OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Project Management

This comprehensive two-year qualification develops practical project management skills through 12 mandatory units across Level 4 and Level 5, equipping learners with knowledge in operations, quality, strategy, and digital business practices.

Course Features

This qualification provides comprehensive project management education equivalent to the first two years of a UK honours degree, combining theoretical and practical content across core and advanced project management disciplines.

240 credits total (120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5)
12 mandatory units covering essential project management competencies
2400 Total Qualification Time with 1200 Guided Learning Hours
Internally assessed coursework with external OTHM verification
Equivalent to Higher National Diploma and Year 2 of UK Bachelor's degree
Direct entry to Year 3 of UK Bachelor's degree programmes

About This Course

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Project Management is designed to develop learners' practical project management skills and prepare them to work in diverse organisational contexts. This qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual and provides learners with industry-specific and practical skills, enabling them to successfully apply their knowledge in the workplace, enhance their career prospects, and progress to further study.

Develop comprehensive understanding of project management principles and methodologies
Gain practical skills in project planning, execution, control, and evaluation
Learn to manage teams, budgets, quality, risks, and stakeholders effectively
Understand business strategy, sustainability, and responsible business practices
Master digital technologies and their application in project management
Build professional competencies for career advancement in project management

What You'll Learn

Learners will develop comprehensive project management competencies through practical application of theories, tools, and techniques across twelve mandatory units covering foundational principles through advanced strategic and digital practices.

Implement key principles of project management using planning tools and techniques
Apply project management methodologies including critical path analysis, Gantt charts, and agile frameworks
Manage project risks, quality standards, and change control processes throughout project lifecycles
Develop and execute comprehensive project plans with resource, financial, and quality components
Analyse business strategy and sustainability to inform project decision-making
Apply responsible business practices and ethical considerations in project contexts

Who Should Attend

This qualification is designed for learners typically aged 18 and above who are current or aspiring middle or senior managers seeking to pursue careers in project management across various industries.

Current project managers seeking formal qualification and professional development
Aspiring project managers looking to enter the field with comprehensive credentials
Middle and senior managers working in various organisational contexts
Recent graduates from Level 3 qualifications seeking advanced project management education
Mature learners with relevant management experience seeking formal recognition
Professionals seeking direct entry to Year 3 of UK Bachelor's degree programmes

Entry Requirements

Entry to this qualification requires learners to meet specific educational or experiential criteria, and non-native English speakers must demonstrate English language competency.

Relevant Level 3 Diploma qualification or equivalent qualification
GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or equivalent qualification
Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience must check with delivery centre prior to registration
English language competency evidence required for learners from non-majority English-speaking countries

Curriculum

Features and characteristics of projects versus operations
Setting up and managing projects using tools and techniques
Planning processes including scope, SMART objectives, and deliverables
Work breakdown structure, Gantt charts, critical path analysis, and PERT
Resource planning including people, equipment, money, and space
Project process management and quality improvement
Risk identification, evaluation, mitigation planning, and risk registers
Scope, schedule, budget, and quality management processes

Nature, scope, and functions of Human Resource Management
HR contributions to business objectives and strategic HRM development
HR roles including HR advisor, officer, data analyst, and employee relations
Recruitment methods including internal, external, and talent pool approaches
Selection methods including competence-based, psychometric, and aptitude testing
Employment law framework including pay, holiday, and family leave
Performance management including appraisal, mentoring, and workload management

Role of finance function and finance manager in business
Relationship between business finance and business development stages
Internal sources including retained profit, net current assets, and asset sales
External sources including loans, crowdfunding, venture capital, and leasing
Financial statement interpretation and analysis
Profitability, liquidity, and efficiency ratio calculations
Break-even analysis and net present value for project selection

Organisational types, legal structures, size, and scope in project management
Organisational structures including bureaucratic, matrix, and functional levels
Interrelationships between marketing, finance, HR, and operations functions
Management functions including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling
Classical, human relations, systems, and contingency management approaches
Team working theories including Tuckman's Model and Belbin's Theory
Personal and business ethics in project management
Sustainability practices and triple bottom line principles
Agile Project Management framework and ethical principles

