The ATHE Level 6 Extended Diploma in Management was developed in 2016 with support and feedback from UK universities.
This qualification covers key areas of management such as Leadership and Research with a wide range of optional units in areas such as Finance, HR, Marketing and Personal Development. It also provides entry to an MBA at a range of universities in the UK and overseas. The qualification typically takes 9 months full-time study to achieve and prepares learners for a range of careers. As well as the Extended Diploma option (120 credit) there is a Diploma option (60 credit).The addition of our GenEd pathway in 2018, if taken in combination with the ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Management and the ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Management, allows the learner to progress onto a Bachelor’s degree in the USA at Northwood University in Michigan. A range of specific units are required in order to meet the criteria.
At a glance:
- Provides 6 optional pathways, General, Finance, Marketing, Managing People, Operations and GenEd
- Advanced learner loans available in the UK – See the Qualifications catalogue 2017-2018
- Designed with support from universities
- Graded with Pass, Merit and Distinction
- Progression to an MBA at a range of university partners – www.athe.co.uk/progression
- The Extended Diploma is 1,200 learning hours, usually studied over an academic year
- Can be delivered in the classroom, or by distance or blended learning.
The optional units chosen will determine which pathway is achieved. Alternatively you can choose any 4 optional units and achieve the general pathway. In addition to the Extended Diploma there is a Diploma option (60 credit). For more information on which units are required for each pathway see the Qualification Specification.
Mandatory Units
- Leadership and Management
- Research Project
- Managing Quality and Service Delivery
- Personal Leadership and Management Development
Optional Units
- Financial Decision Making for Managers
- Accounting
- Managing Finance in the Public Sector
- Economics for Business
- Factors Determining Marketing Strategies
- Marketing Communications
- Sales
- Branding
- Management Information Systems
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Managing Change
- Risk management
- Project Management
- Human Resource Management
You can progress to an ATHE Level 7 qualification or an MBA from the ATHE Level 6 Extended Diploma in Management. See www.athe.co.uk/progression for more information.
These qualifications provide a flexible route for learners who have already achieved management qualifications at a lower level as well as for learners who do not have business or management qualifications, but may have qualifications in other areas and/or prior management experience in the work place.
Age: 19 +
Entry profile:
- One or two years’ study of business, management or related qualifications at a Higher Education Institution
- A level 5 qualification in business, management or related subjects for example an ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Management
- Other equivalent international qualifications
Tuition Fee: £900.00
- £1500.00Tuition Fee
- 06 MonthsDuration
- OnlineStudy Mode
- Flexible Start DateStart Dates
The ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management was developed in 2016 with support and feedback from UK universities.
The qualification covers key areas of management such as Finance, HR, Marketing and Personal Development and prepares learners for a range of careers. It also provides entry to an MBA top-up at a range of universities in the UK and overseas. The qualification typically takes 9 months full-time study to achieve and is considered by many to be ATHE’s flagship product. As well as the Extended Diploma option (120 credit) there is a Diploma option (60 credit).
At a glance:
- Provides 5 optional pathways; General, Finance, Marketing, Managing People and International
- Designed with support from universities
- Graded with Pass, Merit and Distinction
- Progression to an MBA top-up at a range of university partners – www.athe.co.uk/progression
- Extended Diploma is 1,200 learning hours, usually studied over an academic year
- Can be delivered in the classroom, by distance or by blended learning.
ATHE Qualifications
ATHE qualifications are the culmination of expert input from colleges, industry professionals, higher education providers and their qualification development team.
Key features of the qualifications include:
- Core units that are common to different sectors, offering the opportunity for learners to move between sectors or delay decisions as to which area to specialise in.
- Small qualifications that can be used for professional development for those in employment or for learners who do not have the time to undertake a full time programme.
- Flexible methods of assessment, allowing tutors to select the most appropriate methods for their learners.
The Extended Diploma is a 480 guided learning hours, 120 credit qualification with a total qualification time of 1200 hours.
These qualifications have been accredited to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Each qualification has a Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN). This number will appear on the learner’s final certification documentation. Each unit within a qualification also has a RQF code.
