Subject Guide Plymouth Business School Edition

Plymouth Business School Edition

HANDS-ON ENTRAPRENEURIAL SUPPORT

WORK ON LIVE BUSINESS PROJECTS

BUILD STRONG INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS

RANKED 1ST IN THE UK FOR MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS*

RANKED 4TH IN THE UK FOR HOSPITALITY, EVENTS & TOURISM*

Admissions

+44 (0)1752 585858 admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Schools & Colleges Outreach

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business FOABHoutreach@plymouth.ac.uk

University of Plymouth Drake Circus Plymouth Devon PL4 8AA United Kingdom

Follow us

@plymuni @plymuniapply @plymunibusiness

Business Edition

SUBJECT

It’s never too early to start thinking about what you would like to do after school or college, or if you are planning a career move. At Plymouth, we know that choosing a university and course is a big decision. While you may have an idea of a profession, career or industry that you’re aspiring towards, if you’re unsure of exactly what you want to do or are keen to find out more – this is where our handy subject guide comes in.

Meet some of this issue’s contributors:

Inside...

FEATURES:

P. 8 Which degree is right for you? Discover which of our degrees best matches your interests and future aspirations.

P. 14 Gaming and motorsport success

Tobin talks us through his hugely successful career.

P. 20 A new home for the Plymouth Business School

The Fitzroy Building brings business right to the heart of campus.

P. 26 Turbo-charge your career with a year in industry

Learn more about placements.

EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE HOME

Visit us at an Open Day

When it comes to finding out whether university feels right for you, nothing compares to an open day. Talk to current students and quiz lecturers about your course. You can register to attend here plymouth.ac.uk/open-days

Start exploring –take a virtual tour

Our virtual tour allows you to experience first hand what it’s like to be on campus and explore the environments and facilities that inspire and shape our learning every day.

P. 28 The role of AI in marketing: what you need to know

The digital marketing landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace.

P. 34 Changing the way we make, move and eat food

Exploring how people shop and why people buy what they do.

10 REASONS TO STUDY AT PLYMOUTH

Plymouth Business School will provide you with an exceptional student experience, enabling you to succeed in your chosen career. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to enter the business world with confidence in your skills, resilience in your approach, and demonstrable experience to impress employers. How?

Read our top 10 reasons to find out!

2. THRIVE IN YOUR FUTURE CAREER

We will help you to secure work experience and placements, and to learn from industry experts with dedicated Career Insight Panels. Build a standout CV with continuing professional development opportunities at prestigious events and conferences, e.g. Building Brands.

1. GAIN REALWORLD EXPERIENCE

You’ll work with organisations as part of client assessments and consultancy projects. You’ll be supported to gain an (optional) placement year, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in a business and put the skills you’ve learnt into practice.

4. LEARN IN DEDICATED SPACES

Plymouth Business School’s home is at the heart of our city centre campus. The new Fitzroy Building provides cutting-edge teaching facilities and social learning spaces. Analyse financial markets in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite. Receive business advice and support from The Cube to help transform your entrepreneurial ideas into a reality.

“I was completely sold on the University when I attended an open day; being able to see the facilities available was really cool, and I really fell for the place when I saw the location.”

Josh, BSc (Hons) Business Management

3. DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY IN BUSINESS

Learn what it takes to develop and manage truly sustainable businesses that are fit for the future, committed to good business practice and social, economic and environmental sustainability. Our mission is to put business-ready graduates on a path to a successful career and a happy life. We’re leading the way to a net-zero carbon future, and are proud to be the second carbon-neutral university in the UK.

5. STUDY AN ACCREDITED COURSE

You can be confident of the quality of our courses. We are the first UK business school to achieve candidacy status from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. We are members of prestigious accrediting bodies such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, The Chartered Association of Business Schools, and the Business Graduates Association.

6. BENEFIT FROM EXPERT TEACHING

You’ll be taught by staff who are renowned for research with local and global significance. You’ll form close professional relationships with your lecturers, who are globally distinguished practitioners and academics.

8. BUILD GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Plymouth Business School fosters a global community. Our courses incorporate international and intercultural dimensions. Our diverse academic staff bring crosscultural experiences and perspectives. We have a wide network of international partners and provide comprehensive support to our multicultural student body.

7. JOIN A DIVERSE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Our inclusive culture will support you to develop your own business identity and work in a way that is true to you. You will feel a sense of belonging, as part of a cohort of like-minded students, where all values and beliefs are respected and harnessed throughout your time at Plymouth.

9. BE SUPPORTED

Throughout your time with us, you’ll have a personal tutor to support you in every aspect of your learning. Every tutor operates an open-door policy, meaning you can see them outside of timetabled seminars, workshops and lectures to talk through your work on a one-toone basis.

“I haven’t met a lecturer who wouldn’t go above and beyond for their students. This can be academically or personally, just to make you feel better as an individual.”

Michael, BSc (Hons) Marketing

10. CHOOSE AN UNBEATABLE LOCATION

Study with us and discover a thriving waterfront city at the heart of the UK’s stunning South West. The University sits at the very centre of the city, with excellent national transport links, great shopping and culture, top sporting opportunities, pristine seas and south-coast sunshine.

