What Grades Do I Need to Apply for Marketing?
Marketing is a broad industry that combines subjects like business and psychology in order to build relationships between companies and the people they’re trying to reach.
Marketing roles also involve the analysis of strengths and weaknesses in a business, as well as the opportunities or threats that can arise within an organisation, and what effect these things can have.
Traditionally, Marketing was just taught as a module or modules of a business degree but in recent years universities have realised that it’s worth studying in its own right and now nearly every university in the UK will offer some form of Marketing degree.
If you’ve ever found yourself looking at an advertising campaign and though you could do better, regularly get excited about the latest social media innovations, or ride yourself on your strong communication skills, especially when it comes to persuasion then a Marketing degree could be for you.
Here’s more about studying Marketing at university.
What kinds of Marketing degrees are available?
At undergraduate level, marketing degrees are available both as a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or a BS (Bachelor of Science).
Essentially a Marketing BA involves more of an emphasis on humanities, while a Marketing BS focuses more on the scientific, mathematical and technological aspects of the subject.
Marketing is a subject that combines well with plenty of others and popular combinations include:
- Marketing and Business
- Marketing and PR
- Marketing and Advertising
- Marketing and Finance
You’ll probably get more freedom of choice in terms of modules as you progress through your degree, but core topics such as consumer behaviour, market research, and digital marketing will be covered regardless of the exact syllabus.
What grades do I need to apply for Marketing?
Most universities don’t ask for any specific A Levels from Marketing applicants as marketing requires a range of skills. However, as you’ll need both the ability to communicate and a good head for business, it’s worth choosing your A Levels wisely.
For example, English, Business Studies, and Sociology would all be good options and give you a head start in developing the skills you need to do well both during your course and in your future career.
Exact grade requirements vary between universities so check with each university that you’re interested in before applying.
As a rough guide, Durham asks for AAB whilst Abertay asks for CCC but specify that at least one A Level must be in English or other Humanities subject.
Are there any other entry requirements for a Marketing degree?
Aside from your academic achievements your personal statement will be your biggest chance of being offered a place on a Marketing course.
After all, if you can’t sell yourself in your personal statement it’s not really a good sign for your future career!
Use your personal statement to demonstrate qualities such as creativity, an understanding of the marketing and communications industry, and your ability to work in a team, as well as independently, and good presentation and communication skills and computer literacy to put yourself ahead of other applicants.
Where can I study Marketing?
Marketing courses are incredibly popular so you can study them at almost every university in the UK.
Some universities to consider if you’re thinking about studying Marketing are:
- Teesside
- Royal Holloway
- Bangor
- Roehampton
- De Montfort
- Birmingham City
- Lancaster
- Southampton Solent
- Southampton
- Middlesex
It’s important to look at each course and university carefully. You want to make sure that you’re studying a degree that’s going to interest you for three or four years.
For example, if you’re particularly interested in digital marketing but the course only covers that topic for one module, it’s not going to be the right course for you. Consider whether you want to take a general Marketing degree or opt for one that is already more specialised, as some universities do offer courses in Digital Marketing alone.
What are my career prospects with a Marketing degree?
Typically Marketing graduates leave university and start work as a marketing intern in a small or large advertising agency, or in the marketing department of a business or other organization.
Career progression from there includes becoming an assistant, consultant, coordinator, executive, director, manager, planner, specialist, all the way up to Chief Marketing Officer.
Less typical marketing career choices include roles in education, sales, PR, and event planning. You could also use your skills in the charitable sector to raise awareness about a particular cause or charitable organisation.
