SCQF Level 11 Professional Diploma in Business Administration

Programme Overview

The Professional Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) is a prestigious SCQF Level 11 qualification designed for ambitious professionals seeking to elevate their careers to senior managerial and leadership positions. This 120-credit programme provides a comprehensive and critical understanding of core business functions, strategic management, and leadership, equipping you to navigate the complexities of the modern business world.

Ideal for those with an existing degree or significant professional experience, the PDBA goes beyond traditional management education. It fosters the development of critical thinking, independent research skills, and ethical leadership, enabling you to apply advanced knowledge systematically and creatively to complex business challenges. This programme serves as a powerful catalyst for career advancement, personal development, and lifelong learning.

The programme is listed on the SCQF data base and can be found at https://scqf.org.uk/about-the-framework/scqf-database/ Just type in London Examinations Board under “Owner of Qualification” and you will find details there.

• Professional Diploma in Business Administration – Sample Certificate
• Professional Diploma in Business Administration – Sample Transcript

London Examinations Board Qualification listed on the SCQF Framework.

 

Programme Aims

The Professional Diploma in Business Administration is designed to:

• Enable the advanced study of organisations, their management, and the changing external context in which they operate.

• Equip individuals for a career in business and management by developing professional-level skills for senior managerial and leadership positions.

• Develop the ability to apply knowledge and understanding of business and management to complex issues, both systematically and creatively, to improve business leadership and practice.

• Enhance lifelong learning and personal development, enabling you to work with self-direction and originality and contribute to business and society at large.

Programme Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the programme, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of management theories, current issues, and the development of conceptual frameworks to guide their application within organisations.

• Acquire a strong foundation in key functional areas of business management to succeed as effective managers and leaders in an increasingly complex and dynamic environment.

• Acquire and use a range of concepts, tools, and techniques for problem-solving and decision-making when analysing complex and inter-related business scenarios.

• Demonstrate and apply independent research and critical skills enabling the investigation and evaluation of valid and relevant management issues and practices.

• Demonstrate initiative, insight, attitudes of responsibility, and ethical leadership in the development of the strategic management agenda in the organisation they work in or expect to work in the future.

Programme & Curriculum Structure

The PDBA is a 120-credit programme comprised of 8 Common Core Modules, each carrying 15 credits at SCQF Level 11. All students begin with an online induction workshop to familiarise themselves with the e-learning portal and academic expectations.

Programme Modules

Entry Requirements

An applicant may be admitted based on evidence to suggest they will be able to fulfil and benefit from the objectives of the programme. Criteria include language proficiency, working experience, and academic/professional qualifications.

• Academic Qualification: A Bachelor’s Degree qualification in any subject from an institution recognised by LEB.

• Professional Qualification: A professional qualification equivalent to a degree with a minimum of two years of working experience.

• Mature Entry (without a degree):

  • Hold a Diploma or Advanced Diploma with more than six years of work experience, of which at least two years are at a supervisory/managerial level.

  • Without a Diploma qualification but with more than eight years of work experience, of which at least three years are at a supervisory/managerial level.

• English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English to participate in the programme, which is taught in English.

• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL): Consideration may be given for prior certificated or experiential learning. Students with exemptions from 6 modules may complete the remaining 2 modules within 4 months.

Mode of Delivery

The programme is delivered through two flexible modes, designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals:

1. Blended Learning (Mode A):

   • Combines 8 hours of face-to-face lectures per module with self-study using Online Learning Resources and online interactions with the Module Leader.

2. Fully Online (Mode B):

   • Offers 8 hours of asynchronous classes per module. Support is provided by a Programme Tutor to answer questions and queries. Learning is supported by pre-recorded video lectures and self-study using Online Learning Resources.

Assessment & Grading

Assessment is designed to evaluate your ability to apply advanced knowledge to real-world business challenges and to conduct independent research.

• Assessment Method: Each module is assessed through a single comprehensive Management Report.

• Assignment Length: Each report is 3,000 words (with a tolerance of ±10%, allowing for submissions between 2,700 and 3,300 words).

• Report Structure: Reports must follow a prescribed format and use the Harvard Referencing System. The word count applies to the main body of the report (from introduction to the end of the recommendations), excluding the executive summary, contents, diagrams, tables, references, and appendices.

Grading Structure

Programme Duration

The programme offers two study pathways to accommodate different schedules:

• Full Programme (8 Modules):

  • Minimum Duration: 6 months

  • Maximum Duration: 12 months

• With Exemptions through APL Process (2 Modules):

  • This option is for students who are exempted from 6 taught modules and are only undertaking the remaining 2 modules.

  • Minimum Duration: 2 months

  • Maximum Duration: 4 months

The Board of Examiners has the right to terminate any student who does not successfully complete all requirements within the maximum duration unless prior extensions have been granted.

Ready to Advance to Senior Leadership?

This programme offers a transformative experience to develop the strategic, analytical, and leadership capabilities required for executive roles. Enrol today and take the next step in your professional journey.

Pricing: £1,500