Delivered online through distance learning, the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Leadership and Management is a two-year programme that provides specialist business education which develops the key knowledge and practical skills required to progress into employment or continued studies. It will give you the opportunity to explore modern and relevant industry skills necessary for roles that require critical thinking, effective planning and future management.
HND in Leadership and Management (Online) (HTQ)
Business, Leadership and Management
Awarding body
Course overview
Application codes
Course Code
5BDMGIAP2R
Institution Code
025
Date, fees & location
Start date
15 September 2025
Location
Online
Fees
Fees for September 2025 entry are £6,500 per year for UK students.
Timetable
Duration
2 Years
Study mode
Full-Time
Delivery
Online
Award
Course award
On successful completion, you will be awarded a HND in Leadership and Management awarded by Pearson
MODULES
In year 1 you will study:
- The Contemporary Business Environment – in this unit you will develop the background knowledge and understanding of business, the functions of an organisation and the wider business environments in which organisations operate. You will examine the different types of organisation (including for-profit and not-for-profit), their size and scope (for example, micro, small and medium-sized enterprise, transnational and global) and how they operate. You will also explore the relationships that organisations have with their various stakeholders and how the wider external environments influence and shape business decision-making.
- Marketing Process and Planning – in this unit you will be introduced to the dynamic world of the marketing sector and the wealth of exciting career opportunities available to support your decision-making in your career choices. You will have the opportunity to learn about the competencies and behaviours required by employers to work in the marketing sector. You will also be introduced to the key principles of marketing, enabling them to develop a marketing plan and to employ elements of the marketing mix to achieve results. You will study the underpinning theories and frameworks of marketing while relating them to real-world examples, including products and services that they encounter in their daily lives.
- Management of Human Resources – through this unit you will developing an understanding of the purpose and scope of HRM activities. You will be able to apply a range of people-management skills to enhance the performance of an organisation by finding solutions to people-related problems
- Leadership and Management – this unit will help you to understand the difference between the function of a manager and the role of a leader. You will consider the characteristics, behaviours and traits that support effective management and leadership.
- Accounting Principles – this unit aims to introduce fundamental accounting principles that underpin financial operations and support good and sustainable decision-making in any organisation. You will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of a range of financial and management accounting techniques.
- Managing a successful business project – the aim of this unit is to offer you an opportunity to demonstrate the skills required for managing and implementing a small-scale business project. You will undertake independent research and investigation for carrying out and executing a business project that meets appropriate business aims and objective.
- Digital Business Practice – you will explore the impact of a range of digital technologies on the workplace. You will examine how these technologies can support businesses aims and services and allow interaction with customers, for example, to promote their business, to encourage people to visit their e-commerce site, to buy goods or services, to drive and increase sales, and to provide high levels of customer service.
- Operational Planning and Management – this unit will give you an insight into the complex nature of operations, processes and supply chain management, fundamental for understanding the holistic work environment in any industry and organisation.
In year 2 you will study:
- Organisation Behaviour Management – this unit will assist you in developing Knowledge and understanding of how organisational behaviour concepts, theories and techniques can be applied in work and management settings to enhance individual, team and organisational performance. You will be able to apply this knowledge in a variety of business situations. You will appreciate how effective application of organisational behaviour principles can be used to explain why people behave and act in particular ways and to predict how employees will respond to certain demands. The unit will also develop your understanding of the influence of culture and of the operation of power and politics in organisations, and how these variables influence the actions and behaviour of people in an organisational context.
- Managing and Leading Change – you will develop through this unit understanding of the different types and scope of change that may occur in an organisation. The unit aims to illustrate the drivers and triggers for change and how they vary and affect organisations in different ways, including the degree of impact and management’s response to change. You will gain an appreciation of how the depth of change can influence organisational behaviour, both during and after the change.
- Principles of Operations Management – this unit provides you with an appreciation of the dimensions of operations management and its central role for organisations across a wide range of sectors. You will also gain the knowledge and skills required to progress to higher levels of study or employment in positions in operations, logistics and supply.
- Business Strategy – through this unit you will develop an awareness of the different types of strategic approach that could be used in an operational, tactical or strategic role for an organisation. This will be underpinned by a thorough knowledge and understanding of the theories, models and concepts that could significantly support an organisation’s strategic choice and direction.
