Marketing Commucations

The BA (Hons) in Marketing Communications at the University of the West of England is a dynamic and comprehensive programme designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the fast-paced world of marketing and communications. This degree offers an in-depth understanding of the principles and strategies behind delivering effective marketing messages across diverse platforms and audiences. Throughout the course, students explore core areas such as digital marketing, branding, advertising, public relations, consumer behaviour, and media planning, preparing them to develop innovative campaigns that resonate with target markets.

The programme is rooted in a combination of theoretical foundations and real-world applications, enabling students to analyze market trends and craft compelling communication strategies. Emphasis is placed on developing creative thinking, strategic planning, and analytical skills to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing initiatives. Students engage with contemporary industry tools and technologies, gaining hands-on experience in content creation, social media management, data analysis, and campaign management, ensuring they are workplace-ready upon graduation.

The curriculum is delivered by experienced academics and industry practitioners, providing insights into current market practices and future trends. Students benefit from opportunities to work on live projects, internships, and industry collaborations, fostering professional development and networking. The programme also emphasizes the importance of ethical marketing and sustainability, encouraging students to consider the broader impact of their campaigns within society and the environment.

UWE's strong links with local and international businesses offer students invaluable opportunities for placements and employment post-graduation. The degree aims to produce creative, adaptable, and critically-minded marketing professionals capable of making significant contributions to any organization. Whether students aspire to work in advertising agencies, media companies, corporate marketing departments, or starting their own entrepreneurial ventures, this programme provides a solid foundation for a successful career in marketing communications.

You will study the following core modules:

• Contemporary Marketing Practice - This module introduces you to the theory and practice of marketing.  It begins by looking at the traditional target marketing approach before looking at more recent developments in marketing thought. This module will also introduce the idea of thinking skills, encouraging you to take a systematic approach to the way you tackle business problems, using theory to structure your approach.
• Strategic Marketing Planning - In this module, you will learn how to analyse an organisation's environment, making decisions on how it can deploy its resources for maximum advantage. The module will review a number of different tools and techniques which aid strategic analysis, strategy development and implementation.
• Principles of Marketing Communications - This module takes an in-depth look at the tools and techniques of promotion. As well as looking at the strengths of weaknesses of different communications media, you will learn the more fundamental principles of message development, framing and delivery, ensuring that communications media are used as effectively as possible.
• Marketing Analytics - Marketing depends on good information about the organisation, its customers and its competitors. In Marketing Analytics, you will learn how to design and implement systems for monitoring marketing activities, integrating financial and non-financial information to support organisational learning.
• Research Methods for Marketing - This module builds on the learning from the Marketing Analytics module.  As well as learning how to define and plan research projects, you will develop skills in gathering data, whether from focus groups, surveys or observation. The focus on this module is primarily on marketing research, but we will also look at the similarities to and differences from academic research.
• Digital Marketing - Digital marketing is integral to marketing in any context, so most modules will contain a substantial element of digital marketing. This module focuses on the planning and execution of digital marketing campaigns, focusing on the practical skills that need to be developed to maximise the benefit derived from digital marketing channels.
• Corporate Communications - This module will help you to understand the practices and processes by which an organisation communicates with its internal and external stakeholders. Building on the Principles of Marketing Communications Module, you will take a more specialist look at topics such as media relations, crisis management and building an internet presence, as well as the principles and practices of internal communications to staff.
• Dissertation Research Methods

You will choose one additional subject from the optional modules* below:

• Customer Relationship Management
• Social Marketing Principles and Policy
• Promotion and Society

* The availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

Dissertation

In addition to these modules, your dissertation gives you the chance to research an area of marketing communications that is of particular interest to you and of relevance to your career or company. You will have the choice of working on an academic-type dissertation or a work-based one, where you will work on a live communications project.

You will attend a number of dissertation workshops to provide you with the research training sufficient to produce a quality dissertation.

You will need:

• A good honours degree (minimum 2:2) from a recognised Higher Education institution or equivalent from a recognised overseas institution, or
• Have a qualification such as the Advanced Certificate in Marketing, a BTEC or HND and have three years' management experience.

The University of the West of England offers a comprehensive range of financing options for students enrolled in the Marketing Communications program. Domestic students can access a variety of funding opportunities, including government-backed student loans provided through the Student Loans Company. These loans are designed to cover Tuition Fees and, in some cases, contribute towards living expenses. The amount available depends on factors such as the student's residency status, household income, and course duration. Additionally, students may be eligible for bursaries and scholarships, some of which are automatically awarded based on academic achievement or financial need, while others require an application process. The university also offers partnership programs with external organizations, providing further financial support or work placement opportunities that may include stipends or paid internships.

International students attending the Marketing Communications program can explore several funding avenues. While they are not eligible for UK government loans, they can apply for university scholarships dedicated to international students, which may include merit-based awards or entrance scholarships. The university also advises international applicants to seek external funding sources such as government-sponsored scholarships from their home countries, private foundations, or international organizations. Payment plans are available to spread the cost of tuition over several instalments, easing financial burdens. Student accommodation costs, course materials, and living expenses should also be considered when planning finances; the university provides guidance and support for budgeting and financial planning.

Work placements incorporated into the curriculum can sometimes provide students with additional income or valuable industry experience, making them an integral part of the overall financing strategy. Students are encouraged to explore part-time work opportunities both on and off-campus, which are often compatible with their study schedules and can help offset living costs. The university's careers service offers advice on employment regulations and job search strategies to maximize earning potential during studies. Overall, financing the Marketing Communications program at the University of the West of England involves a combination of government loans, scholarships, work opportunities, and personal budgeting, tailored to meet the diverse needs of its student body and to support successful completion of their degree.

The MSc in Marketing Communications at the University of the West of England is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for a successful career in the dynamic field of marketing and communications. The program offers a blend of theoretical frameworks and practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern marketing environments. Students will explore core concepts such as consumer behaviour, branding, digital marketing strategies, advertising, public relations, and integrated marketing communications. The curriculum emphasizes the development of strategic thinking, creativity, and analytical skills, enabling students to design and execute effective marketing campaigns across various media channels.

Throughout the course, students will engage with contemporary issues facing marketers, such as the impact of social media, data analytics, and ethical considerations in communications. The program encourages the development of a critical understanding of global marketing trends and the importance of innovation in marketing practices. The university promotes an active learning environment through case studies, group projects, industry placements, and guest lectures from experienced professionals, providing students with real-world insights and networking opportunities.

The course also offers opportunities for specialization within marketing communications, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to specific interests such as digital advertising, content creation, or brand management. Assessment methods include coursework, presentations, and examinations, aimed at evaluating both theoretical understanding and practical competencies.

Graduates of the MSc in Marketing Communications are prepared to pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including advertising agencies, media companies, multinational corporations, and non-profit organizations. They may take on roles such as marketing manager, brand manager, digital marketing specialist, content strategist, or communications consultant. The university’s strong links with industry enhance employability through internship placements, career workshops, and advisory support.

The program is suitable for recent graduates with backgrounds in marketing, business, communications, media or related fields, as well as for professionals seeking to develop further expertise in marketing communications. Overall, the MSc in Marketing Communications at UWE Bristol provides a rigorous, innovative, and practically focused educational experience, positioning graduates for success in the competitive global marketing landscape.