The LMQ Level 5 Extended Diploma in Business Management is designed to give candidates a broad, current understanding of how business organisations work and the fast-changing environment in which they operate. Built around real-world challenges — from sustainability and responsible business to the everyday use of artificial intelligence and data — the programme develops the practical capabilities and commercial judgement that today’s employers expect. Candidates who achieve the qualification are well placed to progress to further academic and professional study, or to embark on an administrative, managerial or commercial career with confidence.
The programme has a strong managerial and enterprise focus that helps successful candidates step into management and leadership roles and to think like entrepreneurs and innovators. Its broad coverage of the core business functions also opens clear routes into specialist and high-demand careers such as human resource management, marketing, business analytics, operations and financial services — while the analytical and research skills it builds provide a direct pathway to the final year of a UK bachelor’s degree. In short, it is a qualification built for where business is heading, not just where it has been.
- Learners are normally aged 18 or over at the point of registration.
- A relevant Level 3 qualification (for example A Levels, a BTEC Level 3 Diploma, an Access to HE Diploma or an international equivalent), or a recognised Level 4 qualification for those seeking entry with advanced standing.
- Mature applicants (normally 21+) with relevant work or supervisory experience may be admitted on the basis of demonstrated capability, subject to interview and the delivery provider’s admissions policy.
- Where English is not the applicant’s first language, evidence of English language competence equivalent to IELTS 6.0 (with no component below 5.5) or an accepted alternative.
The qualification comprises eight mandatory 30-credit units — four at Level 4 and four at Level 5. All units must be achieved. There are no optional units, ensuring every learner covers the full breadth required for degree progression.
LMQ Level 5 Extended Diploma in Business Management qualification consists of 8 mandatory units for a combined total of 240 credits, 2400 hours Notional Learning Hours (NLH) for the completed qualification.
Notional Learning Hours (NLH) is defined as Notional learning hours include all the learning activities that are required to achieve the learning outcomes.
Credit value is defined as being the number of credits that may be awarded to a Learner for the successful achievement of the learning outcomes of a unit. One credit is equal to 10 hours of NLH.
| Level | Unit Number | Unit title | Credits |
| 4 | L4/EDBM/4055 | Unit 1: Business and the Global Environment | 30 |
| 4 | L4/EDBM/4056 | Unit 2: Marketing Principles and Practice | 30 |
| 4 | L4/EDBM/4057 | Unit 3: Organisational Behaviour and Management | 30 |
| 4 | L4/EDBM/4058 | Unit 4: Financial and Management Accounting | 30 |
| 5 | L5/EDBM/5055 | Unit 5: Operations and Supply Chain Management | 30 |
| 5 | L5/EDBM/5056 | Unit 6: Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence | 30 |
| 5 | L5/EDBM/5057 | Unit 7: Human Resource Management and Development | 30 |
| 5 | L5/EDBM/5058 | Unit 8: Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 30 |
Successful candidates have the opportunity to progress to higher-level qualifications, up to degree level.
As this qualification is equivalent at Level 5, candidates are eligible to gain direct entry into Year 3 of the Bachelor’s degree programmes. Click here to see the progression opportunities.
This qualification is expected to be delivered minimum of 18 months for full-time study. Centres should make sure the Total Qualification Times (TQM) or National Learning Hours (NLH) are covered as per the qualification requirements. This programme is flexible and delivered face-to-face, distance learning, through lectures, tutorials, seminars.