WHICH DEGREE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

All our degrees embed integrated CV-building activities, real world problem-based learning, micro-internship opportunities, as well as optional placement years for you to build your work experience in industry.

BA (H ons) ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

Explore the latest developments in the field and master the complex set of skills needed to embark on a career in accounting and finance.

Find out more

BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance

BS c (H ons) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Learn how to become an organisation’s best asset by successfully coordinating people, projects and resources.

Find out more

BSc (Hons) Business Management

BS c (H ons) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT WITH FINANCE

Understand the roles of financial decision making and economic analysis in supporting strategic decision making and business leadership.

Find out more BSc (Hons) Business Management with Finance

BS c (H ons) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT WITH HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Learn how to lead teams and create high performing work environments that bring out the best in an organisation’s people.

Find out more BSc (Hons) Business Management with Human Resource Management

BS c (H ons) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Put your business knowledge into practice on an international stage. Gain global business skills, manage across cultures and borders, and enhance your expertise through live-projects.

Find out more BSc (Hons) Business Management with International Business

BS c (H ons) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT WITH MARKETING

Hone your skills in promoting, selling, advertising and researching. Understand business, and how to market goods and services to consumers.

Find out more BSc (Hons) Business Management with Marketing

BS c (H ons) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT WITH PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Lead effective and sustainable projects – applying project management practices, driving change, and aligning teams to your vision.

Find out more BSc (Hons) Business Management with Project Management

BS c (H ons) ECONOMICS

Financial analyst, consultant, policymaker, entrepreneur, market researcher, academic – every organisation needs an economist.

Find out more BSc (Hons) Economics

BS c (H ons) EVENTS MANAGEMENT

Create truly unforgettable events. Our hands-on degree developed with industry gives you the insight, knowhow and skills to become a critical and creative event manager.

Find out more BSc (Hons) Events Management

BS c (H ons) INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of international hospitality management?

Find out more BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management

BS c (H ons) INTERNATIONAL TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Do you want to make a difference in the world’s fastestgrowing industry? Acquire new skills and knowledge that can be put into practice through the wide range of

Find out more BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management

BS c (H ons) MARITIME BUSINESS

90% of world trade is carried by sea. You will master key areas from shipbroking, the transport of goods, to salvage rights and piracy.

Find out more BSc (Hons) Maritime Business

BS c (H ons) MARKETING

Become the expert driving force behind modern business. Our degree has deep industry ties and years of student feedback, shaping the course to stay at the very top of the Guardian League Tables, two years running, 2025 and 2026.

Find out more BSc (Hons) Marketing

FIND THE RIGHT ROUTE FOR YOU VIA A FOUNDATION YEAR!

Most of our three-year courses have the option of becoming a four-year degree with the addition of a foundation year. Wherever your starting point, we will help you to succeed. Our Foundation Years act as a bridge, getting you from wherever you are now, to being one of our Plymouth Business School graduates.

“Opting for a foundation year gave me a chance to ease into the course and become comfortable in a new environment. It also gave me the time to learn the knowledge and skills that I didn’t initially have, which were needed for my first year.”

Amy, Marketing with Foundation Year

FIRST YEAR STUDENT AMY SHARES HER EXPERIENCE OF CHOOSING TO TAKE THE FOUNDATION YEAR PATHWAY.

I chose to study a foundation year as it was the best route for me to take from both an educational and personal perspective. As someone who struggles with anxiety opting for a foundation year gave me a chance to ease into the course and become comfortable in a new environment. Choosing a foundation year also gave me the time to learn the knowledge and skills that I did not initially have which were needed for first year.

I think there are some misconceptions about foundation degrees. One that I can think of which many students can agree with is the additional financial stress of going to university for an extra year. However, I have found Plymouth to be quite cheap so far.

I have developed numerous skills during the foundation year. Most importantly, I developed a confidence boost. This is my biggest achievement as I have a lot of anxiety. The opportunitiy to make new friends improved my confidence skills as I had to talk to other people in the course to succeed. I am now a student ambassador for the marketing course and talk to prospective students and their families at our open days about the course and my experiences on it.

My experience of the marketing lecturers is that they are very friendly and always willing to chat to us students. I was provided with one-to-one sessions with the lecturers to know if I was doing well on our assignments. They are also there to hear any concerns you may have regarding feedback with your modules

and your health. They can also refer you to the services that the university provides.

My main reason for choosing Plymouth was the area it was located in. I enjoy living by the coast as it reminds me home. Ideally, it was to help reduce the feeling of being home sick. It must have worked since I am still here!

What makes me proud is that I am studying overseas away from home. I am trying to achieve independency away from home and make my parents proud.

I would love to get my dream job as a marketing director for Warner Brothers. I believe this is possible with a marketing degree from Plymouth Business School and I am sure my foundation year will have only benefited my chances.

I recommend taking a course with the University of Plymouth as you will be able to achieve more than just a degree. They will be providing you with opportunities to take extra courses you can gain extra experience and certifications that other universities cannot offer. This will look amazing on your CV.

