Clearing places available

BA (Hons) Business and Marketing

Explore the power of branding, storytelling, and strategy with a flexible degree that blends business insight and marketing creativity. Gain hands-on experience, build your portfolio, and graduate ready to thrive in a digital-first marketing world.

Apply via Clearing

Get info and updates

Typical offer: 112
Entry requirements
Fees: £9,790 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: NN1M
Course length: Various
Find out more
Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36
Work placement option
Find out more
Study abroad option
Find out more

One of only four CIM strategic university UK partners

Course content driven by industry certifications

A practical, coursework-based degree focused on real life challenges

Business at Herts

Course overview

The BA (Hons) Business and Marketing gives you a strong foundation in business while introducing you to the role marketing plays in helping organisations understand customers, communicate value, and make informed decisions. It is designed for students who want to develop broad business knowledge with the opportunity to explore marketing as a key area of practice.

You’ll study core areas of business such as leadership, data analysis, budgeting, project management, entrepreneurship, and responsible decision-making. Alongside this, you’ll examine how businesses use marketing to understand customer behaviour, build relationships, develop brands, and respond to changing commercial environments.

As the course progresses, you’ll explore topics such as consumer insight, brand impact, communication and marketing strategy. These areas are taught in a practical and applied way, helping you connect business theory with real organisational challenges.

The course is informed by current business and industry practice, ensuring that your learning reflects the skills employers value. Through applied assessments, live or simulated briefs, teamwork, and practical projects, you’ll build confidence in problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Graduates will be prepared for a wide range of business and marketing-related roles, including graduate management, business development, marketing, brand support, communications, social media, project coordination, and agency or client-side work. The course also develops transferable skills that are valued across many sectors.

With the option to take a placement or study abroad, and opportunities to build a personalised graduate success portfolio, you’ll graduate with a rounded understanding of business and a clear appreciation of how marketing contributes to organisational success.

Why choose this course?

Gain hands-on experience: You’ll work on real campaigns, tackle live briefs, and take part in hackathons and storytelling challenges. Modules like Brand Impact and Advanced Marketing Strategy and Practice prepare you for the realities of agency and in-house roles alike.

Learn from experts: Our teaching team includes academics with strong industry backgrounds in branding, advertising, social media, and business consultancy: Their insight ensures that every lecture is rooted in what’s happening now across the marketing landscape.

Tailor your course: With the option to take a placement year, short work experience, or study abroad, you can personalise your learning journey. Our graduate success portfolio and Personal and Professional Development modules help you build confidence, self-awareness, and a portfolio that employers will want to see.

Just 25 minutes from central London: You’ll have access to industry events, employer-led workshops, and a growing network of creative and commercial professionals.

Strong employment prospects: Over 90% of undergraduates are in work/study (Graduate Outcomes, 2025)¹, going on to roles in digital marketing, social media, brand strategy, and content creation. This course gives you the edge to stand out.

Your future career

Graduates go on to roles in digital marketing, brand management, content creation, and consultancy. The course builds in-demand skills in strategy, creativity, and analytics, with over 90% of undergraduates are in work or study (Graduate Outcomes, 2025)¹.

Possible roles of employment for business and marketing graduates include:

marketing executive
brand manager
social media strategist
content marketing specialist
marketing analyst
campaign manager.

Employability is embedded throughout the course, from live briefs and portfolio development to professional accreditation and career coaching, ensuring you graduate with the creative thinking, strategic insight, and real-world experience needed to succeed in today’s competitive marketing and business landscape.

What you'll study

The BA (Hons) Business and Marketing course at Herts gives you a broad understanding of business, with the opportunity to explore how marketing supports organisations, customers, and commercial decision-making. The course is structured to help you build confidence, develop practical skills, and apply your learning to real business situations.

You’ll typically have 10–12 contact hours per week, delivered through interactive workshops, seminars, practical projects, and team-based learning. Teaching is applied and informed by current business practice, helping you connect theory with workplace challenges. Assessment is 100% coursework-based, with no exams, allowing you to build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your business knowledge, professional skills, and developing marketing awareness.

In your first year, you’ll be introduced to core areas of business, including marketing, operations, innovation, and academic and professional skills. This gives you a strong foundation and helps you understand how different parts of an organisation work together.

In your second year, you’ll continue to develop your business knowledge while exploring marketing in more depth through modules such as Entrepreneurial Marketing in Practice and Responsible Marketing. You’ll also focus on career development and have the option to take a placement or study abroad.

