Welcome to your Digital and Social Media Marketing course

A very warm welcome to the BSc (Hons) Digital and Social Media Marketing course at the University of Staffordshire, we’re so pleased you are joining us!

You’re about to begin an exciting and career-focused journey into one of the most fast-paced and influential industries today. Whether your interest lies in content creation, social media strategy, data analytics or branding, you’re joining a course where learning is shaped by the industry reality of the digital marketing landscape.

Course delivery

The BSc (Hons) Digital and Social Media Marketing course at the University of Staffordshire is delivered entirely in person, offering a structured, engaging, and professionally focused campus-based experience. Our sessions are designed to replicate industry environments while also supporting your academic development and creative confidence. Our aim is to achieve this through the use of authentic assessments.

You will take part in weekly face-to-face lectures, seminars and tutorials, where students explore core digital marketing topics, apply your learning through activities and discussion, and receive individualised feedback.

Typical session types include

Lectures delivering key concepts, frameworks, and up-to-date industry insights
Seminars and Tutorials interactive and practical sessions, encouraging collaboration, campaign development, and reflective learning.
Academic skills and research skills are built into activities week by week
Guest Speakers and industry involvement that brings a real world digital marketing scenario to your learning (also working on communication and soft skills here).

Class sizes are usually between 15 and 30 students, ensuring a supportive and focused environment where your voice is heard, and your learning is our priority.

Please note attendance at all sessions is mandatory. Regular attendance is essential to your progress, engagement, and ability to meet course expectations. It reflects the professional standards you'll be expected to maintain in the workplace. We do recognise that industry works hybrid and remote roles however we must build those digital and analytical skills first.

You will be encouraged to start shaping your digital identity from day one, an essential part of becoming a modern marketing practitioner. This might include building a professional LinkedIn profile, starting a blog, or curating a personal portfolio to showcase your work and achievements.

By the time you graduate, you will not only have a degree you will have a public-facing identity that reflects your abilities, interests, and readiness to enter the digital marketing industry.

Semester one activities

Your first semester on the BSc (Hons) Digital and Social Media Marketing course at the University of Staffordshire is designed to ease you into university life while giving you a dynamic and engaging introduction to your subject. In the early weeks of the course, you’ll be introduced to your first three core modules.

These are carefully selected to give you a solid foundation in digital marketing principles, content creation, and strategic thinking, essential building blocks for the rest of your academic journey.

A place for you.

We understand that beginning university can feel overwhelming, so the first few weeks are structured to help you settle in smoothly. Students take part in icebreaker activities, group work, and informal discussions that will help you get to know your tutors and peers. We aim to build a sense of community early on, so you feel confident, supported, and connected to your learning environment.

A key part of Semester One is your introduction to content creation one of the most hands-on and creative areas of digital marketing. Students have the opportunity to work with real camera and filming equipment, gaining practical experience in setting up shots, managing audio and lighting, and planning visual content for different platforms. Podcasting is also on the addenda as this is an area of industry growth. This practical focus will help you understand what makes content engaging, accessible, and strategically aligned with audience needs.

Pre-learning

Before starting your BSc (Hons) Digital and Social Media Marketing course at the University of Staffordshire, we encourage you to explore a range of resources to help build your understanding of the digital marketing world. These materials will introduce you to key platforms, tools, trends, and thinking, many of which you’ll use throughout your degree.

Engaging with these resources early will give you a head start and help you feel more confident as you begin your academic and professional journey.

Explore Industry Tools & Platforms

These widely used industry platforms and tools will help you build familiarity with the digital marketing landscape

HubSpot Academy & Blogs
Learn the fundamentals of inbound marketing, content strategy, email marketing, and social media. Offers free certificates and expert insights.
SEMrush Platform & Blog
Used globally by digital professionals for SEO, competitor analysis, and campaign planning. Explore the blog for trend updates and tutorials.
Ubersuggest by Neil Patel
A great tool to begin experimenting with keyword research, site audits, and content planning — ideal for beginners.
Google Skillshop
Offers free certified training in Google Ads, Analytics, YouTube, and more — vital tools in digital campaign development.
Meta Blueprint
Access Meta’s official learning platform to explore Facebook and Instagram ad creation, targeting, and performance insights.
CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) – Learning Resources
As the accrediting body for your degree, CIM offers professional insight, marketing frameworks, and articles on emerging practice. Familiarising yourself with their language and learning resources will reinforce the professional expectations of the industry.

Don’t feel overwhelmed by anything you research above here, over the coming months we will work together to help put some of these skills and thoughts into practice.

Equipment and software

Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus
Adobe Creative Cloud
NVivo
SPSS

Download software

Groups and societies

There are multiple clubs and societies at University of Staffordshire which you can get involved in.

We have Marketing Hub that is open to students to work and collaborate on projects across the school and university.

Clubs and societies

Meet the team

Dr Joe Hazzam

Interim Course Director

Joe is an Associate Professor of Digital Marketing, and the co-director of the Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions. Joe has 17 years of experience in strategic and digital marketing in various industries globally.

Joe's profile

Kathryn Mitchell

Senior Lecturer

Lecturer in Digital Marketing, specialising in developing strategy in changing and disruptive environments, assessing occupational competency and using technology to increase operational efficiency. Kathryn joined Staffordshire University in 2019.

Kathryn's profile

Paul Dobson

Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer at Staffordshire Business School for over 17 years, specialising in digital and strategic marketing. This includes local, national and international Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), and Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO).

Paul's profile

Craig Holdcroft

Lecturer In Business

Craig is a lecturer in Business Management and Digital Marketing and has industry experience in both sales management and digital marketing. He has been lecturing and sharing knowledge of industry working and digital practices across all levels.

Craig's profile

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.