BA (Honours) Digital Marketing with Foundation Year

Year of Entry 2025/26
Student using laptop

BA (Honours)

Digital Marketing with Foundation Year

Full-time Marketing

Understand the fast-moving sector of digital marketing, mastering strategies and platforms to tackle contemporary digital media challenges and shape the future of our digital marketing world.

Everything you need to know...

  • Pound sign

    What is the fee?

    Home: £9,535 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
    International/EU: £17,155 per year (£1,200 for placement year)

  • Time

    How long will I study?

    4/5 Years

  • Location

    Where will I study?

    City Campus

  • Bookmark

    What are the entry requirements?

    64 UCAS Points

  • Checkmark

    What is the UCAS code?

    B013

  • Date

    When do I start?

    September 2025

  • Avatar

    Placement year available?

    Yes


Course summary

  • Study the value of marketing, customer engagement and relationship management.
  • Use the latest creative software and analytical tools to design and build campaigns.
  • Experience real-world marketing by analysing the content of leading brands.
  • Explore the future of digital marketing through big data, artificial intelligence and social media.
  • Join a dynamic hub of creatives and entrepreneurs in our award-winning enterprise centre.

This course is perfect if you’re fascinated by the future of digital marketing, where customer experience is becoming the foundation on which products and services are developed. You’ll develop your skills as a marketing professional with a strategic mindset, gaining a solid foundation in digital marketing techniques and platforms to support overarching marketing strategies.

If you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation course – which has been designed to encourage exploration and experimentation.


Sheffield Business School accreditation

Sheffield Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and has been awarded the Business School Impact System label by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).

Top 10 in the UK

This course is ranked 10th in its subject area in the Guardian University Guide 2024.

Students sat on a sofa

Financial support for home/EU students

How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.

Learn more

How you learn

Your lecturer's view
Watch course leader Dr Alonso Blanco-Velo talk about this course.

 

Based in our Sheffield Business School, you’ll join a global community where business leaders, researchers and 7,000 business students all come together to solve problems and make things better. You’ll be taught by highly qualified lecturers who are active in their field. Your course has been designed by industry specialists – helping you graduate with the skills employers are looking for. 

Through our relationships with leading local and global brands, you’ll have the opportunity to access placements, volunteering programmes, training schemes, internships and work experience. 

You learn through:

  • On-campus lectures, seminars and tutorials 
  • Digital learning platforms
  • Independent study
  • Practice-based learning and group work 
  • Simulated work environments
  • Problem-solving workshops
  • Class debates and presentations

We use a wide variety of assessments that respect the diverse ways people learn. These include tests, essays, presentations, project plans and reflective writing. 

Key Themes

Our BA Digital Marketing course is a future-facing degree. You’ll be encouraged to think critically about how big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning and Web 4.0 will impact the marketing landscape – plus how you can leverage these technologies to get ahead.

You’ll learn why providing value is more powerful than selling products – and why authentic storytelling is key to creating a brand that customers really care about. We’ll also explore the modern challenges of consumerism and globalisation, learning how to champion environmental and social issues to influence positive change.

You’ll find out what it means to reach, engage and convert your audiences with cohesive digital campaigns, social profiles and content they’ll crave. You’ll build campaigns on global platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, WeChat and Telegram. 

You’ll then use powerful tools to test and analyse campaign performance, using these insights to optimise results across every stage of the customer journey.

Course Support

Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated support, such as:

  • Access to our unique student support to help with your personal, academic and career development.
  • Access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources to help you to plan and structure your assignments.
  • Industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities.

Course leaders and tutors

Tilahun Mekonnen
Tilahun Mekonnen
Senior Lecturer

Currently working as a Senior Lecturer in Business Economics and the International Business Development Manager for Sub Saharan African Countries

Applied learning

We think the best way to learn something is to do it in the real world. That means putting learning into practice through placements, internships and consultancy projects through our global network of leading businesses.

Work Placements

You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career – and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV. 

You wil also have summer and winter school opportunities in a variety of locations. Recently these have included France, Germany, Spain and Morocco. You might even be eligible to study abroad for a semester at one of our partner universities in Europe and beyond.

Live Projects

As part of your studies, you’ll take on projects set by external organisations. These allow you to apply your learning to the real world, build your business network and take your first step on your chosen career ladder.

You’ll also gain first-hand insights from local experts as they deliver regular guest talks on campus.

Entrepreneurial Support

We offer award-winning support for entrepreneurs – from free offices and studio space to expert workshops, freelance opportunities and a vast business network ready for you to tap into.

With the support of the Hallam i-Lab business hub, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with creatives, entrepreneurs and investors across Sheffield. Here, you can form lucrative business networks, brainstorm entrepreneurial ideas and even launch your own venture.

Networking Opportunities

With the support of our award-winning i-Lab business hub, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with creatives, entrepreneurs and investors across Sheffield. Here, you can form lucrative business networks, brainstorm entrepreneurial ideas and even launch your own venture.

