BA (Hons) Marketing Management with Foundation Year
Step into the world of strategic marketing and innovation. Learn to lead, analyse trends, and drive brand growth with the skills top employers demand in today’s data-driven, customer-focused marketplace.
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Typical offer: 48
Entry requirements -
Fees: £5,760 per year (UK)
Full details -
UCAS code: N592
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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
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Study abroad option
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Accredited by Digital Marketing Institute (DMI)
92% satisfaction for learning resources (National Student Survey, 2025)1
Learn from experts with experience with brands like L’Oréal, National Gallery and Unilever, and top UK agencies
Course overview
The BA (Hons) Marketing Management with Foundation Year is an innovative four-year degree that combines an introductory foundation year with a full honours programme. It gives you extra time to build your knowledge, develop the skills needed for university study, and explore the exciting world of marketing before starting your degree. Upon successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress directly onto the degree, ready to make the most of your university experience.
This course is designed for future marketing leaders who want to combine strategic insight with creative thinking and data-driven decision-making. Whether you’re interested in brand management, market research, customer experience or digital innovation, this degree prepares you to thrive in today’s competitive marketing landscape.
The BA (Hons) Marketing Management with Foundation Year degree at the University of Hertfordshire is shaped by industry demand and informed by employer input, ensuring you graduate with the practical skills and strategic mindset that businesses need. You’ll explore core areas such as marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, campaign planning, data analysis, and digital communications, all grounded in real-world case studies and live client projects.
You’ll develop advanced communication, analytical and leadership skills that are highly sought after by employers. From your first year, you’ll build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your ability to manage marketing challenges across a range of industries and channels. Modules, co-curricular badges, and placement or study abroad opportunities allow you to tailor your learning and expand your horizons.
Graduates go on to successful careers as marketing managers, brand executives, insight analysts, campaign planners, and digital specialists, working for companies like Disney, TUI, and Unilever, or thriving in SMEs and start-ups. If you want a marketing degree that equips you with strategic depth, practical skills, and a strong industry edge, this course is for you.
Why choose this course?
The BA (Hons) Marketing Management with Foundation Year is a four-year degree designed to maximise your potential from day one. The integrated foundation year provides additional time to develop key professional, creative and digital skills, ensuring you begin your honours studies with confidence and a strong foundation for future success.
Our marketing management course is shaped by employer insight and market demand, combining strategic depth with practical application: From brand development to data analysis, everything you study reflects the skills employers value most.
You’ll work on live briefs, client-led projects, and marketing simulations: Gaining hands-on experience and building a job-ready portfolio that showcases your creative and strategic abilities.
Our academic team blends research excellence with professional experience at leading brands like Unilever, TUI, and L'Oréal: You’ll benefit from their deep knowledge and active industry links.
With optional placements, study abroad, and co-curricular skills badges in areas like project management and leadership: You’ll tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions.
Located just 25 minutes from central London: Our campus offers access to networking events, industry speakers, and employer-led experiences that connect you directly with the heart of the marketing industry.
You’ll learn in sector-leading classrooms and digital labs: With access to the Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE), personal tutors, and career coaches.
Strong employment prospects: Over 91% of undergraduates being in work or study (Graduate Outcomes, 2026)2.
Professional accreditations
Digital Marketing Institute (DMI)
This course is accredited by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), a leading global authority in digital marketing education. DMI accreditation shows that our course meets high industry standards and stays up to date with the latest trends and best practices. This recognition gives your qualification international credibility and helps you stand out to employers in the fast-growing digital marketing field.
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
This course is aligned with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the leading professional body for marketers. As our strategic partner, CIM helps ensure the course reflects current industry practice and supports the development of relevant, in-demand marketing skills.
Your future career
Graduates have secured roles at Tesco, Disney, TUI, and Unilever, applying strategic and digital marketing skills developed through real-world projects. The course builds transferable skills valued across sectors. Over 91% of undergraduates being in work or study (Graduate Outcomes, 2026)2.
Possible roles of employment for marketing management graduates include:
- marketing manager
- brand executive
- market research analyst
- campaign planner
- customer experience manager
- marketing strategist.
