The Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate (Level 4) and Higher National Diploma (Level 5) in Leadership and Management (subject to approval) are designed to develop independent-thinking professionals who can meet the demands of employers and adapt to a constantly changing world. These qualifications aim to widen your access to higher education while significantly improving your career prospects.

Entry Requirements

You’ll need to have (or be working towards) an appropriate level of English and Maths:

• Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, or
• GCSE grade 4 or above in Maths and English

For individuals whose first language is not English, we recommend the following English language proficiency standards or an approved equivalent for this qualification:

IELTS: A score of 6 or higher

• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): Achieving at least B2 level
• Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): Scoring 162 or above
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Achieving a score between 42-49

Course Structure

Year 1 (Level 4) covers the following units: 

Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment

• Unit Code: H6502917
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 4

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the different types, sizes and scope of organisations
• Discuss the interrelationship of the various functions in an organisation and how they link to organisational structure
• Use contemporary examples to demonstrate both the positive and negative influence/impact the macroenvironment has on business operations
• Determine the internal strengths and weaknesses of a specific business and their interrelationship with external macro factors

Unit 2: Marketing Processes and Planning

• Unit Code: A6185033
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 4

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the role of marketing and how it interrelates with other business units of an organisation
• Compare ways in which organisations use elements of the marketing mix to achieve overall business objectives
• Produce a marketing plan for an organisation that meets marketing objectives
• Develop a media plan to support a marketing campaign for an organisation

Unit 3: Management of Human Resources

• Unit Code: J6502918
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 4

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the impact of the role of HRM in creating sustainable organisational performance and contributing to business success
• Produce a workforce action plan for recruiting and retaining talent to address skills shortages in an organisation
• Examine how external and internal factors can affect HRM decision-making in relation to organisational development
• Apply HRM practices in a work-related context for improving sustainable organisational performance

Unit 4: Leadership and Management

• Unit Code: L6185036
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 4

Learning Outcomes:

• Examine leadership and management theories and principles, and their impact on the effectiveness of an organisation
• Review the influence of different leadership and management styles on the culture of organisations
• Develop a motivational strategy to optimise organisational performance
• Apply leadership and management approaches to managing performance to ensure continuous improvement

Unit 5: Accounting Principles

• Unit Code: Y6185038
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 4

Learning Outcomes:

• Examine the context and purpose of accounting
• Prepare basic financial statements for unincorporated and small business organisations in accordance with accounting principles, conventions and standards
• Interpret financial statements
• Prepare budgets for planning, control and decision-making using spreadsheets

Unit 6: Managing a Successful Business Project (Pearson-set)

• Unit Code: D6185039
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 4

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the key stages of the project lifecycle that should be considered when project managing
• Produce a project management plan (PMP) for a business project using primary and secondary research methods
• Implement the project management plan (PMP) to communicate results from the research and make conclusions from the evidence of findings
• Reflect on value gained from implementing the project and the project management process

Unit 7: Operational Planning and Management

• Unit Code: K6502919
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 4

Learning Outcomes:

• Examine the interrelationships of operations management with the other functions within an organisation
• Explain the importance of operations management in achieving effective organisational performance
• Apply quality management approaches to solve practical operations management problems
• Assess the role of supply chain management in supporting an organisation to satisfy customer requirements

Unit 8: Digital Business in Practice

• Unit Code: R6185054
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 4

Learning Outcomes:

• Examine the digital business environment, emerging trends and contemporary approaches
• Investigate the effectiveness of the use of digital technologies to achieve business objectives
• Develop a transformational digital strategy plan to support the implementation of digital technologies within an organisation
• Present the design of a selected mobile application to support a digital strategy within an organisation

 

Year 2 (Level 5) covers the following units: 

Unit 9: Organisational Behaviour Management

• Unit Code: R6502920
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 5

Learning Outcomes: 

• Reflect on own personality and perceptions to understand how individual difference informs and influences management approaches
• Apply content and process theories of motivation to create and maintain an effective workforce
• Lead a group team activity for a given business situation to demonstrate effective team leadership skills
• Examine how power, politics and culture can be used to influence employee behaviour and accomplish organisational goals

Unit 10: Managing and Leading Change (Pearson-set)

• Unit Code: T6502921
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 5

Learning Outcomes:

• Produce a comparative analysis of the different types and drivers of change in business
• Evaluate the impact of change on organisational behaviour
• Examine different leadership techniques in decision-making for managing resistance to change and overcoming barriers
• Recommend a range of leadership approaches to support the management of change initiatives

Unit 11: Principles of Operations Management

• Unit Code: A6185078
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 5

Learning Outcomes:

• Analyse the effectiveness of operations management in contributing to organisational objectives across a wide range of organisations and sectors
• Apply a range of techniques and analysis frameworks used by operations managers to support decision-making and address problems
• Apply the concept of continuous quality improvement in an operational context
• Conduct a strategic risk analysis (SRA) on the operations functions of an organisation

Unit 12: Business Strategy

• Unit Code: H6185124
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 5

Learning Outcomes:

