Advertising & Digital Marketing BA (Hons)

• Overview

  This is an exciting time to enter the marketing communication industry; as advertisers get to choose between online and offline media for their messages. You will have the opportunity to work across a wide range of digital platforms as well as traditional media as you develop and execute real campaigns as part of your course. The course culminates in a pitch to clients of a top global agency, providing practical preparation for work in advertising and digital marketing roles.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  Course

  Highlights

  • Numerous opportunities for work experience.
  • Active student community with opportunities for collaboration across each year of the programme.
  • Input from industry professionals.
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.

  HP Laptop and software included with this course.*

  *Terms and Conditions apply

  Apply Now Open Days

  
• Course Details

  The advertising industry has been transformed by the digital and social media revolution. From start-ups to big businesses, from social enterprises to charities and the public sector, this discipline offers careers in a wide range of industry sectors.

  Experiences are at the heart of this degree. As well as regular guest speakers and industry visits, we work on real projects with real marketing budgets, operating as a marketing department from the first year. Typically you will be set a brief and then develop and pitch your concept. You will work within brand guidelines, often appointing suppliers, like photographers or design agencies, to deliver your project.

  Professional Bodies

  Elements of this course are recognised by The Chartered Institute of Public Relations and The Market Research Society.

  

  Creative Practical Experiences

  Our students took part in a challenge to design and produce a full body promotional wrap on a black taxi cab to advertise the degree course and the University of Northampton by using case studies of current students. To find out more, check out the story of the BA Advertising & Digital Marketing Taxi Wrap project.

  

  Our final year Advertising & Digital Marketing Students worked alongside the University of Northampton Marketing department for a week. Find out how they got on when they took over the University’s social media platforms in a ‘Student Takeover’, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

  As a student on this course, you will also have the opportunity to join our study trip to New York. Networking and going behind-the-scenes with advertising and marketing professionals, at businesses large and small e.g. an investment bank on Wall Street and a film production company in Manhattan. The New York study trip is optional and the cost in previous years has not exceeded £1000 for flights and accommodation. Students normally allow an additional £200 for their expenses. An additional cost to consider for this programme would be project printing costs. In previous years this has not exceeded £100 per year. Check out our New York trip Pinterest board.

  In addition to providing great learning experiences, this course examines the fundamental areas of thought leadership in advertising and marketing communication. A good grounding in branding, public relations and digital marketing will underpin your future career. You will study all the elements of marketing communications including interactive and e-marketing, sales promotion, marketing research and sponsorship. You will learn about the theory and practice of the tools and obtain the skills required to work in the industry, on both the client and the agency side. Creativity is of critical importance to communications, and you are taught an appreciation of creativity to enable you to recognise good work, and also techniques to develop your own creative skill set.

  Advertising, particularly when executed via digital media channels is more measurable than ever before. The availability of what the industry calls ‘Big data’ to analyse what we consume, see, buy, think, like and believe means that research metrics will inform every marketing campaign. You will also develop the skills to work with customer insight information.

  Methods of Learning

  If you are studying this course you can expect taught study to be a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops, usually for 12 hours per week. We recommend that you spend 24 hours per week in self-directed study time.

  Assessments

  A variety of individual and group-based assessments are used including reports, presentations, posters, e-portfolios, projects, client briefs, multiple-choice tests and examinations.

  Read more

  Additional

  Information

  Optional Work Placement Year

  You are encouraged to undertake a year-long placement in between Stages Two and Three of study. If you meet the entry criteria, and choose to take up a placement year you will find it an invaluable experience that helps you to apply your learning in your final year and prepares you for your career. We offer a lot of support in helping you to find a placement, which can be in the UK or overseas.

• Careers and Events
  • The Northampton Employment Promise.

    *We promise to secure paid experience for you, if you need it.

    We work with employers to understand what they’re looking for and we’re confident that if you follow one of our structured awards, as well as committing to your studies you’ll be in a competitive position when it comes to applying for graduate jobs.

    We’re so confident, that we promise to secure a paid 3-6 month internship for you, if you need it. Find out more about the Northampton Employment Promise, including how it works and who is eligible.

    
  • Open Days

    See for yourself

    Our Open Days offer you a fantastic opportunity to get a real taste of university life at Northampton and discover how studying here will be a life-changing experience.

    Each Open Day has a packed programme of subjects talks, advice sessions and activities designed to give you all the information you need about studying at The University of Northampton.

    To find out more about the day, please feel free to have a look at our Open Day Guide.

