Business and Marketing BA (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: Undergraduate
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This course focuses on developing your expertise in business management and the more specific function of marketing, which focuses on the key theories and practices across global multi-national organisations, national public and private sectors, small-medium enterprises (SMEs), non-profits, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and charities.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

NMDF

Start date

September 2025
November 2025

The information on this page is for 2024-25 entry and should be used as guidance for 2025-26 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.


Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year

The foundation year will introduce you to the world of business with a strong focus on management, business communications and marketing in a global context. It creates opportunities for you to develop vital business skills, as well as preparing you for study at undergraduate level. You will put theory, both traditional and contemporary, into practice with real-world scenarios

Degree

The Business and Marketing BA (Hons) course aims to provide a solid understanding of areas such as business planning and management, alongside specialist marketing skills for potential careers in category management, marketing, customer insight, business development, sales and corporate communications. This course aims to:

  • Give you the confidence and business acumen necessary to develop, position and build businesses in the most strategically effective way.
  • Develop a solid understanding of business analysis, marketing planning and management, including exploring topics such as leadership, alongside specialist marketing skills, such as understanding customer behaviour, developing creative solutions and promoting competitive advantage.
  • Hone a broad range of practical and transferrable skills – creative, analytical, interpersonal and communications.
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Why you should study this course

Foundation year

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
  • Provides a grounding in key areas of business and marketing.

Degree

  • Real world applications - a distinctive feature of this course is the focus on real-world engagement and authentic assessments in a range of business and marketing situations. The course aims to offer you the opportunity to work on live projects and case studies from local and international organisations2 and possibly participate in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects2. Your business skills are further developed s through simulation games, role-play activities, and scenario-based learning by putting theory into practice4.
  • Highly flexible and transferable course options - this course is part of a suite of marketing courses that share a common first year, this enables you to gain a broad understanding of business and management concepts and practice before continuing your chosen specialism.
  • DigiComm Lab4 - our DigiComm Lab supports and develops your digital literacy skills through using industry-standard marketing platforms and software.
  • Prepare for your future - prepare for a future career in business and marketing with a work placement2. Past students have secured placements at IBM, L'Oreal, Rolls Royce and Warner Brothers.
  • Real-world insights and professional network development - you will be presented with opportunities to experience presentations and networking opportunities with practitioners, from both global businesses and small, niche advertising agencies, together with both real and virtual field trips2.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

CIM logo

Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Graduate Gateway Programme

This course is part of the CIM Graduate Gateway programme, with the modules of the course aimed to map to certain CIM professional qualifications. This means that students who successfully complete the Marketing BA (Hons) course at Coventry University are exempt from certain modules of CIM qualifications. Please visit the CIM Graduate Gateway website for further information. Direct application and additional fees apply to study modules with the CIM.



What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first-year courses

  • Advertising and Digital Marketing BA (Hons)
  • Business Administration BBA (Hons)
  • Business and Human Resource Management BA (Hons)
  • Business and Marketing BA (Hons)
  • Business Management BA (Hons)
  • Enterprise and Entrepreneurship BA (Hons)
  • Event Management BA (Hons)
  • International Business Management BSc (Hons)
  • Marketing BA (Hons)
  • Sport Management BA (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learned. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your:  

  • Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge
  • Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner
  • Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career
  • Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from years one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor.

Modules

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

Theory and practice-based lectures and seminars aim to develop your knowledge of a range of marketing topics, supported by a suite of industry-based software and hardware4.

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.


Teaching contact hours

You can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.


Assessment

Assessment methods vary and may include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which generally take place at the end of each six-week block.

There will also be opportunities to:

  • Explore consumer behaviour and analysis, and have the opportunity to learn how this insight and more can be used to inform the planning and implementation of marketing programmes.
  • Take part in group projects2 designed to develop advertising campaigns and hone your analytical skills using simulation games, such as marketing management games4 designed to develop your understanding and command of the marketing planning process.
  • Expand your skills and knowledge of the development and operation of business markets, entrepreneurship and the management of key resources, including human capital, financial management, strategic management, corporate social responsibility and organisational change.

