Description
The Diploma in Business Development is a comprehensive training qualification designed for aspiring and current sales and marketing professionals seeking to advance into the dynamic role of a Business Development Manager. This program equips learners with the core principles and practical tools needed to identify new market opportunities, drive strategic growth, and contribute meaningfully to organizational success. Through a curated blend of foundational and advanced courses—including Marketing and Sales Management, Market Analysis, Business Case Writing, and International Business—this diploma offers a structured pathway into one of the most in-demand career roles in modern business.
- Level: Experienced Sales and Marketing Professionals and Business Coaches / Consultants
- Courses: 8Â (see course details below)
- Learning:Â On Demand 24/7
- CPD Hours: 160 Hours (each course takes approx. 20 hours to complete)
- Duration: 8 Months (avg. time to complete 4 months)
- Certification:Â GMA Professional Credentials
Key Benefits
Upon completing the program, learners will acquire a powerful combination of knowledge and applied skills essential for succeeding in business development roles. Graduates will develop a deep understanding of how to assess markets, create strategic marketing plans, and launch new ventures with confidence. The curriculum also strengthens analytical thinking, communication, and decision-making abilities through real-world case studies and practical assignments. Additionally, the international business and marketing modules prepare learners to operate effectively in global markets, a critical asset in today’s interconnected economy. Whether seeking career progression, a sector change, or a competitive edge in job applications, this diploma provides the credentials, capabilities, and confidence to excel as a Business Development Manager.
Program Content
This program comprises the following courses:
COURSE 1: FOUNDATIONS IN MARKETING
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the core principles of marketing and how they are applied to marketing consumer goods, industrial products and services. In addition, you will learn how to analyze your customers base to identify growth opportunities. In addition, you will learn how to apply the marketing mix to develop your marketing strategies and budgets.
COURSE 2: FOUNDATIONS IN SALES MANAGEMENT
On completion of this course, you will be able to plan for and make sales calls and carry out sales visits with more confidence, and professionalism. You will be able to make effective sales pitches, and handle potential buyer objections. You will learn how to close deals effectively, and follow up to ensure customer commitment and retention. In all, you will have greater success with your sales activities.
COURSE 3: MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
Market Assessment is the foundation for developing a Marketing Strategy and Marketing Plan for your business. In conducting market assessment, you will gain an in depth understanding of the business environment you are currently and planning to operate in. You will also gain insight into the competitive environment, and the potential of your business to succeed. A further area of research which you will apply in this course is into your customers, where you will learn techniques for analyzing your customer base, their buying preferences, and the contribution to your profitability. This information, will form the foundation for developing a strong marketing strategy, which will ensure you optimize your potential, and build your growth on a well informed basis, providing more assurance of your success.
COURSE 4: DEVELOPING A MARKETING PLAN
The Global Marketing Planning course is designed to enable you to create a solid marketing strategy and generate numbers and action items to help you make your strategy real. In this course, you will apply the information you have acquired and framed about your markets, customers and opportunity portfolio, to the development of a strong marketing strategy. You will use this strategy to develop marketing tactics – the 4 p’s (product positioning, pricing strategies, place – distribution channels, and promotion – public relations, branding and advertising tactics), set realistic sales targets, and set and get support for your marketing budget. The product of this course will be a fully viable 3 year marketing plan, which you can use grow your business, and gather support from your stakeholders, whether senior managers or investors.
COURSE 5: DEVELOP AND MARKET NEW VENTURES
This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to transform an entrepreneurial opportunity into a venture concept proposal, making the business case for the venture, and launching it as a new (line of) business. You will learn the key steps in the venture creation process, including feasibility analysis, marketing and fundraising. You will also learn how to identify suitable sources of investment for the new venture, and how to make a pitch to key stakeholders of potential investors. You will learn how to develop the marketing strategy for the business venture, by assessing the  product mix, volumes and pricing opportunities, and evaluating the  costs and benefits of available distribution channels and customer service strategies. You will also learn how to plan marketing activities according to marketing objectives and strategy and budgetary requirements
COURSE 6: WRITING A BUSINESS CASE
A Business (Financial) Case captures the reasoning for initiating a project or task. Today, with investment capital for projects and innovations hard to come by, a business case has become a requirement for the release of funding for projects, whether private or public sector, whether from external sources, or from internal funding sources. As a business leader, writing a business case is a critical skill to acquire. This practical course takes you through a systematic process of writing a financial case which provides convincing justification, for proposed investment in new equipment, new systems, acquisitions, major projects, and innovations.
COURSE 7: DEVELOPING INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
In this course on Developing International Business, learners will examine and range of factors to consider in expanding their business internationally. You will learn about and how to apply various models and tools to examine market opportunity and risk and inform investment making. You will also learn about the requisites for successful international competitiveness, and the key organizational variables which will enable successful new market entry. In addition, you will learn about global sourcing and global production and supply chains.
COURSE 8: INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
This course provides managers and marketing professionals with the knowledge to understand how to identify and evaluate opportunities in international markets, assess the different market entry modes available to companies, and develop marketing strategies to succeed in international markets.
Certification
Professional Credential Awards
CPD Certificates – On completion of each course in the program, you will be able to download and print a Course Completion Certificate, detailing your Continuing Professional Development Credits.
Digital Credentials – On successful completion of all your courses, you will receive an email with a link to your Digital Credentials. These will include your Digital Badge and Digital Certificate.
Social Share – You will be able to share your digital credentials on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.
VIEW CREDENTIAL –>
