Bachelor of Business (Honours) Marketing

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

South East Technological University

Program Overview

SETU’s Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Marketing (Carlow campus) is a flexible, career-focused degree that blends business fundamentals with advanced marketing practice. It suits students who want to develop both analytical and creative skills, preparing for diverse roles in digital marketing, brand management, market research, and international business.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year builds a strong foundation in business and introduces marketing concepts. You’ll study core business modules alongside introductory marketing units, learning how organisations identify and meet customer needs. This year emphasizes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through project-based assessments.

Year 2

In the second year, you’ll deepen your knowledge of marketing while continuing with general business studies. Modules include Consumer Behaviour, Market Research, and Sales & Retail, alongside electives that allow you to explore areas such as event management or sustainability. You’ll also begin working with client organisations to devise creative solutions, applying theory to practice.

Year 3

This year is all about applied learning and international exposure. You’ll specialize in areas such as Digital & Advertising, International Marketing & Services, and Brand Management & New Product Innovation. A highlight of Year 3 is the semester-long work placement or study abroad option, giving you direct industry experience or cultural immersion in another country.

Year 4

In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced marketing strategy and leadership. Modules such as Strategic Marketing, Consumer Psychology, and New Product Innovation challenge you to integrate knowledge across disciplines. You’ll complete capstone projects and work with industry guest speakers, ensuring you graduate with both academic expertise and professional insight.

Focus Areas

"Advertising, sales, brand design, customer psychology, market research, product development, digital marketing, international marketing, event management, sustainability."

Learning Outcomes

"Graduates will be able to design and implement marketing strategies, analyze consumer behaviour, manage brands, conduct market research, apply digital tools, and communicate effectively in diverse business contexts."

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Award: Bachelor of Business (Honours), QQI Level 8
Recognised by employers as developing career-focused marketers.
Includes project-based assessments, client collaborations, and industry guest speakers to align learning with professional practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

SETU graduates are consistently recognised for their high employability in Ireland, with strong outcomes in marketing, consulting, and international business.
The program’s emphasis on work placements, study abroad, and applied projects 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.