BA (Honours) Marketing Communications and Advertising with Foundation Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Sheffield Hallam University

Program Overview

This program begins with a foundation year designed to provide academic support and an introduction to business and marketing before students progress into the full Marketing Communications and Advertising degree. It is well suited to students who may not meet the standard entry requirements or who wish to strengthen their academic skills before moving on to more advanced studies. The full degree focuses on marketing communication strategies, brand storytelling, and advertising in both traditional and digital formats, preparing students for creative and strategic roles in the industry.

Year 1 (Foundation Year)
The foundation year introduces key concepts in business and marketing while developing academic and professional skills such as research, writing, and critical thinking. Students gain confidence in applying knowledge that will support them throughout the degree.

Year 2
In the first year of the degree, students learn the principles of marketing, advertising, and communication. They begin to explore creative strategies and the psychology behind consumer engagement.

Year 3
The second year deepens knowledge with modules in campaign planning, media management, and integrated communications. Students also take part in live projects, working with real clients to design marketing strategies.

Year 4
The final year focuses on strategic advertising, brand management, and global communications. Students complete a dissertation or applied project where they demonstrate the ability to deliver innovative solutions to industry challenges.

Focus Areas
Advertising, marketing communications, branding, campaign strategy, digital storytelling, and media management.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to design and deliver creative campaigns, manage multi-channel communications, and evaluate the effectiveness of advertising strategies in real-world contexts.

Reputation

  • CIM accredited, offering professional recognition.
  • Strong industry connections for live projects and work experience.
  • Well regarded for blending creativity with professional marketing training.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This program includes a foundation year designed to prepare students for degree-level study, followed by specialized training in marketing communications and advertising. It emphasizes creativity, strategy, and practical industry skills.

Experiential Learning Highlights:

  • Foundation Year Preparation: Develop essential academic, research, and professional skills, including business literacy and digital competencies.

  • Live Client Projects: In later years, work with real businesses to design advertising and communication campaigns.

  • Work Placements: Optional internships or year-long placements to gain hands-on industry experience.

  • Portfolio Development: Build professional-standard portfolios demonstrating practical skills and creative projects.

  • Industry Engagement: Workshops, seminars, and guest lectures from marketing and advertising professionals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers in advertising, PR, brand management, and integrated marketing communications. The foundation year strengthens academic skills before progressing to honours-level marketing modules, making students well-equipped for both creative and strategic roles.

  • University services to support your employment
    Access to Sheffield Hallam’s Careers and Employability Service, live client briefs, placement opportunities, networking events, and employability workshops.

  • Employment stats & salary figures

    • Around 90% of graduates move into employment or further study within 15 months.
    • Starting salaries typically range from £21,000–£27,000.
  • University–industry partnerships
    Collaboration with advertising agencies, PR firms, and creative consultancies provides practical experience and industry insight.

  • Long-term accreditation value
    CIM-aligned curriculum supports professional recognition and provides exemptions towards CIM qualifications.

  • Graduation outcomes
    Alumni often work as Advertising Executives, PR Officers, Brand Managers, Digital Marketing Coordinators, and Campaign Planners.

Further Academic Progression (both programmes):
Graduates may continue with:

  • MSc Marketing, MSc Digital Marketing
  • MBA or other postgraduate business programmes
  • CIM professional qualifications for further career development and recognition

Program Key Stats

£18,000 (Annual cost)
£ 29
Rolling


86 %

Eligibility Criteria

DDD
2.8
28
65

N/A
N/A
6.0
79

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Advertising Assistant – supports campaign creation and delivery
  • Marketing Coordinator – manages daily campaign operations
  • Media Assistant – supports media planning and buying
  • Copywriter (Junior) – develops promotional and advertising content
  • Public Relations Assistant – supports press releases and media outreach
  • Social Media Coordinator – manages digital content and engagement
  • Brand Communications Executive – supports brand messaging
  • Events and Promotions Assistant – helps plan promotional activities
  • Digital Marketing Assistant – supports online campaigns
  • Graduate Marketing Trainee – develops broad marketing skills for future progression

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