The 7 Best Courses for Managers 2024

Are you looking to become a manager?

Want to upskill and secure higher paying positions?

With an average salary of £48,000, choosing a career in management can be lucrative and secure. 

If you need help finding the right management course for you in 2024, we’ve listed the best 7 below.

CMI Level 3 Principles of Management and Leadership

The CMI Level 3 Principles of Management and Leadership course is designed for aspiring or newly appointed managers seeking a solid foundation in leadership principles. The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) provides a comprehensive curriculum focusing on key managerial skills.

Average price: £395-£1,795 depending on number of units.

Duration: Depending on the number of units you take, the course is between 5 weeks - 12 months long. 

Aimed at:

• Newly appointed team leaders
• First-line managers
• Supervisors
• Junior managers
• Those looking to advance their career in a management role
• Individuals seeking to enhance their understanding of management principles
• Professionals aiming to improve their leadership capabilities
• Anyone responsible for managing a team or department at an operational level

Pros:

• Accredited by the CMI, a globally recognised institution
• Practical skills you can immediately implement in the workplace
• Access to a wealth of resources and a supportive community.

Cons:

• May be considered basic for seasoned managers looking for advanced skills.

Business and Management Degree

A Business and Management Degree is a comprehensive academic programme providing a broader understanding of business principles, strategy, and leadership. This managerial course is suitable for those looking for a deep dive into various aspects of management.

Average price: The average cost varies significantly, ranging at around £9250 per year in the UK.

Duration: Typically, a 3-year full-time course or longer if pursued part-time. 1 year for foundation degrees. 

Aimed at: 

• Individuals aspiring to pursue managerial roles in various industries
• Those looking for a solid foundation in business and management principles
• Students interested in gaining a holistic view of organisational operations
• Individuals seeking to develop critical thinking skills in a business context
• Professionals aiming to enhance their career prospects by acquiring a formal qualification
• Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to run their own businesses
• Those interested in specialised areas within management, such as human resource management, marketing, finance, or operations
• Younger people who have the opportunity to take 3 years out to study full time.

Pros:

• Offers a well-rounded education with a focus on critical thinking and analysis
• Widens career prospects with a recognised degree
• Opportunities for specialisation in areas like marketing, finance, or human resources
• Well respected qualification.

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to shorter-term courses
• Time-consuming, making it less feasible for those wanting immediate career advancements
• Not the best option for those who want a career change into management.

Management Apprenticeship

A Management Apprenticeship is a hands-on, work-based learning approach for individuals already in managerial roles or poised for promotion. It combines practical experience with structured training.

Average price: Apprenticeships are funded by employers or government schemes. Not only are they free, but apprentices are paid as they learn. 

Duration: Typically lasts 18 to 24 months, depending on the level of apprenticeship.

Aimed at: 

• Aspiring managers looking to develop their skills through on-the-job training
• Employees seeking to progress in their current organisation by taking on managerial responsibilities
• Individuals who prefer a hands-on approach to learning
• Those who may not have a traditional academic background but have the potential and motivation to excel in management roles
• Employers who want to invest in the development of their staff
• Those looking to switch careers

Pros:

• Real-world application of skills in a work setting
• Earning while learning, with potential employer funding
• Tailored to individual workplace needs
• Free course. 

Cons:

• Availability may depend on employer initiatives
• Limited to those already in a managerial role or about to step into one

PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner Combined Project Management

The PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner Combined Project Management course is focused on project management methodologies, providing a structured approach to planning, executing, and closing projects.

Aimed at: 

• Project managers and aspiring project managers
• Professionals involved in project management activities
• Individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of PRINCE2 methodologies
• Those aiming to enhance their project management skills and qualifications.

Average price: The average cost for this course is around £1,200 to £1,500.

Duration: Typically, a 5-day intensive course, with additional self-study required for certification.

Aimed at: Project managers, team leaders, or individuals aspiring to work in project management.

Pros:

• Internationally recognised certification
• Emphasis on practical application in project settings
• Ideal for those wanting specialised skills in project management.

Cons:

• Intensive schedule may be challenging for those with time constraints
• Primarily suitable for those involved in project management roles
• Typically preferred in the USA as opposed to CMI, which is preferred in the UK.

ILM Level 2 Award in Leadership & Team Skills

The ILM Level 2 Award in Leadership & Team Skills is a foundational qualification fostering leadership and teamwork abilities. Aimed at individuals starting their leadership journey, it equips them with essential skills for effective team collaboration and leadership in various contexts.

Average cost: Typically ranging around £430

Duration: 3 weeks

Aimed at: 

• Aspiring leaders and supervisors
• Entry-level managers
• Individuals beginning their leadership journey
• Those seeking foundational skills in team collaboration and leadership.

Pros:

• Establishes foundational leadership and team skills
• Suitable for entry-level managers and aspiring leaders
• Practical insights for effective teamwork and leadership
• Enhances communication and collaboration abilities.

Cons:

• Limited in-depth coverage compared to higher-level courses
• May not be sufficient for advanced leadership roles
• Requires additional courses for comprehensive leadership development.

ILM Level 3 Certificate Leadership & Management

This is an intermediate-level course designed to cultivate effective leadership and management skills. Tailored for individuals in supervisory roles or aspiring to such positions, the programme covers key aspects such as team motivation, communication, and strategic decision-making. Participants gain practical insights to enhance their leadership capabilities and contribute to the success of their teams and organisations.

Average cost: £900 and £1,200

Duration: 12 months

Aimed at:

Supervisors and team leaders
Individuals aspiring to managerial roles
Those seeking to enhance leadership and management skills
Professionals at an intermediate career stage

Pros:

• Intermediate-level content for a deeper understanding of leadership and management
• Tailored for supervisors and aspiring managers
• Practical insights into team motivation, communication, and strategic decision-making
• Enhances skills crucial for career progression.

Cons:

• May not be suitable for those seeking basic leadership skills.
• Limited coverage compared to more advanced leadership courses.
• Requires time commitment for successful completion.

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership

For mid-level managers aspiring to enhance their leadership capabilities, the CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership course is an excellent choice. The CMI Level 5 course builds on foundational principles, providing a more in-depth understanding of managerial responsibilities.

Average price: £495- £2,159 depending on number of units.

Duration: Depending on the number of units you take, the course is between 5 weeks - 12 months long. 

Aimed at: 

• Experienced managers 
• Departmental managers
• Operations managers
• Senior supervisors
• Professionals seeking to enhance their strategic management skills
• Those responsible for managing teams at a strategic level
• Individuals looking to develop a broader understanding of organisational management 
• Anyone aiming to progress into senior management roles.

Pros:

• CMI accreditation ensures high-quality content and recognised qualifications
• Emphasis on strategic thinking and decision-making
• Networking opportunities with fellow mid-level professionals.

Cons:

• Requires a significant time commitment, potentially challenging for those with busy schedules.

Which managerial course should I choose?

The CMI accreditation guarantees a curriculum meticulously crafted to meet professional benchmarks, offering a grasp of contemporary management methods. 

With decades of experience, MOL has the staff, knowledge and expertise to help you achieve your professional goals.

If you want to become a manager or gain a managerial qualification, enrol today.