In your third year, you’ll apply your learning to more advanced business and marketing challenges, including areas such as strategy, brand impact, and responsible decision-making. You’ll complete a Live Business Challenge and finalise your Graduate Success Portfolio, helping you evidence your skills, experience, and career readiness.

By the end of the course, you’ll graduate with a rounded business education, supported by practical marketing knowledge and transferable skills that can be applied across a wide range of business, management, marketing, and professional roles.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Skills for Success in Marketing	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces you to the foundational skills required to succeed in modern workplaces, such as effective communication, digital literacy, analytical thinking, team collaboration and time and task management skills, modelling the UH graduate attributes. You will also be introduced to critical skills for business and marketing relevant to your programme of study, such as market research, digital marketing, and marketing communication. The module provides experiential learning through workshops and real-world projects to build confidence and competence. Students have the additional opportunity to obtain badges as they compete with peers to develop skills including financial literacy, presentation techniques, career exploration, business and personal branding, networking, emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, data skills, and Microsoft Office Specialist Certification.
Developing Your Future Career in Marketing	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will help you explore with curiosity the career pathways relevant to business administration and marketing. Whether you are interested in a professional career in marketing, market research analyst, business development, or are an entrepreneur considering starting your own business, this module will encourage you to undertake investigation into the options available, reflect on how these match your own motivations, skills and attributes, and will lead to the development of aspirational goals and plans as you begin to develop a personal portfolio for future success in your chosen field.
Business Decisions in Practice	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will provide students with an interactive and practical learning experience that mirrors real-world organisational challenges. It encourages the development of decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills by engaging students in activities that replicate the dynamics of a business environment. Participants will gain insights into the complexities of managing various business functions and the impact of their decisions in a competitive context.
Supporting personal and business professional practice (SPP)	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module supports students as they transition into university by developing essential academic, digital, and personal skills. Through a diagnostic and tutor-led check-ins, students build a tailored development plan and complete a core skills pathway. They also choose three additional soft skill areas to grow, such as confidence, communication, or career planning. A final portfolio evidences their progress. The module fosters independence, engagement, and belonging; laying a strong foundation for future academic and professional success.
Entrepreneurial Leadership for Social Impact	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will prepare you to become responsible future leaders and to contribute positively to society through the exploration of social enterprise. The focus is on understanding the practical considerations and offers you the opportunity to work as part of a team to develop a social enterprise concept. This will provide you with practical entrepreneurship experience and develop work-ready skills. You will develop a social enterprise idea, including a business plan, and pitch the idea to entrepreneurs. You will then explore the implementation of your idea. Through the reflection on your team's performance, you will develop your awareness of the critical success factors in social entrepreneurship and the skills and approaches that you can take forward into any career.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Entrepreneurial Marketing in Practice	30 Credits	Compulsory
On this module you will explore advanced marketing concepts in entrepreneurial contexts, adopting creative problem-solving, strategic thinking, and inclusive approaches. You will analyse marketing challenges for a real venture proposal, developing innovative solutions, and applying learning through practical workshops to create an entrepreneurial marketing plan. The module fosters adaptability, teamwork, and professional communication while developing skills to design effective marketing plans. With a focus on entrepreneurial dynamics, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of resource-efficient strategies and the importance of diversity in addressing contemporary marketing challenges.
Sustainability Impact Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module equips students with the knowledge, skills, and tools to address sustainability challenges through innovative, impactful solutions. Students explore systems thinking, sustainability strategies, and the integration of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Key areas include project management, sustainable operations, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through applied projects, students critically evaluate and measure the impact of sustainability initiatives. They develop transferable skills such as leadership, communication, and collaboration, preparing them for roles in driving positive change within diverse, global contexts.
Developing Personal and Business Professional Practice (DPP)	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module helps students enhance their academic, digital, and professional skills through personalised development planning, reflective practice, and portfolio-building. Students complete a diagnostic, attend three Personal Tutor meetings, and engage with core and elective skill pathways, including communication, teamwork, personal branding, and problem-solving. Direct entrants are supported to complete essential Level 4 skills. The module encourages engagement with real-world opportunities such as internships, online courses, and competitions, preparing students for final-year study, career planning, and future employability.
Live Business Challenge	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module equips you with the knowledge and tools to tackle real-world business issues through interdisciplinary approaches. You will develop strategic thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills by integrating theoretical understanding and practical applications. With a focus on emerging technologies, sustainability, and ethical business practices, this module prepares you for the dynamic challenges of the global business environment.
Responsible Marketing	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores how marketing can address social and environmental challenges, equipping you with the skills to create impactful campaigns that drive positive change in the business industry. You'll examine how businesses promote sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility while learning to design strategies that support company to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). You'll apply marketing principles in solving sustainable business and marketing problems by inspiring behavioural change and develop solutions to pressing global issues preparing you for a purpose-driven career in marketing.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Advanced Marketing Strategy and Practice	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module develops advanced strategic marketing and decision-making skills. You will explore frameworks for competitive analysis, business positioning, and data-driven strategy formulation. Through practical applications, you will design marketing plans, integrate consultancy fundamentals, and leverage social and digital networks to create innovative solutions. The module also addresses global marketing challenges, emphasising resource allocation, performance evaluation, and professional communication. Students gain transferable skills in collaboration, teamwork, and strategic networking for sustainable business growth.
Brand Impact: Crafting Personal and Corporate Identities	30 Credits	Compulsory
On this module you will explore the strategic principles of personal and organizational branding, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to create impactful brand identities. You will learn topics like brand management fundamentals, personal branding for career advancement, employer branding, and global cultural intelligence. You will have the chance in developing practical expertise in crafting CVs, LinkedIn profiles, and business branding strategies, leveraging storytelling and digital tools. The module emphasizes effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability, preparing you to navigate competitive professional and multicultural environments with confidence.
Strategic Business Solutions: Applied Consultancy Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will enable you to independently lead a consultancy project aligned with your career aspirations. Using methodologies such as stakeholder analysis, strategic frameworks, and data-driven decision-making, you will analyse real-world challenges and deliver actionable solutions. Practical elements include consultancy projects, placements, or data simulations, offering exposure to authentic business scenarios. You will refine their communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills while using industry-standard tools. By connecting theory to practice, this module equips you with the resilience and confidence needed to address complex business challenges effectively.
Evaluating Personal and Business Professional Practice (EPP)	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module prepares students for life after university by helping them evaluate their skills, experiences, and aspirations. Students complete a final diagnostic, engage in three Personal Tutor meetings, and develop a graduate portfolio including a CV, LinkedIn profile, and personal action plan. Elective skill pathways and engagement with real-world career activities, such as mock interviews, networking events, or assessment centres, support transition into employment or further study. The module fosters confidence, reflection, and a clear sense of professional direction.
Graduate Career Readiness	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will help you reflect, evaluate and apply your value to contemporary business and enterprise settings as you prepare for graduation. Whether you are interested in a professional career, or are an entrepreneur starting your own business, this module will encourage you to reflect on your experiential learning and help you to develop a robust graduate success portfolio demonstrating your competence and confidence. The module will also encourage you to identify priority areas for future development to further enhance your career growth.

