Semester One
Principles of Marketing (20 credits)
This module will help articulate a critical understanding of the contemporary issues, theories and conceptual frameworks used to explain and guide conventional marketing activities in organisations nationally and internationally. You will be provided with a fundamental understanding of the basic tools and concepts of marketing. More specifically, you will be introduced to the core marketing functions and develop an understanding of the key concepts, frameworks and models encountered in marketing, with a focus on brand management and marketing.
Understanding The Customer Experience (20 credits)
This module will introduce you to the field of consumer behaviour throughout all stages of consumption, in the context of a range of micro- and macro-environmental issues. You will explore the social and group influences that impact consumer purchase decisions and the importance of customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and value to organisational performance. You will develop a critical understanding of customer behaviour models applied to contemporary consumer practices, a comprehensive appreciation of the customer journey, focused on brand, product, promotion and digital, and how organisations use this insight to inform decision making in marketing and brand strategy development.
Strategic Global Marketing (20 credits)
On this module you will cover the key concepts, frameworks and models encountered in the strategic marketing process. You will develop an understanding of the foundations of strategy and strategic marketing, how traditional and contemporary marketing planning tools and approaches are applied in a variety of business contexts, and the impact the future global environment will have on planning. On completion of the module you will be able to confidently analyse the strategic position of an organisation by applying relevant theories, and demonstrate how to apply general strategic marketing in different organisational contexts.
Semester Two
Your modules in Semester Two will benefit from expert external practitioners and industry partners through workshops and guest lectures.
Brand Management (20 credits)
This module introduces the theories relating to brand concepts and the strategic challenges faced by organisations and brand managers. You will develop a broad understanding of the theories and concepts used to create and manage products and corporate brands, focusing on brand identity, brand image and brand equity in different organisational contexts. From managing luxury brands to mass market, you will examine the role of brand in the development of strategic objectives and how organisations use its presence to communicate with stakeholders in a variety of contexts.
Brand Development (20 credits)
This module provides you with the key knowledge, practice and skill areas of design management, focused on the strategy, process and implementation plans involved in successfully executive a brand strategy. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the concepts of design related to marketing and brand management, develop practical skills in design communication and improve your research skills. You will explore important skills needed for design management, including developing a brand's personality and positioning, analysing design and brand relationships and writing creative briefs.
Contemporary Perspectives in Customer Engagement (20 credits)
During this module, you will examine the core theories relating to customer engagement and apply these in a range of differing marketing contexts. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of traditional and contemporary debates related to the philosophy and practice of marketing.
Semester Three
In your final semester you will take on a experiential project, giving you a fantastic opportunity to use the theories and knowledge you've gained to produce a challenging, meaningful piece of work. Projects include:
Consultancy Experience Project (40 credits)
Working as part of a team, you will undertake focused research, developing your professional skills, applying theory and skills you have learnt during your course to manage a complex project and deliver results in a real business situation. You will learn and apply valuable project management tools and concepts whilst exploring the requirements of an effective consultancy team and assessment expectations.
At the end of the project, you will present your findings to the client and will be required to reflect on your personal development. This is undertaken in the form of secondary research around a focused topic.
In-Company Experience Project (40 credits)
This module is designed to give you the opportunity to apply theory from the course to an substantial, live project undertaken on an in-company experience project of seven weeks or more. Usually in an organisation identified by NBS or partner institution, the project and associated brief will be relevant to this course and will support your learning and development.
The project will involve focused research, developing a range of professional skills relating to working with others, managing a complex project and delivering results in a real business situation. You will also learn project management tools and concepts. At the end of the project individual assessments will require you to reflect on their personal development.
Business Research Project (40 credits)
This project is a more traditional piece of independent research, creating an academic research paper, presentation and methodological reflection. Because we believe experiential learning is so important, this project is only available to students with significant prior work experience or a desire to progress to a PhD.
For more information about semester three options please visit our Experiential Projects page.
Ongoing Learning
Throughout the year you will also study the following modules which will help you understand how to manage your own continuous personal and professional development (PPD).
Professional Practice (10 credits)
The purpose of the module is to increase understanding of how to manage your own continuous personal and professional development in order to enable sustained career success and to enhance your business acumen. Personal and professional development in this context involves providing you with academic tools and experiential opportunities to expand your horizons and challenge your actions, attitudes and behaviours.
Customer Insight through Marketing Research (10 credits)
The aim of this module is to develop your skills as an effective decision maker - organisations require insight to make effective decisions and effective marketing research has been an integral part of how decision makers in organisations understand consumers and market dynamics; and as an effective academic - philosophical debates and methodological issues will be explored as a foundation to understanding marketing research.
Placement Diploma in Industrial Experience (2 year course only)
This module aims to develop your understanding of the business and commercial environment. You will apply relevant prior knowledge and skills in the business environment increasing your commercial awareness. On completion of the module, you will have developed a range of skills and have a practical insight into the world of work and possible career opportunities.
Please note that placements are not available for students starting in January.