CMI Level 6 Diploma in Professional Management and Leadership Practice

601 Professional Management and Leadership Practice

The aim of this unit is to enable the professional manager and leader to consider the influence of an organisation’s context on how individuals are managed and led. They will reflect on the values, behaviours, knowledge and skills required, not only to deliver successful organisational outcomes, but to lead individuals with confidence.

602 Developing, Managing and Leading Individuals and Teams

The aim of this unit is for the professional manager and leaders to understand the principles for developing, managing and leading individuals and teams. On completion of the unit, learners will understand the multi-dimensional factors which influence the way individuals and teams are developed and led. They will examine the role of organisational structures for managing human resources and be given the opportunity to research classic and contemporary approaches to the management and development of individuals and teams. Ultimately this unit will culminate in an assessment of the skills required to lead and develop individuals and teams in a manner that not only achieves results but is ethical, fair, empowering and collaborative.

604 Strategic Programme and Project Management

The aim of this unit is to equip professional managers and leaders with an understanding on how to proactively respond to the demands of project and programme management, regardless of their type, size and complexity.

605 Innovation and Change

This unit has been designed to enable the professional manager and leader to understand innovation and change within organisational contexts. It explores the rationale for innovation and change, such as the impact of technology and digitalisation. Most importantly it focuses on the knowledge, values and behaviours that ultimately will equip the professional managers and leaders to successfully drive innovation and change.

606 Developing and Leading Strategy

The aim of this unit is to enable professional managers and leaders to understand approaches to developing organisational strategy and how to formulate and lead operational strategy to achieve a strategic aim.

607 Procurement, Purchasing and Contracting

The aim of this unit is for managers and leaders to realise business objectives through competent, ethical and professional contracting, purchasing and procurement practices.

525 Using Reflective Practice to Inform Personal and Professional Development

The aim of the unit is to equip learners with the understanding of the value of reflective practice, and how reflection can be used as the basis of a meaningful personal and professional development.

If an individual is not already in membership at the time of registering on a CMI qualification then they will be provided with free Affiliate membership of the CMI through until the completion of their studies. For details of the benefits of membership please see Resources and Benefits | Membership – CMI

There may be the opportunity to upgrade during the Learner’s studies dependant on successfully completing an assessment with CMI.

Our Teaching Approach

Learn Through Real Work. Grow Through Real Experience.

Our programme is built around a work-integrated learning model, designed to seamlessly connect theory with real-world practice. Rather than learning in isolation, you’ll develop knowledge and skills together—ensuring everything you study is directly relevant to your role and future career.

This joined-up approach supports you in becoming a confident, reflective professional—someone who not only performs effectively in the workplace but also continues to grow through lifelong learning and professional development.

Inquiry-Led Learning That Puts You in Control

We believe the best learning happens when you actively explore and question. That’s why our programme uses an inquiry-based approach, encouraging you to:

• Engage deeply with key topics
• Connect new ideas to your own experiences
• Take ownership of your learning journey

By personalising your learning, you’ll gain a stronger understanding of how knowledge is developed—and how to apply it in meaningful ways.

Learn by Doing: Experience at the Core

At the heart of the programme is experiential learning—learning through doing.

You’ll build skills and confidence through:

• Work-based learning embedded in your role
• Interactive workshops focused on real scenarios
• Practical activities that mirror workplace challenges
• Structured reflection to deepen your understanding

This means you’re not just learning concepts—you’re actively applying them in real time.

Interactive, Practical, and Engaging Delivery

Our teaching approach is designed to keep you involved every step of the way. Each session combines:

• Short, focused lectures to introduce key ideas
• Hands-on workshops to apply what you’ve learned
• Peer discussions and debates to broaden perspectives
• Collaborative and individual activities to build skills
• One-to-one tutorials for personalised support

You’ll also reinforce your learning through guided reading, workplace application, and reflective practice—ensuring knowledge sticks and skills develop.

Delivery Information

The full time course is delivered on a weekly basis at UCNL.

The part time course is delivered on a bi-weekly basis at UCNL.

Assessment: Designed for Real-World Impact

Your progress on the programme is assessed through CMI (Chartered Management Institute) assessment briefs, ensuring your work is aligned with recognised professional standards and expectations.

Rather than traditional exams, assessment is practical, applied, and career-focused, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge in ways that directly relate to your role and organisation.

What You’ll Be Assessed On

You’ll complete a variety of engaging assessment formats, including:

• Professional reports that analyse real workplace challenges
• Reflective accounts that demonstrate your personal and professional growth
• Project proposals where you design solutions to organisational needs
• Written assignments that apply theory to real-world contexts

Each task is designed to help you translate learning into action, building both competence and confidence.

Assessment That Supports Learning—Not Just Measures It

Assessment is fully integrated into the learning journey, not something that happens in isolation. You’ll be supported to succeed through:

• Ongoing feedback from tutors, peers, and employers
• Opportunities to draft, refine, and improve your work
• Continuous reflection on your performance and development

This approach ensures assessment becomes a tool for growth, helping you to deepen your understanding and continuously improve.

Demonstrate Real Skills, Deliver Real Value

Because assessments are closely linked to your workplace, every piece of work you complete has practical value. You’ll not only meet course requirements but also:

• Contribute meaningful insights to your organisation
• Develop solutions to real business challenges
• Build a portfolio of professional evidence

Professionally Recognised, Professionally Relevant

By completing CMI-aligned assessments, you’ll gain more than just academic achievement—you’ll demonstrate the professional behaviours, skills, and knowledge expected in today’s workplace.

This qualification can be offered to Learners from age 18.

Applicants must hold a level 5 qualification in the discipline of Business, HR, Leadership, and Management. This may be a level 5 professional qualification, level 5 apprenticeship, HND, or FdA.

The qualification is offered in the medium of the English Language.

Upon successful completion of their qualification, learners may wish to further their ongoing personal and professional development by accessing other CMI qualifications, such as the learners may wish to further their personal and professional development by investigating the opportunity to become a Chartered Manager or enrolling on a higher level qualification with the CMI.

Chartered Managers are consistent high performers, committed to current best practice and ethical standards. A unique designation, exclusively awarded by the Chartered Management Institute, Chartered Manager embodies a professional approach to management through knowledge, competence, professional standards and commitment to continuing professional development (CPD). To find out more about how to become a Chartered Manager please visit Chartered Manager | Membership – CMI

Learners who are wishing to develop professional management and leadership practice will have knowledge, skills and behaviours to drive business activities in a senior management and leadership role:

• Senior Manager
• Regional Manager
• Specialist Manager (with expertise in a specific business or technical function such as quality, finance, risk, marketing, sales IT, human resources etc.)
• Director