Syllabus and Unit Specification:

Level 5 Higher Diploma in: Marketing, Media and Advertising (MMA)

Credit value: 120, contributing to the Higher Education (HE) Diploma outlined below

Rational

The purpose of this subject syllabus is to provide such part time and full time learners with an opportunity to study the principles and applications of MMA at an advanced higher educational level (Level 5), with sufficient focus and detail to achieve transferrable skills, knowledge, understanding and application, necessary for progression towards related programmes at Level 6.

The subject is unitised in order to provide flexibility of operation and study. Satisfactory completion of all four units within this syllabus results in the award of 120 credits at Level 5.

Each unit may be undertaken separately, and each will be assessed independently, however it is a key requirement of the subject that all fours units attached to the syllabus be completed at a satisfactory level in order to achieve the diploma.

Target group

HE diplomas should be targeted at those learners who have the ability to benefit from the course and progress to Level 6. They should also have success at level 3. This is a prerequisite to undertaking the course, as is sufficient skills in English, Maths and ICT

Intended progression

• Bachelor of Arts or Science
• Marketing
• Media
• Advertising
• Management
• Information technology
• Human Resources
• Humanities
• Vocational applications

Membership of Ascentis

This subject may only be operated in a member institution of Ascentis or a centre approved specifically for its operation by Ascentis. Membership and approval criteria can be found within the HE diploma handbook.

The Level 5 subject

This Level 5 subject is made up of a set of four units, which may be delivered and assessed independently. All units are assessed by coursework activities, and the compilation of an e-portfolio. The Level 5 subject requires successful completion of all four units. Learners are able to complete units at a pace appropriate to their resources, commitments and study plans.

It is expected that a full set of subject units will be completed within 2 academic years of initial enrolment.

Credit is awarded for successful completion of each unit. Any units which are not successfully completed may be repeated but this is subject to the college's discretion and criteria. All the learning outcomes attached to each unit must be met in order for credit to be awarded. Each unit attracts a total of 30 credits. Coursework is subject to marking criteria which will be outlines within each unit.

Moderation and Assessment Responsibilities

See: HE diploma handbook and Ascentis Handbook for Learners

This course is delivered entirely via the distance learning route and therefore there is no face to face element or requirement for centre based assessment.

Aims of the course

1. To provide students with opportunities to develop academic skills in MMA appropriate for a range of progression options.
2. To enable students to develop an advanced knowledge and understanding of the subject area
3. To encourage the learner to apply theoretical understanding and evaluation to complex content
4. To encourage students to apply terms and concepts appropriately
5. To enable students to apply a range of transferrable skills to subject related topics, issues and situations.
6. To facilitate and foster the development of a range of presentation skills relevant and appropriate to the discipline and level of study.

Course Objectives

1. To encourage direct and indirect independent learning and the development of key skills in an effective and academic context for the purposes of personal development and progression.
2. To develop an appreciation of the value and problems of interpretation of core concepts in MMA, together with related and relevant methodologies and theories.
3. To build an understanding of the core concepts within Environmental Sciences
4. To encourage students to apply their experience, knowledge and understanding, and skills to a range of course-related topics.
5. To encourage students to develop study autonomy and be able to demonstrate planning, judgement and organisational skills.
6. To advance the development of presentation skills appropriate to the discipline, level of study and delivery method.
7. To encourage development of transferrable evaluative and analytical skills relevant to MMA

What the student needs to know

In order to undertake this course the student will require:

• Prior knowledge and understanding commensurate with enrolment criteria
• Access to computer system with internet access and capabilities to download and upload files
• Word processing ability and access to word processing package compatible with college requirements
• Good organisational skills in order to plan studies, manage workload and study time

Unit 1: Research techniques in MMA

Students will be presented with the opportunity to learn about:

• ICT methods, tools and strategies
• The use of ICT in higher education
• Reflective writing and the use of this for skills enhancement
• The ePortfolio
• Understanding the core paradigms relevant to quantitative and qualitative research methodology and methods
• How to interpret and evaluate data
• How to develop MMA strategies based on data evaluation and to predict outcomes across a population or target group

Students will be provided with learning opportunities in:

• Identifying different ICT methods relevant to Level 5 study
• Understanding how to apply different ICT tools and strategies within the course
• Gain understanding of research methodologies and methods, together with the different approaches and data gathering techniques
• How to apply evidence to development of strategies

Unit 2: Foundations in Marketing

Students will be presented with the opportunity to learn about:

• Different principles and concepts within marketing practices such as products, pricing, placement and promotion
• The different applications within eCommerce
• Risk assessment and evaluation of these risks
• Fiscal issues such as project budgets, procurement and stakeholders
• Global issues within marketing
• Analytical skills and strategy development

Students will be provided with learning opportunities in:

• Learning how different marketing principles are applied to different environments and situations
• Exploring various models and evaluating approaches
• Comparison of global markets and the different strategies within specific countries
• Construction of fiscal and budgetary charts and matrices based on research and evidence

Unit 3: Foundations in Media studies

Students will be presented with the opportunity to learn about:

• Legislation and intellectual property rights
• Genres and target markets/groups
• Logistics of media delivery
• Media mediums and theoretical perspectives on these
• Theorists and models (Kant, Marx, Bandura)
• Stakeholders and sponsorship

Students will be provided with learning opportunities in:

• Developing underpinning knowledge of complex theoretical models relating to media issues
• Learning about the relationship between media and social theories
• Understanding responsibilities and stakeholder/sponsorship input relevant to content and delivery

Unit 4: Foundations in Advertising studies

Students will be presented with the opportunity to learn about:

• Theoretical frameworks and models relevant to cognition, motivation and perception
• Consumerism and social theories
• Data and evidence relevant to target groups
• Development of advertising strategies
• Culturalism

Students will be provided with learning opportunities in:

• Learning about how cognitive processes influence preferences and relationship of this to advertising strategies and development of themes
• Exploring various social theories and look at social environments related to advertising
• Discussing evidence and data relevant to preference and product choice
• Looking at cultural influences

All four units are presented in learning outcome format, with specified assessment criteria

Entry Requirements

All students must per 17 years of age and above. Students should have completed a Level 3 Diploma or Professional Diploma or A level standard course (or equivalent) before the Level 5 qualification.

Study Hours

Approximately 300 hours per unit

Assessment Method

Four tutor marked assessments.

Please note that you can enrol on this course at anytime.

Award

Level 5 Higher Diploma in Marketing

This course is fully accredited by Ascentis

Additional Information

This is a dual certification course. You will receive a certificate from both the College and also the National Awarding body Ascentis. Fees for both are included in the course fee.

The course can be enrolled upon by students Internationally. There are no deadlines for enrolments.

What's Included

All study materials to enable the student to successfully complete the Diploma. Support is provided by the tutor department. Examination board certification upon completion, all coursework marking and moderating.Further Information

Please note that this is an online course and your materials are delivered within the College web site in PDF format.

You will require to have one of the following packages to access your course online:

• Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
• Macintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above

In the student 'Common Room' you are also able to receive the latest course updates, extra materials and information. You will also be able to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online student community.

After enrolling online you will receive your username and password to access your materials within 5 working days. You will also receive your personal Oxford student number via email.

Courses in paper/file format are available at an additional fee of £75.00 and you should select the paper option below if available. This service is available to all students both in the UK and Internationally. All students receive the online format as standard. Courier fees are free of charge within the UK, and there is a courier charge for packages sent outside of the UK. Packages sent within the EU £42.00, Packages to rest of world £52.00.