T level Marketing

This T Level in Marketing is ideal for motivated learners aged 16–19 who are excited by the fast‑paced world of business, brands and digital communication.  It is designed for students who have an interest in how organisations influence customers, shape campaigns and use data to make strategic decisions, and who want a clear, career‑focused pathway into the marketing industry.  This qualification is particularly valuable for those who prefer a practical, applied route that blends academic understanding with real workplace experience, preparing them for the demands of a modern marketing environment.

The course is especially suitable for students who enjoy creative problem‑solving, analysing trends, communicating ideas and working collaboratively.  Whether you aspire to become a Marketing Assistant, Digital Marketing Assistant or to progress into higher‑level apprenticeships or university study, this programme equips you with the technical knowledge and professional behaviours needed to move confidently into your chosen route.

A defining feature that sets this T Level apart is its substantial minimum 315‑hour industry placement, giving you invaluable exposure to real marketing environments, real clients and real commercial challenges.   This hands‑on experience ensures you develop workplace‑ready skills such as research, customer insight analysis, campaign planning and content development which are abilities that are highly valued by employers and align directly with industry‑defined standards.

To support your main programme of study, future progression and essential life skills, you will also continue to develop your maths and English competencies throughout the course.  These skills are embedded to strengthen your confidence in communication, analysis and problem‑solving which are core capabilities that are fundamental to success in the marketing sector and beyond.

5 GCSE’s grade 4 or above and must include Maths and GCSE English Language grade 4 or above

Successful application and interview process.

Throughout this two‑year T Level in Marketing, students will develop a powerful blend of business knowledge, analytical capability and creative marketing skills. The curriculum is shaped by industry experts and aligned with real employer expectations, ensuring every learner builds the confidence and competence needed for a future career in marketing.

Tpoic covered will include:

• The buisness environment
• Principles of marketing, sales and procurement
• Legislation, regulation and ethics in marketing, sales and procurement
• Sustainability in buisness
• Marketing campaign, communication, planning and delivery
• Brand development and communication
• Project Management
• Digital technology-driven marketing

Learning is delivered through a combination of classroom theory, project‑based challenges, applied technical tasks and specialist marketing projects, including an externally assessed Employer Set Project at year 1 and an Externally assessed Occupational Specialism at year 2.  This distinctive structure allows you to experience marketing the way professionals do by balancing creative thinking with data‑driven decision‑making, communication with collaboration, and innovation with compliance and ethics.

Everyday Study Essentials

A notebook or folder, plus pens, highlighters and organisational materials for keeping class notes and project work in order.

Industry Placement Requirements – Support available to find suitable placement

As part of the mandatory 315‑hour industry placement included within the T Level, students may need to bring:

Professional clothing suitable for a workplace environment, depending on the employer’s expectations.

Any documentation or ID required by the placement provider (the college will advise in advance).

Year 1

Students will complete two examinations that assess their understanding of core business and marketing principles:

• Core Paper 1: Business Principles -2.5‑hour written exam covers the business environment, sustainability, communication, technology and ethics.  Contributes 30% of the Core grade.
• Core Paper 2: Principles of Marketing, Sales and Procurement – 2.5‑hour written exam assesses marketing, sales, procurement, project management and regulatory frameworks.  Contributes 30% of the Core grade.
• Employer Set Project (ESP) – Students complete synoptic project set by employers to simulate industry‑relevant tasks.

Year 2

Occupational Specialism: Marketing Project

The Occupational Specialism Project evaluates students’ ability to demonstrate threshold competence as a marketing practitioner.

Tasks require students to:

• Apply research methods
• Assess customer and stakeholder needs
• Develop marketing propositions
• Deliver effective marketing communications
• Analyse campaign performance

The Occupational Specialism Project is assessed entirely through practical, skills‑based work.

Completing the T Level in Marketing opens a wide range of exciting opportunities for students who are ready to take their next step into a dynamic and fast‑evolving industry. This qualification has been designed with employers, universities and professional bodies to ensure learners progress with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in their chosen path.

Progression into Employment

This T Level aligns directly to real marketing job roles and prepares students for entry‑level positions where they can immediately apply their technical and creative skills. Possible roles include:

• Marketing Assistant
• Digital Marketing Assistant
• Marketing Administrator

These positions allow learners to contribute meaningfully to campaigns, customer engagement, content creation and market research from day one.

Higher‑Level Apprenticeships

Learners can progress into a wide range of Level 4 and higher apprenticeships, which combine paid employment with further professional training. Suitable next‑step apprenticeships include:

• Level 4 Marketing Executive
• Level 4 Market Research Executive
• Level 4 Public Relations & Communications Assistant

These pathways provide a structured route into professional, managerial and specialist roles within the marketing sector.

Further and Higher Education

Students interested in continuing their academic journey can progress to:

Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes

University degrees, such as:

• BA in Marketing (ideal for creative and communications‑focused routes)
• BSc in Marketing (ideal for analytical, data‑driven marketing roles)

The T Level provides strong foundations for higher study, especially in areas such as digital marketing, advertising, public relations, business management, and consumer behaviour. Learners are encouraged to check specific university entry requirements when applying.

A Launchpad for a Long‑Term Career

Because the T Level Technical Qualification in Marketing develops both technical competence and broader professional behaviours such as communication, teamwork, analytical thinking and digital literacy, students leave with the skills needed to grow into roles such as:

• Brand executive
• Social media specialist
• Market analyst
• PR and communications coordinator
• Content creator

These are natural career development routes for learners who begin in entry‑level roles after completing the T Level.

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk