CMI Emerging Leadership

The applications are now closed, if you’d like to be added to the waiting list for September 2026, please email e-learning@cdn.ac.uk

Are you a practising or aspiring manager and leader looking to enhance your leadership skills and knowledge? Do you want to earn a recognised qualification that will boost your career prospects and confidence? If so, the Emerging Leadership Programme is for you.

Course Dates (all sessions online, 1000 – 1200)

Please note that the dates below are provisional.

Course overview

The Emerging Leadership Programme is a blended learning course designed to equip you with the core principles and practices of leadership and management. You will learn how to lead effectively, ethically, and empower your team to succeed. You’ll also develop the skills to monitor and improve team performance while gaining valuable insights into your own strengths and areas for development.

The certificate consists of two units:

• Principles of Leadership Practice

• Principles of Managing and Leading Individuals and Teams

Each unit requires 30 and 25 guided learning hours, respectively, plus self-directed study and assessment.

Entry requirements

Ideally, applicants will have some leadership experience or be in a management and leadership role. We also welcome applicants identified by their organisation as aspiring managers or leaders, provided they have their organisation’s support and opportunities to apply their learning.

Course delivery

This blended learning programme involves 11 online workshops (2 hours each) over 6 months, complemented by guided and self-directed learning. The workshops combine tutor-led input, practical activities, peer learning, and reflective practice.

Assessment

The course is based on the CMI Level 5 RQF (Level 8 SCQF) Certificate in Management and Leadership, awarded upon successful completion of the course and two written assignments. The CMI grading system is ‘Pass/Refer,’ and if you do not pass on your first attempt, you’ll receive developmental feedback and can resubmit for a final assessment.

Progression opportunities

Upon successful completion, participants can progress to further qualifications within this level or, where appropriate, to higher-level qualifications such as the Strategic Leadership programme offered by CDN.

CMI Membership

Participants will receive free Affiliate membership to the CMI until the completion of their studies. Member benefits can be found here.

Fees

• College Staff: £565 (incl. VAT)

• External Participants: £665 (incl. VAT)

This includes CMI registration and assessment administration fees.

Applying for the course

You must have the support of your Line Manager or an authorised person at your organisation before applying.

The applications are now closed, if you’d like to be added to the waiting list for September 2026, please email e-learning@cdn.ac.uk

Questions?

If you have any queries, please email e-learning@cdn.ac.uk

Laura Young, North East Scotland College,  Emerging Leaders Graduate shares her experience:

A very positive experience for me, both personally and professionally. If you’re considering the course, do it—you won’t regret it!

Gordon Manson, Forth Valley College, Emerging Leaders Graduate shares his experience:

Thank you for your support and guidance over the last few months. I’ve really enjoyed the course, and it has positively impacted my practice.