    
  • Careers

    Career Opportunities

    The advertising and digital marketing industries provide a wide range of exciting employment opportunities for graduates, including:

    • digital media executive
    • social/online communities manager
    • account manager in a marketing communications agency
    • media planner or buyer
    • advertising planner
    • public relations consultant
    • brand or communications manager within a client organisation

    
• Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply to this course. A typical offer is around BCC at A Level or DMM at BTEC.

  For information on how to apply to study with us, please see our How to Apply page.

  Foundation Study Framework Entry Requirements

  Admission to this course is normally DEE at A Level or MPP at BTEC. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the programme you wish to study.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

   

  Contacts

  Course enquiries
  study@northampton.ac.uk

  Application status enquiries
  admissions2020@northampton.ac.uk

  Current student enquiries
  SID@northampton.ac.uk

  International student enquiries
  international@northampton.ac.uk

  Enquire online
  Online enquiry form

  Applying for 2020
  Facebook Applicant Group

  Office hours:
  Mon – Thu: 9am – 5pm
  Fri: 9am – 4.30pm

  Phone Call

  0300 303 2772

  +44 (0)1604 892134

  +44 (0)1604 892546

• Course Content
  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2
  • Stage 3
  • Foundation

  You will be introduced to the foundations of marketing and communication theory, consumer behaviour and the tools used within marketing communication. You will gain an understanding of the advertising industry, how it operates and how advertisers gather information on their audiences. You will develop creative thinking skills and begin to apply them in developing creative approaches to advertising problems. You will also have the opportunity to work on your first live project and deliver your first campaign.

  • Foundations of Marketing (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT1001

    Core Module Y
  • Introduction to Marketing Communications (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT1002

    Core Module Y
  • Foundations of Advertising Media (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT1018

    Core Module Y
  • Digital Marketing Essentials (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT1029

    Core Module Y
  • Understanding Consumers (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT1030

    Core Module Y
  • Business Modelling for Marketers (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT1022

    Core Module N
  • Reflections on Work (20 Credits)
    Module code: HRM1017

    Core Module N

  Communication theories will be considered in greater depth and you will explore techniques for recognising and creating appropriate communication campaigns for a range of organisations. You will acquire knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of the advertising industry and develop personal and professional skills needed to operate effectively within it. You will also research job roles, learn to deliver an elevator pitch, put on an exhibition and create an online portfolio. You will deliver your second live project.

  • Managing the Communications Process (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT2036

    Core Module Y
  • Integrated Marketing Communications (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT2011

    Core Module Y
  • e-Marketing (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT2009

    Core Module Y
  • Professional Practice for the Creative Industries (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT2020

    Core Module Y
  • Information for Marketing Decisions (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT2003

    Core Module Y
  • Public Relations Management and Practice (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT2012

    Core Module N
  • Learning Through Work (WBL) (20 Credits)
    Module code: HRM2042

    Core Module N
  • Career Development and Employability (20 Credits)
    Module code: HRM2049

    Core Module N

  Stage Three builds upon the knowledge and skills gained from Stages One and Two. You will work with a major advertising agency on a live-client brief; this will involve producing campaign proposals and pitching them to the agency and client (usually at the agency offices in London). You will engage with all activities involved in developing a full campaign including: analysis, objective and strategy development, media choice, implementation and evaluation.

  • (Optional) The Placement Year Experience: Organisations in Context (40 Credits)
    Module code: HRM2053

    Core Module N
  • Research Project (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT4002

    Core Module Y
  • Advertising Consultancy Project (40 Credits)
    Module code: MKT3036

    Core Module N
  • Issues in Advertising Practice (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT3037

    Core Module Y
  • Consumer Behaviour (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT3007

    Core Module N
  • Customer Relationship Management (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT3016

    Core Module N
  • Content Creation for Marketing (20 Credits)
    Module code: MKT3046

    Core Module N

  • Investigations into your Subject Area 1: Business, Education and Social Sciences (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN011

    Core Module Y
  • Investigations into your Subject Area 2: Business, Education and Social Sciences (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN014

    Core Module Y
  • Investigation into your Subject Area 3: Changemaking (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN016

    Core Module Y

  *Work-based Learning Module (WBL) student must be in part or full time work and register with NBS Centre for Work-based Learning.

  Facilities &

  Special Features

  • Many of our students choose to undertake work placements of around 4-5 months’ duration in the summer break or work on internships a couple of days each week
  • There are numerous opportunities for work experience
  • We are building a student community and encouraging cross-year collaboration using social media – see our students talking about their work on Twitter #AdStudents
  • Check out our Advertising & Digital Marketing Pinterest board
  • Input from industry professionals including guest speakers, live client projects, making pitches to real clients and agency staff
• Further Studies
  • Postgraduate Opportunities

    Further your study

    Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

    International Marketing Strategy MSc

    
  • Case Study

    What Our Students Say

    I work as a Graduate Client Manager for Nielsen Global Consumer and Media Insights.

