After years of late-night study sessions and many deadlines, many students search for a way to turn that hard-earned momentum into a true competitive edge. The BCom Honours specialising in Marketing degree at UCT offers exactly that. As the final touch that brings it all together, this programme is the cherry on top of a marketing journey, which transforms solid skills into standout expertise.

Why choose an Honours in Marketing?  

Marketing today is about more than catchy slogans and flashy campaigns. It’s about strategy, critical thinking, and the ability to understand and keep pace with a fast-changing world. The BCom Honours in Marketing at UCT is designed for students who want to do more than keep up; it’s for those who want to set the pace. This one-year full-time programme offers a deep dive into the theories, techniques, and strategic thinking that define modern marketing. You will learn how to analyse markets, develop strategies that stick, and create sustainable competitive advantages that put brands ahead.

The BCom Honours in Marketing introduces students to theories, techniques and business thinking underlying modern marketing. Students gain in-depth knowledge of the market and marketing planning techniques in a strategic environment. As the environment shifts and the marketplace changes, some organisations drive further changes internally, while others adapt to the external environment. Whichever path the organisation takes, marketers must develop competencies in strategic analysis and opportunity recognition through innovation, create a sustainable competitive advantage, and understand competitive strategies both locally and globally. This degree equips students with a specific understanding of the challenges that marketers face in the contemporary, highly competitive, technological, and data-driven business environment.  

Why come to Cape Town?

UCT not only offers a world-class education (the university is ranked first in Africa and in the top 3% globally), but also a magnificent campus. Additionally, many of our honours students completed their undergraduate BCom in other cities and want to expand their horizons while completing their postgraduate studies.  
 

What will you study?

The curriculum is designed to push you beyond textbook answers. It combines advanced strategic theory with rigorous research training, preparing you for both corporate and academic paths.

• Advanced Strategic Marketing (BUS4109W) 
  This is a full-year course focused on high-level strategy, including B2B, international, retail and digital marketing. You’ll learn to identify opportunities, shape competitive strategies, and create long-term value.
• Marketing Research Methods (BUS4110F) 
  This course covers the full research process, from problem formulation to data analysis and reporting. You’ll gain skills to design and interpret research that informs strategic decisions.
• Marketing Research Report (BUS4111H) 
  This course allows you to apply all that you learnt in BUS4110F. You will design and execute your own scholarly research project, tackling a real marketing problem from start to finish. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, you will develop a research proposal, conduct a thorough literature review, collect and analyse data, and present your findings in a final report.

Why is it worth it?

An Honours degree is more than an extra credential. It gives you the tools and confidence to lead marketing strategies, shape brand directions, and make data-driven decisions. You leave with a stronger, more strategic mindset and a deeper understanding of what makes markets and consumers move.

“I absolutely loved my honours year. The main focus was our thesis, which required lots of research and writing – something I’ve really grown to adore during my time at UCT.” 
– BCom Honours in Marketing Student

“My honours year challenged me to think critically and put what I had learnt about marketing strategies in my undergrad into practice. The opportunity to work with real brands is what made this year so exciting for me personally!”
– BCom Honours in Marketing Student

After completing the BCom Honours, graduates may apply to pursue a research-based Master’s degree in Marketing.

What are we looking for in applicants?

There are limited places on the degree, and admission is based on merit. Entrance is at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee entrance. The minimum admissions requirements are:

• A Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Marketing, OR
• An NQF level 7 qualification with majors in Marketing Management.

Applicants must have obtained a minimum of 65% in their final year undergraduate Marketing Management courses.

Ready to step up?

The BCom Honours in Marketing at UCT isn’t just about getting another degree. It is about transforming the way you see marketing and how you approach business challenges. It prepares you to enter the workplace not just as another marketer, but as someone ready to think, lead and make an impact.

If you are ready, this programme could be your next bold step!

Apply online. Applications close on 31 October.

For more information, please refer to the Commerce Postgraduate Handbook.