Discover how digital marketing builds brands. Learn the theory behind consumer behaviour. Use your marketing and digital communications know-how to start your career within the ever-evolving digital economy on this course accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
There’s a shifting dynamic in the marketing landscape and the demand for graduates with digital marketing skills is growing. As consumers become more social media savvy, businesses need new tools to create striking brands and stay ahead of the competition.
You’ll study digital marketing, web analytics and social media management to see how they fit into business strategy. Find out how to grow market share by speaking to your target customers successfully. We’ll also cover media and PR in the digital age to help you in writing for digital platforms.
Traditional marketing practices such as segmentation, positioning and the marketing mix are at the heart of any business, so you’ll study these alongside the digital modules.
Our marketing with digital communications degree will help you develop valuable resources that you’ll dip into throughout your career.
By completing this course, if you’d like to further your studies with the Chartered Institute of Marketing, you’ll have less assessments after earning exemption with us.
In your first year of our marketing with digital communications degree, you’ll cover the basic marketing thinking, concepts and strategies that you’ll revisit throughout your time at Edge Hill. We’ll introduce you to digital and interactive marketing and how visual communications help businesses stand out from the crowd. As well as looking at life online, you’ll see how traditional marketing can support its technological counterparts.
Fundamentals of Marketing Communications addresses some of the central themes in marketing. The purpose of marketing communications is to influence and encourage customers to accept or adopt goods, services or ideas. This is achieved through promotional activities in a variety of forms including advertising, selling, sales promotion, public relations and direct marketing. This module introduces these communication tools alongside the range of media options.
Module code: BUS1022
Credits: 20
Introduction to Digital Marketing
Introduction to Digital Marketing recognises that the ubiquity of the internet has changed much of our consumption and has also affected marketing substantially. The module introduces a broad range of topics in the area of digital marketing including website marketing, social media marketing, e-commerce and digital advertising. You will examine how organisations can best use digital marketing to influence consumers and customers, discuss theoretical concepts and apply them to the development of digital marketing strategy, and identify issues related to the planning, design and implementation of digital marketing.
Module code: BUS1031
Credits: 20
Principles of Marketing
Principles of Marketing introduces you to the central philosophies of marketing thinking and practice. Topics covered include the marketing concept, the marketing mix and the theories of segmentation, targeting and positioning. This is because attracting customers and successfully meeting their needs are at the heart of any successful business organisation. The module will introduce you to a number of the basic building blocks of marketing.
Module code: BUS1020
Credits: 20
Understanding Consumer Markets
Understanding Consumer Markets encourages you to develop an awareness of the need for market intelligence and a knowledge of the mechanisms by which market intelligence is gathered. This module focuses on the nature of information required to make informed marketing decisions, the methods used to gather such information, the ways of interpreting and applying the resulting data and the means by which the information is stored and retrieved.
Business Economics covers the basic principles of micro- and macro-economics. The micro element will provide a theoretical base, and thus allow for the study of organisational behaviour in the marketplace. The macro element will equip you with an understanding of the broader national and international environment in which business operates.
Module code: BUS1012
Credits: 20
Business Start-Up
Business Start-Up is a review of entrepreneurial skills and small business development through theoretical concepts of enterprise, self-employment and small business management, evaluating differing environments within which enterprise operates. This includes the rise of the digital economy. The module will provide you with an awareness of emergent business types and their markets and the factors behind small business start-ups, entry routes, funding and barriers.
Module code: BUS1017
Credits: 20
Communicating Through Design
Communicating Through Design provides you with an overall knowledge, from a practical point of view, of the fundamentals of creative design and visual communication. The module recognises that effective design is the vehicle to communicate companies’ values, personality and unique selling points, helping them to stand out from the crowd. Design helps companies to stay relevant and desirable in an ever-changing climate and to make a real difference. Whether internal or external, every business has an element of visual communication created through design. On this module you will gain expert insight into how marketers and advertisers use creative design and visual communication to develop corporate brand identities, inform design choices and shape promotional materials.
Module code: BUS1032
Credits: 20
Creative Thinking in Business
Creative Thinking in Business equips you with the creative thinking theory, tools and techniques to enhance creativity and solve business problems utilising ‘out of the box’ and innovative approaches. According to LinkedIn Learning, creative thinking is one of the most sought after skills in every company so you will have a competitive advantage if you develop the ability to come up with new ideas. Creative thinking in business is a way of thinking that inspires, challenges and helps people to find innovative solutions and create opportunities out of problems. It’s the source of innovation and inspiration. Creativity is a complex subject to evaluate and assess, however, so this module is designed to examine both the process of creative thinking and the application of creative thinking techniques, thereby developing your ability to create new ideas as a response to a business-based problem.
