Certificate In Management Studies (CMS)

One year part-time, with attendance over either one afternoon and one evening, or (subject to demand) two evenings per week.

The CMS aims to develop the general management skills and knowledge of people who hold or are about to progress to first-line management responsibilities. It appeals to a wide variety of ages and experience, in private and public sectors, large and small companies. Validated and awarded by Edexcel, this is a practical course for those seeking a more traditional approach to study, while providing a progression route on to a postgraduate level for people with no previous academic record.

The primary aims of the course are to promote personal and career development by increasing the participant's knowledge and understanding of management. It will develop management skills relevant to first-line management positions and provide participants with a basis for further self-development and encourages them to take responsibility for both their own development and for those for whom they are responsible.

Students explore their potential and increase their self awareness and confidence, to become more effective in their management roles and finally to provide progression opportunities to more advanced programmes.

The course embodies the knowledge standards of the NVQ4 in Management for first-line managers. Students will be developed as practising managers using problem solving and participative techniques.

The award requires students to complete seven written assignments. They also undertake a work-based management project, submit a written report, and make an oral presentation on their main findings.

Successful CMS students would be eligible for admission to the Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) and could progress to the Masters of Business Administration (MBA).

• Direct link with, and understanding of, the working environment
• Assignments can be used as reports at work
• Course takes what you already know in practice and provides a framework of supporting academic knowledge

Click here for a detailed list of modules.

Typical modules include:

• Managing Finance
• Managing Information
• Managing Operations
• Managing People
• Personal Development and Communication Skills

The course has a mixture of assessment involving essays, reports on seminars, portfolios and group oral presentations as well as examinations. The emphasis is on assessment by coursework.

This course is especially useful for those that are keen to give their career a boost, or are finding they have increasing responsibility for supervising others or running a small section.

Successful completion of the CMS allows entry into the Diploma of Management Studies Course (DMS).