RQF Level 7 · Ofqual-regulated
Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership
120 credits · Typically one year · Fully online · English
120 credits · Typically one year · Fully online · English
The Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is for managers who have the authority and personal attributes to turn organisational strategy into effective operational performance. It develops high-level strategic management and leadership capability, with a clear work-related emphasis on practical skills alongside theory.
It is a 120-credit qualification with 1,200 hours of Total Qualification Time, including 600 guided learning hours. Level 7 diplomas on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) are at the same level as a master's degree, but shorter: to complete a full master's or MBA you go on to a 60-credit dissertation stage with a university. At Brussels College of Business and Technology (BCBT) it is studied fully online and typically takes one year.
Awarded by a UK awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual (RQF Level 7). Offered by BCBT through our approved affiliated partners.
Graduates and experienced managers aged 21 or over who want to move into, or grow in, senior management, or to work towards an MBA.
A regulated RQF Level 7 diploma worth 120 credits.
Continue to an MBA top-up with advanced standing, subject to each university's own entry requirements.
Add two optional units from finance, supply chain, entrepreneurship, governance, change and marketing.
Work-related coursework applies strategy, leadership, HR and research methods to real organisations.
To enrol on this diploma:
Start dates: ask admissions.
No written examinations: every unit is assessed by coursework.
Fees on request — ask admissions.
You complete 120 credits: four mandatory units (80 credits) plus two optional units (40 credits) chosen from six. Ask admissions about the optional units available for your start date.
| Unit | What you study | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Management | Strategic and change management models, reviewing plans, proposing options and planning implementation. | 20 |
| Strategic Leadership | The principles and practice of leadership, and leading innovation and improvement. | 20 |
| Strategic Human Resource Management | How strategic HRM supports organisational objectives in different contexts. | 20 |
| Advanced Business Research Methods | Designing a research proposal, and the philosophy, practice and ethics of business research. | 20 |
| Unit | What you study | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Financial Management | Management accounting techniques, budgeting, funding sources and investment appraisal. | 20 |
| Supply Chain and Operations Management | Supply chain and operations models, processes, planning and control. | 20 |
| Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Enterprise and entrepreneurship processes and strategies in global contexts. | 20 |
| Globalisation and Corporate Governance | How legislation, ethics and global integration shape governance and decisions. | 20 |
| Strategic Change Management | Classic and contemporary change theories and models, and the role of change agents. | 20 |
| Strategic Marketing | Strategic marketing concepts and methods, from product and pricing to distribution and relationships. | 20 |
Every unit is assessed by coursework, with no written examinations. Each unit is assessed by a written coursework assignment (around 4,500 words), and Advanced Business Research Methods by a research proposal (around 2,500 words). Units are graded Pass or Fail: you pass a unit by meeting all of its assessment criteria, with feedback and support before any reassessment. Assessment is externally verified by the awarding organisation.
| Learning time | Hours |
|---|---|
| Guided learning (live classes, tutorials and supervised study) | 600 |
| Directed self-study, reading and coursework | 600 |
| Total Qualification Time | 1,200 |
Unit titles, credits and hours are set by the awarding organisation and may be updated.
Fees on request — ask admissions. Start dates: ask admissions. Our admissions team can also help you check your entry requirements.
Ask admissions