BSc (Hons) Marketing

Summary 2012/13

• Gain exemptions from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the UK’s leading marketing professional body, on completion;
• External professionals and networking opportunities will help you build and maintain contacts and relationships;
• In-house and agency roles exist across a broad spectrum of business, industry and the services sector.

At the heart of business life, and increasingly integrated into all aspects of an organisation, you will experience an exciting mixture of creativity, business knowledge, analysis and planning allowing you to hone your practical marketing skills and apply them across a variety of industries.

You will gain an understanding of what drives consumer behaviour and enables businesses to develop popular products, compelling offers and effective promotional campaigns through practical aspects such as establishing and running a company with colleagues while you study, undertaking valuable work experience in a marketing environment and through intellectual stimulation and development supporting your career progression.

2012 Entry Requirements

280 UCAS tariff points overall, plus evidence of numeracy.

Summary 2013/14

• Gain exemptions from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the UK’s leading marketing professional body, on completion;
• External professionals and networking opportunities will help you build and maintain contacts and relationships;
• In-house and agency roles exist across a broad spectrum of business, industry and the services sector.

At the heart of business life, and increasingly integrated into all aspects of an organisation, you will experience an exciting mixture of creativity, business knowledge, analysis and planning allowing you to hone your practical marketing skills and apply them across a variety of industries.

You will gain an understanding of what drives consumer behaviour and enables businesses to develop popular products, compelling offers and effective promotional campaigns through practical aspects such as establishing and running a company with colleagues while you study, undertaking valuable work experience in a marketing environment and through intellectual stimulation and development supporting your career progression.

2013 Entry Requirements

280 UCAS tariff points overall, plus evidence of numeracy.

Details

Who is this course for?

This degree is for those with an interest in how and why people buy, how marketers design products and services for their consumers, and how they communicate and manage their corporate and brand images. It is not just for those who want a career in marketing, though it is obviously a perfect launch pad. The skills taught on the programme are invaluable in many professions and marketing as a discipline can appeal to a wide range of people - from the most reflective to the most outgoing.

What will I gain from this programme?

This programme will inspire you to develop your creative thinking abilities, critical to success in marketing and associated industries. The subjects studied will provide you with the theoretical knowledge and understanding of a range of marketing areas, including retail and services marketing, consumer behaviour, branding and marketing communications. The aim is to build your marketing knowledge and skills-base.

How we will support you

Edge Hill Business School provides high-quality and supportive teaching from approachable and understanding staff. You will be allocated a personal tutor who will have regular meetings with you throughout the programme.

What will I study?

In Year 1 you will study the central philosophies of marketing thinking and practice and be introduced to the basics of marketing and brand creation. You will also learn the fundamentals of digital and interactive marketing and how the use of the internet and software applications can support traditional marketing practices.

In Year 2 you will study how to implement marketing concepts for service-based organisations and the retail sector as well as examining how to establish, develop and maintain successful customer relationships. Alongside this you will consider sustainable marketing techniques and gain an understanding of the research tools you will need to complete the dissertation in the final year.

You will also have the opportunity to choose an additional module to study, one of which includes forming and running a company with your colleagues.

Year 3 focuses on the factors that influence what, where and when consumers buy and explores the marketing communications mix. It also provides you with an informed appreciation of international marketing and an understanding of the internal and external factors influencing strategy and decision-making.

How will I study?

We provide high quality supportive delivery and staff are approachable and show understanding. Our facilities are excellent, with extensive use of information technology to support your learning experience and ensure that you graduate equipped with both the knowledge and the appropriate skills to embark on your chosen career. Coursework may comprise individual and group work, case studies and problem-solving exercises. External professionals will be invited to deliver sessions in order to develop your wider contacts.

Placement

Work-based learning involves a period working in an external company which allows you to put your learning into practice. As well as developing your skills and future learning processes, you will have the opportunity to build relationships with prospective employers and gain vital experiences for your CV. You can also choose to spend a year in industry on work placement before starting your third year.

Who will be teaching me?

Highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic academics who research and regularly engage with the wider business and academic environment teach this degree. Staff specialisms are actively encouraged through the programme and you will benefit from their wide range of knowledge and experience.

How will I be assessed?

Combined assessments consider vocational capability, academic critical thinking and intellectual development. Case studies and problem solving exercises may also be used. Examinations may take different forms, using both seen and unseen questions, closed or open book.

What are my career prospects?

A marketing degree will allow you to pursue a range of careers within marketing and general business, in both the private and public sectors and also in specialised areas such as sales planning, branding, sponsorship, digital and direct marketing. You will be given guidance on career planning and be supported in applying for work-based experiences to help you make choices as to your chosen career.

Related Programmes

• BSc (Hons) Marketing with Advertising
• BSc (Hons) Marketing with Public Relations
• MA Marketing and Communications

A Great Study Environment

Edge Hill University’s stunning Business and Law building provides state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities for students in the Business School and Department of Law and Criminology. The three-storey building offers modern seminar and meeting rooms and social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning. A roof garden and atrium are other attractive features along with a 100-seater lecture theatre.

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,400 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for full-time study in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

For students choosing the 4-year route, tuition fees and financial support arrangements are the same as the equivalent year of the full-time programme, with fees for the sandwich year still to be confirmed.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

Students returning to education may present their previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support their application.

Students with relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course can apply to join the programme at an advanced stage.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an event.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Fiona Syson, Edge Hill Business School, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657638
• Email: sysonf@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Modules

Year 1

BUS1007 Principles of Marketing. This module considers the central philosophies of marketing thinking and practice. Introducing you to the basic building blocks of marketing, topics covered include the marketing concept, the marketing mix and the concepts of segmentation, targeting and positioning.

BUS1008 Digital and Interactive Marketing. This module considers the rapid advances in new technology and the need for students and practioners of digital and interactive marketing to keep up to date with its new developments. This discipline has undergone a major transformation in a matter of years. With SMS marketing moving in to the mainstream and its multi-media counterpart MMS, radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging and other new applications, this module sets out to identify the needs of a new age in electronic marketing.

BUS1000 Business Economics. Marketing, in its use of scarce resources, is firmly rooted in economics. It is concerned with an understanding of markets, and how they affect pricing and investment decisions. More broadly, it must look at the economic environment in which it operates, and appreciate the impact of policy change and international influences.

BUS1002 Accounting. An ability to understand and interpret information is an invaluable ability / skill for all who are involved with organisations, whether they are an employee, researcher, manager or consumer. The main decision making tool used by organisations is arguably financial information. This module will equip you with the skills to understand and evaluate financial information from both a financial and statistical perspective.

BUS1009 Brand Creation. Branding is a central concept in marketing. It is fundamental to the success of many products and organisations as it signals a product’s positioning strategy to the marketplace and enables companies to establish their corporate reputation and that of their products. Through the creation of strong brands and brand equity customer value is built. The purpose of this module is to define branding and introduce you to the concept of branding, both product and organisational. The range of marketing tools and activities required in the creation of brands will be considered and key branding models examined. You will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in a practical context.

BUS1003 Personal Development. This module runs across the entire academic year and provides you, in the early part of the module, with a range of appropriate study skills that will be subject focused. In addition to this, careers information will be introduced periodically and supported by the careers department and suitable external presenters. The module introduces you to the concept of continuing professional development (CPD) and the development of appropriate employability skills. You will be required to reflect on your own personal circumstances, abilities, skills and aspirations and construct action plans in association with your personal tutor.

Year 2

BUS2010 Services Marketing. The UK is now a predominantly service-based economy with services representing a major proportion of both domestic and international trade. In this module you will examine the implementation of marketing concepts, theories and practices specifically for this sector, focusing on both profit and not-for-profit service organisations.

BUS2009 Retail Marketing. Effective marketing planning is essential for all organisations. This module offers you the opportunity to focus on the marketing planning process and place the tactical marketing activities examined in the Principles of Marketing module in the context of the marketing planning process. Specifically, this module provides you with the opportunity to examine the complex nature of marketing planning for organisations in the retail sector which constitutes a dynamic and vital element of the British economy.