ENHANCE YOUR EXISTING QUALIFICATIONS WITH A TOP-UP COURSE

Our well established top-up courses are designed to complement your previous studies and equip you for your chosen career. Top-up courses typically take just one or two years to complete, and as a top-up student you have the opportunity to graduate with a full honours degree from the University of Plymouth.

TOBIN’ S STORY

Founder of Pacenote Tobin talks us through his hugely successful career in gaming and motorsport

“I have always loved cars, especially race cars. However, it’s hugely expensive to drive the real thing… so I got involved in the virtual world through sim-racing, and my career has accelerated ever since.”

ALUMNI CASE STUDY

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

When I was a child, I really wanted to get into motorsport, but it was unrealistic for me because of the costs. There is a large online community in the same position, who see racing games (sim-racing) as a viable alternative to the real thing. I turned my passion into success and became a professional sim-racing driver for Veloce Esports and Lazarus Esports. I was part of the team that came second in the world in the 2019 ForzaRC Invitational Series held in California.

As an emerging industry, esports are now a viable route to mix with drivers from the top of motorsport. I regularly raced against F1 world champion Max Verstappen. I also hosted a head-tohead race against McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris on racing simulators, and during lockdown I shared a (virtual) car with 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button for a charity event.

A PODIUM FINISH

After successfully graduating from the University with a Business Management degree, I worked with Quadrant – a gaming and lifestyle brand founded by Lando Norris – where I oversaw the day-to-day operations, strategy and helped to organise large-scale productions and activations. For example, we took over the fan zone at the British F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone and organised simulator races.

I also worked for Veloce, a leading racing, gaming and lifestyle media platform. I managed and maintained Veloce’s relationship with McLaren as the team manager of McLaren Shadow – their esports team. Duties included the management of top esports talent and staff, developing an operational structure, managing the client relationship between Veloce and McLaren, and ensuring the

“You really need to be passionate and do what feels right for you to succeed as an esports entrepreneur. I will always be happy that I have managed to leverage time successfully competing as well as securing a management position in the industry. It has been an example of showing how doing what you enjoy can really pay off, even if you don’t expect it.”

team had the tools to maximise their performance.

My proudest moment to date is helping McLaren’s F1 Esports team to the 2022 F1 Esports Pro Constructors’ Championship, where we won McLaren’s first constructors’ trophy since 1998. Our esports trophies will sit in McLaren’s headquarters alongside all the F1 trophies at Goodwood.

“I chose to study at Plymouth because I had a specific interest in business management and the University was one of the few places that offered a fast-track degree in this subject. This allowed me to complete my studies at a faster rate and gave me the ability to learn skills quickly and immediately apply everything in the real world – it was a complete win-win.”

FAST-TRACKED BUSINESS SUCCESS

Although competing in esports doesn’t compare with the physical challenges real sport offers, it definitely is a test of mental power and resilience. Like real sport, a lot of the work takes place off the track, behind the scenes. From networking to contract negotiations, my experience studying Business Management is incredibly useful as so many skills are transferable.

“You really need to be passionate and do what feels right for you to succeed as an esports entrepreneur. I will always be happy that I have managed to leverage time successfully competing as well as securing a management position in the industry. It has been an example of showing how doing what you enjoy can really pay off, even if you don’t expect it.”

WHAT COMES NEXT?

I now have my sights set on my new esports business venture called Pacenote. This service-based company will provide a range of support to individuals and businesses wanting to take advantage of the opportunity of the rapidly rising sim-racing industry. My goal is to positively transform the available support for everyone in the sim-racing space – whether you’re a business looking to grow, or a talented professional seeking career advice.

ALUMNI CASE STUDY

ADAM

BSC (HONS) MARKETING GRADUATE

“The placement aspect of this course will help you immensely when it comes to searching for full-time graduate jobs. The University has some good connections to large companies across the world and will give you the necessary support to secure your placement. I’d certainly recommend Plymouth.”

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH SINCE GRADUATION.

After finishing my last exam I turned on my phone to check messages as I was expecting phone calls from a couple of companies regarding recent job interviews. I received a number of calls, including a voicemail from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars offering me a job. It was quite a relief heading to the pub knowing that I’d secured a dream position within a dream company.

I entered onto the graduate scheme with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. I am based in the Marketing team at head office in Goodwood, UK. As a graduate employee you are required to complete a minimum of three placements within the organisation. I am just over half way into my twoyear programme and have so far completed placements in brand

communications and CRM (Customer Relationship Management), social media and digital marketing, long term strategy and sales, European regional marketing, events and marketing services, and US regional marketing based in New Jersey. I’ve also spent three weeks working within the dealership in Berkeley Square, London.

WHAT, IF ANYTHING, WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IF YOU COULD?

Nothing. I left school after sixth form and went straight to university. Many of my friends from school took the opportunity to travel before going onto study, but I felt that I would never have the motivation to return to my studies after travelling. It was very much a case of ‘now or never’. I also set myself the target to travel with my job – I completed my year in industry

in Munich, Germany, and have just spent three months in New Jersey, USA, based just outside of New York.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE WANTING TO GET IN TO THE SAME LINE OF WORK?

