Course Overview
Designed for practising or aspiring middle managers, this respected qualification helps you lead with impact and drive results.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership career, the CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership will equip you with the strategic thinking and practical tools needed to manage teams, lead change and shape organisational success.
Through self-paced online study, you’ll explore core management areas including stakeholder relationships, resource and project management, recruitment and coaching, and strategic planning. This course supports you in applying theory directly to real workplace scenarios, helping you make better decisions and lead with clarity and purpose.
Suitable for supervisors, operations managers, and department heads, this nationally recognised qualification from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is respected by employers across industries. You’ll be supported throughout by a qualified subject expert and have access to NEC’s flexible online platform, designed to help you stay on track.
-
1:1 tutor support
CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership at a glance
No additional set texts required
Complete at your own pace
Approx. 50 hours per unit, plus time for completing assignments
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
There are three levels to the qualification:
- Award: an introduction to some of the principles of management, helping to develop your basic knowledge in this area (£414.00 + reg fee)
- Certificate: builds on this basic knowledge whilst giving you the opportunity to go into more detail on areas specific to your management role (£587.00 + reg fee)
- Diploma: goes into even more depth and will comprehensively equip you to become an excellent line manager (£1,574.00 + reg fee)
NEC will register you with the CMI. You will need to pay the registration fee for the level you have chosen when you enrol.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor
No formal entry requirements
You must be 18 or over
You should be working, or aspiring to, in a middle management role
An ability to read and write in English
In order to gain the qualification CMI require a registration fee (dependent on the level you are studying – Award, Certificate or Diploma), payable upon enrolment.
- 1 NEC Practical Assignment per unit
- 1 CMI Formal Assignment per unit
No formal entry requirements
You must be 18 or over
You should be working, or aspiring to, in a middle management role
An ability to read and write in English
In order to gain the qualification CMI require a registration fee (dependent on the level you are studying – Award, Certificate or Diploma), payable upon enrolment.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor
Complete at your own pace
Approx. 50 hours per unit, plus time for completing assignments
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
There are three levels to the qualification:
- Award: an introduction to some of the principles of management, helping to develop your basic knowledge in this area (£414.00 + reg fee)
- Certificate: builds on this basic knowledge whilst giving you the opportunity to go into more detail on areas specific to your management role (£587.00 + reg fee)
- Diploma: goes into even more depth and will comprehensively equip you to become an excellent line manager (£1,574.00 + reg fee)
NEC will register you with the CMI. You will need to pay the registration fee for the level you have chosen when you enrol.
No additional set texts required
- 1 NEC Practical Assignment per unit
- 1 CMI Formal Assignment per unit
No additional set texts required
Complete at your own pace
Approx. 50 hours per unit, plus time for completing assignments
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
There are three levels to the qualification:
- Award: an introduction to some of the principles of management, helping to develop your basic knowledge in this area (£414.00 + reg fee)
- Certificate: builds on this basic knowledge whilst giving you the opportunity to go into more detail on areas specific to your management role (£587.00 + reg fee)
- Diploma: goes into even more depth and will comprehensively equip you to become an excellent line manager (£1,574.00 + reg fee)
NEC will register you with the CMI. You will need to pay the registration fee for the level you have chosen when you enrol.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor
No formal entry requirements
You must be 18 or over
You should be working, or aspiring to, in a middle management role
An ability to read and write in English
In order to gain the qualification CMI require a registration fee (dependent on the level you are studying – Award, Certificate or Diploma), payable upon enrolment.
- 1 NEC Practical Assignment per unit
- 1 CMI Formal Assignment per unit
Why study CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership
This course is ideal if you
- Are keen to enhance your leadership skills in your current role.
- Would like to develop your knowledge in key leadership and management skills.
- Need a flexible training solution that fits your lifestyle.
- Relish the challenge of building your managerial and leadership skills.
- Would benefit from gaining more confidence in your abilities.
- Want to gain an internationally-recognised CMI qualification.
- Enjoy applying learning to the workplace.
- Pursuing more senior leadership and managerial roles in the future.
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
Please note, details below show the montly instalments for the Award level.
| Course fee | £415 (excl. registration fee) |
| Deposit | £41.50 |
| Amount of credit | £373.50 |
| Monthly payment | £31.13 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £415 (excl. registration fee) |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS“I am passionate about the value of learning and dedicated to the profession having worked in education for over 27 years both as a tutor, assessor and manager of vocational training. I understand the challenges of distance learning, having been a distance learner myself, and know the value of good quality, responsive and flexible tutor support and encouragement. Now as a freelance contractor, I work with a number of awarding bodies, colleges and training providers to develop learning resources to enable learners to meet their qualification goals and longer-term career aims.”
Talk to one of our course advisors
Unsure whether online self-study is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.
Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.
Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.
We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.
Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.
Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.
Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.
If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:
Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.
Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.
Our team is happy to help you explore your options.
People who study CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership also take…
ICB Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
The ideal first step towards a career in finance or self-employment, this ICB qualification equips you with essential bookkeeping expertise.
A level Economics
Uncover the principles that drive markets, shape societies, and influence global decision-making with A level Economics online.
