Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme begins with a foundation year that prepares you for undergraduate study by developing academic skills, core business understanding and an introduction to marketing and events concepts. After the foundation year you progress to the honours degree, where study typically spans three years and blends theoretical knowledge with practical application.

• Foundation year: study skills and academic English, principles of business and organisations, introduction to marketing, basics of events and customer service, numeracy for business, and a project that prepares you for level 4 study.
• Year 1 / Level 4: core modules in marketing principles, introduction to events management, consumer behaviour, professional communication, and digital media fundamentals. Emphasis is on building a practical toolkit: brief-writing, basic budgeting and event planning exercises.
• Year 2 / Level 5: deeper study in integrated marketing communications, event operations and logistics, sponsorship and venue management, social media strategy, market research methods and elective options (for example tourism, hospitality or entrepreneurship). Group projects and live briefs with external partners are common.
• Final year / Level 6: strategic marketing, major events management projects, campaign planning, stakeholder and risk management, and an independent dissertation or consultancy project. You will typically produce a portfolio of practical work alongside a research-based or applied final project.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, practical labs, live client briefs and site visits to events and venues. Assessment is a mix of written assignments, reports, presentations, portfolios, practical event delivery, and a final-year project.

Entry requirements

Entry to the foundation route is aimed at applicants who do not meet direct entry conditions for the honours degree. Typical offers reflect performance in completed qualifications and an assessment of readiness for undergraduate study. Common entry routes include A-levels, BTEC qualifications, the International Baccalaureate and recognised international secondary school qualifications.

• GCSEs: minimum expected passes in English and mathematics (or recognised equivalents); specific grade requirements vary by applicant background.
• A-level / vocational: applicants who progress directly to the honours programme usually present a combination of A-levels or a relevant BTEC; foundation entry is available for those below the standard undergraduate entry profile.
• International students: recognised equivalents to UK qualifications are accepted; English language proficiency is required, with common evidence including English language qualifications or successful completion of the foundation year.
• Applicants with relevant work or industry experience may be considered; further guidance is provided on the university website and by admissions staff.

Because entry requirements can vary, you should consult Oxford Brookes University admissions pages or contact the admissions team for the precise offers that apply to your qualifications and background.

Career prospects

Graduates combine marketing know-how with practical events delivery skills, making them suitable for roles in a wide range of sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Events coordinator, conference or exhibition manager
• Marketing executive, brand or communications officer
• Digital marketing specialist or social media manager
• Sponsorship and partnership manager, fundraising events officer
• Festival, hospitality or venue operations manager
• Account manager in agencies, or roles in tourism and leisure management
• Entrepreneurship: running an events business, promotions company or consultancy

The combination of marketing strategy and practical event experience is attractive to employers across private, public and third sectors; many students also use the degree as a foundation for postgraduate study in marketing, events, tourism or related disciplines.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes combines a strong vocational focus with academic study, emphasising real-world learning through live industry projects, guest speakers and site visits. The university's location near Oxford provides access to a rich events and cultural scene as well as strong transport links to major UK cities.

Students benefit from industry-facing teaching, specialist facilities and a careers service that supports placement opportunities, internships and employer engagement. The course is designed to develop practical competencies as well as strategic thinking, so graduates leave with a portfolio of work and experience relevant to marketing and events roles.

Support services for international students and those needing academic development are integrated into the foundation year and beyond, helping students progress confidently to degree-level study and into careers in the events and marketing sectors.