Marketing and Media

Marketing and Media - BA (Hons)

Discover your creative flair and develop your understanding of the key concepts and practices of contemporary marketing and media. You’ll explore essential themes from digital marketing and consumer behaviour to discovering the evolution of the media and the role it plays in today's society, preparing you for a variety of career pathways.

We are in the process of refreshing our curriculum for the 2025/26 academic year to reflect best practices and the latest advancements in academia. Updated course content and modules will be available on this page in due course.

Year of entry

2025 - for 2025 entry see here - for 2024 entry see here

Course type

Combined Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

Keele Business School School of Humanities

UCAS code

PN35

Duration of study

3 years / 4 years with international, placement or entrepreneurship year

Enquire about this course Clearing vacancies and entry requirements 2024 Book an open day Chat to students

Why study Marketing and Media at Keele University?

Study at Britain's best university, as ranked by students (Student Crowd University Awards, 2022)

Undertake a work placement or entrepreneurship year

Film Studies and Media at Keele: Top 10 in England for student positivity* NSS 2023 (Broad-based universities) *based on overall student satisfaction, which is an average score across 27 questions asked in the NSS

Learn alongside innovative companies based in Keele Business School

On-demand access to the media building – gain practical skills using film, sound and image production facilities

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Studying at Keele Business School

Hear from our students and staff – who share their personal experiences of what it's like to be a part of Keele Business School.

View video transcript

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Course overview

Elevate your expertise in two dynamic subjects on our Marketing and Media BA (Hons) programme.

Studying marketing will provide you with the essential marketing strategies and techniques applicable in today's fast-moving and increasingly digital business world. Relevant, contemporary marketing concepts and theories are explored to enhance your knowledge in specific areas such as consumer, business-to-business, social, and not-for-profit marketing, and you will start to explore the different psychological and social influences on consumer behaviour.

On this creative course you will study the theoretical aspects of media, critically evaluate content and ideas, as well as develop practical skills through optional modules which give you the opportunity to undertake activities such as film making and editing.

There are a number of exciting activities to get involved in across this degree programme including film making, photography, broadcasting and sound recording. These experiences will allow you to showcase and enhance your skill set and apply your learning in a creative setting, using industry-standard equipment.

As you advance in your studies you will be able to choose from a wide variety of optional modules so you can can align your studies with your specific interests or strengths in both marketing and media.

Strengthening your employability

The opportunity to undertake a placement is a valuable experience which will enable you to demonstrate and develop your skill set further.

Media work placement

There may be an option to do a work placement module. This could provide you with a platform to work within an organisation, and further develop your professional skills. You will identify an organisation based on your interests, with the guidance of the module tutors, and will spend a semester engaging with projects and tasks set out by the employer, as well as taught sessions at university.

This may include working at a local radio station, the city council, local football club or film and marketing agencies. Recent student placements include production assistant at a film production company and social media content creator for a charity. Keele Media graduate Kimberley Columbo, now Brand Manager of Nescafe in Amsterdam, told us that her final year work placement at BBC Radio Stoke opened up opportunities that led to her current role.

Work placement year*

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. Choosing a work placement year between your second and third year is a fantastic way to gain industry experience. It can provide a valuable insight into what working in a specific area of business is like, gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with the professional working environment and develop professional networks, and provides the opportunity to apply the theory you’ve learnt on your degree course.

*Students who require a visa to study in the UK may be able to add in a work placement depending upon the programme. The ability to add a work placement is dependent upon the UK Immigration rules at the time of the request. It may be that for some programmes students will not have the option to request a placement period to be added to their programme before they arrive in the UK and would need to apply for a new visa. There is no guarantee that a placement will be provided and that students who have a visa are subject to a number of restrictions on the type of work, including placements they can undertake.

International year

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend a year or a semester studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enables you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks.

It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Entrepreneurship year

An entrepreneurship year gives you the opportunity to showcase your innovative abilities and ideas to develop your business aspirations. If you’ve ever wanted to establish your own start-up or have been inspired by your studies this entrepreneurship year is an amazing opportunity to develop your own business idea. You will undertake your entrepreneurship year working within Keele’s Smart Innovation Hub.

The entrepreneurship pathway is available to UK and international students. For international students, the availability of the entrepreneurship pathway is subject to the latest visa regulations.