Remember: throughout your studies capitalise on every opportunity to make yourself stand out from the crowd. At the back of my mind throughout my degree was the thought that thousands of students would be graduating at the same time as me – all of whom would be looking for a job. Employers need a reason to select you.

HOW DID STUDYING AT PLYMOUTH HELP YOU?

The marketing course was a placement degree with the opportunity to complete one year

in industry. I always had an interest in business and entrepreneurship without knowing exactly what I wanted to do in later life. I’d had a couple of small business interests as a teenager and wanted to specialise within a certain area of business. I felt that I had learnt business basics during my time at school and through ‘learning the hard way’ I believed that specialising in marketing with the requirement to complete a year in industry would set me up perfectly for my future career.

THE HOME OF PLYMOUTH BUSINESS SCHOOL

INVESTING IN FACILITIES TO ENABLE YOU TO SUCCEED

Following a £14.5m investment, our transformed Fitzroy Building was officially opened in February 2025; providing a first-class facility for business, accounting and marketing students, right at the heart of our city centre campus.

The Fitzroy Building includes a number of specialist teaching facilities and social learning spaces, such as an upgraded Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite, where you can learn how to analyse financial markets, as well as a Maritime Suite. It provides a home for The Cube, the University’s acclaimed student and graduate enterprise support service.

“The home of Plymouth Business School is an exciting and vibrant space in which current and future students can foster the knowledge and enthusiasm that they need to achieve their ambitions.”

Professor Chris Bennewith, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business

ALUMNI CASE STUDY

CHRISTOPHER

BSC (HONS) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT GRADUATE

“If I could give any advice to prospective students, it would be to get involved in everything you can whilst at Plymouth Business School; learn a new language, join societies and sports clubs and meet as many people as you can.”

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH SINCE GRADUATION.

In 2013 I joined alva, a start-up business intelligence firm specialising in corporate reputation. I originally joined as a consultant in the Industry & Defence practice, advising defence, infrastructure and security companies on risks to and opportunities for corporate reputation. I have since moved into the Energy & Extractives practice and have been promoted to Consulting Director, managing the firm’s relationships with its mining, energy and oil and gas clients across the UK, Australia and South Africa.

WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT THING YOU HAVE FACED IN YOUR CAREER?

Working for a start-up has been very demanding in terms of the time and energy needed to succeed and grow the business. The level of responsibility and autonomy I received as part of joining a small company was daunting, but it has been ultimately very rewarding as new challenges have forced me to learn and grow as a consultant.

WHAT IS THE BEST, MOST EXCITING OR FUN THING THAT YOU HAVE DONE IN YOUR CAREER?

Presenting the conclusions of our analysis of some of the largest

companies in the world and seeing our recommendations implemented has been very satisfying. Seeing the impact of my work has been the most rewarding part of joining alva.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE WANTING TO GET INTO THE SAME LINE OF WORK?

Read around the subject you’re studying as widely as you can, watch the news and make as much use as you can of all the employability and skills development facilities at the University. What’s being reported in mainstream media can seem a little far away when you’re studying but coming to interview with a good knowledge of current affairs can help to bridge the gap between university and full-time work.

HOW DID STUDYING AT PLYMOUTH HELP YOU?

Studying at Plymouth Business School gave me the opportunity to become involved in lots of different societies and projects. The Leadership In Social Enterprise Program, the Certificate in Sustainable Business, the Entrepreneurs Society and the Students In Free Enterprise Society all helped to widen my commercial understanding and allowed me to implement some of what was

taught on the course. Taking part in different extra-curricular activities and societies at Plymouth was just as valuable as completing my degree and was where I met some of my closest friends.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND UNDERTAKING A COURSE WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH, AND WHY?

Plymouth was a fantastic place to study for me. All the extra-curricular activities provided really enriched my experience and what I learned on the fast-track BSc Business Management course helped me to secure my position at alva. If I could give any advice to prospective students, it would be to get involved in everything you can whilst at Plymouth Business School; learn a new language, join societies and sports clubs, and meet as many people as you can. I learnt just as much from my peers as from the course material whilst at university and having this network has been invaluable since graduating.

THE BLOOMBERG INTERACTIVE LEARNING SUITE

Stand out from the crowd with experience managing virtual investment portfolios

Financial markets are ever evolving, and the importance of hands-on experience and real-world application cannot be overstated. At Plymouth Business School we provide you with a cutting-edge learning experience through the Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite, a platform widely used by professionals in the global finance industry.

Real-time financial data allows you to track market trends, analyse economic indicators, and make informed decisions, mirroring the fast-paced nature of the financial world. You will become proficient in Bloomberg software, mastering market analytics and understanding financial instruments, skills highly sought after by employers in the financial sector.

“Access to such software at university allows you to learn and develop essential analytical skills required for a career in a fastpaced environment. You practise with virtual investment portfolios to fully experience, learn and reflect on decisions and outcomes. When looking for a career in the financial markets, access to and experience of such a system is key to standing out from the crowd!”

Matthew, BSc (Hons) Business Management

BSC (HONS) ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE GRADUATE

HANNAH TALKS TAX AND SURFING

“I really loved my time in Plymouth. It gave me the opportunity to try so many new things, including learning to surf. I now love surfing and try to go whenever I get the chance!”

