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Business & Professional
Industry-recognised qualifications from CIPD, CMI, ILM, CIM, and AAT. Designed for working professionals progressing into HR, leadership, marketing, and finance roles.
At a glance
- LevelsLevel 2 to Level 7
- Awarding BodiesCIPD, CMI, ILM, AAT, CIM
- Duration6–18 months
- Study mode100% online
- PricingPay monthly available
Which business qualification should I study?
Recognised qualifications mapped to recognised job roles
Choose your qualification by the job you want, not by level. CIPD covers HR and people management. CMI and ILM cover leadership and management. CIM covers marketing. AAT covers accounting. learndirect offers regulated qualifications from each of these awarding bodies, from Level 2 entry-level certificates to Level 7 strategic diplomas.
Choose your professional route
Match your career goal to the awarding body that owns that profession.
People & HR – CIPD
CIPD is the chartered body for HR and people development. Level 3 (Foundation Certificate) for HR assistants, Level 5 (Associate Diploma) for HR business partners, Level 7 for senior strategic roles. All accepted by UK employers.
Leadership – CMI & ILM
CMI is Royal Chartered and ILM is part of City & Guilds. Both award management qualifications from Level 3 (Team Leader) to Level 7 (Strategic Management). Choose based on your employer's preferred body.
Marketing & Finance
CIM is the chartered marketer route, with Foundation Certificate (Level 3), Certificate (Level 4), Diploma (Level 6). AAT is the standard route into accountancy, covering Level 2 through Level 4 leading to MAAT status.
All Courses
Explore Business & Professional courses
Filter by level or awarding body. Sort by price. All courses are 100% online and start any day of the year.
Showing 24 of 24 courses
Level 5CIPD L5 People Management
CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management Level 5 covering organisational performance, evidence-based practice, and strategic HR.
Level 5CIPD L5 + HR Leader Bundle
Combined CIPD L5 People Management diploma with a Future-Focused HR Leadership bundle for senior HR practitioners.
Level 3CIPD L3 Foundation
CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice Level 3 covering ethical HR, employee experience, and core people practice skills.
Level 5CIPD Level 5 Diploma – L&D
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational L&D: advance your career and gain Assoc CIPD status.
Level 3CMI Level 3 Management Diploma
Achieve the CMI Level 3 Management Diploma online and build the practical leadership skills employers value.
Level 3CMI Management & Leadership Level 3
Earn the CMI Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Management – the benchmark qualification for first-line managers.
Level 2AAT Level 2, 3 & 4 Accounting Bundle
Complete all three AAT levels in one bundle: Level 2 Certificate, Level 3 and Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounti.
Level 7CMI Level 7 Leadership Coaching & Mentoring
Achieve the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Leadership Coaching & Mentoring and become a strategic-level coach.
Level 2AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting (Q2022). Master bookkeeping, costing and business environment principles online.
Business & Management Degree
ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma pathway leading to a full Business and Management honours degree.
Level 3ILM Level 3 Leadership & Management
Build the leadership skills to manage teams, drive performance, and lead with confidence in any organisation.
Level 2AAT Level 2 & 3 Accounting Bundle
Progress from bookkeeping fundamentals to a full AAT Level 3 Accounting Diploma in one combined online bundle.
Level 5CIPD L5 OL&D + HR Leadership Bundle
CIPD Level 5 OL&D diploma plus strategic HR leadership – one bundle for ambitious people professionals.
Level 5CMI Level 5 Coaching Diploma
Earn the CMI Level 5 Coaching Diploma online. Develop professional coaching skills with a recognised Level 5 RQF award.
Level 2AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
Start your bookkeeping career with the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping (Q2022). Study online, flexible start.
Level 2Business Administration Certificate Level 2
Study business administration online at Level 2 with Gateway Qualifications. Build the skills employers need.
Level 3AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
Study the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting online and advance your career in professional finance and accountancy.
Level 4CIM Level 4 Certificate in Digital Marketing
Earn the CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional & Digital Marketing online and advance your marketing career.
Level 2AAT Bookkeeping Bundle – Levels 2 & 3
Progress from bookkeeping fundamentals to AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping in one combined online bundle.
Level 3CIM Level 3 Digital Marketing
CIM Level 3 Foundation Certificate in Professional & Digital Marketing – study essentials, channels & insights online.
Floristry
Professional floristry skills for those building a career or business in the floral industry.
Management HSC Degree
ATHE Level 4 pathway for those targeting senior management in health and social care settings.
Law Degree Pathway
ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma pathway for a Law degree. Cross-listed from Online Degree Pathways faculty.
Level 2Mental Health First Aid Level 2 Certificate
Nationally recognised Level 2 certificate in mental health first aid and workplace advocacy, awarded by NCFE CACHE.
Free Download
The 2026 Business & Professional Qualifications Guide
A 36-page guide mapping every major business qualification to job roles, salary uplift, and progression routes.
- CIPD, CMI, ILM, AAT, and CIM explained in one place
- Salary uplift data for each qualification (2026 ONS)
- Employer-preference matrix by sector
- How to use the apprenticeship levy to fund your study
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From the Guides
Helpful guides for Business & Professional
Detailed explainers covering qualifications, careers, and progression routes.
CIPD Levels Explained
Foundation Certificate (Level 3), Associate Diploma (Level 5), and Advanced Diploma (Level 7). Find out which CIPD level fits your role.
Read the guide →CMI vs ILM
A direct comparison of the two leading management awarding bodies. Acceptance, cost, content, and employer recognition.
Read the guide →Accounting Career Paths
AAT to ACCA to CIMA. The progression routes in UK accounting and which qualification opens which door.
Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about studying Business & Professional with learndirect.
Are CIPD qualifications recognised by UK employers?
Should I choose CMI or ILM?
How long does a Level 5 CIPD take?
Will my employer fund a CIPD or CMI qualification?
Is AAT enough to become an accountant?
Are these qualifications Ofqual-regulated?
Can I study while working full-time?
Progress your professional career
Speak to an adviser about which qualification fits your role and how to fund your study.
Speak to a Course Advisor
Not sure which course is right for you? Our advisors can walk you through your options, check your funding eligibility, and help you get started.
- Personalised course and pathway guidance
- 100% funded through Student Finance
- Help with your application and enrolment
- No obligation, no pressure
“It's been a great journey so far. I have learnt at my own pace and learndirect have been very supportive all the time.”
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