Top Reasons to Study the Diploma in Marketing after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels

Top Reasons to Study the Diploma in Marketing in Malaysia
Why Study the Diploma in Marketing after Completing Secondary School?
Changes in technology, buyer habits and the economy are rapidly shifting the marketing landscape. The growth of digital marketing jobs in Malaysia has been a significant trend in recent years, driven by the increasing importance of online presence for businesses and organizations. Companies are trying to navigate change and seize opportunities brought on by these new realities. That’s why marketing careers are in high demand and one of the highest paid in Malaysia. Companies in all industries need savvy marketing professionals to get ahead. But how do you master the technical, creative and interpersonal skills needed to be successful?
So, what do you do if you want to pursue a career in Digital Marketing or Marketing? Students after secondary school with at least 3 credits can go for the practical and specific Diploma in Marketing course first. The subjects in the diploma will be more specific towards marketing subjects which would prepare you well to enter the Digital Marketing or Marketing degree course. Read on to find out the advantages and details of taking the Diploma in Marketing after your SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels.
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Where to Study a Top Diploma in Marketing Course in Malaysia? Please fill up the Form below to find out and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at.
The Best Education Pathway to a Degree in Digital Marketing after High School

Soon Hong, Marketing at HELP University
Earning a digital marketing degree is about much more than learning about advertising or selling. Along with knowledge of basic marketing principles and constructs, a successful marketing professional couples an ability to determine strategy with an ability to communicate those ideas in a compelling way. In addition to deep knowledge of the profession, a successful marketer must have an understanding of the other business disciplines because they work cross-functionally across an organization. Understanding the functions of operations, human resources, accounting, finance, and technology are all part of a good marketing degree program.
Creativity is needed as well because Digital Marketers must engage consumers with a certain product or brand through the use of electronic devices such as smart phones, computers, digital billboards, tablets, game consoles and more. Their job is fast paced and need to keep up or create new trends using multiple social media and online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Google Search, Email, etc. to engage with their audience.
Unlike a more general education, like business administration or communication, a marketing degree helps you learn current industry best practices and industry-standard tools, and prepares you to apply those to real-world situations. If you’re competing for entry-level positions, this specific knowledge will set you apart from other candidates. It will also prepare you for specialized positions in areas like digital marketing, search engine optimization and social media—in addition to entry-level generalist marketing roles.
The need to develop digital marketing professionals has thus become a necessity and a Diploma in Marketing is one of the best moves to understand the various marketing strategies applied globally. The diploma course prepares students with strong marketing fundamentals so that they can smoothly transition into the degree programme.
Top Reasons to Study the Diploma in Marketing

Foo, Marketing Graduate from UCSI University
The aim of this qualification is to equip students to face the dynamic and fast paced marketing career as well as to acquire practical and theoretical skills in marketing. It provides a focused study within the field of Marketing to ensure that students have an understanding of Marketing.
The Diploma in Marketing at Malaysia’s private colleges will provide students with fundamental broad-based knowledge, both academic and vocational of the complexities of businesses in the marketplace. This course provides students with a comprehensive education in all aspects of Marketing. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills in marketing which will enhance their competency to complete their assigned task.Through the Diploma in Marketing you will be able to maximise your career prospects with an in-depth understanding of marketing through the industry relevant curriculum at top private colleges.
Why Should You Study a Diploma in Marketing Course after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels?

Jackie Chen, Marketing at UCSI University
- The Diploma in Marketing course is more practical with mixed assessment.
- You have at least 3 credits in SPM, IGCSE O-Levels or UEC to enter the Diploma programme
- Students may apply for the PTPTN Loan for Diploma courses. There is no PTPTN Loan for Foundation & External Pre-University programmes
- You will study the subjects that you are interested in. The subjects are specific to your field of interest.
- Upon completion of the Diploma, you may choose to start work or continue on to Year 2 of the related degree
- Some diploma courses have internships which provides an opportunity for you to work for the company when you graduate.
- If you are considering going for Form 6, the STPM will take about 2 years, if you calculate the time after your SPM until you enter into Public University. The time you take for STPM, you would have completed the diploma course. Furthermore, the STPM exam is very tough and there is a chance that you might not do well.
- A diploma course is generally cheaper.
Choose to Study the Diploma in Marketing Course that’s Accredited and Recognised
Some students and parents are not aware that there are diploma courses in Malaysia offered by some colleges that are not recognised or accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The diploma course presented by the counselor may sound very attractive with low tuition fees and promises of job guarantee. However, if you choose to study a diploma course that’s not accredited by MQA, you may not continue on to a degree programme at any private university in Malaysia and your future employers may not recognise the certificate to offer you a job. Therefore, you should check the MQA website to see if the course is listed in there.
What is a Diploma in Marketing Programme? – Practical & Specific
Students after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels who are sure of what they want to study can go for a Diploma course. The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic.
It may require more hands on learning experience in the field of its study so that you are well trained and have specific knowledge the particular field.
Therefore, students have to be sure that they want to specialise in that field for their degree studies as you cannot change to another course for your degree.
How long does it take to Study the Diploma in Marketing Course?
The duration of the diploma is 2 years. There will be 3 semesters a year with 2 long (14 weeks) and 1 short (7 weeks) semesters.
How many Subjects are there in a Diploma in Marketing Course?
Students will take 30-35 subjects in the diploma and it is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage.
Generally, students will take about 5-7 subjects including MPU subjects a semester.
Students are required by the government to take about 3-4 MPU subjects during their diploma studies. You will need a Minimum of 90 Credits or 30 subjects to Graduate.
How is the Assessment for Diploma in Marketing Courses?