The QAN number for this qualification is as follows:
ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management 603/0630/0
Each qualification has a number of pathways. Where learners select a particular pathway the qualification certificate will indicate this as follows:
- ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management
- ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (Finance)
- ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (Marketing)
- ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (Managing People)
- ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (International)
The optional units chosen will determine which pathway is achieved. Alternatively you can choose any 3 optional units and achieve the general pathway. In addition to the Extended Diploma there is a Diploma option (60 credit). For more information on which units are required for each pathway, see pages 11 to 20 of the Qualification Specification.
Learners selecting the unendorsed route take the five core units and a further three units from the list below.
Core Units
| Unit Title | Level | GLH | Credit |
| Strategic Planning | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Finance for Strategic Managers | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Research for Strategic Development | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Organisational Behaviour | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Personal Development for Leadership and Strategic Management | 7 | 60 | 15 |
Optional units
| Unit Title | Level | GLH | Credit |
| International Business Environment | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Developing Organisational Vision and Strategic Direction | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| International Finance | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Quantitative Methods | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Strategic Marketing | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| International Marketing | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Corporate Communications | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Human Resource Management | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Managing Continuous Organisational Improvement | 7 | 60 | 15 |
ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (Finance)
Learners taking the Finance Pathway take the five core units and three of the four units in the Finance Pathway.
| Unit Title | Level | GLH | Credit |
| International Business Environment | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Developing Organisational Vision and Strategic Direction | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Quantitative Methods | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| International Finance | 7 | 60 | 15 |
ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (Marketing)
Learners taking the Marketing Pathway take the five core units and the three units from the Marketing Pathway.
| Unit Title | Level | GLH | Credit |
| Strategic Marketing | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| International Marketing | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Corporate Communications Strategies | 7 | 60 | 15 |
ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (Managing People)
Learners taking the Managing People Pathway take the five core units and the three units in the Managing People Pathway.
| Unit Title | Level | GLH | Credit |
| Human Resource Management | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Managing Continuous Organisational Improvement | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| Developing Organisational Vision and Strategic Direction | 7 | 60 | 15 |
ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (International)
Learners taking the International Pathway take the five core units and the three units in the International Pathway.
| International Business | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| International Marketing | 7 | 60 | 15 |
| International Finance | 7 | 60 | 15 |
On successful completion of a Level 7 Qualification in Strategic Management there are a number of progression opportunities.
Learners may progress to:
- a larger qualification at the same level e.g. from a Diploma to an Extended Diploma
- an MBA programme and claim exemptions for some of the units completed
- employment if they are not already in employment.
Entry Criteria
These qualifications provide a flexible route for learners who have already achieved management qualifications at a lower level as well as for learners who do not have business or management qualifications, but may have qualifications in other areas and/or prior management experience in the work place.
Entry profile:
- Age: 19 +
- A first degree in business, management or related subject
- A level 6 qualification, for example an ATHE Level 6 Diploma in Management
- Other equivalent international qualifications.
- May also have relevant work experience.
- Learners must also have an appropriate standard of English.
- Learners may also have relevant work experience.
- Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive relevant work experience (paid and/or unpaid) with levels of responsibility, participation and/or achievement of a range of relevant professional qualifications.
This may be used for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
All Course Material, including online modules and written assignments.
- Personal tutor support with 1-2-1 Skype sessions
- Dedicated student support
- Access to an online Social Learning forum
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Free CV Writing help on completion of the course.
To enrol onto the Level 7 programme, you must be either
a) a university graduate who is over 22 years old, or
b) a non-university graduate over 24 year old, and with at least five years of managerial experience.
On completion of this course students have the opportunity to complete an MBA programme from a range of UK universities. The Top up programme can be studied online or on campus.The MBA Top up comprises the final 60 credits which consists of either a dissertation or a dissertation and one module.
Students may Top-up on campus or by distance learning.
Students can apply to any university offering the MBA Top up, the following universities run Top Up programmes by DISTANCE LEARNING:
University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate Top up to MBA Business Administration – £3750
Birmingham City University
Master of Business Administration (Online) – MBA
University of Bolton
MBA Top-up – £3,500
Master of Business Administration Top Up
University of Sunderland – On Campus
Postgraduate Top up to MBA – £5145
Buckinghamshire New University
MBA Top-up – £3,000
Northampton University
Top up to MBA– £3500
MA in Human Resource Management Top up – £2200
MSc in Accounting and finance Top up – £3800
London Metropolitan University
Top up to MBA– £3000
Leeds Trinity University
MBA and MA International Business
University of Portsmouth
MA Business Management
MA Business and Computer Studies
MA Professional Studies
MSc Professional Studies
University of Derby
Top up to MBA – (partial exemption)
Upon successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management and final year of an accredited postgraduate degree programme, learners will have the skills to execute a professional managerial role in marketing, accounting, business consultancy, and more.
