Marketing - Diploma & Advanced Diploma & Graduate Diploma & Associate Degree
This programme is designed for those who seek to develop their marketing skills and knowledge.
It is suitable for both business students and for those who may be working in an Advertising, Sales, Marketing or PR environment.
Course Structure
The Diploma in Marketing - Part 1
- International Business Communications
- Marketing Principles (Marketing)
- Advertising
- Public Relations
- Quantitative Methods for Managers
- Marketing Planning & Decision Making (Marketing Management)
- Customer Service for Manager and Supervisors (Customer Service )
- Buyer Behaviour & Consumerism
- Management Theory & Practice
- IT for Marketing Management
- International Marketing
- Financial Management
- Strategic Marketing Management
- Marketing Research
- Marketing Policy & Strategy (Case Study)
(The ICM Diploma in Marketing is awarded on completion of all Part 1 subjects)
The Advanced Diploma in Marketing - Part 2
(The ICM Advanced Diploma in Marketing is awarded on completion of all Parts 1 & 2 subjects)
The Graduate Diploma in Marketing - Part 3
(The ICM Graduate Diploma in Marketing is awarded on completion of Parts 1, 2 & 3)
The Associate Degree in Marketing
This is awarded to those candidates who, having completed the Graduate Diploma, successfully complete the assignment required for the issue of the Associate Degree. Information in respect of the assignment may be obtained from the Institute or from the ICM website.
Programme Objectives
To provide students with a body of knowledge which will:
a) enable them to understand and identify consumer needs and trends
b) enable them to understand, define and segment markets
c) provide an understanding of the importance of pricing and pricing strategies
d) develop an understanding of channels of distribution and routes to market
e) develop an understanding of the patterns of consumer behaviour
f) enable them to develop and apply advertising and promotional strategies
g) provide them with a qualification which will enable them to progress to higher level marketing or communications studies at a later stage in their business or academic careers.
Recommended Course Duration
It is recommended that these courses are delivered over a suitable period of time to give learners the best opportunity for success. A standard delivery structure would involve six units per academic year, although 5-8 units per year are acceptable depending on the weekly timetable used. Thus, the full Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Graduate Diploma programme would normally take two years full-time to complete.
Examination Grades
| Grade A - Distinction | 70% and above |
| Grade B - Credit | 60% to 69% |
| Grade C - Pass | 50% to 59% |
| Grade D - Marginal Pass | 40% to 49% |
| Grade F - Fail | 39% and under |
Status of Qualification
Professional Vocational Diploma.
Examinations
Externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake the examinations.
Examination Closing Dates
Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed examination entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least eight weeks before the date of the examinations. Examination timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting.
Examination Results
These are normally distributed twelve weeks after each examination date.
Subject Exemptions
Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis.
Entry Requirements
The Institute operates an ‘Open Entry’ policy in respect of many of its vocational programmes but prospective students should note that the following entrance qualifications are recommended for those wishing to undertake this programme:
Entry Requirements for Part 1 - The minimum age for registration is 17 and applicants should possess one of the following:
- 1 The ICM Business Studies Group Certificate
- One GCE A-level plus Three GCSEs (or equivalents)
- Five GCSEs at grades A, B or C (or equivalents)
- A suitable BTEC National Award
- Any qualification equivalent to one of the above.
Applicants over the age of 21 who do not hold one of the recommended entrance qualifications may also register for the programme providing they have been in full-time employment for a minimum of two years.
Study Methods
Your Teaching Centre has been provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area. Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from your Teaching Centre.
Each subject syllabus is linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their questions on the contents of the nominated text.
The subject syllabuses also give details of ‘Alternative Texts’ and texts recommended for further reading. Where possible you should read one or more of the ‘Alternative Texts’ in order to broaden your knowledge of the subject area.
