ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Project Management
The ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Project Management is a comprehensive programme designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and practical expertise needed to excel in the dynamic field of project leadership. Structured over two years and carrying 240 credits, this diploma blends theory with applied learning, making it suitable for both freshers eager to establish their careers and professionals looking to advance into management or specialist roles.
Project management is a vital skill across industries, from construction and engineering to technology, healthcare, and finance. Through this diploma, learners will develop a strong foundation in planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation, while also strengthening leadership, problem-solving, and communication abilities. The programme focuses on real-world application, preparing learners to handle complex projects, meet deadlines, manage resources, and lead diverse teams effectively.
By completing this diploma, learners gain a recognised qualification that enhances their employability and opens doors to global career opportunities. It also provides a pathway for further academic progression in higher-level qualifications. Key benefits of the programme include improved strategic thinking, professional credibility, and the ability to deliver successful projects in today’s competitive markets.
Whether you are starting your journey in project management or aiming to enhance your professional profile, this diploma offers the flexibility, relevance, and career impact needed to thrive in an evolving international landscape.
Course overview
Level 5 International Diploma in Project Management
To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Project Management, learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Project Management, consists of 24 mandatory units.
Year 1 – Foundation and Core Principles
- Principles of Project Management
- Organisational Structures and Business Environments
- Project Planning and Scheduling Techniques
- Leadership and Team Management
- Fundamentals of Risk Assessment and Control
- Introduction to Financial and Cost Management
- Project Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Quality Management in Projects
- Introduction to Procurement and Contract Management
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in Projects
- Project Documentation and Reporting Skills
- Professional and Ethical Practice in Project Management
Year 2 – Advanced Applications and Strategic Management
- Advanced Project Risk and Issue Management
- Strategic Project Leadership and Governance
- Agile, Lean, and Hybrid Project Methodologies
- Advanced Project Finance and Budget Control
- Human Resource and Talent Management in Projects
- Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Performance Metrics
- International Project Management and Cross-Cultural Challenges
- Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility in Projects
- Innovation and Change Management in Project Environments
- Information Systems and Digital Tools for Project Managers
- Research Methods in Project Management
- Capstone Project / Applied Project Management Practice
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Project Management:
Year 1 – Foundation and Core Principles
Principles of Project Management
- Understand fundamental concepts, principles, and life cycles of project management.
- Apply project management methodologies to simple case studies.
- Identify key roles and responsibilities of project stakeholders.
- Demonstrate knowledge of project objectives, constraints, and success factors.
Organisational Structures and Business Environments
- Analyse different organisational structures and their impact on project management.
- Evaluate the influence of business environments on project outcomes.
- Explain how organisational culture affects project success.
- Apply knowledge of governance frameworks in project settings.
Project Planning and Scheduling Techniques
- Develop project work breakdown structures (WBS) and Gantt charts.
- Apply scheduling tools to allocate resources and set timelines.
- Identify critical paths and manage project dependencies.
- Demonstrate effective use of project planning software.
Leadership and Team Management
- Apply leadership theories to motivate and guide project teams.
- Analyse group dynamics and conflict resolution strategies.
- Demonstrate effective delegation, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Develop communication strategies for diverse and remote teams.
Fundamentals of Risk Assessment and Control
- Identify common risks in project environments.
- Assess risk probability and impact using standard frameworks.
- Apply risk mitigation and control strategies.
- Evaluate monitoring processes for ongoing risk management.
Introduction to Financial and Cost Management
- Understand financial principles relevant to project management.
- Prepare basic cost estimates and project budgets.
- Analyse financial risks and apply cost control measures.
- Interpret financial reports to support decision-making.
Project Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies.
- Apply communication models to ensure project transparency.
- Manage project reporting for different stakeholder groups.
- Demonstrate effective presentation and negotiation skills.
Quality Management in Projects
- Understand principles of quality assurance and control.
- Apply tools such as Six Sigma and Total Quality Management.
- Evaluate quality standards in relation to project objectives.
- Monitor and report on quality compliance throughout a project.
Introduction to Procurement and Contract Management
- Understand procurement processes and supply chain integration.
- Apply basic contract management principles.
- Evaluate vendor selection and performance criteria.
- Analyse risks associated with procurement and contracting.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in Projects
- Apply structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Evaluate decision-making models and frameworks.
- Develop critical thinking skills for complex project scenarios.
- Use data and evidence-based approaches to support decisions.
Project Documentation and Reporting Skills
- Understand the importance of accurate project documentation.
- Prepare project reports using industry-standard formats.
- Apply documentation tools for version control and updates.
