Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Marketing and Public Relations
Develop a critical, reflective and creative approach to the study of marketing, PR and digital communications.
Course Overview
-
N5P2 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
19 Sep 2022
Gain valuable professional skills and specialist knowledge in both marketing and public relations.
As part of your course you’ll:
- Explore a range of topics, from digital marketing to reputation management and campaign development to customer relations
- Understand and positively respond to the changing technological, political, ethical and legal contexts within which organisations currently operate
- Take a real-life client-centred approach to learning though project work, campaigns and consultancy in this dynamic sector
Your employability is at the heart of this course, so you’ll have a wealth of opportunities to network and work with potential employers and industry professionals through a series of lectures, workshops and placements during your study.
As well as the chance to work with a variety of employers, you’ll have access to our specialist facilities, including the Simulation Suite where you can replicate real-life PR scenarios and a media suite.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend the annual CIPR guest lecture series as well as Leeds Business School’s guest lecture programme. Previous speakers include the past Chair and President of the Academy of Marketing, Kitty McGee, who studied on our PR degree and is now the Executive Fashion Director at Stylist magazine, Russell Craig Senior, Director of Media and Community Relations at Asda, and the Editor of Cosmopolitan magazine.
Professional recognition
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the leading professional body for marketers worldwide and exists to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing practitioners. Leeds Beckett University has joined forces with CIM to give you the opportunity to gain professional qualifications through the CIM Graduate Gateway. CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers, and their content is reflected in our own degrees which ensures we are equipping you with the best opportunities for a successful marketing career.
Why study Marketing and Public Relations at Leeds Beckett University...
- Take a client-centred approach to learning and develop transferrable skills
- Gain a professional understanding of how marketing and public relations work within a company environment
- Utilise the university's local and national business links to secure a paid work placement
- Learn in real-life environments through the Business School's simulation suite
- Learn from and connect with industry leaders through the Leeds Business School guest lecture series
- Professionally recognised course
BA (Hons) Marketing and Public Relations Course Director Neil Kelley talks about the BA (Hons) Marketing and Public Relations at Leeds Beckett
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum (Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
International baccalaureate
25 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Our commitment to help every student succeed:
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website)
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts
- Declared as a care leaver on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
Our place as an Anchor Institution:
Leeds Beckett University is in the top 10 universities nationwide for being representative of our local community. To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.
Mature applicants:
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable..
All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
International baccalaureate
25 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Teaching & Learning
This is a new course that is being designed to help us offer you the best educational experience. The course is currently being developed ready for the final content to be confirmed. This will be confirmed in the course specification made available to new applicants from August 2020, subject to full academic validation.
What you'll learn
This module will introduce you to the commercial, political and societal context of public relations and brand communication and will present its history, academic and professional development. You will gain useful insight into the most important theories and concepts in PR and brand communication, and you will analyse the current trends in the industry. You will study a variety of topics including ethics and professionalism in contemporary public relations and brand management.
Explore a variety of marketing concepts, models and theories and relate them to marketing in practice.
Understand and develop core professional communication skills and gain experience with media technologies and strategies commonly used in work-based environments.
Explore the crucial area of digital marketing. You will study how digital media has historically been used in marketing and understand a variety of concepts, models and theories including web and app paradigms, search engine marketing and digital advertising.
Gain a detailed insight into the world of marketing. Explore a variety of marketing concepts, models and theories and relate them to the profession.
You will begin to develop your professional `brand' and improve your verbal, written and digital communication skills. You will also gain experience in online content management and curation.
What you'll learn
Gain an insight into a substantive collection of core topics that reflects modern practice in a range of sectors and global settings. These include core functions and roles for communications practitioners such as stakeholder engagement and management, CSR, reputation, image and identity management, visual communications, media relationships, digital and social media management, public affairs, issues and crisis management, events management and employee and internal communications.
Build on concepts explored in your first year of study and develop a thorough understanding of consumer behaviour. Learn how everyday life in industrialised countries is characterised by an increasing commercialisation and they way that drives participation in consumer activities.
You will work to a brief set by The Global Communications Project (GlobCom), an international student project that sees students develop a communication campaign. You will work as part of mixed virtual intercultural teams to meet the needs of a real international client. The module is followed by a symposium taking place at one of the participating universities at which teams present their ideas to the client.
Understand the complexities of the contemporary marketplace and learn how to make effective marketing decisions and provide value for customers and organisations. You will explore the underlying theoretical perspectives of marketing management across a range of business contexts and use various tools for the development and management of marketing activities.
Develop professional digital communication skills. You'll focus on your personal brand and your emerging professional presence on social media. Your lectures will cover the converged landscape of paid-earned-shared-owned (PESO) media, the rise of influencer marketing and the principles behind content marketing and authentic conversations. You'll practise skills in personal branding and content creation in a workshop setting.
Learn to utilise your skills in communications, planning, teamwork and pitching as part of a team to develop a response and marketing plan for a given client brief.
What you'll learn
This module will enable you to study a variety of topics within digital strategy such as digital disruption, situation analysis, strategic decision-making and implementation planning.
Develop your understanding, knowledge and expertise in practice based contemporary communications and consultancy. This module includes managing a research project in a 'live' business environment so you will hone your consultancy and management skills, entrepreneurialism, professionalism, team working, oral and written skills, and academic research. You will be able to deliver a comprehensive, well-researched management report to client deadlines and to external industry standards.
This module will cover areas such as the role marketing strategy plays within corporate strategy, how to develop sustainable marketing plans and the marketing planning framework.
Examine public relations from a managerial and business perspective. This module will teach you the entrepreneurial and enterprise skills of pitching for business clients to a 'live brief' set by a national public relations, branding or integrated communications agency. You will develop your understanding, knowledge and expertise in practice-based contemporary communications and consultancy work by developing a work-based individual Professional Practice Portfolio to help you transition to employment.
Option modules may include
Study a variety of topics in order to understand the concepts, theories, methods, tools and techniques used to develop creative and innovative approaches to organisations, people, processes, products and environments.
Learn about issues management as a process of facilitating communication leadership in organisations in order to mitigate threats to the organisations. You will develop knowledge matching response strategies to different situations, crises, and stakeholders.
Explore the global and international marketing arena across strategic and cultural dimensions. You'll develop an understanding of key theoretical concepts that underpin the international marketing discipline. You'll then apply these concepts in a practical and strategic way.
Study how the structure of retail is fundamentally changing in line with technology, the customer and the channels in which it operates. You'll focus on current technological trends, consumer behaviour, globalisation to develop essential knowledge of how retail might evolve in the future.
Learn to understand, explain and critically evaluate the role of marketing and communications in the arts and cultural industries.
Engage with fashion theory and history with particular emphasis on fashion and cultural movements. You will learn how to create fashion articles and promotional materials.
Understand creative industries and popular culture in their wider social and cultural context. This module will focus on understanding the importance of representation of certain industries in popular culture and how popular culture creates narratives and initiates social debates, for example 3D printing and the lack of necessity for human builders in the future, or piracy and the importance of social media for popular culture and creative industries.
Explore the drivers behind the growing role that services marketing plays across business and consider the complexities and challenges in service delivery and innovations across areas of services marketing and management.
This module promotes the identification and development of individual, transferable, personal, intellectual and marketing related professional skills and competencies through work experience.
OR
Apply for a placement and undertake a period of paid employment to gain experience of the working environment, make professional contacts and build your understanding of the jobs and career market.
This double module is the culmination of your degree studies and will involve a major piece of independent research. You'll have the option of undertaking academic research in the form of a dissertation or applied research in the form of a practical research project.
OR
This double module involves a major piece of independent research to prepare you for employment as a Public Relations practitioner. You will have the option of undertaking academic research in the form of a dissertation or applied research in the form of a practical research project.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee which is yet to be confirmed.The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee which is yet to be confirmed.Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee which is yet to be confirmed.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee which is yet to be confirmed.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Neil Kelley
Course Director / Leeds Business School
Neil Kelley is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for the Marketing Subject Group at Leeds Business School. Neil is responsible for both undergraduate marketing degrees, Marketing Management and Marketing with Advertising Management.
Career Prospects
As a graduate with knowledge and expertise in both marketing and PR, the opportunity to work in a variety of roles and functions across different industries will be open to you. You might decide to apply for work in a digital agency or in a global organisation as a communications professional, or you could choose to set up on your own as a freelance copywriter. Alternatively, you may wish to pursue further study with one of our postgraduate courses. Whatever, you choose to do, you will be supported by a team of experienced marketing and PR professionals who have successful working relationships with many key stakeholders in and around Leeds.
- PR officer
- Publicist
- Marketing executive
- Copywriter
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that the opportunity to experience an education here at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us to study for your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary.
Bursaries are usually awarded depending on household income, whilst scholarships are available for a number of areas, and are based on sporting or academic excellence. For more information visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
Beckett Careers Team
Our Beckett Careers Team will support you with all aspects of your career planning, throughout university and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or want to gain experience alongside your studies, need help preparing an application or exploring graduate job options, we can provide expert support every step of the way!
Throughout your university journey and up to five years after you graduate you'll have access to a broad range of support and tools to help you with:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Preparing for an interview
- Applying for a graduate vacancies or placements
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Guest lecture events
Gain insight and network at our guest lecture events
Leeds Business School hosts guest lectures open to students, businesses, professionals, alumni and staff. Gain insight from industry experts, leading business figures and entrepreneurs who are invited to speak across a range of subjects including business and management, leadership, marketing, PR, economics, finance, accounting, and HR.
Find out about any future events by visiting our university events pages.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Life in Leeds
Leeds is an exciting and vibrant student city, find out what it has to offer!
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
OPEN DAY
Join us for our Open Day and experience what student life at Leeds Beckett is all about.