“I’m working at an accountancy firm called PKF Francis Clark in the South West. I’m in the corporate taxation advisory team and am currently working towards becoming a chartered tax adviser. I work with a real variety of clients and am loving my time at the firm. In the next few months I’ll get the opportunity to rotate departments to work alongside the insolvency team. This will be a great opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in a new specialty.

I did some work experience prior to university at a private equity company called Starwood Capital. I found working alongside the accounts and taxation team the most interesting and wanted to learn more. It was recommended by the company that I join the University of Plymouth to do my degree in Accounting and Finance. I graduated with first class honours, which I’m really proud of.

The company I work for now came into one of our lectures and talked about what they do; following that, I applied for my current role.

All the lecturers on my course were lovely. They all supported me throughout my university career. They were happy to meet one to one or in small groups to explain things further or run through any subjects I found particularly tricky. I really appreciated everyone taking the time to help me.

I chose tax because it is ever changing. With new legislation, you are constantly learning and developing in your role. I really enjoy my work as it is constantly evolving, and no two clients are the same. The complex and diverse nature of taxation means that tax professionals can rapidly develop areas of specialist knowledge.

A piece of advice: make sure you investigate the different professional qualifications you can do in depth, to ensure you choose the right path and know what you’re getting yourself into.

I really loved my time in Plymouth. It gave me the opportunity to try so many new things, including learning to surf. I now love surfing and try to go whenever I get the chance!”

THE CUBE

WE SUPPORT EVERY STAGE OF YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL

JOURNEY

The Cube provides advice, funding and business support

Whether you’re a student or a graduate, we offer advice, funding and support at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey; you can come to us with anything from an idea to a fully fledged business. Our activities and support are designed so that you can develop your creative skills and business acumen to maximise your future career, be your own boss or perform well in a modern workplace.

• Attend workshops and events, run by experienced entrepreneurs who have ‘been there, done that’.

• Come along to our drop- you’re in sessions, offering quick answers to your business questions.

• Meet an expert adviser at our business start-up and support sessions.

• Take part in business challenges and competitions with incredible prizes.

• Get funding and finance support to develop potential business ideas into reality.

• Complement your studies and gain exciting work opportunities via the University of Plymouth Freelancers Agency.

“With the help of funding from The Cube I have grown my business and expanded it from being just myself to a team of six. I accessed free one to one support from The Cube with experts in marketing/branding and financial planning to support me with the development of my brand.”

Steph, founder of Chu Lo’

YEAR IN INDUSTRY

“In some cases, like me, you can leave your placement company knowing that you can potentially walk straight into a graduate role!“

Laura, BSc (Hons) Business Management

WE WANT YOU TO REAP THE BENEFITS OF A PLACEMENT

For many subject areas, a placement is integrated into your

degree; it’s entirely optional, but we strongly encourage it. After your second year of study, you’ll work for a company or organisation for 12 months. You’ll then return to university for your final year of study, with a heap of work experience to add to your CV.

“I did a one-year placement in a five-star hotel in London. I was the

first person from the University of Plymouth to secure a placement at this hotel and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I learnt so much from the company and was part of the team that helped the hotel achieve a Forbes five star rating and a Michelin star.”

Tasmin, BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management

SO WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PLACEMENT?

Placement students tell us how incredibly valuable the experience is in increasing selfconfidence and encouraging reflective practice, while also developing many ‘missing skills’ that employers are looking for.

• Enhanced employment prospects – many students go back to their placement provider at the graduate level

• Improved skills and knowledge, including ‘softer’ employability skills, and specific technical skills and competencies

• Increased understanding and awareness of the world of work, the ability to articulate skills and achievements, and selfawareness

• A broadened network of professional contacts

WE’LL SUPPORT YOU ALL THE WAY

You’ll have access to:

• Daily placement dropin appointments, for help with applications, interview preparation, and placement search techniques

• The Careers Hub – open daily with a large number of online resources to facilitate your search

• Timetabled sessions to help prepare you with finding/securing a placement

• Employer and returning placement student guest speakers

LUCY’S TRANSFORMATIONAL PLACEMENT YEAR

“I can honestly say that taking a placement year was one of the best decisions I’ve made and it has transformed my career… If you’re unsure about a placement year, I cannot recommend it highly enough.”

“While at university, I took a placement at Teignbridge District Council, where I had a year’s experience working within a local government tourism team. I now work for McArthurGlen, Europe’s leading owner, developer and manager of designer outlets, as a Senior International Communications Executive. I am very lucky that I’ve had so much experience within the sector and it’s all closely linked to the experience I gained while I was on my placement year.

“I’d also highly encourage temporary work experience, voluntary work, or any opportunity that allows you to get experience or transferable skills in that line of work. It means you can refer to actual experience in future interviews, which is what employers are looking for.”

Lucy, BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management graduate

AN INTERNSHIP ADVENTURE

SECOND-YEAR MARKETING STUDENT ELLA SHARES HER INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

As a second-year student at Plymouth Business School, I embarked

on a transformative

journey that not only enriched my academic experience but also laid the foundation for what I hope is a successful career in marketing.