Student support

We have a robust support system in place for our students. You will be allocated an academic mentor at the start of the course who will review your progress, meet regularly with you, and is contactable by phone and email. Academics can also provide guidance about specific course modules.

A Student Experience and Support team is based within our Faculty. They are part of the University's student services department and work closely with teams across Keele to you can easily access the help you need.

Extra assistance is provided by our School’s Disability Inclusion Tutor. They provide an additional layer of support for students with disabilities and can advise on matters relating to disability including dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.

You will also have access to a mixture of advice and support services at Keele including;

Learning Support and Academic Guidance
Disability Support and Inclusion
English Language Unit
Student Advice at Keele (ASK)
Student Support Services
Occupational Health Department

Keele Students' Union also offers support through their sabbatical officers.

Societies

We have a wealth of student-led societies here at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles. It's also a great way to make friends and share interests with fellow students.

Related courses

Next steps

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Academic expertise

Our staff in Keele Business School are active researchers in core areas such as accounting, finance, economics, human resource management, marketing and management. Their academic work will inform your learning, incorporating recent theories and current themes to open discussion in your subject area.

There are professional support staff on hand to answer any queries you may have during your undergraduate studies at Keele. Our academics in Keele Business School are multicultural and multinational, bringing an international aspect to the School’s teaching, research and business activities. Currently, academic staff in Media are active researchers in areas such as social media, race and representation, and environmental communication. Some members of staff also have professional experience in visual art production, curating, media design, and video editing, production and direction.

Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

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"Having the opportunity of a placement means I can put my degree into practice in the world of employment and better understand my next steps after graduation. This has helped me to tailor the course to my areas of interest and discover new ones like HRM and law, helping me to broaden my business knowledge."

Georgina, Marketing and Business Management

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Learn a language Placement year International year Study abroad Entrepreneurship year GCP Elective Pathways Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: BBC

BTEC: DMM

T Level: Merit

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBC in three A Levels.

Contextual Offer: CCC in three A Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

Contextual Offer: MMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Merit and Merit in BTEC Diploma and A in one A Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and CC in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

T Level

Merit in any T Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points.

Contextual Offer: 444 in three Higher levels or 27 points.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

112 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BCCCC in five Highers, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCD in three Advanced Highers.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

China - Gaokao

70% in the Gaokao.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

India - Standard XII

Average of 65% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Germany - Abitur

2.4 overall average in the Abitur.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

France - Baccalaureate

12 in the French Baccalaureate/International Option Baccalaureate/Baccalauréate Français International.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

75% in the Esame di Stato.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Cyprus - Apolytirion

17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Portugal

Overall average of 15 in a Secondary Certificate.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Canada - Diploma

60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

443 from three Advanced Placement subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBC in three Advanced Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Malaysia - STPM

BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBC in three H2 Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

European Baccalaureate

70% overall.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBC and a C in EAP English Language module.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBC in three Advanced Level subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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"Keele has given me opportunities, skills and experiences of a lifetime. From studying abroad in Canada, to starting up my own business and being a student ambassador. All of the experiences I have accumulated throughout my degree have contributed towards my current graduate role. Keele provided me with more than just an education, but the people I met and the University as a whole, aided me to develop the transferable skills and knowledge to utilise after University."

Davina, Marketing and Business Management

PRME Champions

Keele Business School (KBS) has been selected for the 2024-2025 cohort of PRME Champions. Consisting of 47 businesses and management schools from around the world, The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) is an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact, focused on raising the bar for sustainable business education. More information about PRME Champions can be found here.

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"Keele was an experience I will never forget. Starting from the gold teaching standard to the lifelong friends created, every bit of the journey extraordinary. I played Basketball for Keele on a scholarship and was the Lead Voice Representative for the Business School in 2021. Coming from Sri Lanka, most of my first year was spent in the SU networking and creating unforgettable experiences. I learned to balance work and entertainment to get the best possible grades I could. Keele gave me responsibilities that taught me valuable life skills such as independence, decision making, organisation and the importance of dedication and passion; all of which have helped me become the successful person I am today."

Salman, Human Resource Management and Marketing

Co-located with businesses

As a Keele Business School student, you will study alongside innovative companies that are based in the Business School building, a hub for fostering networks and linking with industry.

