The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has partnered with the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) to launch a first-of-its-kind Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Marketing programme that allows students to earn a university degree while simultaneously qualifying for a professional marketing certification.

The programme, officially launched on Monday, February 23, 2026, is the first in the sub-region to integrate an academic degree with a direct pathway to CIMG’s Professional Marketing Qualifications (PMQ).

Under the structure, students will complete their UPSA degree while meeting requirements for CIMG’s professional papers. Upon graduation, they will automatically qualify for the Professional Diploma in Marketing under CIMG positioning them as what stakeholders describe as “Chartered Marketers in the making.”

Speaking at the launch, CIMG National President, Mr Michael Abbiw, described the initiative as a major milestone in Ghana’s educational landscape.

“This programme bridges the gap between theory and professional mastery,” he said. “It creates a pipeline of ethical, innovative marketing leaders who are ready to make immediate impact in industry.”

About 40% of the course load is aligned with CIMG professional examinations, ensuring strong integration between academic instruction and industry standards. The curriculum covers high-demand areas such as Artificial Intelligence in Marketing, Marketing Metrics, Ethics and Sustainability Marketing, and Strategic Brand Management.

CIMG Chief Examiner, Dr Francis Mensah Sasraku, underscored the strategic alignment of the programme, explaining that the embedded professional content guarantees graduates automatic eligibility for the Professional Diploma in Marketing.

The initiative was conceptualised during the tenure of immediate past CIMG National President, Dr Daniel Kasser Tee, whose vision focused on strengthening collaboration between academia and professional practice.

UPSA Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, reaffirmed that the programme aligns with the university’s statutory mandate to deliver both academic and professional education.

According to him, the model equips students with a comprehensive understanding of marketing within a broader business context, preparing them for leadership roles in a competitive marketplace.

The programme has received formal approval from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), endorsing it as a forward-looking model designed to meet evolving labour market demands.

Through CIMG’s partnerships with the African Marketing Confederation and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM-UK), qualifications earned under the programme will also carry international recognition, enhancing graduates’ global competitiveness.