SECURING THE INTERNSHIP

My journey began by reaching out to the Career Services at the University to explore the internship opportunities.

The Career Insight Programme, designed to enhance the experience for Widening Participation students, opened doors for me to apply for paid internships.

The application process, surprisingly straightforward, involved submitting my CV and cover letter, followed by an online interview. The dedicated careers advisors provided invaluable support, offering personalised assistance in CV refinement and interview preparation through one-on-one appointments.

THE EXPERIENCE

Joining the team at ABC Services for a 3-month internship proved to be a pleasant surprise. The welcoming atmosphere and sense of value the team gave me made the experience enjoyable.

Working with a local business in Plymouth allowed me to contribute meaningfully, implementing SEO

strategies, conducting website assessments, and initiating a redevelopment project. I also played a pivotal role in establishing a cohesive branding presence across social media platforms and recommending innovative advertising approaches within budget constraints.

Little did I know that this hands-on experience would significantly benefit my second-year studies, especially in the digital marketing module. The internship not only expanded by knowledge and expertise but also allowed me to apply theoretical concepts from lectures to real-life marketing scenarios. The support from the marketing team at ABC Services was instrumental in my personal growth, leaving me a more confident and organised student.

THE BENEFITS

Undoubtedly, gaining practical experience in marketing is crucial, and seizing this opportunity in first year proved to be a strategic move. With lower academic pressures, the first year allowed me to explore career options,

industries, and job roles, and make informed decisions about my future goals. The internship not only enhanced my CV but also positioned me as a compelling candidate for subsequent internship applications and second-year placement opportunities.

Participating in the internship provided me with hands-one industry experience, deepening my understanding of marketing concepts and empowering me to apply these principles to realworld situations. Moreover, it created a platform to establish meaningful professional connections within the business world, significantly elevating my readiness for a successful career in marketing.

My internship experience at ABC Services has been a game-changer. I encourage you to take any internship opportunities early in your academic journey. The benefits go beyond having a more developed skill set, to shaping a more confident, well-rounded, and career-ready individual.

THE ROLE OF AI IN MARKETING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The digital marketing landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and at the heart of this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI). From small businesses to multinational corporations, AI is reshaping how marketing strategies are conceived, executed and measured.

RESPOND TO CHANGING CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR AND MARKET CONDITIONS IN REAL TIME

1. Sift through vast amounts of data: AI analysis of data goes way beyond what human analysis could achieve, identifying patterns and insights to help you understand customer behaviours, preferences and trends in a much more nuanced way.

2. Respond swiftly to consumer behaviour: Marketing campaigns can now be adjusted on-the-fly to maximise relevance and effectiveness.

3. Resonate with your audience: AI-driven predictive analytics can map out the customer journey, identifying key touchpoints where intervention can lead to conversion. Understanding this journey enables you to create more effective engagement strategies.

4. Anticipate the needs of your customers: AI can predict future actions by analysing past consumer behaviour, ensuring that the right message reaches the right audience at the right time. AI can also predict demand spikes to help with stock levels.

SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATE CHATBOTS TO ENHANCE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

1. Ensure consistent customer service: AIpowered chatbots integrated into digital platforms – including websites, social media channels, and messaging apps – ensure a consistent customer experience across all touchpoints.

2. Provide instant responses, improving customer service, enhancing customer satisfaction, and reducing the workload of the customer service team.

3. Learn from each interaction with a customer: Chatbots are capable of learning from interactions, becoming more efficient over time at handling queries.

PERSONALISATION: A NEW MARKETING FRONTIER

1. Highly personalised content: AI algorithms analyse large sets of customer data to understand individual preferences, enabling you to automate personalised emails, product recommendations, or custom-tailored website experiences.

2. Behaviour-based targeting: By analysing customer behaviour, AI can help target customers with precision, based on their past interactions, preferences, and even the time they are most likely to engage. It’s about delivering relevant experiences that resonate with the individual.

3. Enhanced user experience: Personalised marketing helps in making the customer feel valued and understood, thereby increasing brand loyalty and customer retention.

THE FUTURE OF AI IN MARKETING

As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative applications that will further revolutionise the marketing landscape. This will include AI understanding natural language queries and providing relevant content in response, and AI recognising images, enabling brands to analyse social media images for insights and trends, and in turn leading to more targeted and effective social media strategies.

As marketers, it’s crucial to balance the benefits of AI with respect for consumer privacy. This means being transparent about data collection and usage, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR, and using AI in a way that enhances customer experiences without compromising their trust.

AI in marketing is here and it’s reshaping the marketing world. By understanding and embracing AI, marketers can unlock powerful tools for engaging customers, predicting trends, personalising, and driving growth. As AI continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly open new doors and create exciting opportunities for those ready to explore its potential in the realm of marketing.

Based on an article by Dave Briggs, BSc (Hons) Economics graduate and founder of Building Brands, the largest marketing community in the South West.

GRADUATE STORIES

PERCI

BSc (Hons) Marketing graduate

“I work in the the branding, packaging & sustainability sector. I’m a Client Executive at ‘Pentawards’ and Marketing Manager for ‘The Good Cup’.

