Coast Colleges

What you'll study

This diploma gives a broad, applied introduction to modern marketing practice. Teaching combines classroom sessions, workshops, case studies and assessed practical projects. Typical modules and topics include:

• Principles of Marketing – marketing theory, market segmentation, the marketing mix and customer journey mapping.
• Digital Marketing Fundamentals – basics of search, social media, content marketing, email marketing and analytics.
• Consumer Behaviour – psychological and sociological drivers of purchasing decisions and how to use insight to shape communications.
• Marketing Communications and Branding – creating messages, visual identity basics and integrated campaign planning.
• Market Research and Data – primary and secondary research methods, survey design, simple data analysis and interpreting insight for decision-making.
• Sales and Retail Marketing – channel management, merchandising basics and the link between sales operations and marketing.
• Practical Project/Portfolio – a live or simulated brief where you'll plan and deliver a campaign, demonstrating skills in planning, creative development and evaluation.
• Professional Skills – presentations, report writing, teamwork, and digital literacy for marketing tools.

Assessment typically includes coursework, practical assignments, a portfolio of work and sometimes a short practical exam or presentation. The course emphasises industry-relevant software and platforms and links with local employers for guest talks and briefs.

Entry requirements

Entry is designed to be accessible to a range of applicants. Typical entry expectations are:

• A minimum of GCSEs at grade C/4 or equivalent, including English; or an appropriate level 2 qualification in business or a related subject.
• For applicants without formal qualifications, relevant work experience in a retail, sales or marketing support role may be acceptable, together with an interview and a short written task or portfolio.
• A basic level of digital literacy and numeracy is expected. Applicants for whom English is not a first language may need to demonstrate an appropriate level of English.

All candidates usually take part in an interview or enrolment meeting to discuss suitability and career aims. Coast Colleges may offer study support, including English and numeracy classes, to help students succeed on the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates of the diploma are prepared for entry-level roles in a variety of marketing-related areas or for progression to higher-level study. Common entry roles include:

• Marketing assistant or coordinator
• Social media assistant or content creator
• Retail marketing support or merchandising assistant
• Junior market researcher or data assistant
• Sales support or customer relationship roles

Career progression opportunities include specialising in digital marketing, moving into account management, or continuing to higher-level qualifications such as a Level 4/5 diploma, foundation degree or degree in marketing, business or communications. The practical portfolio developed on the course is useful for job applications and interviews.

Why study at Coast Colleges

Coast Colleges focuses on applied, employer-focused training delivered by tutors with industry experience. The college typically offers small-group teaching, access to industry-standard software and strong local employer links that provide live briefs, guest speakers and placement opportunities.

Students benefit from dedicated student support services, including careers advice, CV and interview preparation and additional learning support where needed. The diploma’s emphasis on practical projects and a buildable portfolio makes it well suited to those seeking a hands-on route into marketing or a foundation for further study.