Marketing and Advertising BSc (Hons)

Why choose this course?

If you aspire to a career in the fun, dynamic, fast-moving world of marketing or advertising, this is the course for you.

The course is designed in consultation with leading industry experts, bringing together the latest theories and practices in marketing. You'll explore the role and function of contemporary and digital marketing in modern business, so when you graduate, you'll be at the edge of the job market with the knowledge and skills employers seek.

You can gain hands-on marketing experience through an internship, or develop your skills as a consultant by working in a team on a live project. Another option is to delve into entrepreneurship and create your own start-up with support from the Business School.

Please note the change in course title: This course previously ran as ‘Marketing and Advertising with Business Experience BSc (Hons)' until 2021. For 2022 entry onwards, it is named ‘Marketing and Advertising BSc (Hons)'.

Attendance UCAS code Year of entry
3 years full time N590 2023 (Clearing)
2024
4 years full time including foundation year N591 2023 (Clearing)
2024
4 years full time including sandwich year N592 2023 (Clearing)
2024
Location Kingston Hill

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • You'll experience how marketing and advertising work in today's rapidly changing environment by working on real-life project briefs from client organisations.
  • When you graduate, your hands-on experience and career skills will help you stand out from other job seekers.
  • You'll gain more than just a degree. The structure of the course enables you to earn a professional qualification from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
  • 100% of students thought staff were good at explaining things (NSS 2023).

At Kingston Business School we lead

It's a very flexible course – there is a big focus on IT, data and accounting within marketing. The word that best describes this course is ‘entrepreneurial' because a lot of the work you will do allows you to think freely and explore ideas that you're passionate about. The lecturers are always open to helping you with side projects and at Kingston there are plenty of opportunities. You will come across Bright Ideas and The Pitch from CIM – definitely enter these when you hear about them.

Altin Deda, Marketing and Advertising student

Altin Deda, Marketing and Advertising with Business Experience BSc (Hons), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) The Pitch finalist 2021

I chose this course because I wanted to ensure that I get some real-world experience under my belt before entering the job market. 

Wayde Powys, Marketing and Advertising with Business Experience BSc (Hons)

Wayde Powys, Marketing and Advertising with Business Experience BSc (Hons)

When I graduate, I hope to specialise in market research to help develop marketing campaigns to help influence the world in a positive way.

Cherie Bell

Cherie Bell, Marketing and Advertising with Business Experience BSc (Hons)

Embedded business experience

This degree comes with business experience opportunities throughout, including:

  • Embedded business skills to get you ready for your first day of your internship or graduate job.
  • Module options to help you decide your career path.

You will have the opportunity to gain valuable, real-life and hands-on experience through:

  • University-based modules which bring real-life projects into the classroom. Examples include consultancy or entrepreneurship modules where you will work alongside your peers to develop your own business or find solutions for a live business project.
  • Networking opportunities with employers.

What you will study

Take a look at some of the content and modules that you may have the opportunity to study on this course:

Year 1

Year 2

Optional year

Final year

In Year 1 you'll become familiar with the principles of marketing and marketing's core concepts. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of the role and function of marketing in modern business, so when you graduate you'll understand how you can add value to companies. You will also begin the business readiness programme in preparation for your Business Practice in Year 2.

Core modules

Managing Marketing Information

30 credits

This module is about managing marketing information. This requires various mathematical techniques such as statistical measures, and is highly dependent on information technology (IT) for the gathering, summarising and communicating of this information.

The module introduces you to modelling data in spreadsheets, analysing and querying such data and presenting it in a variety of ways, including graphically, textually and online. This module is designed to support your other marketing studies and culminates in a piece of synoptic assessment across this module and Marketing Principles. It is delivered using a problem-centric approach in a computer laboratory. It emphasises the application of mathematical techniques with the aid of IT, and the employability skills associated with this.

Marketing Principles

30 credits

This module provides you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles of marketing and marketing's core concepts. It helps you develop an appreciation of the role and function of marketing in modern business and non-profit organisations and of the relationship between marketing and other business functions. You will be encouraged to think critically about marketing concepts and frameworks and about the impact marketing has on society. This module enhances your employability by helping to develop the practical skills needed for working in the marketing, communications and advertising industry.