Employability is embedded throughout the course, through live projects, industry certifications, career coaching, and skills development, ensuring you graduate with the confidence, experience, and portfolio needed to stand out in the competitive marketing industry.
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) Marketing Management with Foundation Year at the University of Hertfordshire blends creative marketing learning with practical, industry‑focused experience.
In your first year (foundation year / level 0), you’ll develop core academic, digital, creative and professional skills while building confidence and preparing for degree‑level study in a supportive environment.
Building on your foundation year launchpad, from your second year (level 4), you’ll study alongside students on the main marketing programme. To support flexible study, teaching is typically scheduled across two days per week, giving you around 10–12 contact hours through a blend of interactive workshops, seminars, group projects, marketing simulations and independent study. Assessments have a strong focus on real‑world application; expect marketing plans, creative briefs, presentations, digital campaigns and collaborative projects.
You’ll build a strong foundation in core marketing disciplines, including consumer behaviour, communication, digital marketing, branding and marketing strategy. You’ll also develop key academic, professional and analytical skills, preparing you to specialise further in marketing management as you progress through your degree.
In your third year (level 5), you will deepen your understanding through applied learning in modules like Managing Marketing Projects and Teams and Customer Relationships and Experience. You'll work on live briefs and begin building a portfolio that demonstrates your readiness for professional roles.
Your final year (level 6) is about applying your expertise. You’ll lead your own strategic project, analyse market trends, and explore entrepreneurial thinking. This final year is designed to prepare you for the transition into graduate employment or further study.
Throughout the course, you'll also complete a Personal and Professional Development Module, which develops essential soft skills like communication, digital literacy, and adaptability—helping you build a Graduate Success Portfolio that evidences your skills, experience, and industry readiness.
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, our marketing management students are 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 goals, and support your academic, professional and personal growth.
You’ll also benefit from guidance within your modules through your Programme Leader, expert module leaders, and Teaching Assistants. They provide tailored support to help you understand complex marketing concepts, tackle assessments with confidence, and build the skills needed for success in class and beyond.
When it comes to your future, our Future Success team is here to help you prepare for the world of work. From one-to-one career coaching and CV advice to LinkedIn workshops, mock interviews and access to placements and graduate roles, you’ll get practical support that aligns with your ambitions, whether that’s agency life, brand consultancy, or launching your own venture.
For academic skills support, our Herts Academic Skills for the Business School (HAS-BUS) and personalised guidance on academic writing, numeracy, referencing and study skills, all designed to help you thrive in assessments.
You’ll also be part of our vibrant business school student voice community, where student reps meet regularly with staff to ensure your experience is inclusive, collaborative and future-focused.
Whatever your goals, we’re committed to helping you get there, with support that’s accessible, personalised, and built around your success.
Optional placement year
At the end of your third 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 third 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 third and fourth of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.
At the end of your third 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 third 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 third and fourth 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
From the moment you join the Foundation Year, you are part of the Hertfordshire Business School community. Throughout your first year, you'll build academic confidence, develop essential professional skills and immerse yourself in university life on our College Lane Campus, with expert teaching at Hertfordshire International College - with access to the full range of university facilities, support services and learning resources.
For the remaining years of your degree, you’ll be taught on our de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre offering both open and private study spaces. You’ll also have access to online self-study materials to further support your learning.
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.
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.
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
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.
Ready to apply?
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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 |
Apply through Clearing
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 Year 1 | £5,760 for the 2026/2027 academic year |
| Full time Year 2 onwards | £10,050 for the 2027/2028 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 | |
|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Marketing Management with Foundation Year - Full Time, Sem A | Download PDF |
| BA (Hons) Marketing Management with a Year Abroad with Foundation Year - Full Time, Sem A | Download PDF |
| BA (Hons) Marketing Management with Placement Year with Foundation Year - Full Time, Sem A | Download PDF |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
|
Applications open to international and EU students |
No |
Course length |
Full Time, 4 YearsFull Time, 5 YearsSandwich, 5 Years |
