This three‑year BSc Marketing degree from Aston Business School offers an intensive mix of academic theory, real-world application, and professional preparation. You'll study consumer behaviour, digital marketing, brand strategy, marketing analytics and marketing psychology. With a strong focus on employability, the course integrates live business briefs, simulations, and a compulsory placement year for UK students to build practical experience.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You begin with business and marketing foundations including Contemporary Marketing Principles, Marketing Psychology, Introduction to Business Economics, Digital & Social Media Marketing, Accounting for Business, Organisational Behaviour, Operations Management, and Law for Business. These modules develop your understanding of business systems, marketing basics, and analytical thinking.
Year 2
This year delves deeper into specialist marketing and strategy areas: Market Research, Marketing Analytics Tools, Fundamentals of Strategy, Responsible Marketing to Businesses. You will also engage in projects such as Applied Marketing Consultancy and Consumer Behaviour studies, with options in Digital Advertising, Sports Marketing, Events & PR, Dynamic Content Marketing, and Services Marketing.
Year 3 (Placement Year)
Most students undertake a full-time professional placement year, applying their skills within organizations across sectors. UK students are required to complete it; international students have the option to opt out.
Year 4 (Final Year)
Core modules include Strategic Marketing: Thinking & Action, Global Marketing, and Ethical & Sustainable Marketing. You’ll choose from advanced electives like Consumer Insights and Experience, Brand Management, Marketing Analytics, Campaign Management, Innovation in Retail, Entrepreneurial Marketing, or a dissertation in Business & Marketing.
Focus areas:
Consumer behaviour, digital & social media marketing, analytics, strategic marketing, brand management, marketing psychology, consultancy, ethical marketing.
Learning outcomes:
You will graduate able to analyze consumer data and market trends, build and execute strategic marketing campaigns, work on real business projects, and understand both global and ethical dimensions of marketing.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme offers exemptions via the CIM Graduate Gateway and is delivered by Aston Business School—one of just a few triple-accredited (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) business schools worldwide. Teaching excellence has been recognized with a Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
Reputation (Employability & Rankings):
The BSc Marketing program at Aston University is designed to provide a strong foundation in marketing theory alongside real-world experience. The course emphasizes applied learning through industry engagement and practical projects.
Experiential learning features include:
Graduates commonly pursue careers in marketing management, digital marketing, brand strategy, market research, and communications. Many secure graduate roles at major firms like L'Oréal, IBM, and Unilever. Typical starting salaries range from £24,000 to £28,000, with progression to £35,000+ in managerial positions.
University Services to Support Employment
Aston’s award-winning Careers and Placements Team offers personalized career guidance, CV clinics, employer networking events, and access to over 200+ placement opportunities each year.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures
Over 82% of marketing graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months. Aston is known for strong graduate employability and consistently performs well in UK rankings for career outcomes.
University–Industry Partnerships
Strong industry links with companies such as IBM, Microsoft, Mondelez, and HSBC ensure students engage with real-world marketing problems, live briefs, and internships throughout the program.
Long-term Accreditation Value
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the program offers exemptions from CIM qualifications and enhances employability. Aston Business School is also AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS accredited – a triple crown status held by less than 1% of business schools globally.
Graduation Outcomes
Graduates are equipped with practical and analytical marketing skills, ready for roles in digital marketing, brand development, data analytics, and strategic communication.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often progress to master’s degrees in Marketing Analytics, Strategic Marketing Management, or Digital Marketing, or pursue additional CIM qualifications to become certified marketing professionals.
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