The Marketing Environment

30 credits

In this module students will focus on influences that affect organisations' business activity in general and the marketing function in particular. Students will evaluate markets, the economic systems that govern them and the key players that operate in them. Business and economic theories are employed in the identification and analysis of external environmental factors and their impact on organisations and their ability to market their products and services effectively. Students will also examine the elements of the internal environment in terms of their effect on organisations' marketing activities. The role of the marketing environment in shaping marketing activity is analysed. The module is delivered using a combination of lectures, in-class exercises, case studies and guest speakers, and there is a strong emphasis on participation in the classroom. 

Organisations and Entrepreneurship

30 credits

This module introduces you to the range of organisations that exist in modern business, from small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large scale multinationals. The variety of ways in which organisations are structured and managed is assessed using organisational behaviour theories. The behaviour and management of people at work is assessed by examining concepts relating to individuals and groups. A key focus of the module is the role of entrepreneurship in organisational development, both as a means of creating new organisations and as a mindset within all organisations in order to drive growth and success. The module also provides you with the means to develop the personal, professional and academic skills required to  secure and succeed in a placement.

In Year 2, you'll develop your knowledge and understanding of current approaches to the development of marketing strategies and how these are implemented through marketing plans. You'll gain practical insights into how consumers buy and use products, and react to marketing activity. You will also learn how the different elements of the communications mix, such as advertising, public relations and digital marketing, work together to produce powerful marketing campaigns.

Core modules

Marketing Insights

30 credits

Marketing raises problems about how consumers buy and use products and how they react to marketing activity. This module is concerned with collecting evidence and understanding the theory about these issues. It provides critical knowledge of how to conduct research into buyer behaviour and understand its relationship to problems in marketing. This module enables you to gain an understanding about the latest developments in areas of buyer behaviour such as loyalty, satisfaction, advertising effectiveness, store atmospherics, and business-to-business decision making. It focuses on the practical application of research evidence and on identifying and employing the most appropriate methods of investigation and analysis. Over the course of this module, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in both collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data, and using the results to draw conclusions about specific aspects of buyer behaviour and make recommendations to marketing managers.

Marketing Metrics

30 credits

In this module you will focus on the ways in which the performance of the marketing function can be assessed by organisations. You will learn how quantitative techniques can be used to analyse markets, competitors and customers and evaluate marketing performance. You will develop an understanding of budgeting and performance management with an understanding of the key accounting statements. A range of metrics will be examined which may be used to evaluate marketing performance and to establish whether marketing objectives are being achieved.

You will then participate in a computerised marketing game which simulates a real marketing environment. Working in teams, you will have the opportunity to make and analyse marketing decisions and learn from any mistakes in a risk-free environment. You will identify and use relevant marketing metrics and apply them to information provided by the simulation game, allowing you to make marketing decisions within specified time periods. The game provides the opportunity to make short and long-term decisions, enabling you to balance short-term profitability with long-term marketing objectives.

Marketing Communications and Advertising

30 credits

This module focuses on the creation of effective integrated marketing communications plans. You will learn about the different elements of the communications mix, such as advertising, public relations and digital marketing, and how they can work together to produce powerful campaigns. While underpinned by marketing communications theory, the module develops practical skills that would be particularly useful for those considering a career in marketing communications or advertising, such as writing communication briefs, presentations and producing communication plans. The module is delivered using a combination of lectures, in-class exercises, case studies and guest speakers, and there is a strong emphasis on participation in the classroom. 

Business Practice Module Options

Internship (work-based)

30 credits

The module consists of a period of placement in commercial, industrial, public sector or third sector organisations. In this module, students will have the opportunity to use the conceptual and theoretical knowledge acquired through their study of the core curriculum. During their period of placement they will develop a portfolio demonstrating the work done and provide a summary of their experience in the form of a short report.

The module seeks to ensure that students reflect on and develop the skills they acquired during the Business Preparation module, in attaining their placements, and in the subsequent placement itself, with a view to using these skills in their final year.  Developing an understanding of the theory of business practice and applying this in work situations is particularly emphasised. Students will be in regular contact with the Business & Professional Experience Team during their time on placement, either face to face or via Skype or telephone depending on location.