Module code: BUS1033
Credits: 20
History of Advertising
History of Advertising reveals the history of advertising from ancient Egypt and Rome to the current day. The module focuses on cultural shifts, technological breakthroughs, ground-breaking adverts, and how advertising reflects the society of the day and the mood of an era. takes a critical look at the history of advertising. From the earliest known adverts through to medieval trademarks, printing, mass media and the digital age, you will explore the interplay between society and advertising, discover how one influences the other, and examine some of the most famous adverts which have been produced.
Module code: BUS1027
Credits: 20
Marketing Research
Marketing Research is a hands-on project where you will work as part of a small group to design and undertake a small scale practical research project. Marketing research is a crucial means of enhancing marketing decisions by providing relevant, timely and accurate information. Such information allows organisations to identify and define marketing opportunities and marketing problems, while also initiating appropriate marketing responses. The module provides you with the opportunity to conduct a real life marketing research project from conception to analysis, enhancing both your practical skills and understanding of the research process.
Module code: BUS1030
Credits: 20
Language 1
Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC1010
Credits: 20
Would you like to find out how to create brand loyalty using CRM? Or engage with the exciting world of marketing on a placement? All the while implementing the basic principles from the first year. In Year 2 there will be a focus on the role of digital marketing and you’ll get the chance to create and promote your own business. You’ll also choose two optional modules from a range of topics.
Branding: Integrated Digital Campaigns is designed to link brand strategy and positioning to the creative aspects of branding, thus preparing you for the marketing, marketing communications and branding industry by building a clear bridge between creative solutions and formulating strategy. The module requires you to examine the elements required to build successful brands and specifically the use of traditional and contemporary media.
Module code: BUS2032
Credits: 20
Research Methods for Business
Research Methods for Business are crucial to personal, academic and vocational development. Employers are increasingly looking for graduates who have specific skills, including those significantly developed through learning about methods of research. This module introduces these methods and considers how they are required to undertake specific academic projects, enhance knowledge and understanding, and address specific business issues and practical managerial problems.
Module code: BUS2017
Credits: 20
Retail Marketing Planning
Retail Marketing Planning recognises that effective marketing planning is essential for all organisations. This module offers you the opportunity to place tactical marketing activities 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.
Employability encourages you to contextualise and evaluate theoretical perspectives in a practical setting while at the same time providing an alternative learning environment which informs your future learning processes and outcomes. Workplace experience is increasingly seen as essential in contributing to graduate employability. It is an opportunity to hone employability skills, relate theory to practice and gain experience in a working environment. The module is designed to enhance your understanding, skill-base, personal development, aptitude for self-promotion and ability to reflect upon your experience in the workplace. It will also help familiarise you with professional business etiquette.
Module code: BUS2019
Credits: 20
Graduate Enterprise
Graduate Enterprise enables you to experience running your own company with a number of your colleagues. 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.
Analysing Audiences provides you with a range of approaches to the understanding of audiences and methods of researching and theorising those audiences. You will experience a range of texts in a variety of media. Consideration will be given to the role of the media producer in audience creation and evolution, including the role of new media and new technology in the creation of contemporary audience practices.
Module code: MED2215
Credits: 20
Brand Activation
Brand Activation recognises that modern brands require groundbreaking marketing techniques to keep attracting consumers’ attention. A brand activation campaign goes through conventional marketing techniques and brings novelty and innovation to attract more customers. With this type of campaign, brands are perceived as modern and groundbreaking in their approach and scope. This module explores the methods used by advertising and marketing agencies to activate brands and reach consumers directly in a non-traditional way.
Module code: BUS2041
Credits: 20
Consumer Behaviour
Consumer Behaviour considers the factors that influence what, where and when consumers buy and 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.
Module code: BUS2035
Credits: 20
Loyalty Generation and CRM
Loyalty Generation and CRM centres on how Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is about building relationships with customers in order to develop and build loyalty and so keep customers for longer. This drives higher profits and keeps competitors out. The module introduces CRM, its impact on business strategy, users’ activity, and firm process and functionality. You will also examine CRM commercial packages.
Module code: BUS2038
Credits: 20
Media and PR in the Digital Age
Media and PR in the Digital Age introduces you to current debates on the role of digital media and explores the various uses that digital media has in PR in maintaining personal or organisational reputation and in professional advancements in the creative industries. You will master the practical and theoretical aspects of PR in a multimedia landscape and, if you wish to specialise in digital multimedia, will learn how to avoid the pitfalls of digital communication and how to use blogs and networking platforms effectively. The module will also develop your writing and communication skills tailored for digital platforms.