What if I need support?

Studying business and marketing at Herts means you’ll be supported every step of the way. From your first day, you’ll be matched with a dedicated Personal Tutor, your advisor, coach, and mentor, who will help you navigate university life, track your progress, and plan for your future in the marketing world.

Within your modules, you’ll benefit from tailored support from your Programme Leader, expert module tutors, and Teaching Assistants. Whether you're planning a campaign, building your portfolio, or developing a strategy presentation, they’ll guide you through your academic journey and help you build the confidence to excel.

You’ll also have access to the Future Success team, who offer one-to-one career coaching, LinkedIn and CV support, mock interviews, and connections to internships, placements, and graduate roles. Whether you’re aiming to join a creative agency, manage social media for a global brand, or launch your own business, they’ll help you take the next step.

For academic support, our Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) provides personalised workshops and guidance on writing, referencing, presenting, and study strategies to help you thrive in every assignment.

You’ll also be part of our business school student voice community, where your feedback helps shape the course and keeps it relevant, inclusive, and inspiring.

Wherever your marketing journey takes you, we’re here to support your success, personally, professionally, and creatively.

Optional placement year

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

Find out more about work placements

You can choose to take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a tremendous personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

More and more companies are now operating on an international scale, and the experience of living in another country will make a significant impression on future employers. Put your knowledge into action, learn how businesses operate, and establish professional connections.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world truly is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office will provide guidance on your options to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you will not be required to pay any tuition fees, whether it is to the partner university or to us.

Find out more about study abroad options

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

Find out more about work placements

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world truly is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office will provide guidance on your options to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you will not be required to pay any tuition fees, whether it is to the partner university or to us.