Consultancy in Practice (campus-based)

30 credits

This module involves a real-life client project highlighting the important role of the consultant in an organisation. Models from management literature are applied within practical settings in order to relate theory to practice. Students are provided with an opportunity to develop their management skills by undertaking a live project for an external client. This activity emphasises the importance of blending business, people and technology issues when analysing problem situations in a business context. The module is assessed by the group consultancy project report for the client, this includes a self-reflection of the experience and presentations, with client and expert feedback.

The Entrepreneurship Experience (campus-based)

15 credits

This module is one of the options available to students during their work placement. Each of these options allows students to develop their skills and knowledge, and learn about the business environment and the world of work, linked to their main interests, in this case, the entrepreneurial environment. This module allows students to work in a start-up environment, either on their own idea or with a firm in an existing incubator or accelerator.

Optional modules

Professional Selling

15 credits

The module builds on your marketing knowledge by developing your understanding of the theory and application of Professional Selling & Sales Management. Effective selling adds to shareholder value and enhances the return on investment of marketing expenditure. You will understand how to recruit, motivate and manage salespeople as the key professional selling resource, including how to balance people with finance and other resources. The module also develops your understanding of the role that IT plays in informing sales strategy development and in the structured sales planning process. The module will be of particular benefit to those aiming to develop a career in this area across the business, professional and consumer contexts. The module will combine a mix of interactive instructor-led lectures and workshops, and student-led learning activities including case study discussions and presentations.

Developing Web Applicants for Business

15 credits

This module introduces the principles of Information Architecture (IA), equipping students with the knowledge, skills and technologies required to design a typical information architecture solution that works using web technologies. Students will gain experience in designing and implementing prototype solution using server-side scripting languages and database servers. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving, and student-led learning.

Business Decision Modelling

15 credits

This module is designed to equip students with an advanced set of analytical data modelling tools, including optimisation, prediction and simulation, to effectively manage and support business decision-making. The module extends students' skill sets developed in the first year to include problem analysis, model building, application, and evaluation, to reflect the technical skills required in the workplace. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.

Rapid App Development for Business

15 credits

This module introduces the principles of rapid app development, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and technologies required to quickly develop a typical information architecture solution that works using low or no code technologies. Students will gain experience in designing and implementing prototype solution using one of the most popular no-code environments, Mendix. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving, and student-led learning.

CSR in Marketing

15 credits

This module examines topics at the interface between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical marketing, and their relevance and importance in contemporary business and marketing environments. The module also explores the role and importance of CSR and sustainability, and their implementation in key marketing decisions including advertising, branding and ethical consumption. The role of social marketing is considered - the application of marketing principles and techniques to further social good and wellbeing. Students will develop an understanding and sensitivity to ethical considerations that arise in the practice of responsible marketing and an awareness of the ethical challenges that marketers face when operating across international country markets. The module will combine a mix of interactive instructor-led lectures and workshops, and student-led learning activities including case study discussions and presentations.

Data Analytics for Business

15 credits

The aim of this module is to give students a foundation in the uses of data analytics for business. It aims at a critical understanding of issues regarding the collection of data and the correct application of statistical techniques in a business context. The module introduces students to analytical tools and including inferential data analysis to support business decision-making. The module builds upon the skills gained during the first year and develops students' abilities for problem articulation, analysis, and evaluation. Students will develop and extend their technical skills to reflect those required in the workplace and will also develop an appreciation of the quality of data, the meaning of findings and the limitations of model building. This will enable students to make decisions on a more informed basis. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.

Financial Investments

15 credits

This module is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the field of investment. The main topics covered include: the UK stock market, stock valuation, investment strategies for equities, financial derivatives, portfolio diversification, optimal portfolio construction and financial risk management. Students will use the dedicated Bloomberg dealing room and software packages to access real-time financial data. Teaching consists of traditional lectures, and also lab sessions where hands-on practical exercises are provided. The module is assessed via the Bloomberg Market Concept (BMC) certificate and two coursework where students are required to construct and manage financial solutions for a specific period.

