Entry Requirements

• Level 2 qualifications in English and maths, or 
• GCSE grade 4 or above in maths and English
• Level 3 qualification, including but not limited to: A-Levels, an Access to Higher Education Diploma, BTEC and other related Level 3 qualifications
• Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, or
• GCSE grade 4 or above in Maths and English
• 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

If English is not your first language, we recommend the following English language proficiency standards (or an approved equivalent for this qualification): IELTS Academic 6.0 minimum 5.5 across all components.

Course Structure

Year 1 (Level 4) covers the following units: 

• Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment 
• Unit 2: Marketing Processes and Planning 
• Unit 3: Management of Human Resources 
• Unit 4: Leadership and Management 
• Unit 5: Accounting Principles 
• Unit 6: Managing a Successful Business Project (Pearson-set) 
• Unit 7: Operational Planning and Management 
• Unit 8: Digital Business in Practice

Year 2 (Level 5) covers the following units: 

• Unit 9: Organisational Behaviour Management 
• Unit 11: Principles of Operations Management 
• Unit 12: Business Strategy 
• Unit 13: Business Information Technology Systems 
• Unit 14: Developing Individuals, Teams and Organisations 
• Unit 15: Business Communications and Relationship Management 
• Unit 16: Business Data Analytics and Insights

Assessment & Feedback

The course is split into 2 parts:

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

Level 4 provides a broad introduction to business and its key functions, building strong foundations for further study. You will develop core knowledge and practical skills through research, independent and directed study, and workplace scenarios. 

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

Level 5 builds on this foundation, developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours aligned to the Occupational Standard for Operations Manager. You will apply theory to practice, manage complexity and uncertainty, and demonstrate critical evaluation across a range of business contexts. 

These units prepare you for employment in roles requiring personal responsibility and effective decision-making. 

Assessment Requirements

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

Course Cost

Funding Your Course

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

All three stages of the Online Degree Pathway (Level 4, Level 5, and the Top-Up Degree) are eligible for Higher Education student finance through the Student Loans Company (SLC). This allows you to apply for a government loan to cover 100% of your tuition fees, with nothing to pay upfront. You may also be eligible for a maintenance loan. Please speak with a member of the team to find out if you qualify.

Repayments begin only after you finish your studies and once 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

NB: Salaries are based on 2025 UK market data.