Legal

Cookies Policy

Last reviewed: March 2026  ·  Northern School of Marketing Ltd

This Cookies Policy explains what cookies are, how The Northern School of Marketing Ltd ("NSOM", "we", "us", "our") uses them on nsom.co.uk and its associated subdomains (the "Platform"), and how you can manage your cookie preferences. This policy should be read alongside our Terms & Conditions and Independent Status & IP Policy.

We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use data. This policy complies with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).


1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognise your device on subsequent visits and store information about your preferences or actions. Cookies do not contain personally identifiable information on their own, but they may be linked to personal data we hold about you.

Cookies can be session cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or persistent cookies (which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them). They can be set by us (first-party cookies) or by third-party services we use (third-party cookies).


2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Platform to function. They cannot be disabled. They include:

Cookie NamePurposeDuration
nsom_sessionMaintains your authenticated login session on the PlatformSession / 7 days
csrf_tokenProtects against cross-site request forgery attacksSession
oauth_stateUsed during the Manus OAuth login flow to verify the authentication requestSession
cookie_consentStores your cookie consent preferences12 months

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation. Disabling them may affect your experience.

Cookie NamePurposeDuration
nsom_prefsRemembers your course view preferences (e.g. last active module, video playback speed)30 days
nsom_themeStores your display theme preference (light/dark)12 months

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use the Platform so we can improve it. All data is aggregated and anonymised. We use Umami Analytics, a privacy-first analytics tool that does not use third-party tracking cookies and does not share data with advertising networks.

Cookie NamePurposeDuration
umami.uuidAssigns an anonymous visitor ID for page-view counting. No personal data is stored.12 months

Payment Processing Cookies (Third-Party)

When you complete a payment, you are redirected to Stripe's secure checkout. Stripe sets its own cookies to process your payment and prevent fraud. These are governed by Stripe's Privacy Policy.

ProviderPurposeDuration
StripeSecure payment processing, fraud prevention, and session management during checkoutSession / varies

3. Legal Basis for Using Cookies

Under UK PECR, we are required to obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. Our legal basis for each category is as follows:

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies — no consent required; these are essential for the Platform to operate and are placed on the basis of our legitimate interest in providing a secure, functional service.
  • Functional Cookies — placed on the basis of your consent, obtained via our cookie banner on first visit.
  • Analytics Cookies — placed on the basis of your consent. Umami Analytics is configured to anonymise all data; no personal data is transmitted.
  • Third-Party Payment Cookies — placed by Stripe on the basis of contract performance (processing your payment) and their own legitimate interests in fraud prevention.

4. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You can manage or withdraw your consent for non-essential cookies at any time using the following methods:

  • Cookie banner — on your first visit to the Platform, a cookie banner will appear allowing you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by clearing your browser cookies and revisiting the site.
  • Browser settings — most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through their settings. Please note that blocking strictly necessary cookies will prevent you from logging in or using core Platform features. For guidance, visit:
  • Opt-out tools — to opt out of Stripe's cookies, please refer to Stripe's Privacy Policy.

5. Do Not Track

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not wish to be tracked. The Platform currently does not respond to DNT signals, as there is no industry-wide standard for how they should be interpreted. However, you can manage your preferences using the methods described in Section 4 above.


6. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our services. The "Last reviewed" date at the top of this page will be updated accordingly. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of the Platform following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.


7. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Cookies Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us:

The Northern School of Marketing Ltd

Company Number: 16519903

Email: [email protected]

Website: northernmarketing.co.uk

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe your data rights have been infringed: ico.org.uk.


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