MBA Pathway: Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership [Level 7]
Lead with Strategy. Manage with Confidence.
Develop advanced leadership and strategic management skills to operate effectively at senior organisational levels.
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Programme Overview
Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is designed for managers and aspiring leaders who want to develop strategic thinking, leadership capability, and organisational management expertise.
The programme focuses on real-world leadership challenges, enabling learners to make effective strategic decisions in complex business environments.
Key Facts
| Qualification | Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma |
| Credits | 120 |
| Duration | 6–12 Months |
| Study Mode | Online / Blended |
| Awarding Body | Qualifi (UK Regulated) |
| Progression | MBA Top-Up / Level 8 |
This hybrid programme is delivered in two semesters, 8-10 weeks each). To complete the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, students complete 6 core units (90 credits) and 2 optional units (30 credits) over 2 semesters.
| Core Units | Level | Credits UK [ECTS] | |
| 7.1 | Manage Team Performance to Support Strategy | 7 | 15 [7.5] |
| 7.2 | Information Management and Strategic Decision Taking | 7 | 15 [7.5] |
| 7.3 | Leading a Strategic Management Project | 7 | 15 [7.5] |
| 7.4 | Strategic Direction | 7 | 15 [7.5] |
| 7.5 | Strategic Planning | 7 | 15 [7.5] |
| 7.6 | Development as a Strategic Manager | 7 | 15 [7.5] |
| Optional Units | Level | Credit | |
| E.1 | Finance for Managers | 7 | 15 [7.5] |
| E.2 | Strategic Marketing | 7 | 15 [7.5] |
| E.3 | Organisational Change Strategies | 7 | 15 [7.5] |
| E.4 | Human Resource Planning | 7 | 15 [7.5] |
Why Choose This Programme?
- Develop advanced strategic leadership skills
- Understand organisational behaviour and change management
- Improve decision-making at senior level
- Enhance managerial effectiveness
- Flexible learning for working professionals
- Pathway to an MBA Top-Up
What You Will Study
- Strategic Management
- Strategic Leadership
- Organisational Behaviour
- Managing Change
- Financial Decision Making
- Research Methods
Learning Outcomes
- Apply strategic thinking in organisational contexts
- Lead and manage change effectively
- Analyse business performance and financial decisions
- Develop leadership strategies for growth
- Conduct independent research
Entry Requirements
- Level 6 qualification OR
- Bachelor’s degree OR
- Relevant managerial experience
Students need to have completed at least a university degree at undergraduate level (e.g. BA, BSc, etc.) or equivalent. However, those with non-standard qualifications and work experience may qualify. Check our Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
If the medium of instruction was not English in your earlier qualification, students need to provide evidence of English language competence (IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent).
Assessment
- Assignments
- Case studies
- Research projects
No formal examinations.
Career Opportunities
- Senior Manager
- Operations Director
- Business Consultant
- Project Manager
- General Manager
Students completing this programme may find work in the government and private sectors or continue their studies.
MBA degree option: They can also enrol and write a dissertation with one of the partner universities (e.g. Anglia Ruskin University or University of Central Lancashire) to gain an MBA degree. This typically takes up to 4 months, and supervision is provided online.
Alternatively, you can pursue a Doctoral degree.
FAQs
Is this course suitable for non-managers?
Yes, it is suitable for aspiring leaders as well.
Can I progress to an MBA?
Yes, this qualification provides direct MBA Top-Up progression.
Scholarships: Students admitted to this programme can apply for competitive IBS Excellence Scholarships.