BA (Hons) Digital Marketing and Advertising (2026 entry)
Unleash your creativity and master in-demand digital skills with a course designed for the future of marketing. Work on real campaigns, explore emerging tech, and graduate career-ready with industry certifications and hands-on experience.
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Typical offer: 112
Entry requirements -
Fees: TBC
Full details -
UCAS code: N950
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Course length: Various
Find out more -
Location:
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
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Institute code: H36
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Work placement option
Find out more -
Study abroad option
Find out more
Build a job-ready portfolio through live client briefs and real-world digital campaigns
Gain hands-on experience with tools like Hootsuite, Google Analytics, and Meta Ads Manager
Graduate with a globally recognised Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) certification
Course overview
This dynamic degree is perfect for aspiring digital marketers and creatives who want to shape the future of marketing. Blending creativity with technical expertise, the course equips students to craft compelling brand stories, manage digital campaigns, and analyse data to drive impact.
Whether you're looking to work in a fast-paced agency, in-house marketing team, or as a freelancer, this course sets you up for success in roles such as digital marketing executive, content strategist, social media manager, or campaign planner.
The programme is industry-informed and accredited by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), ensuring you graduate with a recognised professional certification alongside your degree. You’ll gain practical experience using tools like Adobe, Google Ads & Analytics, and Meta Ads Manager, while learning to design and execute integrated marketing communications across platforms.
Through live client briefs, marketing hackathons and creative workshops, you’ll build a portfolio that showcases your abilities in search engine optimisation (SEO), Pay Per Click, UX design, content marketing, and campaign strategy. You’ll also explore emerging technologies, such as AI and data-driven marketing, in various modules.
Designed around real-world expectations, the course embeds professional development and career readiness from the start. You'll develop key skills in communication, storytelling, leadership, and digital literacy; giving you the edge in a competitive job market.
Whether you dream of working with top brands or launching your own agency, this course provides the expertise, experience and confidence to thrive in the digital marketing and advertising world.
Why choose this course?
From day one, you'll engage with real-world marketing challenges through live briefs, consultancy projects, and digital campaign simulations: Our strong links with brands and agencies mean you’ll graduate with a portfolio packed with professional work which showcases your experience.
This course is accredited by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI): Giving you access to a globally recognised certification. Employers value this extra credential, which proves your readiness for roles in social media, content marketing, and digital strategy.
You’ll explore a powerful combination of creativity and data: Learning everything from copywriting and UX design to SEO, Google Ads, and campaign performance analysis. Modules like Click to Convert and Marketing Disrupted keep you ahead of digital trends and technologies.
Based on our modern de Havilland campus: You’ll benefit from access to specialist labs, 24/7 study zones, and Adobe Express. Our location, just 25 minutes from central London, puts you in easy reach of marketing hubs and major industry events.
Choose to study abroad, take a placement year, or gain employment experience for a tailored degree experience: The final-year capstone project lets you design and deliver a digital campaign from concept to execution working with a live client. Giving you one final boost of experience which employers are after.
Learn from experts: You will develop your knowledge from academic staff with backgrounds in creative agencies, digital marketing, branding, and strategy. They bring deep sector insight and industry connections into the classroom.
Achieve success after graduation: 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021/22).
Professional accreditations
Digital Marketing Institute (DMI)
This course is professionally accredited by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), a globally recognised authority in digital marketing standards. The DMI sets the benchmark for digital marketing education and ensures the course content is aligned with the latest industry expectations and employer needs.
DMI Certified Digital Marketing Associate (CDMA)
As part of your degree, you’ll work towards the DMI Certified Digital Marketing Associate (CDMA) qualification. This globally recognised certification signals to employers that you’ve mastered essential digital skills across areas such as SEO, social media marketing, content strategy, paid media, and data analytics.
Accreditation by the DMI also means you benefit from access to exclusive resources, industry insights, and the DMI global network, helping you stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies. Your learning is guided by frameworks used in leading digital agencies and global brands, ensuring you graduate with the practical, up-to-date knowledge that employers expect.
In a competitive job market, this dual qualification, your degree plus DMI certification, gives you an edge when applying for digital marketing roles across the UK and internationally. It reflects both academic achievement and professional competence, boosting your employability and career confidence from day one.
Your future career
Graduates have gone on to roles at Disney, Renault Group and TUI, while others thrive in start-ups and agencies. Skills in SEO, social media, and campaign strategy meet industry demand and open doors across sectors. With such a creative course that nurtures and develops your potential, it is no wonder that 93% of graduates go on to work and/or further study (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).
