Masterclass: SOSTAC® Certified Planner

L:evel: Advanced 
Think strategically. Plan with precision.

Master the SOSTAC® model by PR Smith, the global planning pioneer, to structure high-impact marketing and comms plans that deliver results.

Only available from nesma!

Accredited Certificate

Digital Marketing Institute
Format
Live online

Start Date
September 2025
January, April, June 2026
Duration
1 day
Fees
Included
Course fee

£995+VAT
Tutors
Veronica Swindale, Sali Midjek-Conway
*Team discounts and payment options available

Get a recognised qualification

Join a 300,000 strong digital marketing community!

Over 75,000

Learners

5.0 (62 reviews) 

Why learn with nesma ?

We offer personalised learning that adapts to your changing situation at work and home, and more tutor hours to make sure you achieve your learning goals faster! 

Plus using our exclusive SkillsView™ and dedicated advisors, we work with you to help you build learning pathways to help you get that promotion! 

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Unique offers for this programme: 

We provide a unique range of offers to support your learning experience when completing this course
  • If your studying 'on demand', book personal coaching 
  • CIM Dual Award - Options
  • Access additional learning resources free on your personal Learning Hub space
  • Earn nesma credits towards other qualifications

Course description

If you want a practical, hands-on planning course built around the world’s leading marketing framework by PR Smith, this is for you.

You’ll develop both strategic thinking and applied planning skills, learning how to create clear, actionable marketing and communications plans that get results.

This course suits a wide range of learners—from experienced marketers sharpening their approach to new professionals building core capabilities. Even if you’re not a marketer, you’ll gain valuable tools to design and execute effective campaigns with confidence.





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What you'll Learn

By the end of this course, you’ll confidently write and improve marketing plans using PR Smith’s SOSTAC® framework. You’ll develop clear strategies that reduce risk, support better decisions, and deliver real results. After completing this course, you will be able to:
  • Conduct a thorough Situation Analysis: Assess your current position and understand market dynamics to inform your planning.
  • Set clear, aligned Objectives: Define SMART goals that support your organisation’s wider business aims.
  • Develop effective Strategies and Tactics: Identify the best strategic options and marketing mixes to reach your objectives.
  • Implement and Control your plan: Put your plan into action efficiently and measure success with relevant metrics.

Your course includes

  • Online tutor time
  • Tutor support
  • Manual
  • Downloadable resources
  • Qualification Certificate

Plan Like a Pro. Lead Like a Strategist!

This programme is ideal for anyone who needs to write, improve, or lead marketing and comms plans—whether you’re a marketing executive, comms lead, consultant, or business owner.

You’ll master PR Smith’s globally recognised SOSTAC® planning framework, gaining the strategic thinking and practical tools to create plans that get results.

We’ll guide you through every step—situation analysis, setting objectives, strategy, tactics, action, and control—so you can confidently build clear, effective, and measurable plans.

When you’re done, you’ll think and plan like a strategist—and you’ll be SOSTAC® Certified.

We’ll help you get there faster, with expert support and the nesma difference.

All our learners gain access the the nesma learning hub via your own homepage.

From here you can access all your courses, materials and activities, see your progress and work with other students. 

The platform provides broader benefits including skills passport, activity badges, and access to skills intelligence, offers and news!

Aims

You’ll gain the strategic mindset, practical tools, and confidence to plan like a pro—no fluff, just proven frameworks that work.

In short, you’ll become a CERTIFIED planning specialist, ready to design, improve, and lead high-impact marketing and comms plans from the ground up.

Certification Exam 

 

The Test is punchy, focused and dynamic. Questions come in different formats including text and image-based multiple choice, matching and drag and drop formats. It lasts 60 minutes,

Who is it for?

This course is designed for anyone involved in planning or delivering marketing and communications—whether you’re a marketing executive, comms officer, coordinator, strategist, brand or PR professional, content creator, consultant, business owner, or agency lead.

It’s also ideal for those looking to sharpen their strategic thinking, improve planning outcomes, or add a globally recognised planning certification to their skillset.  If your not sure talk to us :)
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Meet your tutors

Veronica Swindale

Marketing leadership course director, MD of nesma

Veronica is a senior tutor and the Managing Director of nesma, bringing over 20 years of strategic marketing and leadership experience. With a strong background in driving business growth through innovative marketing and digital transformation, she expertly guides senior marketers to develop the skills needed for impactful leadership roles. Veronica combines strategic insight with practical expertise, helping learners navigate complex marketing challenges and excel in their CIM Level 7 Marketing Leadership journey.

Sali Midjek-Conway

Senior Tutor | Strategic Communications & Planning Expert

Sali is a Chartered Marketer and senior communications professional with over 20 years' experience across education, finance, and sport. She has led major marketing and engagement strategies, most recently heading up communications and student recruitment at the University of Manchester.
As Vice Chair of the CIM North West Board and Chair of CIPR North West, Sali brings a wealth of practical insight to help learners build confident, strategic planning and comms skills.

What our learners say

Career catalyst

Qualifying in SOSTAC® Planning catapulted my career as a marketing strategist.

Instant Impact

Super practical -  I've started applying it instantly for my campaigns and am seeing the benefits already.

Concise and practical content

I learned a lot and now feel ready to implement these techniques into my organisation. 

Very Professional!

It was an excellent training program, and I am very pleased. The instructors were very knowledgeable, and the content was relevant to our industry.

Simple to understand!

Armed with the knowledge and techniques obtained from your school, I feel more equipped to navigate the challenging social aspects of the real world and become a professional in my field of choice.

Excellent Training Program!

The presenters were amazing. They were engaging, timely, and knowledgeable

5% off for nesma students and alumni!

If you have registered or attended a course with us before, copy/ use the promo code on the right when you enrol*

*We will of course verify you have previously learnt with us
Use promo code:

nesmaAlumni2025

Still not sure?  Talk to an advisor now...

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