Find out more about study abroad options

Where you'll study

You'll be taught on our modern de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, offering open and private study spaces. You also get online self-study materials to further support you.

There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.

Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in an inspiring space.

The Student Union bar and additional facilities are only a 20 minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus, on College Lane. Student housing is available at both campuses.

A train to central London takes just over 20 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.

Who you'll learn from

The business and marketing teaching team at Herts brings together a vibrant mix of academic expertise and real-world industry experience. Many of our lecturers have worked in marketing and business roles across sectors including advertising, brand management, digital media, retail, and consultancy.

Staff stay connected to the industry through ongoing consultancy work, research collaborations, and links with professional bodies and marketing agencies. Recent projects have included supporting SMEs with digital transformation, advising on ethical branding strategies, and working on live campaigns with community organisations. These industry touchpoints are brought directly into the classroom through guest speakers, live briefs, and applied teaching methods.

Our team also includes researchers whose work spans digital storytelling, consumer behaviour, social impact marketing, and influencer culture, ensuring the curriculum reflects current trends and challenges in the marketing world.

You’ll also be supported by technical experts who help you gain hands-on skills in tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud, data visualisation platforms, and campaign management software; equipping you with the digital capabilities employers expect.

Together, this blend of practical and academic experience ensures a rich, engaging, and professionally relevant learning experience.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

Entry requirements

Clearing entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis. This also applies to Clearing applications, so if you don’t have the advertised grades, you can submit a Clearing application and we’ll review and consider your application on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	112
Typical A Level offer	BBC
Typical IB offer	112
Typical BTEC offer	DMM
Typical T Level offer	Accounting; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Animal Care Management; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Craft and Design; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design Production, Design and Development; Design Survey & Planning for Construction; Digital Business Services; Digital Support Services; Education and Early Years; Engineering. Manufacturing Processing and Control; Finance; Hair, Beauty and Aesthetics; Health; Healthcare Science; Legal Services; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Marketing; Media, Broadcast and Production; Onsite Construction; Science.
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses	112
Additional information	Find out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	112
Typical A Level offer	BBC
Typical IB offer	112
Typical BTEC offer	DMM
Typical T Level offer	Accounting; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Animal Care Management; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Craft and Design; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design Production, Design and Development; Design Survey & Planning for Construction; Digital Business Services; Digital Support Services; Education and Early Years; Engineering. Manufacturing Processing and Control; Finance; Hair, Beauty and Aesthetics; Health; Healthcare Science; Legal Services; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Marketing; Media, Broadcast and Production; Onsite Construction; Science.
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses	112
Additional information	Find out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

Apply through Clearing now

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Start date	Study type	Apply
September 2026	Full time	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with study abroad year	Apply via UCAS
	Part time	Apply with Herts
September 2027	Full time	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with study abroad year	Apply via UCAS
	Part time	Apply with Herts

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Apply through Clearing

Make sure you've got your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

Apply online and get an instant response

Click to call or dial 0300 303 6300

Find out more before you apply

Our Clearing hotline is open for support, Monday - Thursday 9.00-16.45 and Friday 9.00-15.45. You can apply online at any time.

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,790 for the 2026/2027 academic year
UK students	Part time	£1,190 per 15 credits for the 2026/2027 academic year
EU students	Full time	£17,450 for the 2026/2027 academic year
International students	Full time	£17,450 for the 2026/2027 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries	Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.
Disabled Students' Allowance	The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Student loans	Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.
Accommodation costs	We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.
Additional course fees	Read more about additional fees in the Programme Specification.

More about the course

Programme specifications
Business and Marketing (Full Time, Semester A Intake)	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 YearsPart Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years

BA (Hons) Business and Marketing

Explore the power of branding, storytelling, and strategy with a flexible degree that blends business insight and marketing creativity. Gain hands-on experience, build your portfolio, and graduate ready to thrive in a digital-first marketing world.

What type of applicant are you?

Sign up for Clearing VIP Access

Get info and updates

Sign up for updates

Typical offer: 112

Fees: £9,790 per year (UK)

UCAS code: NN1M

Course length: Various

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Work placement option

Study abroad option

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Your future career

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Optional placement year

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Where you'll study

Who you'll learn from

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Entry requirements

Clearing entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

Apply through Clearing now

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

Undergraduate courses and degrees

Experience

Chat with students and staff

Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield