SLIM revamps Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management to meet ever-changing landscape in marketing

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) has recently upgraded the course structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, adding novel topics and subject areas such as Digital Marketing, AI in Marketing and Services Marketing, to develop the desired skills needed to respond to international marketing challenges. 

SLIM has also renamed the program as the ‘Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management’, in which the course content ensures providing comprehensive knowledge about the key marketing management theories while educating the students on their practical application. 

Whether you are new to marketing or have a wealth of experience in the industry, this professional qualification adds immense value for both professional and personal development. The carefully curated course content not only ensures a deep understanding about the key marketing theories and concepts, but also grooms students to face the future challenges. Budding marketers can easily secure their career paths towards obtaining an MBA by qualifying in SLIM-PGDIP.

The new 18-month program consists of four levels; Diploma in Marketing Management, Higher Diploma in Marketing Management, Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management and Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management. While the duration of the first stage to the third stage will be four months each, the final stage will last for six months. 

With various assessment criteria to evaluate the performance of students, the course ensures continuous learning and development. The graduate-level of the course focuses on wide concepts such as Sustainability and Strategic Marketing Planning, and every student is required to carry out an individual research study to complete the final level. With an experienced panel of expert lecturers, SLIM is synonymous with bringing out the best in students.

The revamping of the program was initiated and executed by the Education Reforms Committee of SLIM headed by Prof. Arosha S. Adikaram, who is currently an academic of the Human Resource Management Faculty at the University of Colombo. The structural change of the course was implemented upon the approval of the institute’s Board of Study lead by Prof. Sampath Amarathunga, who is currently serving as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission.  

Following the revamp, SLIM expects to add more value to the industry by igniting the potential of budding marketers, who one day will steer the corporates towards greater heights. With the vision of leading the nation’s efforts towards economic prosperity and the mission of establishing marketing as the driving force to enhance business and national value, SLIM actively promotes marketing as an essential business philosophy. 

Commenting on the course upgrade, SLIM President Roshan Fernando stated: “As the national body for marketing, SLIM is dedicated to elevate the marketing profession in the country. SLIM PGDIP, one of the most sought-after marketing qualifications in Sri Lanka, was revamped to suit the modern-day requirements. With our exceptional resource personnel who possess extensive experience in both local and international spheres, this program promises a remarkable learning experience.” 

“This is the most-preferred marketing qualification looked for by employers when it comes to recruiting the top talent to their organisations. The PGDIP holders are pursuing successful careers not only in Sri Lanka but also beyond our shores as well. 

“While SLIM students are trained and mentored by industry experts, they also get an opportunity to take part in various national events conducted by SLIM such as SLIM-NASCO, SLIM Brand Excellence, SLIM Peoples Awards, SLIM Marketers’ Ball, EFFIES, and the opportunity to join SLIM Toastmasters,” added SLIM Vice President Nuwan Gamage. 

Sharing his opinions about the program, SLIM Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director Sanath Senanayake said: “SLIM PGDIP is the most recognised professional qualification in marketing in Sri Lanka. We are sure that the new course content will enable students to delve deeper into the world of marketing, including the digital aspects of it, and be empowered to face the challenges of the future.” 

Roshan Fernando and Sanath Senanayake handed over the revamped Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management book to Prof. Sampath Amarathunga and Prof. Arosha S. Adikaram, an academic of the Human Resource Management Faculty at the University of Colombo.