Marketing Degree Entry Requirements (+ Best A-Level Combinations)

Considering a Marketing career?

Marketing is a broad and versatile field offering a range of exciting career paths, from advertising and market research to brand management. If you've got a flair for creativity, strategic thinking, and communication, this could be the perfect fit for you!

According to Reed Jobs, the salary for a marketing position can go anywhere from £29,000 to £72,000, making it a very attractive option for students looking for a profession that is both profitable and dynamic.

In this article, we'll explore the essential A-level subjects that will equip you for a marketing degree. We'll cover the best subject combinations, top universities in the UK for this course, and how to take A-levels privately for maximum flexibility in your studies. Let's dive in!

What A Levels are required for Marketing?

There aren't specific A-Levels required for Marketing degrees in the UK, but strong options include Business, English, and Maths. Keep reading to discover the best combination tailored to your strengths and career aspirations.

Core subjects

Business

Studying Business at A-level lays the groundwork for a marketing degree. This subject equips you with the essential knowledge of core concepts like management, finance, and marketing principles. It also develops analytical and strategic thinking skills, which are vital for analysing market trends and crafting targeted campaigns.

English Language

English Language is a key subject for aspiring marketers, as it enhances your ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally. Effective communication is at the heart of marketing, whether you're crafting compelling advertisements, writing engaging content, or presenting marketing plans.

Psychology

Psychology A-Level unlocks the secrets of human behavior, a marketer's key to success! By studying psychology, you gain insights into cognitive processes, emotional responses, and social influences that drive consumer decisions. For instance, understanding how memory works helps you craft marketing messages that resonate with customers in the long term.

Economics

Economics covers essential topics like supply and demand, pricing, and market competition, all fundamental for making informed strategic decisions. Additionally, it enhances analytical and quantitative skills, essential for evaluating marketing performance and ROI.

Is Business or Economics better for a Marketing degree?

Both offer valuable skill sets! While Business provides a well-rounded foundation in marketing principles and management, Economics delves deeper into market forces, pricing strategies, and consumer behavior. Ultimately, the choice depends on your interests. If you crave a broad marketing skillset, go for Business. If you enjoy data and market dynamics, choose Economics.

Are you an adult returning to education? Learn more about what it’s like to take A-levels as an adult.

Useful subjects

Mathematics

While Maths might not seem like a marketing must-have, it hones your analytical skills and problem-solving, making you a data-driven marketer who can optimise campaigns for success. Plus, it's a strong A-Level valued by universities.

What level of math is required for Marketing?

If you're not a math whiz, that's okay! Complex mathematics like algebra isn't a major focus in marketing degrees. Instead, you'll likely encounter applied statistics and basic arithmetic (e.g., percentages, averages) to analyse data and measure campaign performance.

Sociology

Sociology offers insights into societal trends, consumer behavior, and cultural influences. Understanding these factors is valuable for creating effective marketing strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. This subject enhances your ability to analyse social patterns and predict consumer responses, making it a useful addition to your marketing studies.

Media Studies

Media Studies is relevant for understanding the media landscape, communication strategies, and content creation. It offers practical insights into how media influences consumer behavior and brand perception. However, some universities may not consider it as strong as other subjects.

Which subject combination is best for Marketing?

Business + English Language + Psychology

A well-rounded foundation for a marketing degree: Business provides essential knowledge of management principles, marketing strategies, and organisational operations; English Language enhances your communication skills, critical for crafting compelling marketing messages and content: and Psychology offers insights into consumer behavior, helping you understand and influence your target audience effectively.

Business + English Language + Mathematics

This combination is ideal for those looking to leverage analytical skills in their marketing career. Business and English Language build a strong foundation in management and communication. Mathematics adds valuable quantitative skills, enabling you to analyse market data, evaluate campaign performance, and make data-driven decisions.

Business + English Language + Media Studies

Pairing Business and English Language with Media Studies provides a practical understanding of the media landscape and content creation. Business knowledge equips you with marketing and management strategies, while English Language enhances your ability to communicate effectively. Media Studies offers insights into how media influences consumer behavior and brand perception, making it a valuable addition for modern marketers.

Are you looking for other career options? You may want to take a look at the Business and finance degree entry requirements

What course is best for marketing in the UK? 5 Top Universities

According to The Guardian, these are the best universities to study Marketing in the UK:

1. Lancaster University

2. University of Stirling

3. University of Derby

4. University of Southampton

5. City University of London

These offer different entry requirements, which means that you have a variety of options to choose from based on your background. And, if your qualifications don’t match any of these options, remember you can always resit your exams. Learn more about how to retake A-levels.

What are the entry requirements to study Marketing?

	UCAS Points	GCSEs	A Levels	BTEC	International Baccalaureate	IELTS
Lancaster University	128	English Language B/5	ABB	DDM	32	6.5 overall (5.5 in each component)
University of Stirling	120	Not specified	BBB	DDM	30	6 overall (5.5 in each component)
University of Derby	112-120	Maths and English 4/C	BBC	DMM	Not specified	6 overall (5.5 in each component)
University of Southampton	144	English 4/C and Maths 6/B	AAA	DDD	36	6.5 overall (6 in each component)
City University of London (Bayes School)	144	English 4/C and Maths 6/B	AAA	DDD	35	6.5 overall (6 in each component)

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Bonus: Aspiring marketers FAQs

What GCSEs do you need for Marketing?

To pursue a marketing degree, it's essential to have strong GCSEs in English and Mathematics, as these subjects develop your communication and analytical skills. Additional beneficial subjects include Business Studies, and any humanities subjects, which can provide a broader understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and business principles, although they are not strictly required.

Is Marketing a tough course?

Marketing can be challenging due to its blend of creativity and analytical thinking. The course involves understanding complex market dynamics, consumer behavior, and developing strategic campaigns. However, with a passion for the subject and a willingness to learn, many students find it rewarding and manageable, especially with a practical and interactive learning approach.

Is a Marketing degree worth it?

A marketing degree is highly valuable, offering diverse career opportunities in various industries. It provides essential skills in strategic thinking, communication, and data analysis. With the growing importance of digital marketing, a marketing degree can lead to a dynamic and rewarding career with strong job prospects.

What is the average salary in Marketing in the UK?

According to Reed Jobs, salaries in the marketing area can go anywhere from £29,000 to £72,000, with an average of £40.000. This varies greatly based on your experience and the marketing field you specialise in.

What A Levels do you need for Fashion Marketing?

For fashion marketing, essential A-levels include Business Studies and English Language, which provide a foundation in marketing principles and communication skills. Additionally, Art and Design or Textiles can be beneficial, offering insights into the fashion industry and enhancing your creativity, which is crucial for effective fashion marketing strategies.

What are the job opportunities in the Marketing field?

The marketing field offers a wide range of job opportunities, including roles such as marketing manager, digital marketing specialist, brand manager, market research analyst, content strategist, and social media manager. These positions span various industries, from retail and technology to healthcare and entertainment, providing diverse and dynamic career paths for marketing graduates.