MQF/EQF Level 4

Advanced Diploma in Business Management

Knights College
Malta
October 2025
Advanced Diploma in Business Management
Mode
Full Time
Delivery
Face to Face & Work-Based Learning
Duration
15 months
Location
Malta
Credits
120 ECTS/ECVET
Language
English
Price Early Submission (EU Students)
€10,795.50
Price Full (EU Students)
€11,995

Up to €8,396.50 refunded via the Get Qualified Scheme on the Full Price for EU Students.

Price International (Non-EU Students)
€13,995

The MQF Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Management equips you with a foundational/intermediate level education in key management principles. This blended programme is designed to develop your understanding of essential business functions and equip you with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.

The programme offers a comprehensive, immersive experience that allows students to integrate classroom learning with real-world work experiences, equipping students with both fundamental business knowledge and practical skills.

The qualification covers a range of subjects such as interpersonal skills, academic English, mathematics, sciences, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, public speaking, marketing, accounting and finance, human resource management and business operations.

The programme empowers students to confidently:

  • Apply core management principles across business settings.
  • Contribute effectively in teams and projects.
  • Develop foundational leadership skills.
  • Use critical thinking for informed decision making.
  • Apply financial knowledge to budgeting, analyse financial statements and conduct financial analysis.

Students will each be assigned a position with one of our apprenticeship programme partners. Each student will also be paired with a dedicated mentor who will provide guidance, support and feedback throughout the entire journey to help them navigate challenges, set goals and maximise their learning and growth.

By graduation, students will be prepared for:

  • Further business studies (degrees)
  • Diverse business careers
  • Entrepreneurial ventures

Pre-tertiary work-based learning provides a solid foundation for students to get a head start on launching their business career and provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable skills, explore career paths and achieve professional growth that ultimately enhances their employability and success in the workforce.

Mode of Assessment

The Advanced Diploma in Business Management adopts a variety of formative and summative individual and group-based assessments to assess learners’ understanding of the learning outcomes. These include examinations, individual and group presentations, in-class quizzes and practical assessments.

Target Audience

The programme is intended for those who are aged between 16-18 and aspire to get a more holistic preparation in setting themselves up for future success on both a personal and professional level by exposing themselves to relevant and topical academic inputs in parallel to a structured yet engaging real-world work environment.

Modules

This course is divided in 3 Semesters and a work-based final Project. Modules placed in each semesters may have an altered sequence from the below. However, the below is the aimed structure of the modules.
Semester 1
Gaining the Fundamental Knowledge Skills
Module
ECTS
Duration
Interpersonal Skills
This module is designed to introduce learners to the basic skills necessary to communicate and collaborate effectively while managing interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Key topics covered in this module include empathy, assertiveness, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and active listening.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Academic English
This module is designed to allow learners to acquire the necessary language skills to communicate effectively. Key topics include academic writing, presentation skills, vocabulary and reading strategies. Learners will learn to communicate their ideas efficiently and effectively through written and oral forms.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Critical Thinking and Public Speaking
This module has been designed to assist students in enhancing their critical thinking and public speaking skills. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of critical thinking in a business environment, particularly in terms of analysing, evaluating and applying information to solve problems and make effective decisions. Additionally, learners will learn how to prepare and deliver presentations effectively and communicate with different types of audiences.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Interdisciplinary Insights
This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the three core disciplines that make up this diploma, allowing them to choose which discipline to specialise in. To enhance the learning experience, students will be introduced to brain mapping tools such as Prism for Teens, which will help them gain a better understanding of themselves and identify their natural strengths, interests and abilities.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Semester 2
Gaining Personal Growth & Transferrable Skills
Module
ECTS
Duration
Entrepreneurship
This module is designed to introduce learners to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, covering business planning, ideation, innovation, risk-taking and adaptability in the entrepreneurial process. By completing this module, learners will gain an understanding of the concepts and skills required to start and run a successful business. They will also have opportunities to develop and enhance their critical thinking, communication skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Mathematics
This module is designed to provide learners with the fundamental mathematical concepts and their relevance in business management. Learners will be equipped with the relevant mathematical skills to enable them to solve problems and carry out effective decision making. Learners will also be encouraged to develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking through the application of basic mathematical techniques.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Fundamentals of Marketing
This module has been thoughtfully designed to provide learners with a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of marketing. The module will explain how these principles are put into practice to promote and sell products and services in different industries. Topics covered include the basics of consumer behavior, branding, advertising, digital marketing and market research.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Semester 3
Business Focus [Theory & Practice]
Module
ECTS
Duration
Fundamentals of HR Management
This module is designed to give an overview of the fundamental principles of human resource management. It aims to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively within teams in a business environment. The module covers various topics, including employee selection and recruitment, employee development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, performance management, and employee motivation.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Fundamentals of Business Operations
This module covers basic business operations concepts and practices, including operations, supply chain and quality management, inventory management, technology, communication and teamwork.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Accounting and Finance
This module is designed to equip learners with a fundamental understanding of accounting principles, financial statements and basic financial analysis. By completing this module, learners will gain essential skills and knowledge to interpret basic financial statements and comprehend the importance of budgeting and cash flow management.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Semester 4
Project development & work-placement
Module
ECTS
Duration
Business Project
This module is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in applying business concepts and principles. During this module, students will be required to work on a real-world business project where they will identify a business problem, conduct research, analyse relevant data and develop a solution. Students will learn how to plan, design and execute a business project effectively.
20
ECTS
112
hours
Module
ECTS
Duration
No modules listed
Module
Total Credits
Core Modules
60
Elective Modules
40
Project
20
Credits to graduate
120 ECTS/ECVET

Awarding &
Accrediting Bodies

Awarding Body
Validating Body
Knights College

Knights College

This qualification is awarded by Knights College.
Accrediting Body
Malta Further and Higher Education Authority

Malta Further and Higher Education Authority

This qualification is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority.

Course Information

No items found.

Entry Requirements

This programme has the below entry requirements

Learners must be in possession of a school leaving certificate and three MATSEC passes, two of which must be in Mathematics and English. Learners must also have an MQF Level 3 Certification in Business Management or a similar subject.

International students need to be in possession of the equivalent. They must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language with an IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent.

All learners must demonstrate a basic level of digital competence, which can be demonstrated through ECDL certification or its equivalent.

Funding Schemes

This course is divided in 3 Semesters and a work-based final Project. Modules placed in each semesters may have an altered sequence from the below. However, the below is the aimed structure of the modules.

Scholarships & Facilitations

Get Qualified Scheme

Get Qualified Scheme

Governed by the Malta Enterprise, this scheme gives the student up to 70% of the total fees paid for the course in tax credits. Get Qualified is an initiative that supports the personal development of individuals for the achievement of qualifications and certifications required by industry.
No items found.

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