Business Law and Ethics

15 credits

This module is designed to provide students with a general understanding of the English legal system and a more advanced understanding of the principal areas of law that may be encountered in business or professional practice and which are of concern to accounting and finance professionals, focussing on civil and criminal consequences for these professionals. The module commences with a focus on sources of law and the court system in England and Wales, before considering the areas of contract, agency and tort law, which underline business transactions. This module will then examine unethical and criminal behaviour relevant to accountants or business in practice, including ethical behaviour, fraud, bribery and anti-money laundering.

Money, Banking and Financial Markets

15 credits

This module is for those students who want to develop their knowledge of finance into the areas of banking and financial markets. The module is concerned with the principles of management and strategic management and their applications to the financial services sector, including the banking, insurance, and securities sectors and financial markets and systems, all of which are essential to the functioning of modern economies. Although the module is about financial systems in general, there will be frequent reference to contemporary issues and problems, and to their historical antecedents. The approach will incorporate a blend of published economic and financial data, and as far as possible, international comparisons.

Entrepreneurship

30 credits

This module provides you with the opportunity to engage in developing a business plan for starting up a new venture or launching an innovative product/service. You will find out what it takes develop a business plan from idea generation, feasibility analysis, marketing strategy, business model development to making financial analysis for a business plan. Students will thus learn about the different aspects of entrepreneurship and business planning. 

  • You have the option to take an additional year to study abroad or to undertake a year-long work placement (or even a mix of both).

In your final year, to ensure you experience the real challenges of marketing in a rapidly changing environment, you'll work on real life project briefs from client organisations. You will develop viable, theoretically grounded marketing and advertising plans and present them to your peers and industry experts. Working for a client and meeting industry professionals in this way provides you with invaluable experience and networking opportunities.

Core modules

Integrated Marketing Communications

30 credits

This module will enable students to examine the theoretical underpinnings of integrated marketing communications, addressing elements including advertising, sales promotion, direct and interactive communications, public relations, sponsorship and internal communications. The module will be delivered as a series of research seminars and workshops, led by subject experts from both academic and professional practice backgrounds. During these sessions, students will discuss and develop their own marketing communications research. The module links closely with Digital Marketing and PR, providing a sound theoretical framework for the practical planning of marketing communications.

Marketing and Advertising in Practice

30 credits

The processes of marketing management and operations are subject to ongoing change as technological and other environmental factors act upon organisations and their markets. To ensure students experience the real challenges of marketing and advertising in a rapidly changing environment, this module is based around a live project brief from a client organisation, enabling students to apply their knowledge of the latest marketing theory and advertising practices to a real situation. Students also gain an awareness of awareness and understanding of current issues of global concern such as sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility and how these relate to contemporary marketing and advertising practice. The module integrates employability into the curriculum and facilitates the development of sought-after graduate attributes vis-à-vis the skills, experience, and knowledge required to navigate employment and professional development opportunities. Students will participate in a series of consulting skills and project workshops, during which they will develop a viable, theoretically grounded marketing plan.

Digital Marketing

30 credits

While the overarching objective of marketing remains the creation and delivery of value to customers and organisations, marketing options are constantly changing in response to the evolution of the digital landscape. Developments in technology, media and digital communications present relentless challenges and opportunities for practitioners. No longer passive recipients of marketing messages, consumers are active and engaged, often co-creating their experience and their interactions with brands and other consumers. This module will examine the concept of customer experience through which customer value is created. The role that digital technologies play in brand management and in customer experience management is assessed. The module will introduce you to some of the contemporary digital marketing communications tactics such as search engine marketing, social media, mobile marketing, content marketing and analytics, all of which are tactics available for contemporary marketing communications. This module will evaluate the range of options available to generate brand awareness, customer satisfaction, loyalty and, ultimately, profit for organisations.

Optional modules

Professional Selling

15 credits

The module builds on your marketing knowledge by developing your understanding of the theory and application of Professional Selling & Sales Management. Effective selling adds to shareholder value and enhances the return on investment of marketing expenditure. You will understand how to recruit, motivate and manage salespeople as the key professional selling resource, including how to balance people with finance and other resources. The module also develops your understanding of the role that IT plays in informing sales strategy development and in the structured sales planning process. The module will be of particular benefit to those aiming to develop a career in this area across the business, professional and consumer contexts. The module will combine a mix of interactive instructor-led lectures and workshops, and student-led learning activities including case study discussions and presentations.