Current and future marketing trends and customer needs identification
External forces including political, economic, competitive, technological, and social environments
Digital marketing including SEO, web analytics, social media, and mobile marketing
Product portfolio analysis using BCG Matrix and GE McKinsey Matrix
Pricing models including cost-plus, competitive, and value-based strategies
Distribution channels including retailers, distributors, and e-commerce
Digital promotional tools including PPC advertising, content, and email marketing
Marketing audit using SWOT, PESTLE, and 5C analysis
Marketing campaign objectives, strategy, and integrated multimedia channels

Self-assessment of knowledge, skills, and working style
Personal SWOT analysis and characteristics of effective project managers
Professional development objectives aligned with business needs
Personal development plans for short, medium, and long-term goals
Learning styles and strategies including formal training and mentoring
Time management including prioritising workloads and setting objectives
Portfolio building and maintaining personal professional records

Management systems including quality assurance and customer relationship management
Performance management aligned to organisational goals and values
Technology benefits for efficiency, quality, productivity, and cost reduction
Data management systems including storage, backup, and quality assurance
Data security systems, policies, and GDPR compliance
Data analysis techniques, systems, and models for decision-making
Benefits and limitations of management systems in projects

Project constraints including time, scope, and cost triple restraint
Risk identification, analysis, allocation, and management processes
Project control plans and baseline plans with quadruple constraints
Cost control and change management processes
Dashboards for building monitoring and control systems
Risk registers and contingency planning throughout project lifecycle
Quality management roles including project manager, team members, and stakeholders
Quality targets, measurement, and reporting processes
Technical reviews, management oversight, and standards verification

Strategic context including missions, visions, objectives, and strategic intent
Sustainability, stakeholders, and triple bottom line principles
Environmental analysis using PESTLE and Porter's Five Forces
Stakeholder analysis, mapping, and stakeholder matrix
Strategic capabilities and value chain analysis
Resource-based view strategy and VRIO framework
Strategic management planning and Business Canvas Model
Porter's generic strategies and Ansoff's Matrix
Supply chain management objectives including quality, speed, and flexibility
Ethical practices in supply chain and sustainable performance

Ethics, social responsibilities, and corporate governance principles
Legislation, regulations, and professional codes of conduct
Environmental issues, sustainability, and fair trade practices
Consequences of failing to operate responsibly including reputation loss
Stakeholder needs including owners, employees, customers, and suppliers
Conflicts of interest between stakeholder groups
Implications of adopting responsible practices including cost and training
Dealing with conflicting stakeholder needs through negotiation and collaboration

Project lifecycle phases including initiation, planning, execution, and closure
Project management methodologies and their features and benefits
Roles and responsibilities of project managers and team members
Stakeholder identification and influence analysis
Terms of reference including scope, parameters, outputs, and timescales
Resource, financial, quality, risk, and acceptance plans
Execution phase including time tracking, cost recording, and quality review
Change management and issue resolution processes
Phase reviews and project closure reports
Project evaluation and lessons learned for future improvements

Digital business models and characteristics of digitisation and digitalisation
Cloud computing for access, storage, and collaboration
Digital technologies for communication including Slack, Gmail, and Skype
Social media for Customer Relationship Management
Enterprise Resource Planning and data analytics tools
Emerging trends including blockchain, IoT, and smart cities
B2B and B2C digital interaction strategies
Social media marketing campaigns across multiple platforms
User Interface and User Experience design principles
Risks of digital technologies including cyber security and GDPR compliance
Digital transformation strategy and leadership in digital era
Mobile applications for Android, iPhone, and hybrid platforms
App design, prototyping, and app store optimisation

Assessments

All units are internally assessed through coursework and externally verified by OTHM using criterion-referenced standards based on achievement of specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Coursework assignments of approximately 3000 words per unit
Written assignments submitted online through learning management systems
Project reports for practical units demonstrating application of skills
Evidence must demonstrate fulfillment of all learning outcomes and assessment criteria
Formative and summative assessment with comprehensive tutor feedback
Pass/Fail grading structure with opportunities for reassessment

Progression

This qualification enables learners to progress into or within employment and provides pathways to further academic study at Level 6 and direct entry to UK Bachelor's degree programmes.

Direct entry into Year 3 of three-year UK Bachelor's degree programmes
Progression to OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Project Management
Advanced entry to corresponding degree year programmes at UK universities
Career advancement in project management roles across various industries
Enhanced employment prospects with internationally recognised qualification

Application Form

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An adviser will review your eligibility for OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Project Management and reply within 1–2 working days.

OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Project Management poster