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Level 3 Diploma in Digital Marketing


Marketing is a career which offers loads of variety and plenty of progression for the future. It is even more relevant in an ever-increasing digital world.

About the course

Do you want to go to university or switch a career? If yes, then our Access to Higher Education Level 3 course could unlock your future and fulfil your dreams.

Marketing is a fundamental role in any and all businesses. It is the wheelhouse of success and aids in product and service design. It also establishes a brand and creates action within a target market. Our Digital Marketing course can lead to a degree and career in many different marketing and business professions. In one year, you could be well on your way to a new job or university study as:

  • Advertising Specialist
  • Digital Marketing Manager
  • Content Strategist
  • Virtual Reality Developer
  • SEO and SEM Specialist
  • User Experience Designer
  • Data Analyst
  • Email Marketing Specialist
  • many more

The qualification gives you all the relevant academic knowledge and creative skills needed for higher education study. It also offers the opportunity to develop study skills that help you to succeed at HE or in the industry sector.

This Access to HE course has provided learners with the ability to change their career direction without going to university too. Many learners use the Access course to develop their knowledge and gain a credible qualification to enter a new area of employment. The course is taught by highly skilled tutors who are experts in their specialist areas. They are supportive, non-judgemental and allow learning at your own pace.

What you will study

The course explores various areas of the industry and in particular those that are career based and can be studied at a higher level in university. You will learn to use industry-standard software in the classroom and will have opportunities to carry out real-world marketing scenarios and working practices. Key specialist subject units include: Key subject areas include:

  • IResearch Project (Marketing)
  • Introduction to Marketing
  • Principles of Marketing Strategy
  • Advertising Legislation and Regulation
  • Relationship Marketing
  • Marketing Communication
  • Principles of Business Strategy
  • Investigating Micro and Small Businesses
  • Digital Animations or Manipulating Images

Study skills are essential for progression onto a degree, on the course we deliver the following academic units that prepare students for their journey beyond AHE:

  • Researching and Understanding Opportunities for Higher Education
  • Academic Writing Skills
  • Introduction to the Use of the Internet
  • ICT Presentation Software
  • Creative Presentation

How you will be assessed on the course

The course and hours are designed to fit around your work, life and family commitments. Assessment is portfolio based and will take the form of practical coursework, presentations or in class assessments depending on the units you are studying.

Where and when

Delivered at various centres around Cornwall including Falmouth, Newquay and Bude, as well as a new innovative online offer using conferencing software from the comfort of your own home. The classes are delivered between the hours 9.15am to 2.45pm, 3 days a week.

Entry requirements

Access to HE courses are for students aged 18+. You MUST hold either a GCSE/Level 2 in mathematics or English at grade C (4) or above to be accepted onto our courses. It is also advised that you gain both qualifications if you are planning to progress onto HE (a Higher Education degree), applicants can gain the qualification they may be lacking before or alongside their Access studies if their commitments allow. 

Please note:

Applicants MUST check these requirements before applying.

Course costs

£3,384

If you are aged 18 on 31 August 2023, you may be eligible for full fee remission.

If you are aged 19-23 on the first day of learning without a full level qualification you may be eligible for fee remission.

If you do not qualify for full funding, most learners will be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan from the Student Loans Company. Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay it. The higher education course must be eligible for student finance. Should you not go on and complete an eligible higher education course you will be required to pay back the loan, you’ll only start making repayments when your income is over £524 a week, £2,274 a month or £27,295 a year. (before tax and other deductions). For more information visit: www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

Those aged 19+, who are not eligible for any fee remission and decide not to take an Advanced Learner Loan, may pay the course fees in instalments.

Additional support

We understand that for some learners, the only way they will be able to take part in Adult Education is if they receive financial help and support. For example a contribution towards the costs of:

  • tuition
  • exam fees
  • travel expenses
  • books
  • childcare

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the funding agency for Advanced Learning Loans have allocated some money to help us provide this support to eligible learners on applicable courses. Information and advice about eligibility and how to apply can be supplied upon request.

We also support students through the university application process (UCAS). We help with personal tutorials and academic units focussed on HE progression. These are designed to offer guidance and support throughout the learning process. We do however recommend checking the entry requirements for a chosen course at your preferred university. You can find more information on the awarding body via the following link: Ascentis.

Specific requirements and accessibility

Cornwall Adult Education is committed to providing the best possible learning opportunities for all our students. We want all learners to achieve their full potential and to enjoy their learning.  When you enrol, please let us know if you have any specific requirements. This includes a physical disability or learning difficulty. You can note this on your enrolment form or contact your local centre directly. This information will only be used to support you in your learning.

What University - HEI Progression

The Access to HE Diploma Level 3 qualification enables students to acquire enough UCAS points for many Digital Marketing/Marketing degrees in Cornwall, Plymouth and other parts of the country. It is also a highly recognised qualification in a professional workplace.

Some university courses include:

  • Digital Marketing (BA Hons)
  • Digital Marketing & Social Media (BA Hons/BSc)
  • Marketing (BA Hons)
  • Business & Digital Marketing (BSc Hons)
  • Fashion Marketing (BA Hons)
  • Creative Advertising (BA Hons)
  • Marketing & Communications (BA Hons)

Other information, advice, and guidance

We offer help, support and put you in contact with advisers who can help you:

  • Decide which is the best course for you
  • Find out about other courses you can move on to
  • Explore possible financial support options
  • Benefit from additional learning support
  • Look at employment opportunities

For further information, please enquire at your local centre or e-mail:

Enquire now and find out how an Access to HE course can change your life!

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