18 December 2025

East Sussex College expands T-Level offering with new Business and Marketing course

East Sussex College expands T-Level offering with new Business and Marketing course

Marketing is everywhere. On your phone, on the high street, and behind the brands you recognise every day. It’s an industry that’s constantly evolving, creating new roles and opportunities for young people with the right skills.

That’s why, from September 2026, East Sussex College will be launching a brand-new T-Level in Business and Marketing at its Eastbourne campus. This course has been developed in response to what students are telling us they want, and what employers are looking for - a practical, career-focused route into a fast-growing industry.

The marketing landscape is changing rapidly, and the jobs young people are heading into look very different from those of even a decade ago. As one of the Government’s original T-Level trailblazer colleges, East Sussex College has been at the forefront of technical education since T-Levels were first introduced nationally in 2020. This new pathway builds on that experience, combining high-quality teaching with real industry insight.

Why marketing?

From social media and digital content to branding, events and data-driven campaigns, marketing plays a vital role in how organisations connect with their audiences. Employers increasingly need people who understand not just what marketing is, but how it works in real business environments.

This new T-Level gives students the opportunity to explore marketing in a practical, hands-on way while developing the skills, confidence and experience needed to progress into employment, apprenticeships or higher education.

What’s happening in the industry right now

HubSpot’s 2025 State of Marketing Report says that 92% of marketers think artificial intelligence has already impacted their role, with many seeing it as central to how campaigns are planned, delivered and analysed. The report also highlights a growing range of specialised roles in this discipline, including social media coordinators, content creators, and marketing data analysts.

In the UK, demand for marketing and digital skills continues to grow as businesses adapt to online and data-driven customer engagement. Employers are increasingly looking for professionals with digital expertise which shows that creativity blended with technical ability is a major advantage in the job market.

"I’m genuinely inspired to be delivering the new Business and Marketing T-Level at East Sussex College,” said Vicky Knight, T-Level lecturer. “It finally bridges that gap between the classroom and the fast-paced industry, trading boring textbooks for real-world experience.

“Our current and prospective students have told us they’re interested in marketing careers, but there isn’t a dedicated marketing qualification available until higher education. This new course is incredibly current and I love that we’re giving young people the tools to step out of college and straight into a career."

What is a T-Level?

T-Levels are nationally recognised, two-year technical qualifications, taken after GCSEs, and are equivalent to three A-Levels. Designed in collaboration with employers, they combine classroom learning with substantial real-world experience.

A key part of every T-Level is a meaningful industry placement of at least 315 hours (around 45 days). This gives students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in a real workplace, gain insight into professional environments, and build skills that employers genuinely value.

What’s the Business and Marketing T-Level about?

The T-Level in Business and Marketing will give students a strong foundation in both business and marketing principles, helping them understand how organisations operate and grow. Topics include:

  • Core business and marketing concepts, including consumer behaviour and market research

  • How marketing supports business objectives and adds value

  • The promotional mix, including digital, social media and advertising

  • Planning, delivering and evaluating marketing activity

  • Using data and insight to influence decisions and improve outcomes

Alongside classroom study, students will also develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and professional confidence.

Learning beyond the classroom

One of the defining features of a T-Level is the industry placement. Students will spend time working with real employers, gaining first-hand experience of the marketing industry and understanding what it’s really like to work in a professional setting.

These placements not only strengthen employability, but also help students make informed decisions about their next steps, whether that’s progressing into work, applying for an apprenticeship, or moving on to university.

Progression and next steps

This T-Level provides clear progression routes into a wide range of careers across marketing, business, digital and creative industries. It also carries UCAS points, making it a strong option for students planning to continue their studies at university.

The course is accepting applications and is now live on Careers East Sussex and the East Sussex College website.

If you’re a student interested in how brands grow, how campaigns are built, or how businesses connect with people, this new T-Level is the starting point for your future career.