Printed: 04 September 2010 at 21:44:56

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decide which course is right for me?
There are a lot of courses available and it can seem confusing at first. The two key considerations are - in which direction you want to develop your career and what level of qualifications and experience you already have. Click on the What to Study Button where you will find some advice on the options available including a link to our Guide to Marketing Qualifications. Click on a course to find out more about it and the eligibility criteria. If you would like further advice please call us on our advice line 01954 234940 - we are always happy to advise.

Where can I study?
We have 11 Study Centres across the UK: Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Guildford, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Plymouth and offer Professional Services evening classes in London. Click on the Where to Study Button and then on a location to find out more about our Study Centres, where they are and what courses are available at each Centre. You can also study at home or at work by distance or supported open learning.

What study options do you offer?
Over the years we have developed a broad and flexible range of study options in response to the needs of busy, professional delegates. You can attend evening classes in Cambridge (or in London for Professional Services), attend Weekends or Saturday Seminars, or study by distance learning or by supported open learning (where you can choose to study some modules at home and attend taught sessions for others). Click on the How to Study Button and select a study method to find out more.

Can I change my method of study once I have started a course?
Yes. Some delegates do start out studying by distance learning but then switch to attend taught sessions; others have started taught sessions but then switched to distance learning perhaps because of a job change taking them overseas. There is an additional cost to attend taught sessions but you can choose from all the options we have available and you can mix and match - using different study options for different modules on one course.

How long will a course take to complete?
This depends on the course but most can be completed in 12 months. We offer support for up to 2 years so that you have the flexibility of speeding up or slowing down your studies depending on other pressures. Click on the What to Study button and then a course to find out how long each course usually takes.

How much time do I need to allow for my studies?
This varies by course, by how you choose to study and how long you want to take to complete your qualification. Click on the How to Study and then a study option to find out how many hours are recommended for a specific course.

What are the College pass rates like?
Our delegates have consistently achieved excellent results. Last year we had 84 classes with a 100% pass rate.  Compare our results with the  international average over the last 2 exam sessions:

How much does it cost?
Again this varies by course, by how you choose to study and how long you want to take to complete your qualification. Click on the What to Study and then a course to find out how much a course costs. In addition you need to budget for the membership and assessment fees of the relevant professional institute (e.g. CIM) - except for Professional Services. These fees change annually and can be obtained from the institute or by calling the College admissions line on 01954 234940.

What do the course fees include?
All delegates receive study guides, text books, Course Director and tutor support, and access to the delegate section of our website which includes access to tutor notes, past exam and assignment questions and answers, links to other supporting websites and resources, a Discussion Forum and access to webinars and podcasts of lectures. Then, depending on the course, there are also revision sessions if you are taking exams, assignment briefing sessions, other study materials and on-line courses.

How can I pay for my course?
You can indicate on your application form if you want your employer to be invoiced for the cost of the course. If you are self funding you can pay by cheque, credit card or opt to spread your payments by making an initial payment and then 6 monthly instalments by standing order or by credit card.

How do I get a College Prospectus?
You can download a copy now by clicking the blue button on the left. You will be asked to fill in a short form and then be able to download either our full Prospectus or one for a specific area of interest.

How do I apply for a place at CMC?
You need to complete and submit an application form. Click   Here for a copy which you can print off and send in by fax or post. Alternatively you can enrol on-line by selecting the course you want to study and clicking the enrol on-line button at the bottom of that page.

Is there a deadline for my application?
You can apply for a course at any time if you want to study by distance learning or the Executive Weekend Programme. Saturday seminar and the CIPR courses start at specific times in different Study Centres. Evening classes are organised by term and start in January, April, July and September - so you need to apply well before the start of a term to secure a place. Click on the blue enrolment deadlines button on the left.

I need to make the case to secure my employer's sponsorship. Can you advise me?
Click on the Why Us? Button for some useful facts to make your case. From there you can also click the Current and Past delegates button which shows the range of businesses and countries our delegates come from. You may also like to download a copy of our most recent Bulletin with some of latest news.Click   Here for a copy.  Delegates have found these useful in the past.

Do you offer in-house courses?
Yes, we have several large corporate clients and provided there are a minimum of 8 delegates for a course we can deliver an in-house programme for CIM, CAM, CIPR and a range of short courses. Click on the Company Colleges Button for more information.

How do I register with the Professional Body?
You need to contact them direct:

How do I find accommodation when I come to a course?
We have agreed a special deal with International Reservations who can obtain preferential rates for our delegates at hotels near each of our Study Centres. In addition we have links from our website to Bed & Breakfast alternatives.

Can I come and visit the College?
We are open in Cambridge during normal office hours and you are very welcome to come and see us. We also hold Open Days and Evenings at our Study Centres across the UK. For details of the next ones scheduled please call 01954 234940.

How can I contact you?
Call 01954 234940 or Email Katrina@marketingcollege.com. Click on the Contact Us button for further details.