Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Business Management is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the RQF. The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, 480 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) and 120 credits.

Assessment for the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Business Management is assignment-based. Learner work is internally assessed and verified by the approved centre, with external quality assurance provided by OTHM-appointed External Quality Assurers to ensure compliance with OTHM quality standards.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all six mandatory units.

Core Study Units

Unit 1. Leadership and People Management

learning outcomes

• Understand theories of leadership and people management.
• Be able to assess ways to improve motivation and performance by applying leadership skills.
• Be able to plan and carry out assessment of individual work performance and development.
• Be able to analyse team dynamics and their importance in achieving organisational goals.

Unit 2. Business Research Project

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to propose a research project in a business and management context.
• Be able to prepare a research plan and conduct a literature review.
• Be able to carry out research according to the chosen research specification.
• Be able to evaluate research and present results and conclusions.

Unit 3. Operations Management

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the nature and importance of operations management.
• Be able to evaluate the link between operations management and strategic planning.
• Be able to assess how to organise a typical production process.
• Be able to apply relevant techniques to the production of an operational plan for an organisation.

Unit 4. Financial Decision Making

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the role of financial information and financial analysis in business risk assessment and decision-making.
• Understand how financial statements and their structure aid business decision-making.
• Be able to perform effective capital expenditure appraisal using a range of techniques.
• Be able to evaluate how different ownership structures impact on financial performance.

Unit 5. Sustainable Business Practices

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the global sustainability agenda.
• Understand the concept of the sustainable business organisation.
• Be able to review sustainable strategic business planning.

Unit 6. Strategic Human Resource Management

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the role and importance of human resource management in achieving organisational effectiveness.
• Understand the formulation and implementation of human resource strategies.
• Be able to critically analyse the use and application of a range of HR strategies designed to improve employee and organisational performance.
• Be able to critically evaluate various key perspectives within Strategic Human Resource Management.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Business Management is designed for individuals seeking to develop advanced business knowledge, management capability and strategic decision-making skills. It is particularly suitable for:

• Aspiring business managers preparing for management-level roles.
• Existing managers seeking to strengthen leadership and strategic management skills.
• Business professionals aiming to progress their careers in management and administration.
• Entrepreneurs developing stronger knowledge of business operations and strategic planning.
• Professionals working in operations, human resources, finance or general business management.
• Individuals seeking a recognised UK qualification to support international career progression.
• Learner planning to progress to higher-level business management study or professional development.

The qualification is especially relevant for career pathways involving business management, operations management, strategic planning, human resource management, financial decision-making and organisational leadership.

Career Opportunities

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Business Management prepares learner for management and leadership roles across a wide range of industries. The qualification develops advanced knowledge in business strategy, leadership, operations management, financial decision-making, human resource management, and sustainable business practices, enabling graduates to support organisational performance, manage business functions, and contribute to strategic decision-making. It is highly relevant to sectors such as finance, retail, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, construction, logistics, hospitality, professional services, government, and consultancy.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Business Management provides learner with a strong foundation for career advancement into management, leadership and strategic business roles. The qualification supports progression across industries such as finance, retail, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, construction, logistics, hospitality, professional services and public sector organisations, where strong business management expertise is highly valued.

Academically, learner may progress to relevant postgraduate qualifications, including a Master’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration or a related discipline, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification also supports specialist professional development in areas such as leadership, strategic management, operations, human resources, finance, entrepreneurship and business strategy.

Professionally, this diploma can support progression into roles such as Business Manager, Operations Manager, Business Development Manager, Project Manager, Management Consultant, Human Resources Manager, Business Analyst and General Manager. The knowledge and management skills developed through the qualification enable learner to contribute to strategic planning, improve organisational performance, manage business functions and support effective decision-making across UK and international business environments.