Marketing

CertHE

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CertHE

Duration

1 year FT

Entry

September and February

Fees

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Department of Business and Enterprise

Discover more at our next open day

Saturday 15 August 2026

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Open for clearing There are places available on this course

The UK digital advertising market reached £35.5 billion in 2024, growing by 13% year on year (IAB UK, 2025)

Search advertising accounted for £16.6 billion of UK digital advertising spend in 2024, highlighting the continued importance of SEO and digital marketing skills (IAB UK, 2025)

Our Marketing CertHE is a one-year recognised higher education qualification that provides an introduction to the principles and practices of modern marketing. Through industry-focused learning, you will explore key areas including digital marketing, content creation, search engine optimisation (SEO), data analytics, artificial intelligence and professional development.

Throughout the course, you will develop an understanding of both traditional and digital marketing techniques, while gaining practical experience using industry-relevant software and tools. You will also explore emerging trends and developments shaping the marketing profession.

This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to progress into a range of marketing and digital marketing roles. Successful completion guarantees progression onto our Marketing BA (Hons).

This course is not open to international students.

Why should I choose this Marketing CertHE course?

DIGITAL MARKETING SKILLS – Develop in-demand skills in digital marketing, content creation, SEO, data analytics and AI, designed to prepare you for the evolving marketing landscape
PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATIONS – Benefit from learning aligned to professional standards through our partnerships with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and Digital Marketing Institute (DMI)
INDUSTRY INFORMED TEACHING – Learn from experienced marketing professionals, who bring current industry knowledge and trends into the classroom

TOP FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION - Courses in the Business School, including this course, are ranked best in the region and third in the UK for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2026 (taking the average score for student satisfaction for the 26 questions)
ACADEMIC SUPPORT - We are the top-scoring university in the UK for academic support within the area of business and management, which includes this course. This reflects the genuine support you will receive throughout your studies (NSS 2026)

Our facilities

At University College Birmingham, you’ll learn in dynamic spaces and have access to a range of cutting-edge facilities designed to sharpen your employability and prepare you for the modern marketing world. Develop essential digital, project management, entrepreneurial and teamwork skills in dedicated, hands-on learning spaces, including:

Podcasting booths – Create professional audio content and gain experience in one of today’s most dynamic marketing channels
Design studio – Bring your creative campaigns to life using industry-standard software and collaborative workspaces
Enterprise Hub – Explore your entrepreneurial potential, connect with business mentors and get support for freelancing or launching your own venture

Course breakdown

Modules

Core Modules

Content Creation

When it comes to digital marketing, content is king. In this module, you will learn the foundational principles of content creation and develop an understanding of a range of visual communication techniques. You will also gain practical experience using industry-standard content creation tools to produce promotional materials for use across digital platforms.

Essentials of Marketing

Taking on the role of a marketing manager, you will learn how to make and justify a range of marketing decisions while exploring market segmentation and marketing tactics across different types of organisations. You will develop an understanding of customer orientation and the importance of meeting customer needs in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Artificial Intelligence in Marketing

This introductory module explores the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing, focusing on how AI technologies are transforming customer engagement, campaign effectiveness and personalisation. You will learn key AI concepts, explore popular AI marketing tools and discover how data can support smarter decision-making. Combining theory with practical application, the module provides a strong foundation in the use of AI within modern marketing. By bridging AI theory and practice, you will develop the skills needed to use AI to create competitive advantage across a variety of marketing environments.

Marketing Communications

Understanding consumer behaviour is essential for effective marketing. In this module, you will learn how to identify, target and communicate with specific consumer groups. You will develop key marketing skills in areas such as consumer research, market segmentation and the creation of consumer personas, all of which are fundamental to successful marketing campaigns. The module also explores the evolution of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) and how different forms of content and content creators can be used to build trust and create emotional connections with consumers. Throughout the module, you will critically examine the ethical and legal factors that influence marketing and its relationship with consumers.

