MARKETING

Do you need a degree to work in marketing?

You don’t need a degree to work in marketing. Some people enter the industry through apprenticeships, internships, junior roles, or by building skills and experience independently. But studying marketing at university can give you a significant advantage. A degree offers structured learning, access to industry tools, and a deeper understanding of strategy and consumer behaviour. As well as the flexibility to explore different areas of marketing before choosing your specialism. It can also open doors to quicker progression, higher-level roles, and competitive graduate programmes.

Routes into a career in marketing

There are two main pathways into a marketing career. Which one you choose depends on your experience, goals, and preferred style of learning:

1. University degree (BSc or BA in Marketing)

The most comprehensive and flexible route. A marketing degree gives you:

A strong grounding in branding, digital marketing, advertising, and analytics
Hands-on experience through projects, campaigns, and live briefs
Access to industry-standard tools and certifications
Work placements, networking opportunities, and creative portfolio development
A clear route into specialist or leadership roles

Studying at university helps you build confidence, gain strategic knowledge, and enter the industry with a competitive skill set.

2. Apprenticeships and experience-based routes

Prefer a more practical route? Your options include:

Marketing apprenticeships at Levels 3–6
Junior roles such as Marketing Assistant, Content Creator, or Social Media Assistant
Building a portfolio through freelance work, volunteering, or personal projects
Self-taught learning in areas like SEO, TikTok content, email marketing, and Google Ads

These routes allow you to earn while you learn and build experience from day one,. Although progression may be slower without formal qualifications.

Why choose a marketing degree?

While not essential, many students choose to study marketing first because it provides:

• Broader understanding

You gain in-depth knowledge of digital strategy, consumer psychology, branding, analytics, and campaign management.

• Better career flexibility

You can move into digital marketing, advertising, PR, content, UX, analytics, or brand roles with the freedom to specialise later.

• Stronger industry preparation

University projects often mirror real-world marketing practice. From client briefs to pitching and campaign reporting.

• Access to professional tools

Degrees often provide training in Google Analytics, CRM systems, design software, and social platforms. Giving you the skills that all employers value.

• A competitive edge

Graduates are well-positioned for higher-level roles, graduate schemes, and strategic positions.

Thinking beyond traditional marketing roles

Not sure if you want to go straight into a marketing job? A marketing degree opens doors to a wide range of careers. Graduates pursue roles in business, communications, media, digital technology, and the creative industries. Find out more in our 'What can you do with a marketing degree' FAQ.

Explore our Marketing degree

Could you be the person behind the next big brand story? At Hull, our Marketing degree blends creative strategy, digital know‑how and real business experience right from day one. You’ll dive into branding, consumer behaviour, social media and data‑driven marketing - working on live projects with real companies and building skills that matter. Learn in a community built on bold thinking, collaboration, and nearly a century of shaping futures.

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