Free Level 3 Management and Leadership Course. Study online. You can work through the course at your own pace, which makes it practical if you're balancing work, family, or other commitments. It covers how to supervise and manage a team, set goals and objectives, and provide clear direction and guidance. The course takes around one year to complete. You'll need Level 2 English and maths (GCSE grade 4 or above, or equivalent) to join. It leads to the CMI Diploma in Principles of Management and Leadership, a management and leadership qualification that carries real weight with employers.
Who this course is for
This qualification is aimed at practising or aspiring managers who will supervise or manage a team to achieve clearly defined outcomes. It will teach you how to set and monitor goals and objectives by providing instruction, direction, and guidance.
Entry requirements
Good Literacy and Numeracy Skills, Strong skills in English and basic mathematics (Level 2 (GCSE level 4 or above) or equivalent) are required to effectively engage with course materials and assessments.
What you will learn
You'll learn how to supervise and manage a team to achieve defined goals.
You'll develop skills in setting, monitoring, and reviewing objectives.
You'll practise giving clear instruction, direction, and guidance to others.
You'll build your understanding of management principles and leadership approaches.
You'll explore how to support team performance and address challenges.
You'll gain knowledge relevant to a range of team leader and first-line management roles.
How you will learn
You'll study online and complete assessments set by CMI. Assessment is based on written assignments and work-based tasks that test your understanding of management and leadership principles. You'll have an initial assessment before you start so the course can be matched to the right level for you.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Leeds City College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Team Leader: supervise a team and manage day-to-day performance
Section Manager: oversee a department or operational area
Shift Supervisor: lead staff across a shift in retail, logistics, or hospitality
Office Manager: manage admin teams and coordinate business operations
Operations Coordinator: support delivery of projects and team workflows
First-Line Manager: manage frontline staff in public or private sector roles
What you could study next
CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership: the next step if you want to move into middle management or take on broader strategic responsibility.
Level 3 or Level 5 CIPD Qualification in People Management: worth considering if your management role involves HR, recruitment, or workforce planning.
Chartered Manager status (CMI): available to CMI members who build on their Diploma with experience and further development.