Module code: MED2259
Credits: 20
Social Media Monitoring and Analytics
Social Media Monitoring and Analytics equips you with an appreciation of the need for analytics in the market place. As companies are collecting large amounts of data, marketing decisions made by them have become more data-oriented. More and more companies are now heavily investing in marketing analytics. Therefore, analysing the ‘digital footprints’ in a meaningful manner is essential. Due to the unstructured nature of data, understanding behavioural patterns is complex. This module will provide a background understanding of analytics in relation to marketing strategy and communication.
Module code: BUS2033
Credits: 20
The Marketing Pitch
The Marketing Pitch develops your understanding of the marketing process with particular reference to the launch of a consumer related product. The module will develop your ability to successfully design a pitch strategy that can be used to promote a product to a group of marketing industry professionals. The ability of any marketing professional to present a product to industry professionals is a fundamental skill required by all marketing personnel. Understanding the market and the needs of your customer in terms of product design and the ability to promote the product correctly is key, including designing a pitch that will successfully achieve customer awareness.
Module code: BUS2200
Credits: 20
Language 2
Language 2 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC2000
Credits: 20
Modules in Year 3 will go further into the consumer psyche. You’ll explore the factors influencing their brand choices and how they buy. The final year also includes a marketing simulation that shows the effects of your decision-making against the market, competitors and your proposed product positioning. You’ll get the chance to flex your insight-gathering abilities and take part in a sponsored research project or complete a dissertation.
Marketing Simulation is designed to provide an understanding of marketing management and planning and to engage you in the marketing decision-making process via the use of a marketing simulation package. Working in a group, you will analyse the marketing environment, undertake competitor analysis, manage the marketing mix, and decide the positioning of your product portfolio.
Dissertation enables you to produce a key piece of evidence that shows your development over the degree and how you are now equipped to apply graduate level skills. The module requires the design and implementation of a research project in an area of interest agreed with your supervisor via a research proposal and meeting. Support during the dissertation is given by a specified tutor although you will have overall responsibility for managing the process.
Module code: BUS3022
Credits: 40
Extended Business Project
Extended Business Project provides an opportunity for you to undertake an in-depth research project for a sponsoring organisation on a topic of common interest. The nature of the project will be negotiated between you, your supervisor and the sponsoring company.
Advertising Critical Debates explores critical debates in advertising that involve the relationship between consumerism, identity and lifestyle. You will engage with a range of complex and challenging questions around consumerism, lifestyle and identity, linking these concepts to sociocultural, economic and regulatory changes. This will equip you with an understanding of how consumerism has changed, particularly in relation to the growth of green and ethical consumerism. The module will also encourage you to make the critical connections between consumer practice and lifestyle.
Module code: BUS3047
Credits: 20
Advertising in Marketing Communications
Advertising in Marketing Communications enables you to study the role of advertising in online and offline integrated marketing communications strategies. You will drill into the elements that comprise individual adverts and consider how the range of online and offline media vehicles available to deliver them have blurred the boundaries between advertising and other elements of the promotional mix. It is important that you understand the strategic role of advertising and the rationale that underpins the design and development of individual adverts. In addition, you need to understand the place of advertising within the marketing communications techniques available to marketers, whilst understanding the effects advertising has on the consumer and the debates that emanate from those effects.
Module code: BUS3041
Credits: 20
Business Strategy and Digital Goods
Business Strategy and Digital Goods examines the implications of the internet and the rise of ubiquitous mobile devices that are changing business and society. Specifically, the module will explain how a new economy of creativity, opportunity, connectivity and content has been created. You will consider this ‘digital economy’, the key concepts underpinning commercial activities and investigate how the application of existing theories of competitive advantage and added value can be applied to, or are changed by, digital goods and services that have no physical form.
Module code: BUS3030
Credits: 20
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Entrepreneurship and Innovation considers how to turn a good idea into a successful market-leading product. Entrepreneurship and innovation go hand in hand and involve the development and release of a new product/service or the repacking of an existing one to provide competitive advantage or even create new markets. This module explores a variety of concepts around strategic entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. We will examine the difference between an idea, an invention and an innovation and provide you with a case-led understanding of the process in action, from creation to implementation. Moreover, it provides you with a number of tools and techniques to critically evaluate success and build on your previous experiences of work-based learning or enterprise education.
Module code: BUS3044
Credits: 20
Global Marketing Management
Global Marketing Management encourages you to develop an informed appreciation of international marketing in the context of emerging world markets and increasing globalisation. The module 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.
