BA (Hons) Digital Marketing and Public Relations Bachelor's degree at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
BA (Hons) Digital Marketing and Public Relations at QMUE is taught in English and leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree. The university, founded in 1875, is a recognised UK degree-awarding body.
About this course
Study QMU's professionally-recognised BA (Hons) in Digital Marketing and Public Relations. This course provides the strategic insight, practical skills and industry experience to kick-start your career in the fast-paced and rapidly growing industries of digital marketing and PR. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Digital Marketing and Public Relations is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at QMUE. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Business and management graduates from this provider, 94% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 52% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Business & Management, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 94% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year One 6 modules
- Introduction to Public RelationsCore
Module details
In this module, you will learn the fundamental principles and practices of Public Relations. You will explore how Public Relations shapes media narratives and public perception, and how it is used to build and maintain relationships between organizations and their publics. This module will equip you with the skills necessary for media relations, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement, providing a solid foundation for a career in public relations.
- Marketing and Consumer BehaviourCore
Module details
In this module, you will delve into the intricacies of marketing and the factors that influence consumer behaviour. You will explore how cultural, social, personal, and psychological elements shape consumer decisions and learn to apply this understanding to create targeted marketing strategies. The module will equip you with the skills to analyse market trends, segment audiences, and develop campaigns that effectively engage and retain customers. This foundational knowledge is crucial for anyone
- Media and Creative IndustriesCore
Module details
In this module, you will be introduced to the media and creative industries, with a focus on economics, regulation, ownership, and publicity. You will explore the historical origins of various sectors within these industries and examine contemporary trends and features. Through a range of case studies, you will gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics that shape these fields, enhancing your ability to analyse and respond to the evolving landscape of media and creativity.
- Creative Practice: Visual StorytellingCore
Module details
In this module, you will explore the foundational principles of visual storytelling through still and moving images. You will engage in critical reflection on your learning experiences, enhancing your ability to create compelling visual narratives that effectively communicate stories. This approach will not only improve your technical proficiency but also deepen your understanding of the artistic and communicative power of visual media.
- Creative Practice: Critical Thinking and Creative WritingCore
Module details
In this module, you will develop critical thinking and creative writing skills for crafting press releases, blog posts, and social media content. You will engage with digital media and creative productions, focusing on themes such as human rights, democracy, and social justice. This will enhance your ability to critically assess and articulate issues related to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). This module equips you with the essential skills to excel as both a reader and a writer in your
- Data ManagementCore
Module details
In this module, you will acquire the skills necessary to expertly manage, store, and analyse data in today's digital landscapes. You will explore best practices in data governance and learn how to utilise advanced database management systems. You will also delve into ensuring data integrity, security, and privacy, preparing you to handle large datasets with confidence. By mastering these techniques, you will be well-equipped to address complex data challenges and make informed decisions in vario
Year Two 6 modules
- AI and Digital CommunicationCore
Module details
In this module, you will explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in digital communication. You will learn how AI technologies are integrated into communication strategies, enhancing interactivity, personalisation, and analytics. This module will provide you with a deep understanding of AI applications in social media, content creation, and data analysis. You will gain practical skills in leveraging AI to craft effective digital communication strategies that anticipate and meet
- Digital Marketing and e-Commerce ManagementCore
Module details
In this module, you will dive into the fast-evolving fields of digital marketing and e-commerce. You will learn how to design and implement digital marketing strategies that effectively drive online traffic and conversions. The module covers key areas such as SEO, SEM, content marketing, and social media strategies, alongside e-commerce operations like customer journey mapping, online sales tactics, and digital storefront optimization. This comprehensive understanding will equip you to manage an
- Creative Practice: PodcastingCore
Module details
In this module, you will explore the art and technique of podcasting. You will learn how to create, produce, and distribute podcasts effectively, focusing on content development, audio editing, and audience engagement. This module will provide you with practical skills in storytelling and technical aspects of sound design. You will gain hands-on experience in crafting compelling audio narratives that capture and maintain listener interest, preparing you to launch successful podcasts in any field
- Persuasive CommunicationCore
Module details
In this module, you will master the art of persuasive communication. You will learn how to craft messages that influence and motivate audiences, focusing on techniques for argumentation, rhetoric, and audience analysis. This module will equip you with the skills to effectively present ideas, negotiate, and persuade in various contexts, from business negotiations to public speaking. By understanding the psychological underpinnings of persuasion, you will enhance your ability to communicate strate
- Analytics, Insights and ImpactCore
Module details
In this module, you will delve into the world of data analytics to uncover insights and assess their impact on business strategies. You will learn how to collect, analyse, and interpret data, transforming it into actionable insights. This module equips you with the tools to measure the effectiveness of various initiatives and make data-driven decisions. You will explore case studies and real-world applications, enhancing your ability to contribute to strategic outcomes through informed analysis.
