Why Study Marketing?

Marketing is the discipline responsible for creating value, generating revenue and building strategy. Our marketers are trained to operate at a high level of quantitative proficiency to meet the demands of an increasingly data-driven marketplace. We train graduates for the boardroom (of their own business or someone else’s), and our alumni hold senior management positions across industries. While we specialise in marketing, we ensure our graduates are trained in finance, information systems, law, and accounting so they can meet the needs of an integrated business environment.

Where many people get their wires crossed…

Since advertising is the small part of marketing that we see most regularly, it is easy to think that marketing = advertising. This is a BIG MISTAKE! Marketing is the engine that drives business growth and shapes the way people experience the world. What we teach in our marketing degree covers everything from analysis and strategy to pricing, finance, economics, and more. There are many good advertising schools, but that is not what we focus on at UCT. We are training you to manage growth, build business success and meet the demands of an ever-changing society.


Who thrives in marketing?

If you are good at maths and enjoy problem-solving, storytelling, analysing data, and understanding human behaviour, marketing could be your ideal career. Marketing blends logic with creativity, offering a fast-paced and rewarding environment for curious, strategic thinkers.

How to Study Marketing at UCT (Your 3 options)

Option 1: Bachelor of Business Science specialising in Marketing

A premium undergraduate degree with an exceptional reputation in the marketplace. We bring together a strong mix of training in business and marketing.

What you’ll study (year-by-year):

  • 1st Year (NQF 5): Learn the basics – Accounting, Economics, Maths, Information Systems, and Evidence-based Management.
  • 2nd Year (NQF 6): Dive into Marketing I, Finance, Business Law, Stats II, Business Ethics, and Professional Communication.
  • 3rd Year (NQF 7): Explore Consumer Behaviour, Integrated Marketing, People Management, Marketing Research and more.
  • 4th Year (NQF 8): Specialise in Digital Marketing, Strategic Thinking, Retail Marketing, and complete a thesis!

Find out more: BBusSc in Marketing

How do I get in? UCT’s Undergraduate Prospectus

Option 2: BCom Honours specialising in Marketing

Do you already have a BCom majoring in Marketing and are looking to level up? Maybe an Honours degree from UCT is what you need.

To qualify, you need to have completed:

  • Marketing I
  • Marketing Research (including stats)
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Integrated Marketing Communication

You can come from UCT’s BCom in Management Studies, or a BCom from another institution with similar courses.

Find out more: BCom Honours in Marketing

How do I get in? Commerce Postgraduate Handbook

Option 3: Postgraduate Diploma in Management specialising in Marketing

Do you have an undergraduate degree in any discipline (not necessarily business-related)? This is an ideal way to add some extra skills and pivot into marketing.

Your previous degree can be in:

  • Arts, Law, Engineering
  • Humanities/Social Sciences
  • Health Sciences
  • Environmental Studies
  • Film and Media
  • and more!

This is a flexible route for anyone passionate about marketing, no matter where you’re starting from!

Find out more: Postgraduate Diploma in Management in Marketing

How do I get in? Commerce Postgraduate Handbook

So, how do you get started?

  • Explore the links above to check admission requirements and see which path suits your goals.
  • Whether you're fresh out of high school or already hold a degree, UCT makes it possible to turn your marketing dreams into reality.