Overview
Course overview
The Level 5 Extended Diploma is an advanced business qualification developing strategic awareness, entrepreneurial judgement, and senior management capability. This programme is equivalent to second-year undergraduate study, emphasising strategic perspective, organisational analysis, and leadership excellence needed for senior roles and progression to postgraduate study.
Focused on strategic business thinking and applied learning, this course develops capability for strategic decision-making and organisational leadership. You'll analyse complex business challenges, develop entrepreneurial approaches, and demonstrate strategic management thinking. The programme balances academic rigor with professional relevance, preparing you for executive roles.
Programme Positioning
Level: Level 5 (QCF/RQF), Equivalent to second-year undergraduate degree
Duration: 9-12 months (full-time)
Focus: Strategic management, entrepreneurship, senior leadership capability
What you will study
Develop entrepreneurial thinking and capability for business venturing. Covers opportunity identification, business model development, venture financing, and entrepreneurial leadership. Evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities, assess feasibility, and develop viable business plans.
Analyse strategic operations management and continuous improvement approaches. Covers lean, Six Sigma, supply chain strategy, and operational excellence. Develop operations strategies aligned with business objectives and competitive advantage.
Master advanced project management for complex, strategic initiatives. Covers portfolio management, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and organisational change through projects. Lead and evaluate complex multi-stakeholder projects.
Develop strategic human resource management for organisational performance. Covers talent strategy, succession planning, organisational culture, and workforce development. Evaluate HRM implications of business strategy and develop integrated HR strategies.
Develop advanced financial management and corporate finance knowledge. Covers investment appraisal, capital structure, financial strategy, and valuation. Analyse financial decisions and develop financially-sound business strategies.
Conduct advanced business research for strategic insights. Covers research design, mixed-methods approaches, data analysis, and interpretation. Conduct original business research informing strategic recommendations.
Develop sophisticated strategic analysis and scenario planning. Covers advanced strategy frameworks, competitive dynamics, and strategic positioning. Evaluate strategic options and develop implementation strategies.
Develop risk management capability for senior leaders. Covers risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and oversight. Develop enterprise-wide risk frameworks and lead risk management in organisations.
Lead organisational change and transformation programmes. Covers change theory, resistance management, stakeholder engagement, and organisational learning. Design and implement change initiatives aligned with strategy.
Develop sustainable business thinking and CSR integration. Covers environmental responsibility, social impact, stakeholder value, and sustainable strategy. Develop business models integrating sustainability and profitability.
Who is this for?
Target Audience: Mid-career professionals, aspiring senior managers, entrepreneurs, and degree-level students seeking advanced business knowledge.
Entry Requirements: Level 4 qualification or equivalent professional experience, typically with 3+ years management background.
Ideal for: Preparing for senior management, MBA entry, business consultancy, entrepreneurship, or postgraduate degree study.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the Level 5 Extended Diploma, you will be able to:
- Evaluate and synthesise complex business data for strategic decision-making
- Develop and communicate strategic business plans and initiatives
- Lead change and transformation across organisations
- Analyse and manage enterprise-wide risks and sustainability
- Demonstrate senior management and entrepreneurial capability
- Produce professional business strategy and implementation plans
Assessment and delivery style
Graduate-level academic delivery emphasising critical analysis and strategic thinking. Assessment includes business strategy projects, research dissertations, case analysis, leadership simulations, and consultant-style recommendations. Extensive independent learning and reflective practice.
Career pathways and progression
- Senior management: Director roles, senior operations, strategic planning positions
- Postgraduate study: MBA, MSc business, executive education programmes
- Entrepreneurship: Starting own ventures with business acumen and financial knowledge
- Business consulting: Strategy consulting, organisational development roles