A business management diploma and MBA develops key cognitive skills such as critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, and writing while also establishing presentation and numeracy skills to enhance knowledge and experience. These skills are critical in helping you advance your career.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a method of assessment that considers whether a learner can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and so do not need to develop through a course of learning.
We recognise learners’ previous achievements and experiences whether at work, home and at leisure, as well as in the classroom. RPL provides a route for the recognition of the achievements resulting from continuous learning.
RPL enables recognition of achievement from a range of activities using any valid assessment methodology. Provided that the assessment requirements of a given unit or qualification have been met, the use of RPL is acceptable for accrediting a unit, units or a whole qualification. Evidence of learning must be sufficient, reliable and valid.
The term Guided Learning Hours (GLH) is an estimate of the amount of time, on average, that a tutor, trainer, workshop facilitator etc., will work with a learner, to enable the learner to complete the learning outcomes of a unit to the appropriate standard.
GLH are intended to provide guidance for centres on the amount of time required to deliver the programme and support learners. GLH are made up of activities completed by the learner under direct instruction or supervision of a tutor/teacher, lecturer, supervisor, trainer etc. whether through actual attendance or via electronic means, the activity must be in real time.
Some examples of activities that can contribute to Guided Learning Hours include:
- Supervised induction sessions
- Learner feedback with a teacher in real time
- Supervised independent learning
- Classroom-based learning supervised by a teacher
- Work-based learning supervised by a teacher
- Live webinar or telephone tutorial with a teacher in real time
- E-learning supervised by a teacher in real time
- All forms of assessment that take place under the immediate guidance or supervision of a lecturer, supervisor, tutor or other appropriate provider of education or training, including where the assessment is competence-based and may be turned into a learning opportunity
Total Qualification Time (TQT) is a guide to the amount of time a learner would take, on average, to complete the different activities to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes of a whole qualification.
TQT includes all the activities described under guided learning hours (GLH) plus all the additional learning.
Additional learning will take place away from the classroom and this will not be under direct supervision of a tutor/teacher, lecturer, supervisor, trainer etc. The activities will vary depending on the qualifications, their level and the nature of the learning.
Some examples of activities that can contribute to Total Qualification Time, include:
- Preparation for classes
- Independent and unsupervised research/learning
- Unsupervised work on assignments
- Unsupervised compilation of a portfolio of work experience
- Unsupervised e-learning
- Unsupervised e- assessment
- Unsupervised e-assessment
- Unsupervised coursework
- Watching a pre-recorded podcast or webinar
- Unsupervised work-based learning
- Any other form of learning, education or training, not under the direct supervision of a tutor/teacher, lecturer, supervisor, trainer.
Equality and fairness are central to the provision at the McQueen’s Education. Promoting equality and diversity involves treating everyone with equal dignity and worth, while also raising aspirations and supporting achievement for people with diverse requirements, entitlements and backgrounds. An inclusive environment for learning anticipates the varied requirements of students, and aims to ensure that all students have equal access to educational opportunities. Equality of opportunity involves enabling access for people who have differing individual requirements as well as eliminating arbitrary and unnecessary barriers to learning. In addition, students with and without disabilities are offered learning opportunities that are equally accessible to them, by means of inclusive qualification design.
Our equality policy requires all students to have equal opportunity to access our qualifications and assessments.
We are committed to making sure that:
- Students with a protected characteristic (as defined in legislation) are not, when they are undertaking one of our courses, disadvantaged in comparison to students who do not share that characteristic.
- All students achieve the recognition they deserve from undertaking a qualification and that this achievement can be compared fairly to the achievement of their peers.
Our policy regarding access to its qualifications is that:
- They should be available to everyone who is capable of reaching the required standards
- They should be free from any barriers that restrict access and progression
- There should be equal opportunities for all those wishing to access the qualifications.