BSc (Hons) Digital Marketing with Foundation Year

Want to be the creative force behind successful online brands and viral campaigns? This practical, industry-focused degree will teach you the art and science of digital marketing, from search engine optimisation (SEO) to social media strategy. You’ll graduate with the in-demand skills and professional recognition to launch a dynamic career in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.

Intake:

January, February, April, June, September, November

Location:

London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds (Blended Learning)

Duration:

4 years

Fees:

£9,250 per year

This course is your ideal starting point if you are fascinated by the digital world but don’t currently have the traditional qualifications for direct degree entry. It’s perfectly designed for those changing careers, returning to education, or school leavers who want a supportive route to build their academic skills and confidence. Our innovative blended learning model gives you the flexibility of online study combined with regular, face-to-face tuition at a city-centre campus, fitting your learning around your life.

The curriculum is built around the real-world skills that employers are looking for. You will dive deep into every aspect of the digital marketing toolkit, learning how to get a business noticed on Google, create compelling content that people want to share, manage paid advertising campaigns, and analyse data to make smart strategic decisions. This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the world’s leading marketing body. This means your learning is directly aligned with professional industry standards, and upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for CIM membership and a qualification that is recognised globally.

Upon completion, you will be prepared for a variety of exciting roles. Career paths include becoming a Digital Marketing Executive, SEO Specialist, Social Media Manager, Content Strategist, or E-commerce Manager. The strong analytical, creative, and commercial skills you develop are sought after by start-ups, global corporations, marketing agencies, and non-profits alike. In an age where every organisation needs a powerful online presence to survive and thrive, this degree gives you the future-proof expertise to build a successful and lasting career.

Foundation Year: Developing Your University Skills

This initial year focuses on building the essential academic skills and business knowledge you need to excel in your degree studies.

Developing Academic Skills: Learn how to research, write compelling essays, think critically about sources, and construct a strong argument—the bedrock of university success.
Using Numeracy, Data & IT: Gain confidence in using the essential software and data skills required for modern study and the business world, from spreadsheets to online collaboration tools.
Business and Management in Context: Get an introduction to how businesses operate, exploring different functions like marketing, finance, and human resources to understand the bigger picture.
Finding your Voice in the Media: Develop your communication skills and learn how different media platforms are used to convey messages, a key foundation for marketing.
Introduction to the Customer Experience: Explore the fundamental concept of why understanding and serving the customer is at the heart of every successful business.
Technology in Organisations: Investigate the crucial role technology plays in shaping modern businesses and how it drives innovation and efficiency.

Year 1: The Building Blocks of Business and Marketing

Your first year of degree-level study establishes the core principles of marketing within a wider business context. All modules are core.

Understanding the Business Environment: Analyse the external factors—from economic trends to legal regulations—that impact how businesses operate and market themselves.
Principles of Marketing: Learn the fundamental theories of marketing, including the marketing mix (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) and how to understand consumer needs.
Developing Personal & Management Skills: Build crucial soft skills such as teamwork, time management, and professional communication, preparing you for the workplace.
Introduction to Business Finance: Gain a practical understanding of key financial concepts so you can understand budgets, assess profitability, and measure campaign return on investment.
Understanding the Digital Context: Explore the digital landscape and how the internet has fundamentally changed the way businesses connect with their customers.
Introduction to Digital & Social Media: Take your first steps into practical digital marketing, learning the basics of different platforms and how they fit into a marketing strategy.

Year 2: Mastering the Digital Toolkit

You will move from theory to application, developing practical skills in the key disciplines of digital marketing. All modules are core.

E-commerce & Analytics: Learn how to build and manage online stores and, crucially, how to use data analytics to track visitor behaviour, measure success, and improve performance.
Content Marketing: Discover how to plan, create, and distribute valuable and engaging content—like blogs, videos, and podcasts—to attract and retain a clearly defined audience.
Search & Social Media Marketing: Dive into the techniques of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to rank higher on Google, and learn to manage effective, targeted social media campaigns.
Marketing & the Customer Experience: Go beyond just selling, learning how to map the entire customer journey and use digital tools to create outstanding experiences that build loyalty.
Managing Data: Develop a deeper understanding of how to collect, manage, and interpret marketing data ethically and effectively to drive evidence-based decisions.
Marketing Planning & Brand Storytelling: Learn how to craft a comprehensive marketing plan and develop a compelling brand story that resonates with customers and sets a company apart from its competitors.

Year 3: Strategic Leadership and Professional Specialism

Your final year focuses on high-level strategy, management, and a major project that showcases your expertise. All modules are core.

Marketing Strategy & Planning: Learn to think like a Marketing Director, developing long-term strategies that align with business objectives and create a sustainable competitive advantage.
International Marketing: Explore the challenges and opportunities of taking a brand global, learning to adapt marketing messages and strategies for different cultures and markets.
Digital Experience Management: Focus on optimising every digital touchpoint a customer has with a brand, from website usability to mobile app engagement, to create a seamless experience.
Marketing Campaign & Advertising Management: Master the process of planning, executing, and managing integrated advertising campaigns across multiple digital channels, from social media ads to email marketing.
The Marketer’s Mindset: Develop the professional mindset of a modern marketer, focusing on continuous learning, adaptability, and ethical practice to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.
Research Project: Plan and execute a major, independent research project on a digital marketing topic of your choice. This is your chance to specialise and produce a significant piece of work for your professional portfolio.

Funding Your Studies with Student Finance

You may be eligible to receive financial support from the UK Government to help cover your tuition fees and living expenses while studying.

✔ Tuition Fee Loan – Covers 100% of your tuition fees, paid directly to the university, so you can focus on your studies without financial stress.
✔ Maintenance Loan – Helps with living costs, including rent, food, and travel, making student life more manageable.

At Active Care Education, we simplify the process for you! Our expert team will guide you step-by-step, ensuring you secure the funding you’re entitled to. If you’re a British Citizen, Refugee, have Indefinite Leave to Remain, or hold EU Pre-Settlement Status (2.5 – 3 years), you could qualify for this government-backed funding.

Why wait? Start your journey towards a degree without upfront costs! Contact Active Care Education today for free assistance.