ILM offers a broad and flexible portfolio of qualifications that deliver key skills where they are needed most – directly in the workplace. Because we understand that every organisation is different, our qualifications are designed to provide maximum choice by enabling individuals and employers to select the subject, level, size and type of programme to suit their specific development needs.
Choice of subject
ILM offers the widest range of leadership and management qualifications available in the UK. Our portfolio covers eight broad subject areas:
- Management
- Leadership
- Leadership and management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Enterprise and business start-up
- Social enterprise
- Managing volunteers
- Personnel management
Choice of topics and size
ILM’s pioneering unitised qualification structure brings unprecedented levels of flexibility within specific topics. Each ILM VRQ (see qualification types below) is made up of mandatory units – comprising the core topics of a particular subject – plus a choice of optional units that cover a range of general and specialist topics. This inbuilt flexibility allows qualifications to be tailored to meet the exact learning requirements of organisations of all shapes, sizes and sectors.
ILM’s unitised qualifications come in three different sizes:
- Awards –concise qualifications covering the basic knowledge and skills in the subject
- Certificates – for those wanting a more comprehensive programme in their chosen subject
- Diplomas – for those looking to gain the complete range of skills, knowledge and understanding in their subject
The awards, certificates and diplomas at each level are nested to encourage progression. This means credits gained in the smaller sized qualification can be carried forward in to the larger, enabling individuals to progress their learning without repetition.
Choice of level
ILM qualifications are available at Levels 2 to 7 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework, meaning they cater for all levels of expertise and experience. As leaders and managers seek to develop new responsibilities and progress in their careers, they can be sure ILM offers a qualification to consolidate their experience and deliver the skills they need to progress. For example an aspiring or newly appointed team leader could take an ILM Level 2 Award or Certificate in Team Leading, while a senior manager would be more suited to an ILM Level 7 Award, Certificate or Diploma in Executive Management.
Qualification types
ILM qualifications fall into four main types:
- Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs) – these form the bulk of ILM’s qualification portfolio. Made up of units which combine to form Awards, Certificates and Diplomas, VRQs are the most popular type of qualification because they are nationally recognised, flexible and offer great routes for progression
- Scottish/National Vocational Qualifications (S/NVQs) – these qualifications are also nationally recognised and linked to occupational standards. They are achieved entirely through demonstrating existing competence. So for learners seeking to enhance their knowledge VRQs may offer the best route for progression
- International Management Qualifications (IMQs) – are specially developed qualifications for managers and leaders studying abroad
- Customised qualifications – ILM works with large organisations to develop specific VRQ units to suit their needs – the ultimate in bespoke qualification provision