Higher National Diploma In Leadership & Management
HND is a Level 5 qualification equivalent to the second year of a UK bachelor's degree, with an embedded Level 4 HNC exit option. Develop the leadership and management skills employers value.
Course Overview
What You Will Develop
Our Leadership & Management programme combines practical leadership techniques with recognised business qualifications, preparing you for management roles and further academic progression.

Develop Essential Leadership Skills
Gain practical leadership techniques you can apply directly in real-world business environments and management situations.
Industry-Recognised Qualification
The Pearson BTEC qualification opens career doors across a wide range of management and leadership roles.
Expert Faculty and Support
Experienced instructors provide personalised guidance and support throughout your studies.
Flexible Learning Options
Our programmes are designed to accommodate a range of lifestyles and study preferences.
Networking Opportunities
Access events, guest lectures and industry connections that build your professional network.
Pathway to Further Education
The HND enables clear progression to bachelor's degree top-up programmes and beyond.
Course Modules
The programme spans two years across 16 core units. Year 1 delivers the HNC (Level 4) and Year 2 completes the full HND (Level 5). Every unit is core — no optional choices to navigate.
First Year — HNC
Pearson BTEC Level 4 · 120+ CreditsSecond Year — HND
Pearson BTEC Level 5 · 240+ Credits TotalEntry Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following academic criteria. Each application is assessed individually by our admissions team.
Academic Requirements
- A-level pass or equivalent qualification
- BTEC Level 3 qualification in business
- Other related Level 3 qualifications
- Access to Higher Education Certificate
- Related work experience considered on individual merit
- Mature applicants: extensive work experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or a range of professional qualifications
English Language Requirement
- IELTS 5.5 overall — reading and writing must be at 5.5
- Equivalent demonstrated English proficiency accepted
- Initial assessment of English at Level 2 also acceptable
Not sure if you qualify? Contact our admissions team — we assess each application individually.
Teaching, Learning & Assessment
21 hours of weekly attendance during term-time, plus 8–10 hours of recommended home study per week. All lecture notes and staff engagement are available via Moodle VLE.
Teaching Methods
Assessment
All units are individually graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. Assessment is mostly assignment-based, internally marked by the college and externally verified by Edexcel.
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Review and critique the effectiveness of operations management principles
- Apply the concept of continuous improvement in an operational context
- Apply the project life cycle (PLC) to a given context and review its application
- Demonstrate comprehensive organisational knowledge and understanding of the external environment
- Conduct research with critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Communicate both orally and in writing, effectively and appropriately
Career & Academic Progression
Completing your HND in Leadership & Management opens multiple pathways into higher education and professional careers in administration, business management, marketing and management industries.

Complete Your HND
Graduate with 240+ credits and a Pearson-accredited Level 5 qualification in Leadership & Management.
Top-Up Degree
Progress to a bachelor's degree top-up programme at a UK university in one additional year.
Professional Qualifications
Pursue professional body qualifications in management, administration and marketing.
Higher Apprenticeships
Enter higher degree apprenticeship programmes across management and business sectors.
Ready to Apply for the HND in Leadership & Management?
Contact our admissions team at admissions@cce.ac.uk or call +44 7492 783044