- Demonstrate clarity and professionalism in project records.
Professional and Ethical Practice in Project Management
- Understand professional codes of conduct in project management.
- Analyse ethical issues and dilemmas in project scenarios.
- Apply ethical frameworks to decision-making.
- Demonstrate accountability, transparency, and integrity in practice.
Year 2 – Advanced Applications and Strategic Management
Advanced Project Risk and Issue Management
- Apply advanced tools for identifying and managing project risks.
- Differentiate between risks and issues in project environments.
- Develop risk response strategies for complex projects.
- Monitor and evaluate risk performance against benchmarks.
Strategic Project Leadership and Governance
- Analyse governance structures that support strategic projects.
- Apply advanced leadership approaches to complex project environments.
- Align project objectives with organisational strategy.
- Demonstrate decision-making at executive and strategic levels.
Agile, Lean, and Hybrid Project Methodologies
- Understand the principles of Agile, Lean, and Hybrid approaches.
- Apply Agile tools such as Scrum and Kanban to case studies.
- Compare and contrast predictive and adaptive methodologies.
- Evaluate the suitability of hybrid models for different industries.
Advanced Project Finance and Budget Control
- Apply advanced budgeting and forecasting techniques.
- Evaluate financial risks in large-scale projects.
- Demonstrate knowledge of earned value management (EVM).
- Develop financial strategies for cost optimisation.
Human Resource and Talent Management in Projects
- Analyse workforce planning and talent allocation strategies.
- Apply motivational theories to enhance team performance.
- Manage cultural diversity and inclusion in project teams.
- Develop strategies for training, mentoring, and retention.
Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Performance Metrics
- Understand key performance indicators (KPIs) for projects.
- Apply evaluation frameworks to assess project outcomes.
- Use project management software for monitoring progress.
- Analyse performance data to recommend improvements.
International Project Management and Cross-Cultural Challenges
- Evaluate challenges of managing projects across borders.
- Analyse the role of culture in communication and negotiation.
- Apply cross-cultural management strategies.
- Develop approaches for managing global and virtual teams.
Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility in Projects
- Understand sustainability principles in project design.
- Apply CSR frameworks to project planning and execution.
- Evaluate the environmental and social impact of projects.
- Develop sustainability reports aligned with global standards.
Innovation and Change Management in Project Environments
- Analyse drivers of innovation in project management.
- Apply change management models such as Kotter’s and ADKAR.
- Evaluate resistance to change and strategies to overcome it.
- Develop innovation strategies to improve project outcomes.
Information Systems and Digital Tools for Project Managers
- Understand the role of digital tools in project integration.
- Apply project management software for planning and control.
- Analyse the impact of AI, automation, and data analytics.
- Evaluate emerging technologies for project efficiency.
Research Methods in Project Management
- Understand qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Apply data collection and analysis techniques.
- Evaluate sources and interpret research findings.
- Develop academic writing and referencing skills for research.
Capstone Project / Applied Project Management Practice
- Apply theoretical knowledge to a real-world project scenario.
- Demonstrate independent planning, execution, and reporting skills.
- Integrate project management tools, frameworks, and methods.
- Present findings and recommendations in a professional format.
Learners completing the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Project Management can progress towards advanced opportunities in both education and employment. This qualification equips learners with transferable skills and recognised industry knowledge, creating multiple pathways for professional growth.
1. Higher-Level Diplomas and Professional Qualifications
- Progression to Level 6 Diplomas in Project Management, Business Management, or Leadership.
- Enrolment in professional certifications such as:
- PRINCE2 Practitioner
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)
- AgilePM or Scrum Master certifications
2. Career Development Opportunities
- Transition into supervisory and management roles across industries such as construction, IT, engineering, healthcare, logistics, and finance.
- Opportunities to work as:
- Project Coordinator
- Assistant Project Manager
- Risk and Compliance Officer
- Project Analyst
- PMO (Project Management Office) Support Officer
3. Pathways to Specialisation
- Specialise in areas such as:
- Risk Management
- Quality Assurance
- Procurement and Contract Management
- Agile and Lean Project Practices
- Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility in Projects
4. Professional Recognition and Networking
- Eligibility to join professional bodies and associations such as:
- Association for Project Management (APM)
- Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Opportunities to build global networks, enhancing employability in international markets.
5. Entrepreneurial and Consultancy Pathways
- Apply project management skills to establish small businesses or consultancy services.
- Support organisations in project planning, execution, and risk control as an independent consultant.
Approved centres offering the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Project Management must ensure robust systems, qualified staff, and learner-focused facilities to maintain high-quality delivery and compliance with ICTQual AB standards.
