Marketing – a chartered profession

On the 3 September 2005 the University of Plymouth’s Business School kicks off its popular Professional Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, accredited by the Chartered Institute of marketing (CIM). Plymouth boasts a pass rate of over 80% – approximately 25% higher than the international average.

The internationally recognised CIM Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, for which the University of Plymouth has a 15-year history of excellent provision, is a professional level qualification assessed by examination and taught in modules over a period of one year. It introduces students to marketing theory and demonstrates its application in case studies based on real companies, products and services. Its key areas of study are:

· Marketing communications – to develop an understanding of marketing communications tools and their relevance to dialogue between organisations and their customers and other stakeholders

· Marketing planning – introduces the key strategic marketing frameworks and the steps taken in developing and implementing marketing plans

· Marketing research and information – covers the role, development and exploitation of market intelligence within organisations

· Marketing management in practice – placing increasing emphasis on operationalising and utilising marketing theory and its relevance to “real world” business problems

Dr John White, principal CIM lecturer at the University of Plymouth Business School, explains the relevance of the CIM Diploma: “Whether you are aspiring to a career in marketing or a sales or marketing practitioner with many years experience, this course will gain you recognition in the workplace, develop and sharpen your marketing skills within an increasingly competitive environment and ultimately enhance your career potential. Utilising our professional facilities within the Business School’s dedicated management suite for postgraduate students with full tutorial support , our course is run on alternative Saturdays allowing the flexibility to learn alongside a full time job.

“The benefits of our programmes are however not just enjoyed by participants, the sponsoring organisation also gains from immediate and tangible benefits which result in superior marketing solutions which impact upon the organisation’s sales and bottom line. Marketing has significant benefits for no-for-profit organisations too, and this is evidenced by the likes of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and the local councils who have put a number of students through our CIM programmes.”