My favourite parts of the job are the incredible clients I’ve worked with, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Patagonia, Pantone, Puma and Unilever, to name just a few. This has allowed me to learn from leading experts while having autonomy on all my projects.

The top three skills my degree gave me were research, critical thinking

and communication. These skills enabled me to communicate with senior executives without feeling intimidated by their titles and position.

Marketing is the one degree that allows you to explore all the departments within a business. My marketing experience has opened doors to jobs in numerous industries and positions. I’ve worked in business development, sales, events and creative direction. Marketing is at the core of every business.

Why Plymouth? Well, truthfully, I loved the views. I loved being by the sea. The University of Plymouth has an incredible community of people who are innovative and champion sustainability. I miss being able to walk five minutes and having everything close by. Plymouth is so convenient, and it’s so cheap compared to London.“

ANDREIA

BSc (Hons) Economics graduate

“After graduating, I got a job at NetApp, a data management company, working in the defence sector. I started as an associate dealing with technical refreshes for customer systems and data. In my first year I generated over £3 million for my district. I was then promoted to a role where I now meet customers face to face to solve any issues they may have, and to support their data management goals. In the future I hope to work more with our global partners, generating new business and training engineers.

With BSc (Hons) Economics, you’ll have many options if you want a job directly related to your degree. Your understanding of economic relationships will enable you to advise businesses and other organisations, including insurance companies, banks, industry and trade associations, unions, and government agencies.

BSc (Hons) Economics will help you develop transferable skills, including communication, data presenting, critical evaluation, problem solving and analysing.”

GRADUATE STORIES

JISOO

BSc (Hons) Maritime Business graduate

Jisoo Kim has been on a hugely successful journey, both academically and professionally, since he came to Plymouth to study BSc (Hons) Maritime Business and Maritime Law.

“I graduated from Plymouth with the PYNDA (Plymouth Nautical Degree Association) Prize for best dissertation. I then attended the International Academic Conference as the only graduate with a bachelors degree and I was awarded the Excellence Award with a scholarship of 3 million South Korean won. I donated my scholarship funds to create the ‘Meister Prize’ for students with great potential who need financial support.

I wrote my dissertation on the Maritime Labour Convention, while serving at a Korean navy base –directly after its completion I was called up and sent to the navy. As a result of my efforts, I was selected by the Korean government as a young role model of the Republic of Korea. Additionally, I was awarded the Naval Colonel Award from the Republic of Korea Navy.

As a merchant marine officer, I proudly served my military service with a firm carrying major oil companies’ cargo and supporting international commercial activities. Travelling around the world was the best and the most exciting part of my job, but it was

also the hardest part because we stayed on board for up to ten months.

I chose to study at the University because this is the only course and university in the UK which I felt offered this variety of subjects. Your choice is very wide after graduation. You can choose any sector within the international business and maritime field.”

MAKING SEASIDE TOWNS THE PRIORITY FOR BETTER JOBS AND LIVING CONDITIONS

Sheela Agawal is Professor of Business at the University and CoDirector of the Centre for Coastal Communities (CfCC).

“I completed a PhD on English seaside towns over 25 years ago, and I’ve been passionate about coastal communities ever since. I believe the ‘Levelling Up’ agenda can help fix the inequalities these communities face. The ‘Levelling Up’ agenda is a plan by the UK government to reduce the differences between rich and poor areas. It aims to give everyone, no matter where they live, the same opportunities for a good education, good jobs, and a better quality of life.

This means investing in schools, healthcare, and infrastructure in areas that have been left behind, so everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

Right now, my research focuses on how well local economies are doing, how towns can be revived and planned better, and how creative industries can contribute to these areas. I also look at how towns connect economically with nearby areas, issues of poverty and social exclusion, people moving in and out of towns, and leadership in local government.

My goal is to help local governments use evidence-based decisions to address health inequalities and improve health outcomes for coastal communities.”

CHANGING THE WAY WE MAKE, MOVE AND EAT FOOD

Dr Dulekha Kasturiratne is Associate Professor in Marketing at the University of Plymouth. Her research explores how people shop and why people buy what they do.

HAVING YOUR CAKE AND EATING IT

My research aims to transform food systems, minimise the system’s negative impact on the environment, and support people’s health. Focusing on the UK food system, I look at how public health literature such as the ‘Eatwell’ guide, developed by the UK government and the NHS, influences consumer behaviour.

The Eatwell guide details the healthy proportions of fat, carbohydrates, protein, sugar, salt, etc., that people should include in their daily diet. We examine the influences on consumer food choices and identify how these choices can be better aligned with the messaging in the advisory guides.

Food ideologies are the attitudes, perceptions, motivations, feelings and emotions consumers have about food. They can be affected by a consumer’s gender, age, economic status and lifestyle, to name just a few. We explore whether these ideologies are influenced by friends, information online or on social media, or by travel, lifestyle magazines or celebrity chefs – and also, how consumers use information to shape their food attitudes.