• Analyse the impact and influence that the macroenvironment has on an organisation and its business strategies
• Assess an organisation's internal environment and capabilities
• Apply the outcomes of an analysis, using an appropriate strategic management tool, in a given market sector
• Develop a strategic management plan in an organisation, informed by models, theories and concepts, to achieve competitive advantage in a given market sector

Unit 13: Business Information Technology Systems

• Unit Code: A6184934
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 5

Learning Outcomes:

• Analyse the role of different IT systems in support of organisational objectives
• Compare flexible and reliable IT systems that respond to organisational requirements in an organisational context
• Evaluate IT systems that support value-added change in organisations
• Recommend practical IT system solutions to given organisational scenarios

Unit 14: Developing Individuals, Teams and Organisations

• Unit Code: T6185127
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 5

Learning Outcomes:

• Appraise the use of high-performance working (HPW) and culture in supporting sustainable business performance
• Evaluate the ways in which performance management can support high-performance culture and commitment
• Review the factors to be considered when planning training and development activities in an organisation
• Design a personal and professional development career plan for a named job role, based on reflection and evaluation

Unit 15: Business Communications and Relationship Management

• Unit Code: F6502925
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 5

Learning Outcomes:

• Employ a range of interpersonal skills and different approaches to partner, stakeholder and supplier relationship management
• Work collaboratively to enable delivery through others and share good practice in a business context
• Apply coaching and mentoring techniques to support learning and development of others
• Deliver a pitch and negotiation to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage

Unit 16: Business Data Analytics and Insights

• Unit Code: M6185126
• Credit Value: 15 credits
• Level: 5

Learning Outcomes:

• Analyse the contribution of effective data analytics and insight to business decision-making processes
• Apply various data analysis methods and techniques that could inform business decisions
• Examine the importance of ethics and conduct in data analytics and management
• Develop data management processes that allow for improved decision-making in ever-changing business environments

Assessment & Feedback

The course is split into 2 parts:

Level 4 Higher National Certificate: Foundation Excellence (Year 1)

The Level 4 units establish the foundations of learning by providing a broad introduction to business and different business functions. This level develops and strengthens core skills while preparing you for Level 5 study.

You will gain extensive business knowledge tied to practical skills through research, independent study, directed study, and workplace scenarios. The course involves vocational activities that help develop essential vocational behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for competence) alongside transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research, and analysis.

By completion of Level 4, you will achieve sound knowledge of the basic concepts of leadership and management, becoming competent in subject-specific skills as well as general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of business.

Level 5 Higher National Diploma: Advanced Professional Development (Year 2)

The Level 5 units provide you with opportunities to gain knowledge, skills, and behaviours aligned to the Occupational Standard for Operations Manager. Throughout this course you will develop and apply your own ideas, deal with uncertainty and complexity, explore solutions, demonstrate critical evaluation, and use both theory and practice across diverse business situations.

These units prepare you to enter employment with qualities and abilities necessary for roles requiring personal responsibility and decision-making, supporting aspirations for future management positions including:

• Operations Manager
• Regional Manager
• Divisional Manager
• Department Manager
• Specialist Managers

Average Completion Timeframe

This qualification typically takes learners an average of 9-12 months to complete.

Assessment Requirements

There are no external exams included in this study programme, instead, you will complete several written assignments.

Assessment

The curriculum is set up to support a portfolio approach to continuous assessment. Learners will study modules and develop a portfolio of evidence. Each module will have milestones where formative assessment is provided, and learners can then continue to work on their portfolios before a final submission at the end of the module.

Course Cost

Funding Your Course

‘Secure a government loan for 100% of your course fees with nothing to pay upfront.’

All 3 stages of your Online Degree Pathway (Level 4, 5 and Top-Up Degree) are eligible for the higher education student finance offer through the Student Loans Company (SLC). This means you can get a government loan for 100% of your course fees with nothing to pay upfront. As well as the tuition fee element you may also be eligible to apply for an additional maintenance loans.

Repayment of the tuition fee loan begins only after you complete your studies and when your annual income exceeds £25,000.

What Next...

Career Opportunities after completing Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Leadership and Management:

1.  Divisional Manager: Salary Range: £50,000 - £90,000 per annum
2. Strategic Manager: Salary Range: £55,000 - £90,000 per annum
3. Regional Manager: Salary Range: £45,000 - £85,000 per annum
4. Risk and Control Manager: Salary Range: £50,000 - £85,000 per annum
5. HR Business Partner: Salary Range: £50,000 - £80,000 per annum
6. Operations Manager: Salary Range: £45,000 - £75,000 per annum
7. HR Manager: Salary Range: £45,000 - £75,000 per annum
8. Management Accountant: Salary Range: £45,000 - £75,000 per annum
9. Data Protection Officer: Salary Range: £45,000 - £75,000 per annum
10. Department Manager: Salary Range: £40,000 - £70,000 per annum

Note: Salary ranges based on 2025 UK market data. London positions typically command 15-25% higher salaries than national averages.