Leadership and Management Online Degree Pathway

South Essex College Group’s tutors will be on hand every step of the way to support you throughout your studies. These dedicated professionals are all industry experts who bring real world experience, ensuring you receive the most current and relevant education possible. The course has been developed with input from industry specialists to ensure that you are armed with the skills and knowledge you need. Your success is their success – the team of expert tutors and support staff are genuinely invested in helping you achieve your goals and reach your full potential.

Additionally, learndirect's career coaches and progression team are always on hand to provide additional support, especially in relation to university places and career advancement. The learndirect Progression Office partners with leading UK universities to offer comprehensive support for your journey into higher education, while their success coaches and placement specialists work with you to give you the tools to achieve your potential.

Between learndirect and South Essex College Group, we've got you covered with a comprehensive support network that includes everything from academic guidance and wellbeing support to career coaching and university progression assistance.

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

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

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.

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.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve:

• Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Leadership and Management for England: 610/1141/1 (subject to approval).
• Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Leadership and Management for England: 610/1142/3 (subject to approval).

Your Online Degree Pathway journey begins with an exciting partnership between learndirect and South Essex College Group.

South Essex College Group will be responsible for the teaching, delivery and accreditation of your course using learndirect’s market leading online learning system (PEARL).

You will be enrolled as a learner with South Essex College Group throughout your studies.

Pearson dominates as the world's leading awarding body with unmatched global scale (3.4 million students across 115 countries). As the UK's largest awarding organisation with 20.1% market share, Pearson qualifications are recognised by all Russell Group universities including Oxford and Cambridge, plus prestigious US institutions like Columbia and Yale.

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are Level 4 and 5 technical qualifications that have been developed in collaboration with employers and approved by Skills England. These qualifications are designed to provide students with the specific knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for roles in high demand from employers, offering a practical, industry-focused alternative to traditional apprenticeships or three-year university degrees.

They are based on the same employer-developed occupational standards as apprenticeships but do not require employment as an apprentice, making them accessible to school leavers aged 18 and over as well as professionals looking to retrain or upskill.

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.

Student Finance

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

Our Online Degree Pathway/HTQ programmes qualify for 100% Student Finance funding through government loans covering full tuition costs with no upfront payment. Maintenance loans may also be available for eligible students.

Complete Financial Support

All three stages (Level 4, 5, and Top-Up Degree) are funded through the Student Loans Company (SLC). Beyond tuition fees, you may qualify for additional maintenance loans to support living costs.

Smart Repayment Terms

Loan repayment begins only after graduation and when your annual income exceeds £25,000.

Expert Guidance Available

Our Course Advisors provide comprehensive support throughout the funding process, explaining:

• Government loan mechanics and eligibility requirements
• Application procedures and required documentation
• Repayment terms and conditions

Simple Application Process

If eligible, obtain your Tuition Fee Loan directly from the Student Loans Company to cover complete course costs. Check your eligibility using the government's eligibility tracker (gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies).

Ready to Apply?

We support you through every step of the SLC application process - from initial eligibility check to final submission. You can also begin the process yourself on the SLC website: gov.uk/government/organisations/student-loans-company

When joining this program, students will complete their registration process directly through South Essex College Group, which serves as the primary educational institution for this qualification. The financial arrangements are streamlined through the Student Loans Company (SLC), which handles tuition fee payments by transferring funds directly to the college on behalf of enrolled students.

This partnership structure ensures comprehensive educational support through a collaborative approach. South Essex College Group maintains full responsibility for curriculum delivery, academic supervision, and student welfare services, ensuring students receive dedicated institutional support throughout their studies. Meanwhile, learndirect contributes specialised expertise in online education by supplying innovative course materials, supplementary learning resources, and a robust digital learning platform that enhances the overall educational experience.

This dual-provider model combines the academic rigour and institutional support of a traditional college environment with the flexibility and technological advantages of modern online learning platforms, creating an optimal learning ecosystem for students pursuing their educational goals.

Explore University Degrees with learndirect Progression Services

From the moment you begin your course until completion and beyond, learndirect's dedicated progression team stands ready to guide your transition into higher education. Through strategic collaborations with prestigious universities across the UK, we provide comprehensive pathways to advance your academic journey.

Established University Network & Program Options

Our progression specialists have cultivated strong relationships with leading higher education institutions, ensuring you have access to quality degree programs that meet rigorous academic standards while providing clear career advancement opportunities.

Here are just some of the types of Progression Opportunities we can offer:

1. Arden University – Bachelor’s Top-up Degree: BA (Hons) Business Management (plus pathways (HRM, Marketing, Tourism, Hospitality, A&F)
2. London Metropolitan University (LMU) – Bachelor’s Top-up Degree: BSc (Hons) International Business Management, BA (Hons) Accounting and Financial Services
3. ARU London (Anglia Ruskin University) - BSc (Hons) Business and Tourism, BSc (Hons) Business and Human Resources, BSc (Hons) Business and Law, BSc (Hons) Business and Marketing
4. UCLan London (University of Central Lancashire) - BSc (Hons) Business and Marketing
5. University of Bolton – Manchester - BSc (Hons) Business and Marketing
6. Open University - BA (Hons) Law, BA (Hons) Business and Management, BA (Hons) Accounting