Approved centres are responsible for reviewing and making decisions as to an applicant’s ability to complete the learning programme successfully and meet the demands of the qualification. The initial assessment by the centre will need to consider the support that is readily available or can be made available to meet individual learner needs as appropriate.

The qualification has been designed to be accessible without artificial barriers that restrict access. For this qualification, applicants must be aged 19 years or over.

Learners are expected to hold the following:

• Level 5 qualification or:
• appropriate work experience in the business sector and demonstrate ambition with clear career goals.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate enrolment to UK higher education postgraduate programmes where applicable. The applicants are normally required to produce two supporting references, at least one of which should preferably be academic.

In certain circumstances, applicants with considerable experience but no formal qualifications may be considered, subject to interview and being able to demonstrate their ability to cope with the demands of the qualification.