CIM Professional Diploma in Marketing Professional

About the course

• The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the largest, longest established and most respected marketing organisation in the world. It is the only organisation whose qualifications are directly mapped to the UK Government framework for national marketing standards. CIM qualifications are the standard by which all others are measured
• This award confers Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of
  Marketing (ACIM)
• This qualification will make a real difference to your career in marketing, whether you are a marketing assistant or a practising marketing manager
• Leicester Business School is a CIM-accredited study centre
• Tutors combine a high level of academic knowledge with real practical experience as working marketing managers, often of ‘blue-chip’ companies
• We employ up-to-the-minute technology and teaching methods to maximise the
  learning experience
• Course modules

This exciting course provides the knowledge and qualification you need to give you that vital extra edge. It enables you to take your career in marketing forward. In the current economic climate it is good to know you have a sought after qualification.The CIM Professional Diploma in Marketing is the gateway to your future success, leading to Associate Membership of the CIM with the designation ACIM.

The course is for marketers with operational responsibility and an eye on management. You'll learn how to plan, implement and measure marketing activities at the operational level and understand the impact of marketing decisions on other functions within the business.

You will also satisfy the principal entry requirements for the new Chartered Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing (two-stage syllabus) that first confers full membership (MCIM), and eventually leads to the coveted Chartered Marketer status, the pinnacle of marketing knowledge and expertise.

Eminently practical, the CIM Professional Diploma course offered by Leicester Business School is ideal for graduates of business-related degrees to start their career in marketing. It is the most suitable course of action for those with marketing experience who wish to move into a more senior position. Employers have been involved in creating the new syllabus and have given their full support for the work-based nature of the greater part of the assessments. Such practical assignments obviously bring benefits, not only in terms of real learning, but also to your own organisation.

Key facts

UCAS course code:

Duration: One year part-time evening

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

You should have:

• The CIM Professional Certificate in Marketing (either 2002 syllabus or the
  2008 syllabus)

• Any business or marketing bachelors or masters degree (or an equivalent qualification) where a minimum of one third of credits come from marketing (ie 120 credits in bachelor’s degre es or 60 credits with master’s degrees)

• Experience in a marketing management role that has provided potential students with ability to be able to demonstrate that they can meet the learning outcomes of the CIM Professional Certificate in Marketing if required to do so and is sufficient to pass the Entry test to Level 6

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.5 (including a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent is normally required. English language tuition is available both before and during the course if required.

Teaching and assessment

It is possible with hard work to qualify within a single academic year studying part-time. You will be assessed across the four units using a blend of two
basic methods:

1. A pre-seen case study exam
2. By assignments such as work-based projects which will often be based on
various findings and recommendations within your own company (or a company of your choice)

Course modules

This qualification contains four units and to complete each one you will need to be able to complete the following learning outcomes successfully:

• Unit one: Marketing Planning Process consists of a work-based assignment involving the preparation of a marketing plan
• Unit two: Delivering Customer Value through Marketing – assessment will be through a three hour unseen exam based on pre-seen case material
• Unit three: Managing Marketing – work-based assignment
• Unit four: Project Management in Marketing – work-based project requiring an in-depth study of a specific area of business activity

Each unit comprises at least seven taught sessions of three hours each delivered once per week, in the evening, from 6–9pm. Sessions will begin in October 2012 for the December assessment and begin again after the Christmas break in preparation for the final three units to be assessed in March and June 2013.> With an up-to-date approach to coursework, involving the very latest technology, group work and case study material, the course thoroughly prepares you for the CIM exams and develops your effectiveness in a working environment. The course is currently taught with substantial structured home and group study materials, to be completed in your own time to your schedule. You should anticipate a minimum of nine hours per week of home study.

Academic expertise

You will benefit from a handpicked team of lecturers with more than 30 years of industry experience combined with postgraduate teaching skills. This means you have a better chance of a higher grade. To date we have a 100 per cent pass rate on the 2010/11 course. Additionally, our £35 million Hugh Aston Building offers state-of-the-art teaching and computer lab facilities.

Graduate careers

The CIM is recognised internationally as the leading professional marketing body and members work in organisations of all sizes throughout the private and public sectors. The completion of the Professional Diploma in Marketing signals to employers your level of commitment to your chosen profession, an indication of your strong desire for career progression.

Fees and funding

Fees for 2012/13 are £400/unit

You do need to be a registered studying member of the CIM. Each exam requires an assessment fee of £80 per unit, payable to the CIM.