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

The fundamental nature of this course is international in its outlook, drawing on marketing and business best practice from around the world. We currently have long-running collaborations with KH Leuven in Belgium, School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE) in Hong Kong and PSB Academy in Singapore. We aim to run a number of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects on the course, which enables you the opportunity to work with students across the world on a live project tackling a specific marketing challenge in global virtual and multicultural teams2.

In the past, previous students have worked with peers in the USA, South America, India and many European countries undertaking business challenges as part of the international X-Culture competition.

Throughout the course, there will be opportunities to visit relevant companies giving you the chance to gain a real-life experience in marketing, both at home and abroad2.

This is a broad-based course, designed to develop knowledge in broader management functions, with more specialised skills in a range of marketing areas. It is an ideal course for those seeking to develop a broad range of skills and knowledge, to create more flexibility in future careers.

Jaswinder Sekhon, Business and Marketing BA (Hons) Course Director, quoted in 2021
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Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

64 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C/9-4 including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?


Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £7,950
Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year
Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Please note: UK (home) tuition fees for the degree course years will be charged at the current Coventry University UK (home) degree fee level. This was set at £9,250 for the 24/25 academic year.

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites4. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

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Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

A student working in a booth in The Hub.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office and a fantastic food court.

External view of the Lanchester Library.

Lanchester Library

You will have full reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library. The library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has many study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers touchdown computers and free-to-loan laptops.

We have a range of facilities4 available to support our business and marketing students in putting the theories you are taught, into practice.

DigiComm Lab Seating Area

DigiComm Lab

Designed to build creative minds, the DigiComm Lab is currently equipped with the latest industry-standard marketing and advertising software and devices to support your creative development.

 

 

Three students sat at a desk while lecturer points at screen.

Business Simulation Suite

Coventry Business School's Business Simulation Suite utilises the latest business simulation software to give you the opportunity to improve your business skills.

 

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Talent Team

Our dedicated Talent Team can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops. They also aim to organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts2.


Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Apply appropriate business concepts, models or techniques to analyse marketing problems.
  • Source, analyse and apply appropriate marketing information to support decision making.
  • Present ideas and findings and communicate effectively to an audience in written, verbal or electronic format, using appropriate business media and IT applications.
  • Identify and analyse relevant sources of marketing information and research techniques across different contexts and cultures.
  • Appreciate current contemporary issues including sustainability, ethics and CSR in marketing and digital marketing.
  • Effectively use specialist tools in digital and social media marketing using appropriate software4.
  • Apply appropriate techniques to solve a range of different business management problems, including those of a financial nature.

Our Business and Marketing BA (Hons) aims to provide a highly flexible degree, which can easily facilitate entrance into general business management roles or act as a springboard for roles such as a Sales Manager, Category Manager, Market Research Manager or Marketing Manager. You can expect to develop a critical and reflective understanding of marketing and its relationship with the wider international business environment. It could lead to potential future specialist career options in such areas as advertising, digital marketing and project coordination, as well as more general roles in business analysis, project management or sales management.

Through completing the degree you will gain expertise and confidence in search engine optimisation, content management, creative integrated communications, social media marketing, big data analysis, campaign planning and channel management as well as knowledge and application of key concepts and practice within the broader marketing discipline.

Where our graduates work

Some of our past graduates have gone on to a range of careers in marketing, advertising, PR, brand management, marketing research, digital marketing, sales and general management, with a wide range of large and small organisations such as Disney, Virgin Media, Dell, PepsiCo and Network Rail.

Further study

Upon successful completion of our Business and Marketing BA (Hons) course, you may wish to continue to further your studies at postgraduate level. You can do that right here at Coventry University, with our Master of Business Administration (Marketing). Studied on campus or 100 per cent online, our MBA with Marketing specialism course looks in detail at topics such as strategy, digital and offline marketing, planning and management.

We also offer alternative postgraduate degrees if you decide to take a slightly different route. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study. 

I successfully landed a brand marketing placement role at Johnson & Johnson, a global healthcare company. This was a fantastic company to immerse myself into the workplace and learn how to manage brands, plan campaigns and work effectively with agencies. Having this work experience also made me more attractive to graduate employers and I could prove I not only had the academic knowledge of marketing but the relevant work experience too.

Jessica Robinson, Business and Marketing BA (Hons) graduate now on the Future Leaders Programme at PepsiCo, quoted in 2022
Student sat in the digicomm lab

How to apply

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