How To Use Self-Paced Study to Boost Your Management Career

Middle managers are the vital link between senior leadership and the wider workforce, and their impact is bigger than many organisations realise.

Yet according to CMI and YouGov research, 82% of managers step into the role without any formal training, becoming what CMI calls accidental managers.

The same research found that managers who have received formal training are significantly more confident in their abilities, at 83%, compared with just 71% of those without training.

If you want to close that gap, the CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership gives you an industry recognised qualification equivalent to a foundation degree, and now you can study it entirely at your own pace.

Why formal training makes such a difference

CMI research shows that organisations which invest in management and leadership development see, on average, a 23% increase in organisational performance and a 32% increase in employee engagement and productivity.

The benefits accumulate as you progress. Managers with formal training are significantly more likely to feel comfortable leading change, calling out bad behaviour and trusting their team to deliver without supervision.

Achieving Chartered Manager status, the highest professional recognition in the field, brings its own rewards too. CMI's 2024 research found managers reported an average salary increase of £13,000 after becoming Chartered, and two thirds of employers say they are more likely to interview a candidate who holds the accreditation.

What is CMI Level 5 On Demand study

The CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership is available through our On Demand delivery method, ideal for independent learners who want ultimate flexibility. On Demand is delivered 100% online, so you can study anywhere, anytime, fitting your qualification around work and home life.

You can choose from three routes. The award covers one unit and is the fastest way to build a specific skill. The certificate covers two units for a broader base of knowledge. The diploma covers seven units and is the most comprehensive option, ideal if you are working towards Chartered Manager status.

Whichever route you choose, On Demand gives you up to 18 months to complete your qualification, compared with 12 months if you study Live Online.

What you will learn on the course

The Level 5 Diploma builds on core management principles with units covering stakeholder relationships, project delivery, operational planning, finance and budgets, and leading change. Each unit is assessed through practical, work-based assignments rather than exams, so you are building skills you can apply immediately.

This breadth of learning prepares you for a genuine step up, supporting progression into roles such as operations manager, divisional manager and department manager, and laying the groundwork for Chartered Manager status further down the line.

Support every step of the way

Studying On Demand does not mean studying alone. All course materials are available 24/7 in our award-winning Virtual Learning Environment, recognised with a bronze award for Best Online Distance Learning Programme at the Learning Technologies Awards.

Inside the VLE, you will find dedicated assessment briefing videos for every unit, plus study essentials to help with referencing, writing assignments and research, alongside tutor support forums and a community of peers working through the same qualification. CMI Level 5 currently holds a 95% pass rate at MOL, and if you do not pass first time, you can resubmit for free.

Hear from our product manager

Angela Tracey-Brown, Product Manager for CMI and CIPD at MOL, said: “After successfully introducing the On Demand study option for our CMI Level 3 learners, we were delighted to extend this option to our Level 5 cohorts.

It is the perfect pathway for practising managers to further their management and leadership credentials. They are able to hit the ground running with our online induction course and step-by-step learning plans, with the added benefit of CMI Affiliate Membership.”

On Demand has proved a popular and successful option across our other programmes too, including Project Management, HR and Conveyancing, as well as our CMI Level 3 qualification for new and aspiring managers.

Ready to take the next step

Whether you are a practising middle manager or aspiring to step up into the role, self-paced study makes it easier than ever to fit a recognised qualification around your existing commitments. If you are new to management or do not yet have the experience for Level 5, the CMI Level 3 is the perfect starting point, building a strong foundation in management principles before you progress further.

For more information on CMI Level 5, you can complete an enquiry form or contact our team.