CIM Professional Certificate in Marketing

Who is it for?

In order to gain the most from this course, you'll ideally be working in a marketing position, most likely in a supporting role as a marketing assistant or co-ordinator. However, the expertise offered by this course would also be of benefit if you are in a non-marketing position but find yourself addressing marketing issues as part of your role. You may also hold a senior position within an SME and have responsibility for its marketing functions, but no formal qualification.

Where can it lead?

Adding formal marketing qualifications to your CV is the best way to take your career to the top. Organisations in all areas of business are constantly seeking talented and qualified marketers, and you'll find your skills transferable to markets all over the world. This course also qualifies you for further study, which can lead all the way to senior management levels.

Salary?

If you're already working in marketing, you'll know that the salaries are attractive. This intermediate qualification can have a very real effect on your earning potential, helping you to progress beyond trainee or assistant salaries, which can rise to £30,000 and include extra benefits. At this higher level, salaries are highly negotiable and extremely attractive.

Can I apply?

Applicants for this course must hold at least one of the following:

• a minimum of two 'A' Levels
• any general Bachelors or Masters degree
• a CIM Introductory Certificate in Marketing (Level 2 or 3)
• an NVQ or SVQ Level 3 (equivalent to NGF Level 3)
• an NVQ or SVQ Level 4 in any other subject (UK – equivalent to NGF Level 4 and above)
• an international baccalaureate (equivalent to NQF Level 3 and above) or a pass of the entry test onto Level 4

Course Code

V09

Period of study

12 months

What will I study?         

• Marketing Essentials

Explore how marketing has evolved and consider the importance of market orientation in creating customer value. Examine the stages in the marketing planning process. Study the key elements of the internal and external marketing environment. Consider the characteristics and applications of each element of the marketing mix.

• Assessing the Marketing Environment

Examine the nature and scope of the internal marketing environment. Consider the objectives of different types of organisations, as well as the challenges they face. Discover how various factors can affect a market oriented organisation. Consider the implications for organisations pursuing both economic and environmental sustainability.

• Marketing Information and Research

Explore information requirements for marketing decision making. Discover how to establish an effective customer database. Examine the process of selecting a marketing research supplier. Assess the appropriateness of different research methodologies to meet different research situations.

• Stakeholder Marketing

Consider the impact of organisational stakeholders on marketing activities. Discover how the marketing mix can be effectively co-ordinated to support internal and external stakeholder relationships. Explore methods of measuring the success of both marketing mix and communications activities.

Assessment

You will complete eight written assessments, set by ICS, in the course of your studies. These will prepare you for the four final CIM assessments, as follows:

• Assessment 1: an exam that will test your understanding of the Marketing Essentials module
• Assessment 2: an exam that will test your understanding of the Assessing the Marketing Environment module
• Assessment 3: a written assignment that will test your understanding of the Marketing Information and Research module
• Assessment 4: a written assignment that will test your understanding of the Stakeholder Marketing module

The exams for assessments 1 and 2 will be held at a local authorised testing centre, while assignments can be submitted online to ICS, who will forward them to CIM.

Technical requirements/Fees

Students studying for the Professional Diploma are required to register as members of CIM. Registration and annual subscription fees are in addition to course fees.