Advertising & Digital Marketing

Experiences are at the heart of this degree programme. As well as the regular guest speakers and industry visits you would expect, we work on real projects with real marketing budgets, operating as an extension of a marketing department even in the first year. Typically students are set a brief and then develop and pitch their concept. They then work within brand guidelines, sometimes appointing suppliers such as photographers or design agencies to deliver the project.

This is an exciting time to enter the marketing communication industry; advertisers have an ever-expanding choice of on and offline media to choose from to convey the messages they create. You will work across a wide range of digital platforms as well as traditional media as you develop and execute real campaigns as part of your programme. Culminating in a pitch to clients of a top global agency this is a very practical preparation for work in advertising and digital marketing roles.

There is also the option to complete a year’s work placement to prepare you for your future career.

15th for Satisfied with Teaching for Marketing and Public Relations ✱
14th for Satisfied with Feedback for Marketing and Public Relations ✱✱

✱Data taken from the 2026 Guardian University Guide Marketing and Public Relations Subject table, filtered by Satisfied with Teaching
✱✱Data taken from the 2026 Guardian University Guide Marketing and Public Relations Subject table, filtered by Satisfied with Feedback

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

Why choose the University of Northampton?
At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.
Personalised learning
Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.
Built for your future
Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.
Guaranteed accommodation
We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027✱.
Exceptional student benefits
You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost✱✱, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.
A modern campus experience
Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.
The Northampton Employment Promise
We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship.

✱ Eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

Stage One • Foundations of Marketing (Compulsory) • Introduction to Marketing Communications (Compulsory) • Foundations of Advertising Media (Compulsory) • Digital Marketing Essentials (Compulsory) • Understanding Consumers (Compulsory) • Professional Skills for Marketing Practice (Designated) • Stage Two • Managing the Communications Process (Compulsory) • Integrated Marketing Communications (Compulsory) • e-marketing (Compulsory) • Professional Practice for the Creative Industries (Compulsory) • Marketing Research and Insight (Compulsory) • Public Relations Management and Practice (Designated) • Brand Management (Designated) • Learning Through Work (WBL) (Designated) Optional Placement Year • The Placement Year Experience: Organisations in Context (Compulsory) • Stage Three • Marketing Dissertation (Designated) • Research Project (Designated) • Advertising Consultancy Project (Designated) • Issues in Advertising Practice (Compulsory) • Consumerism and Sustainability (Designated) • Business-to-Business (B2B) Marketing (Designated) • Content Creation for Marketing (Designated) • Digital Entrepreneur (Designated). Module information is quoted for 25/26 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly. 26/27 entry modules will be released in June 2026.

A variety of individual and group-based assessments are used including reports, presentations, posters, e-portfolios, projects, client briefs, multiple-choice tests and examinations.