Bachelor of Business (Honours) Business (Marketing)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

South East Technological University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Business (Hons) Marketing at South East Technological University (SETU) is designed for students who want to become confident, creative, and digitally skilled marketers. It suits those eager to combine business knowledge with hands-on marketing practice, preparing for careers in advertising, brand management, digital marketing, and international business.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in business and marketing. Modules such as Consumer Behaviour, Consumer Research, and Introduction to Managing Innovation introduce you to how customers think and how businesses respond. You’ll also take part in seminars and case studies that develop analytical and communication skills.

Year 2

The second year deepens your understanding of marketing strategy and management. You’ll study Brand Management, Marketing Management, and Digital Marketing, alongside International Business. Lab work and live projects help you apply theory to real-world marketing challenges, while optional language modules (French, German, Irish, Spanish, or Chinese) broaden your international perspective.

Year 3

This year emphasizes applied learning and international exposure. Modules such as International Marketing, Social Media, Contemporary Issues in Marketing, and Business Analytics prepare you for the digital age. You’ll also have the option to participate in a work placement or study abroad semester in partner universities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, gaining invaluable cultural and professional experience.

Year 4

In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced marketing strategy and leadership. Modules such as Strategic Management and Global Marketing Strategy require you to analyze complex business challenges and present solutions, simulating consultancy-style work. You’ll also complete capstone projects that integrate marketing, analytics, and international business.

Focus Areas

"Advertising, brand management, digital marketing, marketing research, sports sponsorship, sales management, customer relationship management, marketing communications, public relations, international marketing."

Learning Outcomes

"Graduates will be able to design and implement marketing strategies, manage brands, apply digital tools, conduct market research, analyze consumer behaviour, and lead marketing operations in international contexts."

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Award: Bachelor of Business (Honours), QQI Level 8
Graduates are entitled to exemptions from many leading professional accountancy and management bodies.
Competitive awards include the Granville Hotel Marketing Student of the Year and the John Hume Scholarship.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

SETU graduates are consistently among the most employable in Ireland, with strong outcomes in marketing, consulting, and international business.
The program’s emphasis on placements, live projects, and digital tools ensures graduates are highly sought after by employers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in SETU’s Bachelor of Business (Hons) Marketing program don’t just learn theory — they actively practice marketing in real-world settings. The course is built around applied learning, with lab work, seminars, case studies, and live projects that mirror the challenges faced by professional marketers. You’ll gain hands-on experience with digital tools, industry-standard software, and employer-linked projects, ensuring you graduate with both knowledge and practical expertise.

The program is deliberately structured to immerse you in marketing practice from the very beginning. You’ll work on live projects, use specialist facilities, and engage directly with employers through placements and competitions. Here’s how SETU makes experiential learning a core part of your degree:

Lab Work & Digital Tools: Dedicated marketing labs give you access to analytics software, CRM platforms, and digital marketing dashboards used by professionals.
Seminars & Case Studies: Regular workshops and case-based learning sessions simulate real business challenges, helping you apply concepts like consumer behaviour, brand management, and international marketing in practice.
Live Projects: Students collaborate on projects with local and national businesses, developing campaigns and strategies that are implemented in real time.
Work Placement Opportunities: In Year 3, you can take part in structured placements with partner companies, gaining industry experience and building professional networks.
International Study Abroad: SETU offers Erasmus and global exchange opportunities, allowing you to study marketing in Europe, Asia, or the Americas while experiencing different cultural approaches to business.
Competitions & Awards: Marketing students compete for prestigious prizes such as the Granville Hotel Marketing Student of the Year, showcasing their skills to employers.
Library & Research Facilities: Access to SETU’s extensive library resources, including marketing journals, databases, and case study collections, supports your applied learning.
Industry Guest Lectures: Regular talks from marketing professionals and alumni provide insights into current trends and career pathways.

This combination of labs, live projects, placements, and international exchanges ensures you graduate not only with academic knowledge but with the applied skills employers demand in today’s competitive marketing industry.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of SETU’s Bachelor of Business (Hons) Marketing program are highly employable, stepping into dynamic roles such as Digital Marketing Specialist, Brand Manager, Market Research Analyst, and Sales & Business Development Executive. The program’s strong focus on applied learning, employer engagement, and international opportunities ensures you leave with both the confidence and the skills to succeed in Ireland and abroad.

Here’s how SETU supports your career journey and what outcomes you can expect:

Career Services Support: SETU’s Careers Development Centre offers tailored workshops, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, and one-to-one guidance. Marketing students also benefit from placement support and alumni connections, ensuring smooth entry into the workforce.
Employment Stats: SETU consistently reports strong graduate employability, with business graduates achieving a high employment rate within six months of graduation. Average starting salaries for marketing graduates in Ireland typically range from €28,000–€35,000 annually, increasing significantly with experience in digital and international marketing roles.
Industry Partnerships: The program integrates live projects and placements with leading employers in the South East region and nationally, including Accenture, Glanbia, Google, and local SMEs, giving students exposure to both multinational and entrepreneurial environments.
Accreditation Value: Awarded as a Bachelor of Business (Honours), QQI Level 8, the degree carries long-term recognition across Europe and internationally, enhancing career mobility and professional accreditation opportunities.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into leadership roles in digital marketing strategy, brand management, consultancy, and international business development, with many advancing quickly thanks to SETU’s applied learning and employer-linked curriculum.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, students can continue their studies at SETU through postgraduate options such as the Master of Business in Marketing, the MBA, or specialized MSc programs in areas like Digital Marketing, Strategy, and Innovation. These advanced pathways allow graduates to deepen their expertise, pursue academic research, or prepare for senior management roles in global marketing and international business.