Possible roles of employment for digital marketing and advertising graduates include:
- SEO/SEM specialist
- marketing manager
- digital marketing executive
- social media manager
- content marketing strategist
- PPC campaign manager
- creative advertising planner.
Employability is embedded into every aspect of the course, once you set foot on campus you will learn from live briefs and industry tools to professional certifications and career coaching, ensuring you graduate with the confidence, experience, and skills to succeed in the fast-paced world of digital marketing and advertising.
See what recent graduates are up to
Ashley Joseph
Digital and Social Media Manager at Football Foundation
Meet Ashley Joseph who has combined his social media skills and his passion for football to forge a successful career.
Ashley is currently the Digital and Social Media Manager at the Football Foundation. He manages the Foundation's social media output and digital projects.
Time at Herts
Ashley knew in his final year that he wanted to work in social media and he has combined this with his passion for football. His first opportunity arose with the Middlesex FA back and he hasn't looked back since.
When reflecting on his time at the University Ashley feels it played a huge part in his development. ‘My course was great. It covered a wide range of marketing principles which helped make me a more rounded and employable person than many of the other people in my industry.
Some of my final year projects where we had the ability to be as creative as possible really helped set me up for some of the things I have encountered in the working world. The fact that the course also offered an optional placement year (which I took up) helped me to secure a job very soon after graduating.’
Words of advice
Ashley is very forthcoming when giving advice for anyone hoping to get into the industry, ‘Use your spare time and summer holidays to get as much practical experience as possible. Internships and placements are invaluable even if it's just a few weeks here and there.’.
And when talking about the social aspect of University life he says, 'Get involved in as much as possible. Societies, clubs, events; just do as much as possible as you'll meet some great people and it will help you become a better more rounded person. '.
What the future holds
Ashley has set his sights high and adds, ‘I want to continue in the football industry and hopefully work my way up to a marketing manager/social media manager role at a big football club. I'd love to work abroad too’.
Wai Shan Chen (Shanice)
Marketing Director and Entrepreneur at Freelance copywriter and Entrepreneur
Meet Wai Shan Cheng (Shanice) who has gained a wide portfolio of skills since graduating. She is currently a freelance copywriter and entrepreneur.
Path to success
Shanice feels that her degree from the University of Hertfordshire provided her with the key principles of marketing to put her on the path to success in her career. She feels the most useful element of the course was the experience of working with others to complete group projects, a skill she uses daily in her current business.
After graduating, Shanice gained experience as a Marketing Executive in the Neon Light Manufacturing Company. This role enabled her to build on her current skills as well as exposing her to other key skills like customer handling, product management and trade show knowledge. Shanice feels that gaining this direct marketing experience after graduation has been key to both her inspiration as an entrepreneur, and her career achievements. Following this role, she worked for a pay TV channel for eight years assisting with channel promotion and marketing services.
Entrepreneur
Shanice founded her company, Kiana Handcraft, in early 2015. She had originally started making handmade hair bows and bow ties during her spare time. However, she soon decided to roll out her products to a wider audience by launching an online shop on Shopify through which she markets and sells her products. Shanice is involved in all aspects of running the company – including monitoring the website, sourcing fabric and materials, accounting, order enquiries and distribution.
In addition to running Kiana Handcraft in her spare time, Shanice joined Panda Group at the start of 2015 as a freelance copywriter. The company offers a full service Brand Design & Marketing Agency. Current clients include Citibank, Disneyland, HSBC, Nielsen, Morgan Stanley and Cathay Pacific. Having proved herself indispensable, Shanice is now their permanent Marketing Director. The role includes seizing new business opportunities, producing cost-effective marketing strategies to clients, and providing detailed costings.
Future goals
In the future Shanice would like to focus on her focus business and work on collaborations: 'I have just started an exciting new collaboration with Kiana Handcraft and the Hong Kong Jockey Club for a crossover promotion with their Swarovski Brooch for Silver Purse Day. My long term goal is to get 5000 likes on Facebook and roll out Kiana Handcraft world-wide'.
What you'll study
The BA (Hons) Digital Marketing and Advertising course is delivered full-time over three years, with flexible options including a sandwich year for placement or study abroad. The structure is designed to balance creative practice, strategic thinking, and digital expertise through a blend of workshops, live briefs, hackathons, and interactive seminars.