- Business Information Technology Systems – this unit will enhance your understanding of contemporary business information technology (IT) systems and how organisations develop and continuously review their IT strategy to gain and maintain competitive advantage. You will explore the areas of business that benefit from the support of IT systems and how organisations are using IT as a driver for business improvement.
- Developing Individuals, Teams and Organisations – this unit will provide you with the knowledge of the different factors involved in diagnosing the skills, training and development requirements for their future employees and for your career goals. You will be introduced to the concept of high-performance workplaces and the strategic benefits this can bring to an organisation. You will recognise that your own professional development is just one route to improving the performance of the teams and organisations in which they work.
- Business Communications and Relationships – in this unit, you will look at concepts of communication in organisations and how to select communication techniques that are fit for purpose. You will also investigate the contribution of interpersonal skills to successful relationship management and consider ways to build positive relationships with partners, stakeholders and suppliers.
- Business Data Analytics and Insights – this unit will provide you with an understanding of how organisations in different contexts improve their efficiency through the use of effective data management techniques. Your will look at the importance of data analysis and interpretation in informing business decision-making processes to enable organisations to stay current and competitive in a volatile macroenvironment. You will learn how key decision-makers, at various levels, are able to improve strategic outcomes by using more effective processes to gain an insight into the most appropriate data and information available to a business.
The HND will also help you to develop your academic writing and research skills providing you with the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving.
Teaching & Assessment
This course is delivered online and will consist of ‘live’ (synchronous) workshops and seminars along with learning materials which you will be guided through and able to complete at a time convenient to you. You will learn through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. By participating in vocational activities, you will develop key behaviours and transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research, and analysis. Plus, you’ll be supported by a friendly, committed, and qualified team of lecturers who have both professional and teaching experience.
Additional study support
Whether you have a recognised disability, specific learning difficulty, or not, you will be eligible to access additional learning support in all the following areas:
- assistive software training
- IT upskilling
- essay planning and structure
- proofreading and editing written work
- bibliographies and referencing
- time management and personal organisation
- revision and exam tips
- presentation techniques
Entry Requirements
You’ll need to have a GCSE grade 4 or above in Maths and English. Other L2 qualifications (such as Functional Skills) in English and Maths may be accepted.
In addition you will have either:
- An A level at grade D, or
- Relevant Access to Higher Education Diploma, or
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business or related subject, at a Merit overall, or
- T Level at Pass in a related subject
However, if you are thinking of returning to education but do not possess all the formal entry qualifications, your application may be considered through our Recognition of Prior Learning procedure. You will need GCSE English and Maths. In addition you should be able to demonstrate experience and achievement in a range of business related activities. We would also look for evidence of continuous professional development and learning. You should provide details of your experience and any courses you have completed along with your reasons for wanting to pursue this course of study in the Personal Statement section of the application.
If you want to find out more about our recognition of prior learning procedure or have any questions about the course please do talk to us.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate that their level of English is acceptable by achieving a score in a recognised test such as:
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B
- PTE Academic 51, or
- IELTS 5.5 (reading and writing must be at 5.5)
Careers
On successful completion, you will be awarded a HND in Leadership and Management awarded by Pearson or a professional qualification in a business-related subject.
Career opportunities could include becoming an Operations Manager, Regional Manager, Divisional Manager, Department Manager, Specialist Managers, or business owner to name a few.
After you complete
Course award
On successful completion, you will be awarded a HND in Leadership and Management awarded by Pearson
Ready to start your application?
Apply now
Fees
Fee Breakdown
Fees for September 2025 entry are £6,500 per year for UK students.
Please note:
Tuition fees are published for the first year of entry only and may increase in subsequent years for new students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Office for Students.
There are a variety of funding options available to help finance your studies. If you are a UK (Home) student, you don’t have to pay your tuition fees up front. The government provides loans to cover your full tuition fee. You may also be eligible for a maintenance loan to help cover living costs. Alternatively, your fees may be paid by your employer, or we could arrange a payment schedule if you are paying your own fees.
Additional costs
Students are advised that they will need access to a laptop or PC. We recommend that you budget £100 a year additional costs such as for stationary to undertake your studies. You can borrow textbooks and access journals from the recommended reading lists from our Learning Resource Centres either on campus or online. If you choose to purchase