Bernice, Digital Marketing at Taylor’s University
A diploma course is more practical while a Foundation, external Pre-University programme and degree courses are more academic.
The assessments for a diploma programme at private universities and colleges in Malaysia is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage. The diploma programme provides students with relevant, interesting, stimulating and practical experience via a variety of teaching and practical techniques.
Students will experience different dynamic learning processes are employed in the delivery of a diploma programme, such as lectures, tutorials, computer lab work, team-based project, real life system development, presentations, independent projects supervised by supervisors from university lecturers or industry experts. The learning is very much practical oriented.
Methods of Delivery
- Lectures
- Lab work (depends on the course)
- Tutorials
- Field visits (e.g. business organisations, universities, non-governmental organisations, government-related corporations, etc.)
- Scenario-based learning
- Guest lecture series (prominent speakers from the industry and academic institutions)
- Interactive learning
What’s the Entry Requirements for a Diploma in Marketing Course?
With at least 3 credits in your SPM or IGCSE O-Levels or 3 Bs in UEC, you can join the Diploma in Marketing course at a private college in Malaysia. Students after SPM must have a pass in BM & Sejarah.
There will be other subject requirements depending on the course & university. Some universities may require a Credit in English.
Can I find a Job using the Diploma in Marketing?
You can use the diploma to apply for a job. On the other hand, if you choose to study a Foundation course, or Pre-University Programme, you have to continue on to the degree before going to work.
Choosing the Best Private University or College to Study the Diploma in Marketing

Liew, Digital Marketing, Asia Pacific University (APU)
Choosing a private college or university for your diploma course in Malaysia is important as it will help to shape your mind, character and help you to develop the necessary skills for a successful career.
Therefore, not all private colleges & universities are the same. You should not choose a university because it is the cheapest, easiest and nearest. It should be based on which university that best fit your needs.
There are many reasons and motivations for attending university in Malaysia, so ask yourself some serious questions to identify what you want from your university experience. Every university and diploma course in Malaysia is different and each student wants different things to fit their education and career goals.
It goes without saying that one of the most important considerations when it comes to choosing the right university to study in Malaysia is your course of interest and whether that particular university is popular for it. Additionally, many universities in Malaysia may offer the same course but many students fail to consider looking at the subjects, the experience of the university in running the course, awards won as evidence of the university’s capability and the facilities to support the course.
The best university in Malaysia for your diploma course will focus on quality, have award winners for the particular courses, years of experience offering the particular course, highly experienced lecturers, a good study environment (not a party university) and good facilities.
Many students have taken the easy way out and choosing the university that is cheapest, nearest and where most of their friends attend. They fail to understand that what they decide now can affect their future career forever.
In addition, knowing which course you want to study will help in determining which university for your diploma. Each university in Malaysia excels in particular areas, so you should ensure that your field of study is a strong-point of the university you choose. Just like signature dishes for restaurants, certain private universities are famous for particular courses.
Choosing a university that is best in your field of study may provide you with access to more specialised opportunities, including custom-built facilities, field-specific academic opportunities and employment opportunities with prestigious organisations in your industry.
Furthermore many of the top private universities in Malaysia offer similar courses therefore making your decision a challenging one! To help you develop a good list of criteria, you need to talk to the right counsellors or education consultant who are knowledgeable and experienced.
Is the PTPTN Loan Available for Diploma Courses?
Yes, students may apply for PTPTN Loan for diploma courses that are accredited by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA)
Students whose parents are under Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) may get the full PTPTN Loan amount RM14,030 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 13,600 (Arts-related Diploma). This is the total loan amount for the whole course.
Students whose parents’ combined income is not more than RM8,000 but not under BR1M will get RM10,520 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 10,200 (Arts-related Diploma).
Finally, students whose parents’ combined income is more than RM8,000 will get RM7,010 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 6,800 (Arts-related Diploma).
The details of the loan level are as below:
No | Level | Description of Eligibility |
1 | Maximum | Student’s or parents’ names are listed as recipient of BR1M |
2 | 75% from maximum loan amount | Family income lower than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M) |
3 | 50% from maximum loan amount | Family income higher than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M) |
Mode of Payment Payment from PTPN will be made TWICE a year directly into the university’s account. Students must make payment of first semester’s tuition fees to the university and then apply for the PTPN Loan for it to come into effect for the second semester. Eligibility for the 2nd Payment and onwards Student must obtain GPA 2.0 and above in order to continue enjoying the loan.
PTPTN Loan Amount
PERINGKAT PENGAJIAN UNTUK IPTS | JUMLAH PEMBIAYAAN SETAHUNMENGIKUT PERINGKAT* | ||
MAKSIMUM(RM) | 75%(RM) | 50%(RM) | |
Diploma in Business | 6,800 | 5,100 | 3,400 |
How do we Apply for the PTPTN Loan for our Diploma Course?
Most private universities and colleges will have a special department and staff to help you to make all the necessary arrangements for the loan so you do not need to worry about it. They will brief you about it during Orientation
Please note that generally, you have to pay the First Semester Fees first and then apply for the loan, which would take 2-3 months to process. The loan should be given out in time for the second semester but if it doesn’t happen in time, you have to prepare the fees for the Second Semester.