- Ethics, Social Justice, and SustainabilityCore
Module details
In this module, you will examine the intersections of ethics, social justice, and sustainability. You will explore how ethical decision-making influences business practices and public policies, and how it contributes to achieving social justice and environmental sustainability. You will engage with current issues and case studies, developing the ability to critically assess and address complex challenges in a variety of professional and societal contexts.
Year Three 4 modules
- Strategic Campaign PlanningCore
Module details
You will explore the principles of planning strategic communication campaigns. This module delves into theories essential for crafting effective communications and understanding their societal impacts. Through this module, you will learn to create campaigns that positively affect society and promote sustainability.
- Marketing Communications and Digital AdvertisingCore
Module details
In this module, you will learn how to integrate marketing communications and digital advertising strategies to create cohesive and effective campaigns. You will explore various digital platforms and tools, learning how to craft messages that resonate with diverse audiences. This module will enhance your skills in developing targeted advertising strategies, using data-driven insights to optimise reach and engagement. You will gain a thorough understanding of the digital advertising landscape, pre
- Designing a Research ProjectCore
Module details
You will uncover a range of approaches, methods and practices for researching the media, culture and society. It prepares students to develop and design research projects which may support their written or creative practice dissertation or be developed for other purposes.
- Project Managing a Live EventCore
Module details
In this module, you will learn how to plan, coordinate, and deliver a live event within a digital marketing and public relations context. You will develop key project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, team coordination, and risk assessment. With a focus on audience engagement and brand communication, you will explore how live events can be used strategically to enhance digital campaigns and public relations efforts.
Year Four 2 modules
- Professional Communication PlacementCore
Module details
In this module, you will gain practical experience in professional communication through a placement in a real-world setting. You will apply the communication theories and strategies learned in your studies to actual business scenarios, enhancing your skills in writing, speaking, and digital communication. This module provides an opportunity to work closely with professionals in the field, allowing you to develop industry-specific communication techniques and build a network of contacts. The exp
- Written or Creative Practice DissertationCore
Module details
You will undertake a sustained and significant piece of individual research and writing in our Written Dissertation option, c. 9000 words, on a topic of your choosing within PR, marketing, media, communications and cultural studies. Or you will undertake a sustained and significant piece of individual or group creative practice in podcasting or photography criticism, accompanied by a 3000 word critical reflection.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course combines strategic marketing and public relations practice. You'll begin with foundations in management, marketing principles and business economics, then progress through organisational behaviour, strategy and operations. In the second and third years, you'll usually specialise in areas such as digital business, entrepreneurship, marketing or international business, alongside practical projects. A capstone project or live client brief typically integrates your learning, ensuring you develop the strategic insight and industry experience needed for work in digital marketing and PR.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in the business and management sector, particularly those drawn to digital marketing and public relations. Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications; among accepted students over recent years, 55% came in with A-levels or equivalent. The typical UCAS tariff band for accepted students falls between 160 and 175 points.
University & format
This BA (Hons) is delivered full-time over 4 years at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, taught in English. Queen Margaret University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; your degree is nationally recognised. Typical entrants held A-levels or equivalent (55% of recent accepted students), with a common UCAS tariff of 160–175 points.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 72%.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 55% |
| another higher-education qualification | 40% |
| an Access course | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code P212). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page. Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at QMUE →If you normally live in Scotland
For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.
Check the current amounts with SAAS →Paying for it
- SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
- Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
- Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Business & Management graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £23,000 – £29,000 | 45 |
| 3 years after | £22,000 | £17,500 – £26,500 | 250 |
| 5 years after | £27,000 | £21,000 – £33,000 | 250 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate / AnalystOn a scheme or first role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / ManagerOwning an area, marketing, finance, ops · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Head ofLeading a function and a team · 5–10 yrs
- 4Director / FounderRunning a business unit or your own company · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Business & Management nationally
National figures for Business & Management graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Business & Management courses at the same study level.
Compared with 3,421 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 26% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 17% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 13% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 11% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 135; response rate: 51%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Business & Management graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine reporting and data pulls
- First-draft decks and copy
- Standard forecasts and reconciliations
- Scheduling and admin workflows
More human than ever
- Strategy and judgement under uncertainty
- Leading, negotiating and selling
- Sense-checking and owning what AI produces
- Relationships with clients and teams
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Business & Management graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Consultancies
- Corporate graduate schemes
- Retail & FMCG
- Startups & scale-ups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Business & Management graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold.
Where graduates go
94% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.6 out of 10: NSS 78.3% · in work or study 94% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Business and management across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is Business & Management right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to QMUE from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £25,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check QMUE’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with QMUE and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at QMUE
Business & Management at other universities
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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