About the course

The Diploma in First Line Management and Leadership is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Learners study with the college part-time and complete work-based assessments as part of the course. This qualification is suitable for those who are, or are aiming to become, team leaders and / or supervisors. This includes individuals who are at the start of their career and who want to become team leaders / supervisors as well as those aspiring or existing managers who may already have developed practical experience but are seeking to develop their management and leadership capabilities. 

This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons, referred to as Online and On Campus.

Classroom attendance is every other week.

You can choose to study this course at a location and time that best suits you:

Start date: 12 October 2026

Day time classes at Harlow College

Mondays

Start date: 14 October 2026

Evening classes at Stansted Airport College

Wednesdays

Study method – Online and On Campus

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this course through our flexible Online and On Campus model. 

Online, you will study award-winning video lessons, which are available on demand, and can be viewed from your phone, tablet or computer – meaning you can choose how, when and where you want to study. Lessons are accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life Downloadable lesson materials, practice and scenario-based questions with model responses and practical exercises and case studies all help to consolidate knowledge and enhance the learning experience further. 

Learners should expect to spend around 3-4 hours studying independently online each week. 

On campus, you benefit from regular classes with a college tutor – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. Your tutor will review what you have learnt during your online lessons and will be on hand to provide guidance on progress and assessment. Regular discussion with classmates will help to reinforce key points while also providing the additional support and motivation that comes from being part of a group.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Applicants should have achieved qualifications in English and maths at a minimum of Level 2 (GCSE) or equivalent

How much does it cost?

Full Fee: £724

Possible Funding Options

See the possible funding options below which will tell you if this course may be free or part-funded. Part-funded means you only pay for part of the course.

The fees advertised on this page were last updated on 01/10/2025. Please note that all prices are subject to change and may not reflect our current, official rates. Contact Us or call our Admissions Team on 01279 868100 to get the most up-to-date info on fees and the financial support that may be available to you.

Instalment Plan ✓

This course qualifies for an Instalment Plan, allowing you to pay in smaller, more manageable amounts. Contact our Admissions Team on 01279 868100 for more details.

Free Courses for Jobs ✓

This Level 3 course is part of the Free Courses for Jobs initiative and is fully-funded (free) for eligible learners aged 19 or over and:

• In paid employment and earn below £25,750
• or are unemployed, looking for work and in receipt of benefits (means tested)

Advanced Learner Loan ✓

The course can also be fully-funded through an Advanced Learner Loan.

Click here to find out more about Advanced Learner Loans

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is ideal if you are have management responsibilities but no formal training, and are serious about developing your abilities. It’s particularly suited to practising team leaders seeking to move up to the next level of management, and managers who need to lead people through organisational change, budget cuts or other pressures.

Why study?

The course covers a wide range of business management skills and knowledge, including organisational performance, interpersonal skills and personal effectiveness.   

Study Method – Online and On Campus

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this course through our flexible Online and On Campus model. 

Online, you will study award-winning video lessons, which are available on demand, and can be viewed from your phone, tablet or computer – meaning you can choose how, when and where you want to study. Lessons last for around 45-60 minutes and are accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Practice questions, downloadable lesson materials and interactive case studies help to enhance the learning experience further and learners should expect to spend around 3-4 hours studying independently online each week. 

On campus, you benefit from regular classes with a college tutor – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. Your tutor will review what you have learnt during your online lessons and will be on hand to provide guidance on progress and assessment. Regular discussion with classmates will help to reinforce key points while also providing the additional support and motivation that comes from being part of a group. 

Find out more

For more information on how this course visit the Chartered Management Institute website.

Where will this course take me?

Progression

On successful completion of a Level 3 in First Line Management and Leadership qualification, several progression opportunities become available:

• Progress to other qualifications at the same level (e.g. from Level 3 Award to Level 3 Certificate etc.)
• Progress to other qualifications at the next level (e.g. from Level 3 Certificate to Level 5 Certificate)

Apply for Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status with CMI

Career Opportunities:

1. Team leader
2. Supervisor
3. Project Officer
4. Shift Manager
5. Foreperson

Core modules

Example units

• Organisational awareness for first line managers
• Approaches to managing and leading people and teams
• Stakeholder communication for first line managers
• Delivering organisational activities
• Professional development as a first line manager
• Supporting people throughout the employee life cycle

This course covers a wide range of knowledge and skills required of a first-line manager including how to supervise or manage a team to achieve clearly defined outcomes, set and monitor goals and objectives by providing instruction, direction and guidance and in day-to-day operational and project activities which may be a key part of the role.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is via practical work-based assignments provided by your tutor. This ensures you minimise time away from work and that you undertake work study which is relevant to your own organisation’s context.

Will I have to provide anything?

You need to bring your own mobile device that can connect to the College Wi-Fi e.g. tablet, smartphone etc.

Case Study

Kelly Clegg – Leadership and Management Level 5

Was the course flexible and did it fit okay around your existing job? i.e. online and in class working, one class a month?

The CMI Level 5 course provided by Harlow College fitted perfectly around my job. I only needed to attend college one day per month, the rest of the time was self-guided learning which I could fit around my busy role as Assistant Operations Manager. 

How has studying the course helped you in your current job?

Studying on this course has helped me to consider things from a different perspective and has given me a greater understanding of the tools and knowledge I need be an effective manager. 

How was the level of support from your tutor during the course?

My tutor was really supportive, and totally understood that I have a demanding job on top of studying for this qualification. Although I only attended college one day per month, I knew Bev was always on hand to support me in whatever way she could.

How did you find the progression from Level 3 to Level 5?

The transition from level 3 to 5 wasn’t that difficult. Many of the topics and models covered in level 3 were re-examined at Level 5, only in a lot more detail. Having that foundation knowledge from Level 3 helped me get to grips with the deeper understanding that was required at level 5. 

Would you recommend the course to others who may be thinking of upskilling and why?

I would recommend this course to intermediate and middle managers that wish to improve their management skills and closely examine their leadership styles to manage more effective and happier teams.