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The CIM level 6 Diploma is one of our most popular CIM qualifications! It is particularly popular with candidates who have at least 2 years experience in a dedicated marketing role and who are keen to update, refresh, or gain new knowledge and skills in marketing.
It’s an ideal choice if you are, or aspire to perform at a management level within a marketing or digital marketing context.
Click below to read the full course specification from CIM (link opens in new window).
Course Overview
Course Structure
To achieve the Level 6 Diploma, you’ll need to gain a pass in four modules, the mandatory Strategy and Planning module plus another three. If you wish to gain the Extended Diploma, you must complete a further additional module.
Each of these Level 6 modules can be taken as a stand alone course, and you will gain a CIM Award in that subject. You can then opt to complete the rest of the Diploma qualification at a pace that fits with your work/life schedules.
Choices
You’ll normally follow the structure below by choosing one module from each group.
However, if you prefer, you can choose two modules from the middle group (Customer Journey Optimisation, Brand Proposition, or Content Strategy) and none from the final group.
This gives you the flexibility to tailor the Diploma to your strengths, interests, and career goals.
Module Content
Each module is based on the CIM Global Professional Marketing Framework which is designed to help marketers meet the increasing demands that are expected of them at every stage in their career. Click below to read a summary of the module content and the full module specification.
Strategy and Planning (mandatory)
Key Content:
- marketing audits
- market trend analysis
- using insights to select strategic options including segmentation, targeting and positioning
- preparing marketing plans such as digital, brand and marketing communications plans
- tactical activities relevant to marketing objectives
- adapting marketing planning framework for various support plans
- developing implementation plans with actions plans and resources
- mechanisms to measure and monitor plans
- developing continuous improvement plans.
Key Information:
AI Marketing
Key Content:
- key concepts of AI eg natural language processing
- application and benefits of AI within marketing eg insights
- ethical implications of AI eg corporate digital responsibility
- skills to implement AI eg data collection, governance and management
- tools to apply AI in the marketing function eg content optimisation tools
- implementing AI in current marketing plans eg customer journey stages
- impact of AI implementation on marketing function eg risks.
Key Information:
Brand Proposition
Key Content:
- the importance of brand identity, brand value and brand building
- different strategies marketers can use within branding
- brand proposition development
- brand innovation
- reputation management
- brand management, equity and purpose and how these relate to customers, stakeholders and society
Key Information:
Content Strategy
Key Content:
- development of content goals and content strategy
- creating and distributing content through a content plan and content media
- paid, owned and earned channels
- key characteristics of target audience
- copy for different audiences using relevant content formats and channels
- adapting copy tone, language and messaging.
Key Information:
Customer Journey Optimisation
Key Content:
- stages of the customer journey
- creation of a customer journey map
- data led approach to seamless customer journeys
- why and how to gather data to inform customer journey improvements
- analysis of data to identify patterns, trends and insights to optimise performance.
Key Information:
SEO and Paid Search Management
Key Content:
- research methods for organic and paid search eg. tools to develop customer insights
- keyword research techniques
- management of paid search is managed to meet campaign goals
- setting up paid search campaigns eg targeting options, campaign objectives and ad types
- Testing and Optimisation
- KPIs and Metrics
- optimising organic search eg on-page optimisation
- content optimisation
- link strategy
- establishing site authority eg site architechture, user experience and Google Analytics.
Key Information:
Social Media Management
Key Content:
- social media strategy eg objectives and content
- social media audience research techniques
- social media audit
- managing social media eg content planning
- reputation management
- crisis management
- managing influencers and social media communities
- resources to manage social media activities
- KPIs and Metrics to analyse social media activities
- Selecting social media tools.
Key Information:
Societal Impact
Key Content:
- changing operating landscape, societal and environmental challenges
- build a business case for change
- develop a sustainable or social marketing strategy using data and insights
- key metrics to for business and societal/environment goals and objectives
- collaboration and partnership strategies
- ED&I, ethics, human welfare and sustainability considerations.
Key Information:
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CIM Accredited Degree Exemptions
Examples
Ulster University:
- BSc Marketing
- BSc Marketing Main and Minor
Queens University Belfast:
- MSc Marketing
If you are a graduate of a CIM Accredited degree, you may be eligible for exemptions from the mandatory Strategy and Planning module!
This means you will have fewer modules – only three – to complete in order to gain the full Diploma qualification.
Please look up your CIM Accredited Degree University to discover your exemptions!
Tuition Fees
Below you’ll find the tuition fees to complete the Diploma qualification (four modules) or a Diploma Award (one module).
*Additional Fees (CIM membership and Assessment Entry) are payable to CIM
All payments methods are acceptable.
Tuition fees can be paid in 3, 6 or 9 instalments (subject to application)
Diploma
4 modules-
23 blocks of virtual classes
-
online learning platform
-
1-2-1 Support
-
5 Assessment Support Sessions
Award
20 point Module-
8 blocks of virtual classes
-
online learning platform
-
1-2-1 Support
-
2 Assessment Support Sessions
Award
10 Point Module-
5 blocks of virtual classes
-
online learning platform
-
1-2-1 Support
-
1 Assessment Support Session
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The Finer Details
Duration
Assuming you take one module after the other, sequentially, you can complete the Diploma within six months!
Each module is delivered through evening sessions, spread out over a two month period. We aim to help you be ready to take your CIM assessment at the end of module delivery .
But if you’re not quite ready, you can choose to submit it at a later point in the year (but this might incur additional fees depending on circumstances)
CIM Fees
There are 3 cost elements* to studying a CIM marketing qualification:
- Tuition fees (see table above) payable directly to NWSM
- You’ll then need to become a CIM Studying Member, for which the annual fee is £65.
- Finally, you’ll need to book your assessments through MyCIM when studying. The total assessment fee for this qualification is £660 (or £540 if you reside in countries eligible for an international reduced rate).
*assessment fees are only due approx 6 weeks before you submit your assignment.*
*Figures based on successful completion at first attempt. Additional fees will be required if resits are taken.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to get started or simply need some more advice, please get in touch using the form below – we have lots of experience advising candidates and will do our best to ensure you are on the right course and the right level of course.
You can expect a response within 24 hours! And, don’t worry, you can cancel your application at any point!