Module code: BUS3039
Credits: 20
Marketing and Society
Marketing and Society will help you to define and understand how marketing in society is utilised as a tool for public services such as charities, government and the health service. This will involve the study of the business and social environments in terms of their target audiences, resources, planning, education and current changes. The module will familiarise you with key models of behaviour change and the role of stakeholders, values, beliefs, emotions and lifestyles in influencing such change, with emphasis on environmentally sustainable behaviour. You will also be introduced to a practical and reflective campaign process that supports the use of social marketing to achieve behaviour change.
Module code: BUS3040
Credits: 20
Media Futures
Media Futures involves the study of contemporary media practices, the impact of technology on creative industries, developments in global and local media, and changing paradigms of media production and audience consumption. You will develop a critical awareness of a number of key themes including social experience and shaping of media forms, access, participation and engagement, and the relationship between public and private spheres. By considering these themes through a range of different theories and research, you will discover a variety of approaches to gaining understanding of what is a rapidly expanding frontier of creative and cultural practice and media knowledge.
Module code: MED3208
Credits: 20
Language 3
Language 3 enables you to build on and develop your previous language knowledge in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish. You must have either studied the prior language module in the previous year or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from the previous language module. You will gain the language skills necessary to become a more proficient user of the language. Classes will be taught in an interactive and communicative manner using authentic materials to promote meaningful communication. They will be conducted in the target language as much as possible. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other communication skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.
Module code: TLC3000
Credits: 20
Optional modules provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.
How you'll study
Extensive use of information technology to support your learning experience and ensure you graduate with the knowledge and the appropriate skills for your chosen career. Coursework may comprise individual and group work, case studies and problem-solving exercises.
You will have the opportunity to develop your employability profile through a work placement or participation in a graduate enterprise project.
Edge Hill is a member of a European-wide consortium of universities which means our students can participate in marketing activities with students from across Europe. By taking part in these activities you will gain an enriched understanding of the complexities of European culture, a greater awareness of your communication abilities and significantly enhanced marketing skills.
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
How you'll 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 and a closed or open book approach.
Who will be teaching you
Edge Hill Business School is home to a thriving research community, hosts a growing international partnership portfolio, and is a member of AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the world’s largest management education network.
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 and you will benefit from their wide range of knowledge and experience. External professionals will be invited to deliver sessions in order to develop your wider contacts.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements
Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points. No specific subjects are required.
Example offers
Qualification
Requirement
A Level
BBC-BBB.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)
Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level
Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points.
Access to Higher Education Diploma
45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Did you know?
If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the
offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.
A stunning £8million building provides impressive teaching and learning facilities for students in Edge Hill Business School.
The contemporary three-storey building offers a 100-seat lecture theatre and modern seminar and meeting rooms. There are also social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning, in addition to an attractive roof garden and atrium.
The UK tuition fee rate is subject to final Government approval for academic year 2023/24 entry. The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Your future career
Our marketing with digital communications degree opens up a range of thrilling and diverse roles in industries such as retail, fashion, manufacturing, leisure and tourism and consumer goods. Some students may want to further their studies with a Masters or PGCE.
You’ll leave Edge Hill with the skills and know-how to start your own business, but if you’d prefer to find employment, there are plenty of career paths to choose from including marketing design, advertising, and creative promotions.
We’ve seen graduates find roles in Jaguar Land Rover, Vodafone, BT and Panasonic. Typical roles to look out for could include:
Digital content coordinator
Insights and analytics specialist
Recovery and reorganisation assistant manager
Business development manager
Graduate project manager
A professionally recognised degree
The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the leading professional body for marketers worldwide. This accreditation enables you to gain exemptions towards selected modules on CIM qualifications available through the Graduate Gateway. You can sit the remaining CIM modules alongside your degree or within three years of graduating. Further information about the Graduate Gateway is available at www.cim.co.uk/qualifications/graduate-gateway.
You will also gain affiliate membership of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), a globally recognised professional body, for the duration of your degree and one additional year after graduation. You will then have the option to renew your affiliate membership on an annual basis, however this would be at your own expense. The CMI is dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence. Membership entitles you to full access to ManagementDirect, an extensive online portal that provides invaluable careers information, course-based resources and advice on best practice.
On successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership alongside your degree.
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Track changes to this course
Change to Chartered Management Institute Membership - 19 May 2022
Information about membership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) updated to indicate that students gain eligibility for Affiliate Member status with the CMI for the duration of their course and one year after graduation.
Change of Module - 3 March 2022
BUS2200 The Marketing Pitch (20 credits) replaces BUS2034 Services and Experiential Marketing (20 credits) as an optional module in Year 2.
A stunning £8million building provides impressive teaching and learning facilities for students in Edge Hill Business School.