    Studying at the University of Northampton was a great opportunity but you have to be prepared to put the work in to gain the most out of your experience! If I was to describe my university experience in ten words or less it would be – Challenging, life-changing, fast paced, invaluable, crazy, fantastic, hard and worth it.

    Click here to read more about Harriet.

    
  • Student Takeover Week

    Ad students took over UoN's social media

    Our final year Advertising and Digital Marketing Students took a break from their usual studies and worked alongside the University of Northampton Marketing department for a week.

    Find out how they got on when they took over the University’s social media platforms in a ‘Student Takeover’, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

    
  • Research

    at the University of Northampton

    We are committed to delivering outstanding research that makes a difference to society. Our Research Institutes and Centres work closely with external partner organisations, locally, nationally and internationally. We produce internationally renowned and relevant research and disseminate knowledge on an international scale.

    Visit our Research Hub page for more information.

    
  • Business and Enterprise

    Opportunities Available

    We are committed to supporting and encouraging business growth and we are involved in a variety of initiatives which seek to benefit the wider community as well as students and staff of the University.

    Discover what businesses we work with and what opportunities may be available to you on our Business and Enterprise pages.

    
• Fees & Funding
  • UK & EU
  • International

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  Optional Work Placement Year: £1,000
  Foundation Study Framework: £6,750 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply

  Additional costs

  The New York study trip is optional and the cost in previous years has not exceeded £1000 for flights and accommodation. Students normally allow an additional £200 for their expenses.

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module
  Optional Work Placement Year: £950
  Foundation Study Framework: £6,600 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply

  Additional costs

  The New York study trip is optional and the cost in previous years has not exceeded £1000 for flights and accommodation. Students normally allow an additional £200 for their expenses.

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,900
  Foundation Study Framework: £12,900 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  Optional Work Placement Year: £1,000

  Additional costs

  The New York study trip is optional and the cost in previous years has not exceeded £1000 for flights and accommodation. Students normally allow an additional £200 for their expenses.

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,500
  Foundation Study Framework: £9,800 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  Optional Work Placement Year: £950

  Additional costs

  The New York study trip is optional and the cost in previous years has not exceeded £1000 for flights and accommodation. Students normally allow an additional £200 for their expenses.

  Scholarships

  EU and International Scholarships

  We’re committed to offering the opportunity to study in the UK to the best and brightest students from around the world.

  TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

  The Chancellor's Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply.  The…

  Wilson Endowment Scholarship

  The Wilson Endowment Scholarship provides a £1,500 scholarship to undergraduate students from the Northamptonshire area. The endowed scholarship was donated in memory of Mr Lynn Wilson,…

• Foundation

  Course information

  The Foundation Study Framework offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for Advertising & Digital Marketing we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Advertising & Digital Marketing programme which includes a Foundation Study Framework Year. The Foundation Study Framework will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  Course Structure

  In your first year of study on the four year Advertising & Digital Marketing you will study three 40 credit modules that form the Foundation Study Framework. These are:

  • Investigations into your subject 1 – Academic & Investigation skills. Introduces the concept of research and provides the tools of how to do it, with short assessment tasks involving identifying resources and describing how they would be used.
  • Investigations into your Subject 2 – Employability and Professional Context. Provides a framework and opportunity to start relating research to own practice and employability – making connections.
  • Investigations into your Subject 3: Changemaking, Introduction to Social Innovation. Focuses specifically on the generation and development of ideas around our social development aspirations.

  Upon successful completion of these modules, you will progress to Stage two Advertising & Digital Marketing.

  Typical timetabled week of study

  Foundation Study Framework teaching will be a combination of lectures, seminars and/or workshop based sessions. Each module involves a teaching contact time of 12 hours per week and you are also expected to engage in approximately 12 hours of independent study, to support your learning experience.

  Foundation study will help you to build a solid understanding of the study skills and general theoretical and practical aspects that will underpin Advertising & Digital Marketing. Throughout all stages of your programme you will also be supported by a Personal Academic Tutor, to guide you through the learning experience and help you make informed study choices.

  Foundation study will enable you to acquire the necessary study skills to succeed in higher education, as well as developing your understanding of key subject concepts delivered through taught sessions, tutorials and online support.

  Visit our Foundation Framework page to learn more.

  Read more

*Course data provided by Unistats