Financial Investments

15 credits

This module is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the field of investment. The main topics covered include: the UK stock market, stock valuation, investment strategies for equities, financial derivatives, portfolio diversification, optimal portfolio construction and financial risk management. Students will use the dedicated Bloomberg dealing room and software packages to access real-time financial data. Teaching consists of traditional lectures, and also lab sessions where hands-on practical exercises are provided. The module is assessed via the Bloomberg Market Concept (BMC) certificate and two coursework where students are required to construct and manage financial solutions for a specific period.

Developing Web Applicants for Business

15 credits

This module introduces the principles of Information Architecture (IA), equipping students with the knowledge, skills and technologies required to design a typical information architecture solution that works using web technologies. Students will gain experience in designing and implementing prototype solution using server-side scripting languages and database servers. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving, and student-led learning.

Data Analytics for Business

15 credits

The aim of this module is to give students a foundation in the uses of data analytics for business. It aims at a critical understanding of issues regarding the collection of data and the correct application of statistical techniques in a business context. The module introduces students to analytical tools and including inferential data analysis to support business decision-making. The module builds upon the skills gained during the first year and develops students' abilities for problem articulation, analysis, and evaluation. Students will develop and extend their technical skills to reflect those required in the workplace and will also develop an appreciation of the quality of data, the meaning of findings and the limitations of model building. This will enable students to make decisions on a more informed basis. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.

CSR in Marketing

15 credits

This module examines topics at the interface between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical marketing, and their relevance and importance in contemporary business and marketing environments. The module also explores the role and importance of CSR and sustainability, and their implementation in key marketing decisions including advertising, branding and ethical consumption. The role of social marketing is considered - the application of marketing principles and techniques to further social good and wellbeing. Students will develop an understanding and sensitivity to ethical considerations that arise in the practice of responsible marketing and an awareness of the ethical challenges that marketers face when operating across international country markets. The module will combine a mix of interactive instructor-led lectures and workshops, and student-led learning activities including case study discussions and presentations.

Money, Banking and Financial Markets

15 credits

This module is for those students who want to develop their knowledge of finance into the areas of banking and financial markets. The module is concerned with the principles of management and strategic management and their applications to the financial services sector, including the banking, insurance, and securities sectors and financial markets and systems, all of which are essential to the functioning of modern economies. Although the module is about financial systems in general, there will be frequent reference to contemporary issues and problems, and to their historical antecedents. The approach will incorporate a blend of published economic and financial data, and as far as possible, international comparisons.

Business Decision Modelling

15 credits

This module is designed to equip students with an advanced set of analytical data modelling tools, including optimisation, prediction and simulation, to effectively manage and support business decision-making. The module extends students' skill sets developed in the first year to include problem analysis, model building, application, and evaluation, to reflect the technical skills required in the workplace. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.

Rapid App Development for Business

15 credits

This module introduces the principles of rapid app development, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and technologies required to quickly develop a typical information architecture solution that works using low or no code technologies. Students will gain experience in designing and implementing prototype solution using one of the most popular no-code environments, Mendix. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving, and student-led learning.

Innovation

30 credits

Innovation acts as a key driver for economic growth providing social and economic benefits for local, national and international communities. Without innovation, our social and economic systems do not function! This module encourages you to understand how innovation actually happens by carrying out a practical innovation audit within a large established organisation. You will identify critical issues and skills needed to achieve entrepreneurially driven innovation. Since employers are seeking creative students who are able to initiate and participate in innovation activity, this module will enhance your employability in the wider world of work.

Psychology for Business and Management

30 credits

Psychology is a diverse scientific discipline comprising several major branches of research which study the mind and behaviour from different angles. Among these major branches of research, some produce knowledge which are highly relevant for business and management. The application of psychology to business and management issues occurs in several subareas of applied psychology, such as business psychology and, more recently, behavioural science.

