Management and Leadership Courses
At which level should you study?
LEVELS 4 AND 5
For mid-managers, Levels 4 and 5 are more appropriate as they focus on developing core management skills such as managing resources, recruitment, and information management.
LEVELS 6 AND 7
Levels 6 and 7 are developed for senior managers who have the responsibility to translate organisational strategy into effective performance.
LEVEL 8
CMI is the only organisation that offers Level 8, which is suited to C-level senior managers.
CMI Courses
Accredited by CMI, these management courses are for leaders at all levels looking to progress their careers, earn more and achieve professional excellence and respect. Learners are able to demonstrate to current and prospective employers their capabilities, ambition, and commitment to professional development, and significantly improve career prospects and earning potential.
Learners are able to progress to top-up programmes at universities and Chartered Manager status.
OTHM Courses
Accredited by OTHM Qualifications, these business management courses are for leaders of tomorrow looking to achieve a degree level equivalent qualifications considerably faster and more cost-effective than attending a university.
OTHM offers higher transferable credits than CMI, so this route is particularly suitable for those looking for an academic route to progress to a top-up degree or masters programme at a university in the UK or overseas to achieve a full academic status.
First-time and mid-level managers and supervisors
Management courses at level 4 and 5
These management courses are in academic terms are equivalent to a Foundation or a Degree level course.
CMI Level 4
Management And Leadership
For first-time managers, supervisors and team leaders.
The equivalent academic level is Foundation Degree.
OTHM Level 4 Diploma
in Business Management
For first-time managers, supervisors and team leaders.
The equivalent academic level is Higher National Certificate (HNC) with progression routes onto Bachelor’s degree
OTHM Levels 4+5 Diploma
in Business Management
For supervisors and team leaders from all sectors.
The equivalent academic level is Degree level.
CMI Level 5
Management And Leadership
For Operational Managers from all sectors.
The equivalent academic level is Degree level.
OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Business Management
The equivalent academic level is Foundation Degree.
With progression routes onto Bachelor’s Degrees.
More experienced, senior managers and leaders
Management courses at level 6 and 7
These management courses are in academic terms are equivalent to a Graduate Degree or a Master’s Postgraduate Degree
CMI Level 6 Professional Management And Leadership Practice
For Managers developing into strategic roles.
The equivalent academic level is Degree, Graduate.
OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Business Management
The equivalent academic level is Bachelor’s Degree with Honours with progression routes onto Master’s.
CMI Level 7 Strategic Management And Leadership
For Senior Managers & Directors.
equivalent academic level is Master’s Degree, Postgraduate.
OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership
The equivalent academic level is Master’s Degree, Postgraduate.
With progression routes onto MBA’s.
C level leaders and strategic managers
Level 8 Strategic Leadership Course
For CEO’s, Directors and Strategic Managers.
The equivalent academic level is PhD, Doctorate Level.
CMI Level 8 Strategic Direction And Leadership
Equivalent to a Doctorate in Management, the online CMI Level 8 Strategic Direction and Leadership course is designed for Directors and Senior Managers with responsibility for developing and implementing ethical and performance-driven strategy across multiple organisations, leading by example to inspire teams and provide clear direction.
You can study for an Award, Certificate or a Diploma Level of this course which can take from 8 weeks for an award to 60 weeks for a diploma.
You must have a Level 7 qualification or equivalent and/or have been in a Senior Management position for at least 3 years to apply for this course.
Free Personalised Career Advice
Get your personalised learning plan to meet your career objectives.
With our support and encouragement, online distance learning is not an isolating experience. Our business management courses online are challenging, stimulating, rewarding and highly effective, giving you the chance to learn at a time and place that suits you. This is of particular benefit to you if you are studying while you work, based overseas or you travel a lot for your work.
Have a question?
Our advisors are ready to answer any questions you may have about your career or academic progression options, course choices, unit choices, or anything else. You can get in touch via email and telephone, and for quick answers reach out on Twitter @SbsSussex.
