Oakswood College

ATHE Level 6 Extended Diploma in Management (120 Credits)

The ATHE Level 6 Extended Diploma in Management is a UK Ofqual-regulated qualification designed to develop advanced management knowledge, strategic thinking, leadership capability, and professional decision-making skills for today's business environment.

The programme is intended for learners who have successfully completed Level 5 study in business, management, or a related discipline, or who have relevant professional experience and are seeking progression into middle or senior management roles, professional development, or postgraduate study.

Overview & Key Info
What You Will Study
Teaching & Entry Requirements
Progression & Fees

Qualification Overview

Learners develop advanced understanding of leadership, organisational performance, quality management, research, strategic decision-making, project management, financial management, marketing, risk management, and human resource management. The qualification combines mandatory management units with a broad range of specialist optional units, allowing learners to tailor their studies to their career aspirations and professional interests.

Throughout the programme, learners are encouraged to apply management theory to real organisational contexts, developing critical thinking, analytical ability, professional judgement, leadership capability, and evidence-based decision-making skills that prepare them for strategic management responsibilities.

Key Information

Course Details
Qualification	ATHE Level 6 Extended Diploma in Management (120 Credits)
Level	6
Credits	120
Duration	12 months (Total Qualification Time: 1200 hours, including 480 Guided Learning Hours)
Intakes	September, January & April
Study Mode	Full-time / Blended Learning / Distance Learning
Delivery Location	On-campus at Oakswood College, Tricorn House, 7th Floor, 51–53 Hagley Road, Birmingham B16 8TP
Awarding Body	ATHE (Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation)
Assessment	Coursework-based (internally assessed assignments)

What You Will Study

This qualification includes four mandatory units and four optional units selected in accordance with the qualification requirements to achieve 120 credits. Each unit is assessed through structured assignments that encourage learners to analyse organisational challenges, evaluate management practices, and develop evidence-based solutions.

Units within this qualification

Unit Title	Type	Level
Mandatory Units (All 4 Must Be Completed)
Leadership and Management	Mandatory	6
Personal Leadership and Management Development	Mandatory	6
Managing Quality and Service Delivery	Mandatory	6
Research Project	Mandatory	6
Optional Units (Select Four From Below)
Financial Decision-Making for Managers	Optional	6
Accounting	Optional	6
Managing Finance in the Public Sector	Optional	6
Economics for Business	Optional	6
Factors Determining Marketing Strategies	Optional	6
Marketing Communications	Optional	6
Sales	Optional	6
Branding	Optional	6
Management Information Systems	Optional	6
Logistics and Supply Chain Management	Optional	6
Managing Change	Optional	6
Risk Management	Optional	6
Project Management	Optional	6
Human Resource Management	Optional	6

Teaching and Learning Approach

The programme is delivered through structured teaching blocks supported by tutor-led sessions, guided learning, case studies, seminars, independent research, and assignment preparation.

Learning focuses on applying management theories and strategic leadership principles to realistic business scenarios, encouraging learners to evaluate organisational performance, manage change, solve complex business problems, and make informed management decisions. Collaborative learning, discussion, and critical analysis are integrated throughout the programme to strengthen leadership capability and professional practice. Learners are expected to engage in independent study and demonstrate increasing autonomy in research, critical evaluation, professional reflection, and strategic management practice.

Entry Requirements

This programme is designed for learners aged 19 and above. Typical entry profile includes:

One or two years of study in Business, Management, or a related discipline at Higher Education level, or
ATHE Level 5 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Business, Management, or a related subject, or
Equivalent international qualifications, or
Relevant professional experience in business or management (subject to assessment)

English language requirement (for non-native speakers): IELTS 5.5 or equivalent (CEFR B2 level). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered where appropriate.

Assessment Methodology

Assessment is completed through internally assessed coursework assignments. Learners are assessed against ATHE learning outcomes and may achieve Pass, Merit, or Distinction grades. Assessment methods may include written reports, business case studies, research projects, presentations, reflective evaluations, professional reports, and management-based assignments.

Progression Opportunities

On successful completion, learners may progress to:

ATHE Level 7 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Strategic Management or related postgraduate management qualifications
MBA programmes, with exemptions for eligible units where recognised by the receiving institution
Final year of degree programmes through recognised progression pathways (where applicable and subject to university entry requirements)
Middle and senior management positions across public, private, and voluntary sector organisations
Leadership, operations, project management, business development, consultancy, and strategic management roles