Needless to say, I learned a few things when it came to preparing my first assignment for the Digital Marketing module of the Certificate in Professional Marketing. Although I’d had previous experience of using the Harvard Referencing system in my university assignments, the CIM course proved a little different. 

So, I thought I would share how best to make use of not only your Cambridge Marketing College and Chartered Institite of Marketing (CIM) resources, but most importantly, your time:

1. Get to grips with your study materials

Whether you are attending classes or Online Learning, your first point of call should be to log-in to your Learning Zone (even if you only have 10 minutes spare). This will be your ‘hub’ for College resources, provide your tutors details and your exam/submission dates so it’s important you know where to find these when you need them. 

By being a member of the Awarding Body, the CIM, you also gain access to their online library of resources as well so there is a whole host of material right at your fingertips. 

2. Create a study timetable to fit around your lifestyle

Set aside certain evenings of the week and hours across a weekend (or alternate each week) to ensure you’re allowing yourself ample study time over the next 8-12 weeks. DO NOT try to sit down on a Sunday and cram in all your hours for that week in one day. It won’t work and you won’t be productive.

If it helps, treat your course like you would work; setting out what you want to have achieved and by when. Drawing up a timetable to help you keep on track might be a good idea. For example, Monday and Wednesday between 6-8pm and Sunday between 3-6pm might be your preferred times but this might change on a weekly basis if you have commitments / social events pop up. As long as you save time each week for your studies, you'll be fine.

3. Follow your weekly study plan 

Another great feature of the Learning Zone is that it plans your study out FOR YOU and allows you to track how far you’ve progressed. On a week by week basis per module, you can see what to watch, listen to, read and research. You can also save important parts for later if you want to come back to them for referencing in your assessments. This personalised platform is particularly handy for Online Learning when you’re having to be fully self-sufficient with your studies. 

4. Download your assignment/exam practise questions in the early stages 

Have a look at what the questions are asking you and highlight the areas to focus on (topics will change with every submission session). It will make it easier to save information and resources as you study for when it comes to completing your assignment/prepping for your exam. DO NOT download your brief once you have completed your study plan for the module and scramble through your notes for the answers. My advice? Once you've highlighted the models and information to go with said topic (assignments are usually set into sections), work on that section of the assignment, before moving on with your study plan. That way, you can complete your assignment as you go and not panic at the end.

5. Keep a neat folder

I know it seems a bit 'old school' but keep a physical filing system. Segment it into the different topics you learn along the way, or on a week by week basis (never underestimate the importance of a coloured sticky note to differenciate between topics) and avoid being ‘highlighter happy’ (mass highlighting will not help you and you will not take information in. Instead, aim to highlight the key words the assignment is asking of you so you can read around it at a later date if you need to).

6. Keep marketing jargon and models handy

You’ll come across new marketing terminology and relevant models as you progress through your studies. It is essential you make note of these to use in your assessments where necessary to gain the marks. I would suggest, once you have completed your study for each week, going back through and typing up the models and terminology covered (and what each means) and keep an overall seperate document for these. It sounds like a long job, but is extremely helpful when it comes to looking for relevant references for your assignment. In the comments, based on my draft assignment, the tutor suggested I could use a certain model to illustrate my point further - I consulted my handy sheet of models and terminology (and what they mean), and hey presto, I easily saw why he had suggested this.

7. Watch the recorded evening classes

These are a very helpful resource, whether you need to refresh your memory from your classes or elaborate on the theory in your companion guides as an Online Learner. The two marry up so you can make notes alongside your guide as you follow the classes.

8. Take notice of the exercises and links in your companion guides 

These have been designed to help fuel your ideas for your assessment for each module by getting you to think outside the box and help you understand the theory better.

9. Your tutor is there to help you

Always make sure you contact your tutor for the module if you have any questions. They won’t reach out to you to check how you’re doing throughout your course but they are on hand if you need them as you progress through your study. If you are unsure about certain topics or terms you come across, you can always email your tutor or arrange a telephone call if its more suitable. They also comment on one draft of your assignment before you hand in your final version, so it is essential you follow their guiadance and suggestions if you want to gain those all important, extra marks.

10. Always complete a FULL draft 

(I've already mentioned this part in point 9) Make sure you submit a full draft to your tutor for the module by the deadline. They provide comments on what you send them so if you submit a half draft, you’re not giving yourself the added benefit of earning more marks! It’s so essential that you take notice of their feedback and amend your draft accordingly.

11. Make sure your CIM membership is up to date 

Not only does it give you access to ALL their resources as well (making trips to the library for secondary resources a thing of the past!), you will need it to book your assessments. The last thing we want is for you to have all your hard work wasted because you’re not booked in to submit!

12. Reference, reference, reference 

If you’re unsure how to use the Harvard Referencing System, it is essential to make sure you familiarise yourself with it before you start your assignments. DO NOT panic and rush at the last minute! Guidance can be found in your Learning Zone if you need it.


Undoubtedly, studying alongside full-time work and other commitments is hard but I promise you by the end you will feel immensely proud of yourself for what you have achieved. Essentially, if you are able to work out a plan that works for you (and stick to it) and know exactly where to locate your learning resources, you will be fine.

All the best in your future assignments :).