iLearn Social Media Marketing & Digital Promotion for Business

Location

Applicant Type

Adults

Level

Short Course

Subject

Business, Management & Accounting

Course Overview

The iLearn Social Media Marketing & Digital Promotion for Business course is a three‑week, classroom‑based programme followed by workshops and supported self‑study. This course supports you to develop knowledge and practical skills related to becoming self‑employed and promoting business ideas through social media.

During the course, you can learn about the key considerations involved in setting up and running your own business, including regulations, responsibilities and professional practice. The programme introduces you to how business ideas are developed and promoted, with a focus on using social media platforms to reach audiences and communicate effectively.

You will also explore wider workplace and employability‑focused topics alongside business learning. These include customer service, health and safety, data protection awareness, conflict management, wellbeing at work and personal development. Together, these areas support you to build confidence, professionalism and an understanding of expectations in self‑employment and business environments. This course provides structured learning, workshops and self‑study to help you develop practical knowledge and transferable skills linked to self‑employment and digital marketing.

By the end of the programme, you will have a clearer understanding of how business ideas are developed, promoted and managed, supporting progression into further training or self‑employment‑related pathways. This course is delivered at our Southend, Basildon and Thurrock colleges.

Entry Requirements

To study this course, you must have a good command of the English language. Participants must also have basic IT skills and access to a smart phone for the duration of the course.

English assessment: Participation in this course requires the successful completion of a basic English assessment. This assessment is essential not only to meet awarding body and funding requirements but also to ensure you have the necessary language skills to complete the written components of the programme. If you do not meet the required standard, we can refer you to our English department, who may be able to offer funded lessons to support the development of your English skills.

Mandatory attendance, Coursework & Homework: Achieving the large number of qualifications offered on this course requires a high level of dedication and commitment. As such, full attendance at all classroom sessions is mandatory, and all coursework must be completed to ensure successful completion of the programme objectives. We recommend you set aside 1-3 hours per day for homework to ensure you meet the course deadlines. Lateness or requests to leave early may result in your place on the course being withdrawn.

Identification requirements: Candidates must provide one of the following forms of identification: Valid in-date passport (any nationality), signed in-date UK photocard driving licence, birth certificate (BUT, if a birth certificate is presented as proof of identification, an additional form of identification such as a signed bank card, utility bill or a letter issued by a government department must also be provided).

Assessment and Feedback

3 weeks in total delivered as follows:

Weeks 1 & 2 will be Monday to Thursday 10:00-16:00. These weeks are on offer at Southend, Basildon or Thurrock College
Week 3 will be Monday to Thursday 10:00-16:00 at Southend College

Venue addresses

Southend City College, Luker Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1ND
Centre for Digital Technologies – Basildon, College Way, Basildon, SS14 1GP
Thurrock College, High Street, Grays, RM17 6TF

Fees and Funding

This course is FREE to those who were over 19 on 31/08/2026, are unemployed, resident in England and in receipt of Universal Credit or similar benefits. It is also FREE to those who were over the age of 19 on 31/08/2026 and are earning under £25,750 per year (you will need to provide us with evidence of your income in order to qualify to take a course for free)

We regret that we cannot provide iLearn courses for free to individuals who reside in the following combined authorities: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City, North of Tyne, South Yorkshire, Tees Valley, West Midlands, West Yorkshire and West of England.

Future study/career options

On completion of this course, you can apply for a range of roles across marketing, social media and the creative and digital industries. Career opportunities include Marketing Assistant, Social Media Executive, Content Creator and Digital Marketing Assistant, with opportunities to work for businesses, charities, public sector organisations and other employers looking to promote their products and services online. The skills gained can also provide a foundation for freelance work or self-employment, including developing your own business idea or managing social media accounts for small and medium-sized businesses. You can also progress to further marketing and digital qualifications to develop your skills and support continued career development.

Study Commitment

3 weeks, Monday to Thursday 10:00-16:00

Additional Information

3 weeks, Monday to Thursday 10:00-16:00