BUS2015 Relationship Marketing Management. Customer Relationship Marketing includes all marketing activities that are directed toward establishing, developing and maintaining successful customer relationships. The focus of relationship marketing is on developing long-term relationships and improving corporate performance through customer loyalty and customer retention. From its origins in business-to-business marketing many in business-to-consumer markets (i.e. retailers) are now adopting relationship marketing approaches in their efforts to become more competitive and retain customers more effectively.

BUS2016 Social and Sustainable Marketing. As we emerge from what some term the consumption excesses of the 1990s and early 2000s there is a growing awareness of our social responsibility and our impact on the planet. Marketers are not immune to these changes and the social change stemming from the ‘green movement’ of the 1970’s, exacerbated by the climate change discourse, have forced marketers to rethink their strategies. With this in mind, social and sustainable marketing have become growth areas in the marketing discipline and their impact and influence on consumer behaviour and attitudes is increasing. In response to this, and other societal pressures, marketing managers and decision makers must be more cognisant of the impact of marketing and its activities on society. This module examines the social, ethical and sustainable impact of marketing.

BUS2003 Research Methods. You will gain an understanding of a range of research methods and develop the specific research tools you require to undertake a work-based learning dissertation in year 3 of this programme.

You have a choice between the following two modules:

BUS2006 Work Related Learning. Work-related learning enables you to contextualise and evaluate theoretical perspectives in a practical setting whilst at the same time providing an alternative learning environment, which informs your future learning processes and outcomes. Workplace experience is increasingly seen as important in contributing to graduate employability.

Or

BUS2005 Graduate Enterprise. Imagine being able to run your own company with a number of your colleagues. This module gives you such an opportunity. You can create your own product or service, launch it into the marketplace and experience at first hand the issues faced by small business owners. You will be supported by your own business consultant who is on secondment from industry and the full resources of the Graduate Enterprise Company.

BUS2004 Optional Sandwich Year. This module provides an opportunity for professional development in the workplace. It provides you with the scope to demonstrate the skills and abilities you have built up in the first two years of the programme. You have the opportunity to contextualise and evaluate the theoretical concepts you have learnt by applying them within a practical environment. This experience plays a particularly important part in enabling you to transfer the application of key skills into different situations. Completing an optional sandwich year greatly enhances your prospects of finding a rewarding job at the end of the programme.

Year 3

BUS3006 Consumer Behaviour. In this module you will consider the factors that influence what, where and when consumers buy what they buy. Understanding the factors that affect buying behaviour enables marketers to predict the response of customers to marketing strategies. This knowledge can then be fed into the design and innovation process for new products and marketing campaigns. In addition, you will examine the issues of increasing consumerism and addictive shopping behaviours.

BUS3005 Marketing Communications. In this module you will explore the marketing communications mix including advertising, sales promotion, PR, viral marketing and sponsorship. You will examine the different ways the effectiveness of communications campaigns can be measured and you will develop a marketing communications plan.

BUS3004 International Strategic Marketing. In view of emerging world markets and increasing globalisation this module encourages you to develop an informed appreciation of international marketing. It provides you with the means to integrate aspects of operational marketing within a strategic and international perspective. In particular, you will study how and why companies choose to operate internationally, the entry strategies available to them, globalisation and the international marketing environment.

BUS3000 Strategy and Decision-Making. The rapidly changing organisational environment within which today’s managers operate requires an in-depth understanding of the internal and external factors influencing strategy and decision-making. This module equips you with a critical understanding of how psychological, political, economic, social, cultural and technological factors influence decision-making and strategy formulation / implementation in a range of different types of organisations. You will develop cognitive skills such as critical analysis and evaluation, communication (both oral and written), group / team work and skills in decision-making and creativity.

BUS3001 Dissertation. The dissertation is a key piece of evidence that shows you have developed and can apply graduate level skills. It requires the design and implementation of a research project in an area of business or management and should include some element of original research, for example interviews or a questionnaire. Support during the dissertation is given by a specified tutor although you will have ultimate responsibility for managing the process.