With the increasing development of online learning, business students can now gain in-demand certification without having to leave the comfort of their home. Marketing is one such subject where this is highly beneficial. Being able to study at your own leisure, connect with professional educators, and become certified all contribute to making this an attractive option for busy students.

Why Marketing?

Marketing is one of the most in-demand subjects in business. With marketers required to have a sound knowledge of industry trends as well as in-demand skills, qualifying via an online course and securing a marketing job on the back of your new qualifications is an attractive proposition.

The course structure is usually made up of a combination of lectures, discussions, and assignments. In addition to this, you will also need to prepare for weekly quizzes and exams. These can be done online, and with a bit of studying, they aren’t too difficult to ace.

What Will I Study On This Course?

Depending on your preferred learning style, you can select from a variety of Marketing courses offered by leading universities and companies. These range from marketing analytics and theory to marketing strategy and economics. You will also be able to study specialisation topics such as social media and digital marketing, brand management, and marketing ethics.

Whichever route you choose, you will have the opportunity to gain job-ready skills and gain a better understanding of the complex world of marketing.

How Is This Different To A Normal Degree Course?

A traditional degree course typically follows a defined structure, with set times for lectures, assignments, and term papers. Once you’ve completed your studies you’ll be qualified to sit for certifications that you might need to renew annually. With online learning, you are free to re-attend any time you like, and you don’t necessarily need to study according to a set schedule, as you might do with a traditional degree course. You could potentially complete a top rated marketing course in a few short months and then apply what you’ve learnt.

The flexibility of working remotely that an online degree course provides is also significant. Not only can you study at your leisure, but you can earn while you study. You aren’t locked into a brick and mortar campus as you would be with a traditional degree course, and you don’t necessarily have to live within commuting distance of your school. In addition to this, you can often find part time job opportunities that suit your schedule.

If you’re interested in studying marketing but don’t yet know where to start, take a look at our list of the best online marketing degrees that you can gain admission to, which includes a specialisation in digital marketing.

Is This Suitable For My Career?

With a sound knowledge of marketing, you will have the opportunity to work in a number of different industries, and across different functions such as marketing, sales, and management. This could potentially lead you to greater career opportunities. More and more companies are turning to online education to train their future employees. Why? Well, it’s quite simple. Employees that have learnt new skills via an online course are often valued more highly by their employers than those who have only learnt traditional methods of education.

A good marketing degree will equip you with the necessary skills to break down complex information into easy-to-understand chunks, and to analyse the effectiveness of various marketing campaigns. In addition to this, you need to be able to formulate effective marketing strategies and be able to translate these strategies into action. An online marketing course will teach you the theories and concepts behind effective marketing, as well as equip you with the practical skills to apply these theories to your own campaigns. 

How Long Does It Take To Earn A Certificate?

The length of time that it takes to earn a certificate varies depending on your chosen course, but is usually about as long as it takes to complete a standard university degree. This could be anything from a few months to a few years, depending on your chosen specialization and whether or not you do extra-mural study. The longer the better, as you will have more time to complete your projects and get your diploma or certificate. More and more companies are turning to online education to train their future employees. Why? Well, it’s quite simple. Employees that have learnt new skills via an online course are often valued more highly by their employers than those who have only learnt traditional methods of education.

The majority of online certification courses in marketing are accredited by leading accrediting bodies such as the CIMA. This means that you can rest assured that you are learning from industry-leading educators who have been carefully chosen by your chosen university or institution. Your certificate will therefore be considered highly worthwhile, and it will demonstrate to prospective employers that you are trained to the highest standard.

How Much Will It Cost To Study This Course?

As with any other university course, the cost of an online marketing degree varies, depending on your chosen course, where you are located, and what financial assistance you receive. Most institutions will provide details of their fees and financial support on their websites. Alternatively, you could contact the marketing department at your chosen institution and ask them for their costs. The majority of accredited online marketing degree courses are offered at a low cost, enabling you to gain valuable knowledge whilst having some funds left over for extras like books and transportation to and from school. You won’t always need to rely on financial support, as there will often be a minimum tuition fee for each academic year.

Top-Notch Resources For Further Reading

If you’re looking to build on your basic knowledge of marketing, then take a look at our list of the best books, blogs, and websites for further reading. The list includes some of the most highly regarded marketing books and authors, as well as curated lists of the best blogs and websites providing in-demand industry knowledge. Combining the best of both worlds, these top-notch resources can help you gain a better understanding of marketing and how to apply this knowledge to your own life and career.

Where Can I Study This Course?

Depending on your chosen university, you might be able to study part-time whilst working, or you might be required to do so. As previously mentioned, more and more companies are turning to online education to train their future employees. This approach allows students to gain valuable job skills whilst being able to work and study at their own leisure. For those who want to study part-time, and have the flexibility to do so, this is an attractive option. You might want to consider what your preferences are, as some institutions will require you to study for a set number of hours per week, whilst others will allow you to study as much or as little as you like. 

In addition to this, you might want to think about what your living situation is like. Is it possible for you to live alone, or do you need to share accommodation with friends? With Airbnb becoming a popular option for both students and budget travellers, you can easily find a room for rent that’s close to your school, or anywhere you like in the city.

Final Takeaway

An increasingly popular option amongst students, online education is becoming an attractive choice for those looking to study marketing. Being able to study at your own leisure, connect with professional educators, and become certified all contribute to making this an attractive option for busy students.