Professional Digital Marketing

Study options

Award

Key facts

Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Part-time
Study option:
Part-time
Duration:
1 Year
Duration:
1 Year
Start date:
School:
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability

Flexible part-time learning

Each module you study will have a blend of face to face and online teaching

Make connections

As a CIM student member you will have access to a global network of professional marketers

17th in the country for research impact

In business and management (Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Do you want to study a recognised professional qualification and keep up with the latest trends in marketing? If you want to get on in marketing, then the CIM courses will give you the skills and knowledge to succeed.

The CIM Diploma in Professional Digital Marketing offers the practicing marketer with relevant and contemporary marketing content. The Diploma aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding to support a marketing role at management level within the workplace. You will learn how to take a strategic approach. In addition, you will keep up with the latest trends & learn how to use key marketing metrics and measurement techniques to make informed strategic decisions.

Staffordshire University has been a CIM Accredited Study Centre for over 30 years. During this time, we have been commended by the CIM for our results.

The CIM Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing offers the practicing marketer with relevant and contemporary marketing content. The Certificate aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding to support a marketing role at operational level within the marketing workplace. You will learn how to blend practical marketing skills with academic understating. In addition, you will keep up with latest trends and gain the skills to stay ahead of the field. On successful completion of the Certificate you can then progress to the CIM Diploma in Professional Digital Marketing.

Staffordshire University has been a CIM Accredited Study Centre for over 30 years. During this time we have been commended by the CIM for our results. You will need to join the CIM at the beginning of your course.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: CIM Diploma in Professional Digital Marketing

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: CIM Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing

Part-time study

This course is part-time and is delivered through a mix of face to face and online teaching. Evening face to face session are held weekly, usually on Thursdays between 6-9pm. Some modules will include sessions delivered through webinars rather than face to face teaching.

You can complete your course in one year.

Part-time study

This course is part-time and is delivered through a mix of face to face and online teaching. Evening face to face session are held weekly, usually on Thursdays between 6-9pm. You can complete your course in one year.

Course content

The CIM Diploma in Professional Digital Marketing is a part-time, one-year course, and consists of three modules.

You will study the following modules:

  • Marketing & Digital Strategy - This module will enable you to take both a traditional and digital strategic approach to marketing planning, integrating digital strategy, models, frameworks and techniques throughout to achieve competitive advantage. You will be able to recognise the significance of situation analysis and use techniques to assess the external and internal environments that enable effective decision making. You will also be able to apply all stages within the marketing planning process – from the audit, through strategic decision making, to implementation of plans across both traditional and digital channels. Finally, you will learn how to manage resources and employ monitoring and measurement techniques that enable the achievement of strategic marketing objectives.
  • Digital Optimisation - For many organisations, adopting digital marketing has involved transforming aspects of their practice and application. This module will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the strategic implications of developments in the digital environment, as well as their impact on marketing. This will enable you to integrate and optimise digital marketing as well as develop strategic responses to change. You will also be able to ensure responses are measured to evidence success.
  • The Digital Customer Experience - Customer behaviour has dramatically changed with the digital revolution. This module provides you with insights into the digital customer experience and highlights ways to adapt to this changing market, allowing you to fulfil customers’ strategic needs. It will provide the knowledge and skills to select appropriate channels to market to meet objectives. It will also help to ensure you provide the desired customer experience, by understanding the customer’s journey while complying with relevant legislation and regulation.

You will need to join the CIM at the beginning of your course.

The CIM Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing is a part-time, one-year course, and consists of three modules.

  • Applied Marketing - In this module, you will learn about the role of marketing in the organisation and the key concepts that underpin the activities of the marketer. You will explore the marketing environment, customer behaviour in the digital age, market research and the marketing planning process. This will include the marketing mix and a tactical planning framework to aid marketing effectiveness.

  • Planning Campaigns - This module aims to give you the knowledge and skills to plan and implement successful campaigns that deliver real results for an organisation. You will learn the campaign planning process including how to analyse an organisation’s current position. You will also learn how to set campaign objectives, implement a campaign then measure and evaluate its success to aid continuous improvement in the fast-changing world of marketing.

  • Digital Marketing Techniques - This module focuses on the importance of the ever-evolving, dynamic digital landscape. You will develop skills to improve digital marketing performance and explore the challenges and opportunities within the digital environment. You will also use a range of tools to plan how to enhance an organisation’s effectiveness in the digital age.

Professor Jon Fairburn talks about the impact of his research

Professor Jon Fairburn talks about the impact of his research

Video

Professor Jon Fairburn, Professor of Sustainable Development, talks about the real-world impact and benefits of his research.