You can also hear first-hand from business leaders and esteemed alumni as they deliver guest masterclasses while having the opportunity to build your profile through work experience and consultancy projects.  

We also support you to run local student societies and join UK-wide networking events such as The Marketing Club.

Competitions

You can build your profile by taking part in competitions, such as The Pitch, delivered by the Chartered Institute of Marketing. 

One of our students recently won a competition held by Rise at Seven, securing a graduate job with the agency as a result.

Teaching Quality

Sheffield Hallam University is ranked 11th amongst UK providers for marketing and public relations in the Guardian University Guide 2023 league table.


Future careers

Graduates from this course go on to a wide range of digital marketing careers in range of organisations. These roles can vary from digital marketing campaigns development, customer experience and content creation. 

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work in roles, such as:

  • Marketing consultancy
  • Brand strategy
  • Social media management
  • Marketing research
  • Digital marketing
  • Teaching or lecturing
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Freelancing  

As an additional benefit, students who graduate with a minimum 2:2 classification will be exempt on an APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) basis from one module on the CIM level four Certificate in Professional Marketing and one module from the level six Diploma in Professional Marketing. 

All degrees which receive CIM accreditation are now also automatically recognised by the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI). 

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

City Campus map | City Campus tour 


City Campus map
Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

Get directions
students working on computers in the library
Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

Learn more

Equipment and facilities

You’ll study in world-class learning facilities, such as specialist labs, design studios, practice facilities, simulation environments, our award-winning enterprise centre and a 24/7 library.

You may also have access to specialist marketing platforms and equipment, such as:

  • Marketing intelligence platforms such as Mintel and EuroMonitor
  • SEO analytical software
  • Design and video editing tools from the Adobe Suite
  • Video cameras and recording equipment
  • Social media management platforms 
  • Consumer insight tools
  • The World Advertising Research Centre
  • LinkedIn Learning 

As part of our campus masterplan, we’re developing a brand new, net-zero-ready building right at the heart of the city centre.

You’ll benefit from dedicated business facilities such as a business lounge, trading floor and languages hub, plus plenty of room to study in social learning spaces, seminar rooms and PC labs – all set in 400 square metres of stunning green space, where you can socialise, eat, relax and study.

Media Gallery

Entry requirements

All students

UCAS points

  • 64

This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC National qualifications excluding general studies For example:

  • CC at A Level
  • MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
  • Pass overall from a T level qualification with D or E from core
  • A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

  • English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent
  • Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent

ACCESS

  • Access to HE Diploma, with at least 45 level 3 credits.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

Additional information for EU/International students

If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.

For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.


Modules

Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Going Global
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
People, Decisions And Behaviours
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Preparing For Success
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Sustainable Innovation
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Year 2

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Contemporary Marketing
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Foundations Of Business
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(80%) , Practical(20%)
Foundations Of Digital Marketing
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Understanding People And Cultures
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Year 3

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Digital Marketing Planning And Performance
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Managing Business And Financial Performance For Marketers
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Professional Development For The Marketer
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(100%)

Elective modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Experiential Marketing Events
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Foreign Language (French, Spanish, Italian)
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(50%) , Practical(50%)
Study Abroad - Sheffield Business School
Credits 60
Assessment Coursework(100%)
The Corporate Customer
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
The Digital Customer Experience
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Year 4

Optional modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Placement Year
Credits -
Assessment
Final year

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Consultancy Project In Marketing
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Managing Brands In A Digital Environment
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Strategy In The Global And Digital Environment
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)

Elective modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Consumer Psychology 
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Contemporary Leadership In Context
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Marketing In A Global Context
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

We are currently reviewing our tuition fees for the foundation year stage of this course following the Government announcement of fee changes for some foundation year courses and will confirm fees as soon as possible.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

Students sat on a sofa

Financial support for home/EU students

How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.

Learn more

Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Sheffield Business School (PDF, 142KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.

 

How do I apply?

Apply now via UCAS

Not ready to apply just yet?

Why not come to our next open day? Open days are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campuses and get all the information you need. Alternatively, feel free to ask us a question.

Come to an open day Ask a question

Why choose us?

A trophy icon

Teaching

We are Gold rated in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the outstanding quality of our teaching and student outcomes

A head and shoulders icon

Employment

95% of our UK graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey)

An office building icon

Excellence

Graduate from Sheffield Business School – rated in the top 6% globally for excellence in teaching and research

Where next?

Want to know more about Sheffield Hallam? Get your questions answered with our tips, guides and information.

Image of students in a UG open day

Come to an open day

Meet our students and staff, see our campuses and accommodation, and get all the information you need.

Book now
UG prospectus

Order a prospectus

Find out everything you need to know about studying at Sheffield Hallam.

Order undergraduate prospectus
Accommodation buildings

Find accommodation

We guarantee accommodation for all first year students. All of our halls are in popular student areas, and close to our campuses.

Find your home from home

Cancel event

Are you sure you want to cancel your place on Saturday 12 November?

Close