Marketing Institute Ireland is once again proud to be sponsors of ESA Diploma in Sponsorship & Sports Marketing in 2023. The ESA Diploma covers a broad range of themes meaning it is suitable for candidates across a wide range of industries and is just as appropriate for middle/senior management who wish to test and expand their existing knowledge as it is for those aspiring to gain entry to the sponsorship industry. This diploma is the only formal form of qualification in sponsorship. Download Brochure.
The Class of ’23 will be able to take advantage of updated learning materials and demonstrate their knowledge via a series of stimulating learning exercises (updated to be more approachable and refined) and a long-term project involving a real-life sponsorship challenge. There will be a series of digital class seminars presented by a wide-range of industry luminaries as well as newly-initiated social gatherings to enable valuable networking. To Find out more, please reach out to MII TRAINING.
- Standard Rate
£3,295 (ex VAT)
To be received in full by close of enrolment, Thursday 19th January 2023 - ESA member discounts available
T&Cs apply
Modules:
What is involved?
- Online learning with Study Notes split into six comprehensive modules
- Monthly seminars with sponsorship experts to reinforce learning (filmed for students unable to attend)
- Course assessment via assignments and a project
- Tutorials with Course Director for distance learners
- Networking with fellow students from varying backgrounds
- A formal graduation ceremony.
Syllabus
The ESA Diploma is a web-based, distance-learning course comprising six modules:
- Module 1 – Sponsorship Background
- Module 2 – Sponsorship Landscape
- Module 3 – Sponsorship Environment
- Module 4 – Making Sponsorship Work
- Module 5 – Sponsorship Activation
- Module 6 – Research, Assessment and Evaluation

Founder and Course Director - ESA Diploma (on behalf of the European Sponsorship Association - ESA)
Peter Raymond
In over 30 years in marketing, Peter has acquired unrivalled experience and become one of the UK’s leading exponents in sponsorship and corporate partnerships, having worked on many ground-breaking and award-winning projects.
He started his career as a Marketing Graduate with Cadbury Schweppes and quickly became a Brand Manager in 1980. Over the next decade, Peter moved into the agency world where he consolidated his experience in both sponsorship and sales promotion. His track record included working on the first ever major football sponsorships in the UK, the Milk Cup and the Canon League; managing the sponsorship of the Australian Cricket Team by Castlemaine XXXX; directing the British Athletics sponsorship portfolio and selling and implementing the London Marathon sponsorship for both NutraSweet and Flora.
Most recently he created and now runs the ESA Diploma which has become the sponsorship industry’s most esteemed training qualification. The 2023 intake will be the 12th iteration of the course, with well over 600 practitioners having now successfully qualified. This has been followed by a similar training course for the Arts, the ESA Arts Sponsorship Certificate, which has been running since 2015.
Marketer Pathways Competencies
Marketer Competencies
- Research
- Marketing Strategy
Business Competencies
- Planning & Prioritisation
- Ethics & Integrity
- Commercial Awareness
People Competencies
- Relationship management
- Influencing
The ESA Diploma provides fantastic learning and growth opportunities for those new to the industry as well as seasoned veterans. The Diploma looks at all angles of partnerships benefiting those on sponsor, agency and rights holder sides meaning more rounded learning is provided. The wider cultural influence of those taking the diploma provides a global lens with fresh thinking and outlooks. I would highly recommend the ESA Diploma to anyone who wishes to make an impact in the sponsorship industry and learn from the best in the business!
Account Director CSM Sport & Entertainment
"I thoroughly enjoyed the ESA Diploma and the content provided including some great guest lectures along the way"
Aer Lingus
I found the course content extremely helpful in developing and strengthening my knowledge in Sponsorship and Sports Marketing, and the duration of the course was just right.I would definitely recommend this course to anyone considering a career in Sports Marketing, and I look forward to applying my new found knowledge at work!”
Communicorp Media
The ESA Diploma in Sponsorship & Sports Marketing, ran in partnership with the MII, provides an unique opportunity to creatively learn about the prevailing commercial world of Sponsorship negotiation, regulation, activation and evaluation from a sponsor, agent and right holder’s perspective.
Solicitor at A&L Goodbody
I thoroughly enjoyed the ESA Diploma. The course was challenging but that’s good because it means you’re learning continuously and putting those learnings into action throughout the course. I was lucky enough to be promoted within PWC recently and I have the diploma to thank for that
PWC
I couldn’t recommend this course highly enough. It was a challenge but being taught by someone with such an amazing passion about the discipline of sponsorship is amazing. I’m just starting out my career in sponsorship so it was an amazing learning curve and has equipped me with the skills I need to move forward.
CSM
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions apply. Membership is non-transferable and non-refundable. All event and course cancellations must be made 2 weeks prior to the event/course date. Payment is due in advance. Refunds will not be issued for non-attendance.