Sorry, this video requires the use of functional cookies which you have not consented to use. Change your cookie settings or watch the video on the provider's website

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Digital Optimisation N/A
Marketing And Digital Strategy N/A
The Digital Customer Experience N/A

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Applied Marketing N/A
Digital Marketing Techniques 20 credits
Planning Campaigns N/A

Entry requirements

You should have at least one of the following:

  • CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing or CIM Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing
  • Foundation degree in Business with Marketing
  • Any relevant Level 4 qualification
  • UK degree or international equivalent with at least one third of credits coming from marketing content ( i.e.120 credits in Bachelor degrees or 60 credits in Masters degrees)
  • Professional practice (suggested two year in a marketing role) plus diagnostic assessment onto Level 6.

If English is not your first language, you also will need to demonstrate you hold a suitable English Language qualification, in addition to the above entry requirements.  Such as IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in individual components.

CIM may consider other qualifications.

You should have at least one of the following:

  • CIM Level 3 Introductory Certificate
  • CIM Foundation Certificate in Marketing
  • Any relevant Level 3 qualification
  • Any UK degree or international equivalent
  • Professional practice (suggested one year in marketing role) plus diagnostic assessment onto Level 4.

If English is not your first language, you also will need to demonstrate you hold a suitable English Language qualification, in addition to the above entry requirements. Such as IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in individual components.

CIM may consider other qualifications.

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Facilities

Think Tank

Business is not all about rushing around, mindfulness and thinking time is important to innovation.  Use our Think Tank to come up with the next big thing – designed for entrepreneurs of the future.

Collaboratory

A cleverly designed room to allow you to work together in teams, communication is key in business and this space allows you to practice team dynamics in a safe space.

Transition Room

A space dedicated to you. The room has all the tech you need to work in groups on assignments, project plan and talk through your ideas.

Careers

After completing the CIM Diploma in Professional Digital Marketing, you’ll be equipped to work in the following roles:

  • Senior marketing manager
  • Head of marketing
  • Senior social media manager
  • Head of communications
Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

 For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a tutor to support you throughout your portfolio.

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

 For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a tutor to support you throughout your portfolio.

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios and are set and administered by the CIM.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios and are set and administered by the CIM.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices, but could look like:

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices, but could look like:

Independent learning

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading marketing journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

Staff

Kathryn Mitchell

Senior Lecturer

Lecturer in Digital Marketing, specialising in developing strategy in changing and disruptive environments, assessing occupational competency and using technology to increase operational efficiency. Kathryn joined Staffordshire University in 2019.

Kathryn's profile

Paul Dobson

Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer for over ten years, specialising in digital and strategic marketing. This includes Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO), inbound and outbound Marketing, social media and influencer marketing.

Paul's profile

Dr Joe Hazzam

Senior Lecturer

Joe is a Lecturer, researcher and course leader of the BSc digital and social media programme. Joe delivers workshops and masterclasses on social media and digital marketing strategies with 17 years of experience in strategic and digital marketing

Joe's profile

Fees

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Not included in the fees:

All students studying CIM awards pay membership and assessment costs direct to the CIM. The latest fees are available from the CIM website in the Qualifications section. 

All students studying CIM awards pay membership & assessment costs direct to the CIM.  The latest fees are available from the CIM website in the Qualifications section.
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by visiting: www.gov.uk

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

With over ten years’ experience and knowledge of PR, I wanted to expand my knowledge of the wider marketing landscape and associated processes. The CIM offered me a the chance to understand a more detailed approach to marketing and wider knowledge of multi-channel strategies throughout the marketing process.

The course was both vast and detailed in what it offered, enabling me to adopt a more strategic approach to my campaigns and working, from initial stages right through to measuring and analysing success.

Sian Alcock

CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing graduate

My successful completion of the CIM marketing courses helped organise my knowledge of marketing and brought my skills up to date. With my background in sales and no previous academic knowledge of marketing, the courses have given me a competitive edge, helped apply the latest marketing practices at the organisation I work for and increased my professional confidence.

Konrad Sowinski

CIM Diploma

Apply

Applications are currently unavailable.

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

Have you considered?

Digital and Social Media Marketing BSc (Hons)

Study options
Full-time
Foundation year
Placement year

Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)

Study options
Full-time
Full-time, accelerated
Part-time
Foundation year
Placement year

Business Management (Top-up) BSc (Hons)

Study options
Full-time
Part-time, blended learning

Business Management BSc (Hons)

Study options
Full-time
Foundation year
Placement year

Business Management (Events) BSc (Hons)

Study options
Full-time
Foundation year
Placement year

Business Management (Human Resource Management) BSc (Hons)

Study options
Full-time
Foundation year
in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021