In your first year you'll build strong foundations in marketing principles, consumer behaviour, and brand storytelling. You’ll explore key themes such as creative content creation and digital platforms while developing essential academic and professional skills.
Your second year focuses on applying skills in real-world contexts. You’ll design digital strategies, analyse user journeys, and work on integrated campaigns through modules like Click to Convert and From Insights to Impact. Career development and industry engagement are key, with opportunities to build a portfolio and take on live client work.
In your third year, you'll be prepared for the professional world. In the Showstopper Project, you’ll design and deliver a full digital marketing campaign. You’ll also explore the future of marketing in areas such as AI, sustainability, and innovation.
Throughout all three years, you’ll complete the Personal and Professional Development modules, focused on building the core soft skills every business student needs, communication, digital literacy, time management, resilience, and leadership. You'll also have the chance to earn additional tailored skills, from project management to advanced presentation techniques, to tailor your journey and stand out further.
All of this feeds into your Graduate Success Portfolio, a powerful showcase of your capabilities, experience, and readiness for the workplace.
What if I need support?
At Herts, you’re never on your own. From day one, you’ll be supported by a dedicated Personal Tutor, your advisor, coach and mentor throughout your journey. They’ll help you navigate university life, track your progress, and support your personal, academic and professional development.
In your modules, you’ll also benefit from tailored support from your Programme Leader, module leaders and Teaching Assistants, who are on hand to help you understand subject content, manage assessments, and build confidence in your academic work.
You’ll also have access to the Future Success team, who provide one-to-one career coaching, CV and LinkedIn support, mock interviews, and access to internships, placements and graduate roles. Whether you want to work in a creative agency, set up your own freelance business or join a global brand, they’ll help you take your next step.
For academic skills support, our in-house Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) offers workshops and personalised guidance on academic writing, numeracy, referencing and study skills, all designed to help you thrive in assessments.
We’re also proud of our business school student voice community, where student reps meet regularly with staff to ensure your learning experience stays relevant, inclusive, and engaging.
Wherever you want to go, we’re here to help you get there, with support that’s personalised, approachable, and focused on your success.
Optional sandwich year
At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge boost to your CV.
Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.
We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.
Disney, IBM, Porsche, Toyota, Body Shop, and Hugo Boss are just a few of the many organisations that have benefited from advertising and marketing placement students.
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.
At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge boost to your CV.
Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.
We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.
Disney, IBM, Porsche, Toyota, Body Shop, and Hugo Boss are just a few of the many organisations that have benefited from advertising and marketing placement students.
Find out more about work placementsYou 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 study abroad optionsWhere 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
Our teaching team brings together a powerful mix of academic excellence and real-world industry experience. You’ll learn from lecturers who are not only experts in digital marketing theory, but who have also worked extensively in agencies, brand management, creative direction, and digital campaign strategy. Their insights are shaped by years of hands-on experience with clients ranging from start-ups to global brands, ensuring your learning reflects current industry practices.
Many of our staff remain actively engaged in the marketing and advertising sector, consulting on live briefs, delivering workshops to professionals, and maintaining partnerships with agencies and organisations. This means your learning is enriched with real examples, up-to-date tools, and practical know-how.
Our team also includes published researchers who lead cutting-edge studies into influencer culture, AI in marketing, consumer behaviour, and ethical advertising. This research-led teaching ensures you’re learning the latest thinking while developing the critical skills needed to innovate in a fast-changing field.
You’ll also be supported by technical specialists in areas like Adobe, content production, and data analytics, giving you confidence in the tools you’ll use throughout your career.
With a blend of practical experience and academic insight, our team is here to inspire, challenge, and guide you towards success.
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.
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.
| Typical offer (UCAS points) | (enter tariff range) |
|---|---|
| Typical A Level offer | (enter range) |
| Typical IB offer | (enter range) |
| Typical BTEC offer | (enter range) |
| Typical T Level offer | (enter range) |
| GCSE | EG: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/D Mathematics |
| Access courses | EG: An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3. |
| Additional information | Find out more about our standard and contextual 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. |
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| Additional information | Find out more about International Entry Requirements. |
Ready to apply?
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 | Find out more |
International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK
Apply through Clearing
Our Clearing hotline is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10.00-16.45, Tuesday 11.00-16.45 and Friday 10.00-15.45. When the phone line is closed, please apply online.
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.
| Fees for 2026 entry will be published soon |
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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. |
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| 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 course fact sheet. |
More about the course
| Additional information | |
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Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |
Course length |
Full Time, 3 YearsPart Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years |
