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BSc (Hons) Marketing and Communications (with a Placement Year)
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Marketing and Communication (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is an innovative four-year undergraduate degree specifically designed to provide students with an unparalleled blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the dynamic fields of marketing and communication. This comprehensive program incorporates a compulsory year-long work placement, typically undertaken between the second and final academic years, which offers invaluable professional exposure and significantly enhances employability. The curriculum, developed in close collaboration with industry professionals, focuses on building critical insights and cutting-edge digital skills, encompassing areas such as branding, marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, digital communication, data analytics, and the ethical considerations within media. This hands-on approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to ethically impact audiences across various platforms and contribute effectively to organisational success.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Marketing and Communication (with a Placement Year) is meticulously structured to provide a progressive and immersive learning journey. In the first year, students establish a strong foundational understanding with core modules such as Media and Communications: Past, Present, Future; Understanding Marketing; Data Visualisation and Storytelling; Consumer Insight, Behaviour, and Engagement; Data and Digital Marketing; and Ethics, Communication, and Professionalism. The second year then builds upon this foundation with more strategic topics, including Branding and Brand Management, Research Methods, Marketing Strategy and Implementation, and Strategic Communication, alongside optional modules like Digital Content Creation. The pivotal third year is dedicated entirely to the compulsory placement, offering extensive professional development and direct industry insights. The final academic year consolidates learning through advanced modules such as Contemporary Issues in Marketing, Strategy, and Ethics in Communications and Marketing, culminating in a significant Independent Study Project or a practical Marketing Campaign that allows students to apply their integrated knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Research Focus: While primarily an undergraduate teaching program, the BSc (Hons) Marketing and Communication (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University is deeply rooted in contemporary academic research and industry best practices within the marketing and communication domains. The program is designed by experienced practitioners and academics who actively integrate the latest trends and critical insights from areas like AI, data analytics, journalism, public relations, and digital ethics directly into the curriculum. Students are rigorously trained to develop robust analytical and research skills throughout their studies, particularly through practical projects, case studies, and their final-year independent research or consultancy. This focus ensures that graduates are capable of critically analysing market dynamics, understanding complex consumer behaviour, interpreting data, and contributing to evidence-based decision-making in a rapidly evolving communication landscape.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a paramount feature of the BSc (Hons) Marketing and Communication (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University, significantly bolstered by the integrated placement year. This compulsory year provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to gain substantial hands-on experience within marketing agencies, corporate communication departments, or other relevant businesses in the UK. The university leverages its strong connections with the industry, cultivated through its experienced faculty and advantageous London location, to facilitate access to diverse placement opportunities. Beyond the placement, students benefit from regular interactions with industry experts through guest lectures, workshops, and special events. This direct exposure to the professional world ensures the curriculum remains highly relevant and that graduates are equipped with the sought-after professional skills, commercial awareness, and networking contacts crucial for career success.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Marketing and Communication (with a Placement Year) program inherently integrates a crucial global perspective, meticulously preparing graduates to operate effectively in an increasingly interconnected international business and media environment. The curriculum explores how global economic shifts, diverse cultural contexts, and the rapid evolution of digital platforms influence communication and marketing strategies worldwide. Students gain an understanding of ethical considerations in global communication, the impact of emerging technologies on international audiences, and the nuances of engaging with consumers across different countries and regions. This comprehensive focus on global applicability, combined with the development of adaptable communication and marketing skills and the practical experience gained from the placement year, ensures graduates are exceptionally well-equipped to pursue careers with multinational corporations, international agencies, or contribute effectively to global campaigns and initiatives.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% 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 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The BSc (Hons) Marketing and Communications (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, provides graduates with an exceptional blend of strategic marketing insight and effective communication skills, significantly enhanced by practical, real-world experience. The curriculum's focus on areas like branding, digital communication, data analytics, journalism, public relations, and the ethical considerations within media, ensures students develop the critical, strategic, and creative abilities highly sought after by employers. The integrated placement year is a pivotal component, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a professional setting, gain invaluable industry contacts, and develop crucial commercial awareness, making them highly competitive in the job market.
Digital Marketing Manager/Specialist: Graduates are highly prepared to lead and execute comprehensive online marketing campaigns, including SEO, social media management, content strategy, email marketing, and paid advertising. Their in-depth understanding of digital platforms and analytics, combined with practical experience from the placement year, makes them adept at driving online visibility and engagement.
Public Relations (PR) Account Executive/Manager: This role involves managing an organisation's public image, handling media relations, and crafting strategic communications to build positive relationships with stakeholders. The program's strong emphasis on communication strategy, media understanding, and the professional experience from placement are crucial for success in PR agencies or in-house departments.
Content Marketing Specialist/Strategist: Combining creative writing and multimedia skills with marketing objectives, these professionals develop and oversee engaging content across various platforms like blogs, websites, and social media. The program's focus on digital content creation and consumer insight, augmented by real-world application during placement, is highly relevant.
Brand Manager: Graduates can lead the development, positioning, and communication of a brand's identity and messaging to target audiences. Their holistic understanding of marketing, communications, and business strategy, cultivated through the degree and hands-on placement experience, equips them to build strong, recognisable brands.
Social Media Manager: Specialising in an organisation's presence across social media platforms, these managers develop strategies, create engaging content, analyse performance, and manage online communities. The program's digital communications focus and the practical skills gained from the placement year are essential for this role.
Marketing Communications Executive/Officer: Working in an agency or in-house, these professionals coordinate integrated marketing and communication campaigns across various channels (online, print, events), ensuring consistent messaging and brand voice. The broad skill set acquired from the combined degree and practical exposure makes them highly effective.
Market Research Analyst: Utilising strong analytical skills, graduates can gather, interpret, and present data on market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activities. The program's training in data visualisation and research methods, coupled with insights from real-world projects during placement, is vital for informing strategic decisions.
Internal Communications Officer: Within large organisations, these professionals manage communication with employees, ensuring clear messaging, fostering engagement, and supporting corporate culture. The program's focus on strategic communication and professionalism, often practiced during the placement year, is highly beneficial for this role.
Event Marketing Manager: Graduates can plan, promote, and execute events (conferences, product launches, campaigns) that align with an organisation's marketing and communication objectives. Their skills in strategic communication, logistical planning, and audience engagement, refined during academic study and placement, are crucial for successful event outcomes.
Account Executive (Advertising/PR Agency): Acting as a key liaison between agencies and clients, these professionals manage client relationships, ensure campaign objectives are met, and coordinate various marketing and communication activities. The program's emphasis on client management, communication, and practical application prepares them well for agency life.