Internships, enterprise and knowledge exchange opportunities

Keele Business School is located at the heart of the Keele University Science & Innovation Park, one of the leading developments of its kind in the UK. The Park offers companies a business environment that provides an innovative research culture, combined with academic expertise and the University’s specialist resources, with a variety of opportunities for students to get involved, from internships, knowledge exchange partnerships, and student enterprise initiatives.

Keele Business School

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Your future career

95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

Keele's Marketing and Media BA will provide you with a fantastic combination of marketing and media knowledge and experience that you will be able to take into your chosen career

At Keele, there are also a range of internships available to students that will enable you to gain real work experience with employers. This may involve full time or part time positions and roles that will allow you to gain a head start in your career.

Having the opportunity to take an internship will develop your practical skills in industries you may wish to pursue after graduation and the chance to engage with paid work during your time at university and beyond. You will be supported by staff and will be able to discuss your options to tailor your interests and career aspirations.

Media students have secured various roles in video production and other content creation for both local businesses, charities and national companies. These include Stoke Football Club, BBC Radio Stoke, NHS and Astrazeneca.

Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do include:

Digital Marketing Manager
Communications Manager
Management Consultant
Chartered Management Accountant
IT Consultant
Sales Executive
Logistics Manager
Banker
Investment Analyst
Operational Researcher
Market Researcher
Marketing Executive
Media Buyer
Media Planner
Advertising Account Executive
Public Relations Officer
Journalist
Broadcaster
Various roles in television

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.

From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

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"I would recommend Media at Keele to anyone because the course covers all bases of future employment, so rather than giving you one specific ability, they keep your opportunities varied "

Dan, Media

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Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching in marketing

At Keele Business School we use a range of different teaching and learning methods depending on the subject theme and module level. This may include:

Lectures
Tutor-led seminars
Problem based tutorials, often based on real world scenarios
Practical, computer laboratory based classes
Directed independent study
Web based self-study exercises using Keele's virtual learning environment the KLE
Students who undertake a placement year also complete a skills audit

Assessment in marketing

A wide variety of assessments are used on this programme that reflect the broad range of skills and knowledge you will develop as your progress on the course. Assessment methods may include:

Vlogs
Video presentations
Essays
Class tests
Final examinations
Individual reports
Group presentations
Portfolios
Work placement reflection

Teaching in media

Media provides an array of diverse teaching styles to promote the understanding of the subject area. You will be taught through lectures and seminars where you will have the opportunity to participate in discussions and group work with your peers. This is a useful method to share ideas and practice with others, to gain confidence in presenting your opinions and applying your knowledge.

You will also take part in practical workshops where you will have a hands-on approach to creating content through practical methods such as film and image production. These sessions will encourage you to get involved and build the personal and professional skills which will inform your ability to work both independently and collaboratively. This is a great way to familiarise yourself with the facilities available and practice using equipment.

Assessment in media

Throughout the duration of the course, you will engage with different assessment methods to challenge the skills and knowledge you have developed. These include:

Essays
Presentations
Practical Projects
Posters
News stories
Magazines
Dissertations

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this section is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

Our foundation year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our foundation year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

Our combined honours foundation year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BA (Hons) Marketing and Media degree. For example, the Foundations of Business 1 module helps you develop appropriate investigative skills in order to analyse financial information and make informed business decisions. Meanwhile, the Foundations of Humanities 1 module introduces introduce you to the broad range of source material across the Humanities disciplines – from music to media – which enable us to analyse political, social or economic perspectives and attitudes to individuals, marginal groups and ‘mainstream’ society. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our foundation year students do.

Find out more about the Keele foundation year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the foundation year homepage.

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

FYO-00247	Foundations: Breaking the code - Understanding Academic Writing	15 credits
FYO-00249	Foundations in Business 1	15 credits
FYO-00257	Foundations in Humanities 1	15 credits
FYO-00251	Foundations In Business 2	15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00255	Advancing Business	30 credits
FYO-00271	University Research Portfolio	30 credits

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.

Between 40-48 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
Relevant work experience

AND

GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

How to apply

Students will need to apply for BA (Hons) Media with foundation year (UCAS code: P9V1) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You will then be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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