MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BA Hons Marketing (Placement)
Oxstalls, Gloucester
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Marketing (Placement) at the University of Gloucestershire provides a robust foundation in core marketing principles, alongside in-depth exploration of contemporary marketing practices. The program aims to develop graduates who are not only academically sound but also possess the strategic thinking and creative skills necessary to thrive in a constantly evolving field where "the rules change every day." Students are encouraged to become "voices of change, driving innovation" within the marketing landscape. The four-year structure includes a dedicated placement year, typically taken after the second year of study, allowing students to gain substantial professional experience before returning to the university for their final year. Entry requirements typically involve UCAS tariff points, with specific A-level or BTEC grades, and an IELTS score for international students demonstrating English language proficiency.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Marketing (Placement) is structured to provide a progressive learning experience. In the initial years, students will typically cover foundational modules such as Consumer Behaviour and Analysis, Marketing Principles, Marketing Communication, and an introduction to Social Media Channels. These modules are often complemented by other relevant Business & Management modules, providing a broader business context. As the course progresses, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas of particular interest, potentially through optional modules. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, with assessments often taking the form of portfolios and live projects, sometimes based on real briefs from national and international brands, providing valuable hands-on experience even before the placement year.
Research Focus: The University of Gloucestershire's marketing programs, including the BA (Hons) Marketing (Placement), are underpinned by both academic concepts and a strong understanding of professional practice, drawing on the research experience of the lecturing staff. While the undergraduate program's primary focus is on providing a comprehensive professional education, the emphasis on consumer behaviour and the use of facilities like a consumer behaviour lab (mentioned in the context of related programs) suggest an exposure to research methodologies and data analysis. Students may have the opportunity to engage with research through specific modules or by contributing to faculty-led initiatives, potentially informing their understanding of marketing trends and challenges. The final year may involve a dissertation or a comprehensive marketing plan, which would require independent research and analysis.
Industry Engagement: A significant strength of the BA (Hons) Marketing (Placement) program lies in its substantial industry engagement, which is greatly enhanced by the integrated placement year. The university leverages the expertise of lecturers with extensive professional credentials and regularly invites industry guest speakers, some of whom are often alumni. Many modules incorporate assignments based on 'live briefs' from actual businesses, providing students with practical problem-solving experience. The Business School's "360" initiative, a student-led consultancy firm, offers further opportunities to work on real marketing challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The dedicated placement year provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to work within a marketing department or a related field for an extended period, gaining invaluable real-world experience, building professional networks, and applying their academic knowledge in a professional context. Past students on similar programs have undertaken placements with well-known companies, demonstrating the program's strong industry links.
Global Perspective: The University of Gloucestershire's approach to marketing education often incorporates a global perspective, preparing students for the increasingly interconnected international business environment. While the primary focus of the placement year would likely be within the UK, the curriculum itself often includes modules that explore the global business environment and international marketing. Furthermore, the opportunity for an optional study year abroad, in addition to or as an alternative to a work placement in some 'sandwich' courses at other institutions (though the primary focus here is the integrated placement), highlights the university's commitment to providing a global outlook. Exposure to international case studies and the potential for interaction with a diverse student body also contribute to a broader global understanding within the program.
Location
Oxstalls, Gloucester
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Graduates of the University of Gloucestershire's BA (Hons) Marketing (Placement) program emerge with a significant advantage in the competitive job market. The integrated placement year provides a crucial opportunity to gain practical, real-world experience, allowing graduates to step into roles with greater confidence and a more developed skillset.
Marketing Coordinator (with experience): Unlike entry-level Marketing Executive roles, graduates with a placement year can often secure Marketing Coordinator positions. These roles typically involve more responsibility in managing and coordinating marketing campaigns, events, and communications. The placement provides the practical experience in project management and campaign execution that makes graduates ideal for this step up.
Digital Marketing Executive: The program's likely strong digital marketing component, combined with a placement, prepares graduates for Digital Marketing Executive roles with a more immediate impact. They can specialize in areas like SEO, PPC, social media marketing, and content marketing, having already applied these skills in a professional setting during their placement.
Social Media and Community Manager: With hands-on experience from a placement, graduates are well-suited to manage an organization's social media presence as a Social Media and Community Manager. They would be responsible for developing and implementing social media strategies, creating engaging content, analyzing performance, and fostering online communities, drawing on the practical experience of managing social platforms in a business context.
Junior Brand Manager: The placement year can provide a valuable stepping stone to a Junior Brand Manager role. In this position, graduates would support the Brand Manager in developing and executing brand strategies, monitoring brand performance, and ensuring brand consistency. The commercial awareness and understanding of brand dynamics gained during the placement would be highly beneficial.
Marketing Analyst: The program's emphasis on consumer behaviour and data analysis, significantly enhanced by the practical application during a placement, prepares graduates for roles as Marketing Analysts. They would be responsible for analyzing market trends, consumer data, and campaign performance to provide actionable insights for marketing strategies. Their experience with real-world data during the placement would be invaluable.
Campaign Manager Assistant: Graduates with a placement year are well-prepared to support the planning and execution of marketing campaigns as a Campaign Manager Assistant. They would assist with budget management, timeline coordination, and the implementation of various campaign elements, having already been involved in such processes during their work placement.
Marketing and Communications Officer: A Marketing and Communications Officer handles a broad range of internal and external communications. The placement year would provide experience in creating various marketing materials and communicating with different stakeholders, making graduates well-rounded for this type of role.
E-commerce Marketing Specialist: For businesses with a strong online presence, a E-commerce Marketing Specialist is crucial. Graduates with a placement in a relevant company would have practical experience in driving online sales through various marketing channels, including email marketing, affiliate marketing, and optimizing product listings.
Client Services Executive (Marketing Agency): Graduates with good communication and interpersonal skills, honed during their placement, could also thrive as Client Services Executives in a marketing agency. They would be the main point of contact for clients, managing their marketing projects and ensuring their needs are met.
Business Development Representative (with marketing focus): A solid understanding of marketing gained from the degree and practical experience from the placement can also lead to a Business Development Representative role with a strong marketing focus. These individuals identify and qualify new business opportunities, often using marketing insights to understand potential clients' needs.
