OTHM Level 5 diploma in business management
Building on the fundamentals covered at Level 4, the Level 5 in business management explores strategic areas such as leadership and management, digital business, organizational behaviour, and innovation.
Intakes
October, January, June
Awarding Institution
OTHM ACCREDITED
Awarding Degree
Level 5 in Business Management
Duration
1 year
Location
Online
Delivery
Weekdays
Course Overview
Level 5 diploma in business management
Our Level 5 Diploma in Business Management is a comprehensive, career-focused qualification designed to develop your knowledge, skills, and understanding across core business functions. Whether you’re aiming to advance into management roles, launch your own business, or progress to a final-year university degree, this course equips you with the tools to thrive in the competitive world of business.
Building on the fundamentals covered at Level 4, the Level 5 explores strategic areas such as leadership and management, digital business, organizational behaviour, and innovation. Through practical assignments, live case studies, and simulated projects, you will develop critical thinking, decision-making, and analytical capabilities aligned with current industry practices.
This qualification reflects real-world business challenges and supports progression into employment or further study, including direct entry into the final year of a UK university honours degree in Business or related fields.
Course Highlights
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Learners who have completed the Level 4 in Business Management
- Professionals seeking career advancement in management, marketing, finance, HR, or entrepreneurship
- Individuals looking to top-up to a full degree or continue to postgraduate study
- International students aiming for a globally recognized UK business qualification
Unit Offered
Level 5 diploma in business management
The Level 5 in Business management (General) provides learners with a strong foundation in core business principles, preparing them for employment, entrepreneurship, or progression to a full degree. The programme combines academic rigour with practical relevance and includes a wide range of subjects essential to navigating today’s complex business environment.
Learners will complete the following units:
Mandatory units
- Principles and Concepts of Strategy (20 credits)
- The Management of Human Resources (20 credits)
- Marketing for Managers (20 credits)
- Business Law for Managers (20 credits)
- Management Accounting and Decision Making (20 credits)
- Business Start-up; Conception to Market (20 credits)
Total Credits: 120
Each unit typically carries 20 credits, with the exception of the Research Project, which carries 30 credits. The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, case studies, and applied business projects.
All units are assessed through coursework and practical assignments, allowing learners to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business scenarios.
Delivery & Learning Experience
Our Level 5 Diploma in Business Management is delivered 100% online, allowing you to study flexibly from anywhere in the world—without compromising the quality or structure of your learning. At Riseladder School, we’ve designed our virtual learning experience to mirror the rigour, engagement, and support of a traditional classroom.
How You Will Learn
- Live Virtual Classes: Scheduled interactive sessions led by industry-experienced lecturers
- Self-Paced Study Materials: Access to recorded lectures, case studies, reading resources, and quizzes
- Discussion Forums: Collaborate with peers, share insights, and engage in structured academic discussions
- One-to-One Academic Support: Book tutorials or feedback sessions with your tutors as needed
- Online Assessments: All coursework and projects are submitted and assessed digitally, with clear deadlines and guidance
Learning Platform
- 24/7 access to learning resources
- Assignment submission and grading tools
- Progress tracking and calendar reminders
- Tutor announcements and updates
- Digital library links and study skills support
Time Commitment
This programme is designed for both full-time and part-time learners:
- Full-time: Approx. 15–20 hours per week
- Part-time: Approx. 8–12 hours per week (flexible scheduling available)
Support Services
- Dedicated Academic Advisor
- IT and Technical Support
- Career Guidance & Employability Workshops
- Wellbeing and Study Support
Progression Pathways
Upon successful completion of the Level 5 in Business management, you can:
- Progress to the final year of a BA (Hons) degree in Business or related field at many UK universities
- Enter employment in roles such as:
- Business Development Executive
- Marketing Manager
- Project Coordinator
- Operations Manager
- HR Officer
- Launch or grow your own entrepreneurial venture
- Continue to postgraduate studies such as an MBA or Master’s in Management (after top-up)
Entry Requirement
To join the Level 5 Diploma in Business management, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
The entry profile for learners is likely to include at least one of the following:
- Relevant Level 4 Diploma qualification or equivalent qualification
- GCE Advanced level in 3 subjects or equivalent qualification
- Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)
English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, they must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit the English Language Expectations page on the OTHM website.
As part of the admissions process, applicants without formal academic qualifications will be required to submit:
- A copy of their CV
- A reference letter from current or past employers verifying the scope and relevance of their experience
All applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English. Non-native speakers are expected to have an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent.
Equivalences
OTHM qualifications at RQF Level 5 represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Foundation Degrees, Higher National Diploma (HND) and Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree.
Fees and Funding
Riseladder School is committed to providing high-quality, flexible, and affordable online education. Our fully online delivery model allows learners worldwide to access UK-accredited qualifications at a reduced cost—without compromising academic excellence.
Tuition Fees (Online Delivery Only)
- All Students (Home & International): £2,500 per academic year
This flat rate applies to all online learners, regardless of location. Tuition covers all teaching, online platform access, and core learning resources.
- Funding Options:
- Self-Funded: Students may choose to pay the full tuition upfront or opt for a flexible instalment plan. Monthly or term-based options are available to ease the financial burden.
- Employer Sponsorship: Learners currently in employment may be eligible for tuition support from their organizations. We can provide supporting documentation upon request.
Early bird discounts for applicants who confirm their place before the published intake deadlines - Referral discounts for students who recommend others
- Group enrolment offers for organizations or institutions registering multiple learners
- Additional Costs:
- Othm registration and certification fees are included in the tuition fee
- Optional costs may include recommended textbooks or additional professional memberships (not mandatory)