Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing (Online)

Course Summary

The Level 9 Certificate in Digital Marketing is part of the suite of postgraduate Marketing programmes offered by ATU Sligo. This suite of programmes consists of: 

• Two postgraduate certificates in Digital Marketing and Marketing, each of which can be completed online over 1 academic year (2 semesters). 

• A postgraduate diploma in Marketing that can be completed part-time online over 2 academic years (4 semesters) and is equivalent to completing the two postgraduate certificates.  

• MSc in Marketing - The MSc in Marketing can be completed online in one calendar year full-time or in 2 to 3 years part-time. Learners who have completed the two postgraduate certificates/diploma can choose to complete a dissertation or capstone project to achieve their masters qualification. 

This suite of programmes allows the learner to tailor their own learning path – learners can choose to register for the MSc in Marketing from the start of their studies or to progress from the PG Certificate to the PG Diploma and onto the Masters, as suits their learning needs. Please refer to the individual webpages for further details on each programme. 

The aim of this online Level 9 Certificate in Digital Marketing is to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to develop digital marketing practices to the highest standard. The student will combine leading-edge knowledge, within the digital marketing arena, with a practical insights approach to practice. The programme will reflect modern contextual challenges from digital marketing effectiveness to commercial considerations. Throughout the programme, the learner considers the theoretical development of marketing combined with an appreciation of marketing as a profession, with a particular emphasis on the area of digital marketing. 

The learner profile for this award is expected to be those working in a management and/or marketing role looking to upskill with an aim of personal development and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of their marketing competencies. In addition to learners already in employment, this course is also intended for suitable graduates progressing from undergraduate level who wish to focus on marketing. This course will allow learners to develop relevant skills and knowledge that can help to unlock their potential when they proceed to the next stage of their career, while they continue work. 

Programme Structure 

The table provides a short overview of the modules that the learner will complete as part of this programme. Further details on each module can be found under the Course Format tab. 

The learner can see in the figure below where the Level 9 Certificate in Digital Marketing sits into the learners journey to an MSc in Marketing.

Features and benefits of the course: 

• Flexible part-time study – the programme is delivered online in the evenings allowing you to fit your studies around work and other commitments. Live lectures are recorded and you can access all module material at any time from wherever you are in the world. 

• Tailor your learning – study towards the qualification that meets your needs, be it the PG Cert in Digital Marketing (2 semesters), PG Dip in Marketing (4 semesters) or the full MSc in Marketing (4 to 5 semesters) 

• Learners can progress from PG Cert to PG Diploma and onto the Masters or exit with a PG Certificate or Diploma. 

• As an online student on the PG Certificate you will have a maximum of 5 hours of lectures per week plus additional time to dedicate to your own reading and projects as required. 

• Practical implementation of concepts that provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to identify innovative digital marketing opportunities.  

• Develop an understanding of the latest and most appropriate theories relevant to the digital marketing domain. 

Key Course Information

When you are studying part-time online it is very important that you allocate enough study time to your online course to stay focused, reduce stress and achieve your goals. 

Study hours: For the part-time study of the Level 9 Certificate in Digital Marketing, there will be two to three modules per semester. Each will have two to three hours of live online lectures per week. Live lectures normally take place after 6pm, Monday to Thursday, but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. The live lectures are recorded for students that cannot attend live sessions. 

Examinations/Assessments: Assessments will vary between project work, reports and a final examination. Most modules are assessed using 100% Continuous Assessment and one module also has a final exam. 

Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a Bachelor of Business Studies (Honours) Level 8 2.2 minimum or above.  

Applications will also be considered from graduates with the following: 

•  Level 7 Bachelor of Business Studies (Ordinary) plus 3 years relevant marketing work experience that will be subject to consideration under ATU’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 
•  Other Level 8 (Honours) primary degrees in any discipline plus 3 years relevant work experience in a management/supervisory role. 

Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie.  

Career Opportunities

While the programme will be of interest to a wide and varied audience in business and marketing fields, the specific career and career advancement opportunities that the award supports include: 

• Digital Marketing 

• Online Marketing 

• Brand Promotion 

• Marketing analytics 

• Experiential marketing 

• International Sales & Marketing 

• Strategic Marketing 

• Customer Relations 

• Product Development 

• Market Researcher 

• Relationship Marketing & Management 

Further Study

The Level 9 Certificate in Digital Marketing is part of the suite of postgraduate Marketing programmes offered by ATU Sligo. This suite of programmes consists of: 

• Two postgraduate certificates in Digital Marketing and Marketing, each of which can be completed online over 1 academic year (2 semesters). 

• A postgraduate diploma in Marketing can be completed part-time online over 2 academic years and is equivalent to completing the two postgraduate certificates.  

• MSc in Marketing - The MSc in Marketing can be completed online in one calendar year full-time or in 2 to 3 years part-time. Learners who have completed the two postgraduate certificates/diploma can choose to complete a dissertation or capstone project to achieve their masters qualification. 

This suite of programmes allows the learner to tailor their own learning path – learners can choose to register for the MSc in Marketing from the start of their studies or to progress from the PG Certificate to the PG Diploma and onto the Masters, as suits their learning needs. Please refer to the individual webpages for further details on each programme. 

The flexibility of the suite of programme allows people to complete the PG Cert in Digital Marketing and then apply for the PG Diploma in Marketing and afterwards progress to the Masters. Alternatively, you can apply for the Masters directly. 

Programme Fees

Academic Year 2024/25 Fees

Total Programme Fees: €2,400

To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage. 

If you apply and are approved for an online course at ATU Sligo, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 to secure your place. Your deposit will then be credited against the course fees once you are registered as a student. Students at ATU Sligo are also eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees.

For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.

If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage. 

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2