The Marketing Environment

This module provides an introduction to the complex and ever-changing marketing environment in which today's marketing professionals operate. You will explore the internal and external factors that influence marketing decisions and learn how these factors affect organisations, products and brands. Using a technique known as the marketing audit, you will develop the skills needed to identify key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that influence marketing strategy. As the marketing audit forms the foundation of the marketing planning process, this module provides essential knowledge and skills that will support your progression into higher-level marketing study.

Digital Influence and Social Media

In today's evolving digital landscape, this module develops your understanding of social media's role in shaping public opinion, consumer behaviour and brand perception. You will gain critical insight into digital influence strategies across social platforms, exploring how influencers, online communities and branded content create engagement and impact. The module covers the principles of building authentic digital relationships and provides practical skills in campaign planning, content creation and performance measurement. By the end of the module, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and harness the power of social media and digital influence as a modern marketing professional.

The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be aged 19 years or over at the start of the course.

Formal academic qualifications are not required. Instead, applicants need to be able to demonstrate relevant experience and a strong commitment to learning. Typically, this will include at least three years of work, voluntary, caring or other significant life experience.

All applications are considered individually, and applicants may be asked to attend an interview to assess their suitability for Level 4 study and discuss their goals for the course.

Marketing CertHE is open for Clearing 2026

Still exploring your university options? Whether you are applying now, changing your plans or looking for a different course, you can apply to UCB through Clearing.

Apply through Clearing

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction.

Teaching

Example of a typical teaching week (up to 11 contact hours):

Teaching method 1 – 9 hours (Large group teaching and smaller group seminars/workshops)

Teaching method 2 – 2 hours (Tutorials and graduate advantage)

You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.

Please note that the time required for field trips and visits is not included in the above.

Assessment

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:

Coursework – 86%
Practical assessment – 8%
Written examinations – 6%

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Home student tuition fees

If you are a home student enrolling on a CertHE at University College Birmingham, the 2026/2027 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,790.

View tuition fees for home students

Please note: the 2026/27 fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students.

£3,000 Cost of Living Allowance

We are committed to supporting students who may be facing financial challenges due to the rise of living costs. If you are a full-time undergraduate student, studying a one year course starting in September 2026, with home fee status and plan to pay your fees using a student loan, you’ll be eligible for a £3000 Cost of Living Allowance.

Further information and terms and conditions can be found here: £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance.

Kick-Start Scheme

As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.

Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.

Timetable

The timetable for this course is already confirmed as just Monday and Tuesday on campus each week in your first year, meaning you can fit your studies around your life. You can also apply for a one-night-a-week accommodation package.

This Chartered Institute of Marketing-accredited degree offers exemptions, faster routes to professional qualifications, reduced assessment costs and direct alignment with industry‑recognised marketing standards.

University College Birmingham is accredited by the Digital Marketing Institute, ensuring graduates can demonstrate they have developed practical, job‑relevant digital marketing knowledge alongside their degree.

University College Birmingham is a member of the Business Graduates Association, an international quality assurance body representing some of the most innovative and impactful business schools around the world.

Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships

University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.

"This marketing programme responds directly to the growth in digital marketing and fast-developing tools and technologies that are becoming commonplace. A keen eye on 'next steps' and opportunities weaved in for industry exposure mean students will be actively thinking about the job market and how best to position and prepare themselves for a successful career."

Lynsey Hunt Slade, External Affairs Lead, Midlands and East of England, National Highways

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Marketing assistant

Average salary: £22,000 - £30,000

Social work assistant

Average Salary: £18,750

Sales and marketing coordinator

Average salary £26,000-£35,000

Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the CertHE will enable you to move onto our full degree course Marketing BA (Hons).

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Sonia's Story

With a background spanning entrepreneurship, marketing and education, Senior Lecturer Sonia Dosanjh connects academic learning with practical industry skills, helping students understand how marketing can drive meaningful impact.