1. Staffing and Academic Competence
- Trainers/Assessors:
- Must hold at least a Level 6 qualification (or equivalent) in project management, business, or a closely related discipline.
- Should have a minimum of three years’ industry experience in managing or leading projects.
- Must be trained in assessment practices and hold (or be working towards) an assessor qualification.
- Internal Quality Assurers (IQA):
- Must be competent and experienced in quality assurance practices.
- Responsible for monitoring assessments, ensuring consistency, and supporting assessors.
- Professional Development:
- Centres must provide CPD opportunities for trainers to remain current with industry trends, project methodologies (e.g., Agile, PRINCE2), and educational best practice.
2. Learning Resources and Infrastructure
- Physical Facilities:
- Well-equipped classrooms with audio-visual teaching aids.
- Access to breakout rooms for group activities, workshops, and case discussions.
- Digital Facilities:
- A reliable Learning Management System (LMS) to support blended and online learning.
- Access to project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Trello, or equivalent).
- Learning Materials:
- Approved course handbooks, study guides, and assessment briefs.
- A digital or physical library with books, journals, and access to academic databases.
- Case studies and industry reports to enhance applied learning.
3. Assessment and Quality Assurance Systems
- Assessment:
- Clear guidance on assignment briefs, submission deadlines, and marking criteria.
- Use of practical, scenario-based assessments to reflect real-world project environments.
- Internal Quality Assurance (IQA):
- Regular sampling of assessed work to ensure fairness and validity.
- Standardisation meetings to align assessment practices across trainers.
- External Verification:
- Full cooperation with ICTQual AB-appointed external verifiers during reviews.
- Centres must act on recommendations for continuous improvement.
4. Learner Support and Welfare
- Academic Support:
- Access to academic advisors for study guidance.
- Tutorials, workshops, and revision sessions to support learning.
- Pastoral Support:
- Counselling services for learner well-being where available.
- Career guidance and employability workshops to prepare learners for future progression.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility:
- Centres must ensure compliance with equality and inclusion policies.
- Reasonable adjustments must be made for learners with special educational needs or disabilities.
5. Administrative and Operational Requirements
- Admissions and Enrolment:
- Clear entry requirements and transparent admissions process.
- Accurate learner registration with ICTQual AB within specified timelines.
- Record-Keeping:
- Secure maintenance of learner records, assessment outcomes, and progression data.
- Compliance with data protection and confidentiality standards.
- Policies and Procedures:
- Centres must have policies on plagiarism, appeals, complaints, and learner conduct.
- Clear communication of these policies to learners at induction.
6. Health, Safety, and Compliance
- Centres must provide a safe and secure learning environment, compliant with local health and safety regulations.
- Emergency procedures (fire safety, first aid) should be in place and clearly communicated.
- Regular risk assessments should be conducted for both physical and online delivery environments.
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This route is ideal for learners who are new to Project Management and do not have prior work experience. The process is as follows:
- Admission: Learners enrol through an ICTQual Approved Training Centre, where entry requirements (minimum age 19, education background, and language proficiency) are verified, and an induction introduces them to programme expectations and study resources.
- Training: Over two years, learners complete 24 study units worth 240 credits, delivered through classroom teaching, case studies, group projects, online learning, and practical workshops to build both theoretical knowledge and workplace readiness.
- Assessment: Learners demonstrate competence through assignments, projects, and scenario-based tasks, compiling a portfolio of evidence while receiving regular feedback to track progress and enhance performance.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of all units and assessments, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Project Management, gaining formal recognition to support employability and career progression.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
For learners who already have relevant professional experience in Project Management, the following route is available:
- Eligibility: Learners must provide evidence of at least five years of verified professional experience in project management or related fields, supported by relevant documentation and professional references.
- Assessment of Competence: Instead of completing the full training programme, candidates undergo a structured evaluation to confirm that their knowledge, skills, and experience align with the learning outcomes of the qualification.
- Evidence Submission: Learners compile a portfolio of professional evidence such as project records, reports, and role descriptions, with additional documents (e.g., charters, stakeholder reports) provided if required for verification.
- Knowledge and Understanding: Centres verify that candidates are familiar with all qualification outcomes, conducting gap analyses and providing short bridging modules where necessary to ensure full coverage.
- Certification: Once competence and knowledge are successfully verified, candidates are directly awarded the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Project Management, formally recognising both professional expertise and academic achievement.
This flexible approach ensures that both new learners and experienced professionals can achieve internationally recognised certification, either through structured learning or formal recognition of existing competence.