You will need to have a flair for communication and a special interest in digital platforms, blending data with storytelling to influence behaviour.  

You are analytical yet imaginative, enthusiastic about exploring areas such as branding, social media or interpreting market insights to inform decisions. Whatever you choose, you are motivated by the impact of those actions. You should be adaptable, collaborative and ready to shape the future of marketing in this fast-moving, technology-driven market.  

International students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English, with an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5).

Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you could take the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree. 

Standard entry requirements

GCSE

Maths and English at grade C / grade 4 or above.

You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.

UCAS Tariff points

104-112 UCAS tariff points from A Levels or equivalent 

A level

BCC with a minimum of two A2 passes

BTEC National Diploma

DMM

Access to HE

104-112 UCAS points from 45 level 3 credits

T level

96 points, pass (A* to C)

International Baccalaureate

30 Points including a grade 5 standard level Maths and 6 in standard level English or 4 higher level Maths and 5 higher level English

Scottish Highers

104 UCAS points from minimum of 2 Advanced Highers

Irish Leaving Certificate

104-112 from a minimum of 2 higher level subjects including a minimum of H7 (D3) or O4 (C3) in Maths and English

European Baccalaureate

Pass Diploma with 60% or above

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2026/27 £9,535 per year
Full-time international 2026/27 £16,500 per year

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:

Additional UCAS information

  • Marketing with Foundation Year UCAS Course ID - N414
  • Marketing with Placement Year UCAS Course ID - N413

Enrolment dates

September 2026

Student information

Terms and conditions

UCAS information

Course ID N1N5

Institution S03