This module introduces you to key concepts in business psychology and behavioural science and teaches you how to make good use of quality research to inform data and evidence-based management practices through learning to evaluate the reliability, validity, and significance of the latest psychological evidence relevant to business and management issues. It also enables you to learn how to adopt a scientist-practitioner focus to connect with various end-users of psychology research for business and management.

Data Driven Decision Making

30 credits

This module is for students who are interested in management decision making and is designed to equip students with an advanced set of analytical and technical tools, including inferential data analysis, optimisation, prediction and simulation, to effectively manage and support business decision-making. Students will also gain a critical understanding of issues regarding the collection of data and the correct application of statistical techniques in a business context. The module builds upon the skills gained during Business Information Analysis and develops students' abilities for problem analysis, model building, application, and evaluation. Students will develop and extend their technical skills to reflect those required in the workplace. This will enable students to make decisions on a more informed basis. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Foundation year- Business

If you would like to study this business degree at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc(Hons) course, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Kingston Business School Accreditations

Kingston Business School holds the prestigious international accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in recognition of the excellence of its business education. This accreditation has been earned by just 5% of the world's business schools and recognises the high quality and standard of our business degree offerings.

AACSB Accredited logo

Entry requirements

If you would like to join us through Clearing 2023, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334 (or +44 020 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK) and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable hotliners who will be able to provide information on available courses and will guide you through your options.

Please note the entry requirements listed below are for 2024 entry only.

Typical offer 2024

  • 120-136 UCAS tariff points (to include at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications); Degree with foundation year 64 points.
  • BTEC Lvl3 National: Distinction, Distinction, Merit (DDM).
  • Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Typical offer 2023

  • 112-128 UCAS tariff points (to include at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications); Degree with foundation year 48 points
  • BTEC Lvl3 National: Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
  • Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Additional requirements

Entry on to this course does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio

International

  • We welcome applications from International Applicants. Please view our standard entry requirements from your country
  • All non-UK applicants must meet our English Language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no element below 5.5

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking coursework assignments, and preparing and giving presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, support you throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University. 

Your workload

Year 1

Year 2

Final year

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 304 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 896 hours
Year 2
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 198 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 702 hours
Final year
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 198 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 702 hours

 

  • Year 1 -  25% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity
  • Year 2 -  22% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity
  • Final year -  22% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:

Year 1

Year 2

Final year

Year 1
  • Coursework: 83%
  • Practical: 17%
  • Exam: 0%
Year 2
  • Coursework: 93%
  • Practical: 7%
  • Exam: 0%
Final year
  • Coursework: 93%
  • Practical: 7%
  • Exam: 0%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback to you on your assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

This can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on this course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Student academic mentors also provide support during certain tutorials / seminars, under the supervision of the module leader.

The following group of staff members are currently involved in the delivery of different elements of this course. This pool is subject to change at any time within the academic year.

Course fees and funding

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students)

£9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250

International

Year 1 (2024/25): £16,200 
Year 2 (2025/26): £16,800
Year 3 (2026/27): £17,500
Year 4 (2027/28): £18,200

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught international fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2023/24 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2023/24 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students)

£9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250

International

Year 1 (2023/24): £14,300 
Year 2 (2024/25): £14,700
Year 3 (2025/26): £15,100
Year 4 (2026/27): £15,500

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught international fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks – this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Field trips

There may be the opportunity for optional day trips to companies in London. The cost would be approximately £30 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placement

There is an internship option in the second year. Travel for this will vary according to the location of the internship and whether travel costs are covered by the internship provider, but for a London-based internship, the cost of a London Travelcard for zones 1-6 for three months could cost up to £600.

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

Work placements

Our course offers a work placement to help you develop your skills and gain invaluable experience, this option will also help you to:

  • Improve your career choices: Business experience and placements help you to make better-informed career choices and help you stand out from the competition when you look for a job
  • Help with your studies: Statistics indicate that on average students who do placements get better results in their final year
  • Develop your professional skills: Preparing you for your career
  • Increase your employability: Each year many of our students receive graduate job offers from their placement employer.

After you graduate

This course meets the needs of the continuously evolving careers in marketing and advertising, including brand and marketing communications managers, market researchers, media planners and buyers, account executives, copywriters, as well as advertising and social media managers. Many graduates progress to postgraduate study.

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.