RULE OF TUM

An example of a ‘food rule’ is when someone makes a conscious decision to become vegan, or to eat food in season or to buy and eat food produced locally. I investigate how food ideologies influence the formation of shoppers’ food rules and explore the extent to which consumers stick to them!

Do consumers bend the rules during their weekly shop? Do ‘vegetarian’ shoppers break the rules as soon as they see a colourful display of barbecue kebabs in the meat section for instance?

How and why does this happen?

The layout of food in a supermarket today does not reflect the importance of certain foods to a healthy or environmentally friendly diet. Store layouts do not reflect the messages around eating well!

I investigate how the way we buy and consume food impacts the environment. I also explore how, and to what extent, consumers can follow the Eatwell guidance and how the guide can complement the achievement of healthy eating, sustainability and environmental protection goals.

Shoppers are becoming more conscious of how our food is grown and harvested, with many starting to grow their own. They have also experienced the ecosystem first hand, appreciating the importance of soil health, the availability of water, and the need to keep pests under control. By growing food ourselves, we become more conscious of how labour and resource intensive growing crops can be.

We need to give food the attention and respect it deserves but also understand how it affects our planet. There really is no such thing as a ‘free lunch’.

WHERE WILL YOUR DEGREE TAKE YOU?

Throughout your time at Plymouth, and vitally, after you graduate, our Careers Service will encourage and support you to discover employment and further study opportunities. All the experiences offered to you will be centred around helping you to stand out to graduate employers.

We aim to empower you to follow your passions and to develop lifelong skills in reading, writing and research, to help you realise your potential as an aspiring business graduate and prepare you for a variety of career opportunities.

DEVELOPING EMPLOYABILITY

Employability is embedded into all Plymouth Business School degrees. You’ll benefit from work experience and our Enhance Your Future programme. We will prepare you for the workplace by enabling you to develop skills such as resilience and personal branding.

communication, policy and strategy and how all of these are connected. An international business degree will see you acquire this information within the context of different countries and cultures.

You will also develop the following abilities:

• Effective communication, project management, leadership and interpersonal skills through teamworking and collaborative learning opportunities

and I believe that I wouldn’t have landed my job without them.

Since finishing university, I have packed my bags and moved to the big city to start working as a finance graduate. I had always wanted to move to London – I just never believed I would do it so soon after university.”

Joe, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance graduate Red Bull UK

CAREER OPTIONS

• Account Manager

• Accountant (training for ACA Chartership)

• Assistant Buyer

• Bids Manager

• Business Consultant

• Business Development Manager

• Client Support Specialist

• Consultant, UK Investment Management

• Customer Success Manager

• Data Analyst

• Data and Campaigns Marketing Analyst

• Employment Adviser

• Graduate Management Trainee

• Graduate Project Manager

• HR Account Manager

• Learning Development Specialist

• Operations Manager

• Procurement and Supply Chain Graduate

• Social Media Marketing Consultant

WHAT KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS WILL YOU DEVELOP?

Undertaking a business degree will develop your understanding of business organisations and the markets and frameworks they operate within. You will acquire knowledge concerning customers, operations,

• Effective listening, negotiating and influencing skills through interactions with fellow students and University staff members

• Self-awareness and a sensitivity to the diversity of people, cultures, business, and management issues

• Research and analytical skills with the ability to create, evaluate and assess options and apply ideas to a range of situations

• Organisational and time management skills, making sure that all your commitments, including social ones, are completed on time.

88% of business graduates in highly skilled work said their degree was a formal requirement or gave them an advantage.

“The University helped me develop academically, professionally and personally, leading me into a job with which I am delighted… The support from the Business School, especially in my final year, was outstanding,

“I was lucky enough to be awarded the Devon and Cornwall Business Council Prize for the Best Business Management Graduate. Before the end of university, I was unsure of my career path, but once I left, everything fell into place and now I am in a job that I thoroughly enjoy.”

Nicola, BSc (Hons) Business Management graduate Roly’s Fudge Pantry

There is a lot to consider on your student journey, from deciding to study a higher education course to having your application accepted. Explore our top tips to help you prepare.

RESEARCH COURSE OPTIONS

At Plymouth you can choose between different business courses. The emphasis of your degree depends on your interest. For example, within Business Management you can choose between four different pathways: Project Management, Human Resource Management, International Business, or Marketing. You’ll graduate with a specialist qualification.

Look into the detail of each course you are interested in.

• What tariff points and subject profile do you need?

• Does the course include modules you are interested in?

• Will it forge a career in an industry you aspire towards?

EXPLORE OUR COURSES

GET ORGANISED

Make a pros and cons list and discuss it with your family and friends. Undertake additional research by looking at course webpages, professional body sites or ucas.com for further information.

VISIT AND CONNECT WITH US

Find out more about our courses, facilities and support services at one of our open days held throughout the year!

BOOK YOUR PLACE

“I would definitely recommend studying at Plymouth; the course, the lecturers and the format led me to a career in which I am happy. Plymouth struck a great balance with theory being applied to realworld situations, and that’s what makes the difference in the workplace.”

Gareth, BA (Hons) Marketing

IT’S YOUR FUTURE MAKE IT COUNT

Over 95% of our graduates are in work or further study*