Business and technology qualifications, Levels 3-6, in Brussels. Explore qualifications
Portal login
RQF Level 8 · Ofqual-regulated

Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice

180 credits · Typically one year · Fully online · English

Credits180
LevelRQF Level 8
DurationTypically one year
Study modeFully online
Fees€8,500 a year (€12,750 in all, 180 credits) online

Introduction

The Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is a 180-credit qualification designed to develop doctoral-level strategic management, leadership, and professional research capabilities. It comprises eleven units: Developing Strategic Management and Leadership Potential; Managing Strategic Change; Project Development, Planning and Management; Advanced Research Design and Methodologies; Developing Research Capability; Globalisation and Corporate Governance; Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Strategic Human Resource Management; Supply Chain and Operations Management; Strategic Financial Management; and Strategic Marketing.

It is a 180-credit qualification with 1,800 hours of Total Qualification Time, including 900 guided learning hours. Level 8 diplomas are at the same level as a UK doctorate. At Brussels College of Business and Technology (BCBT) it is studied fully online and typically takes one year.

Awarded by the Ofqual-regulated awarding body (RQF Level 8). Provided at BCBT by Brussels College as an approved NCC Education centre (SCH005).

Who it is for

This qualification is designed for experienced professionals who hold a Master's degree or equivalent in a business-related subject and possess at least three years of relevant experience in a senior management role.

Why choose this programme?

Strategic Leadership and Governance

Learners critically evaluate strategic leadership potential, manage organisational change, and address complex issues surrounding globalisation and corporate governance.

Advanced Business Research

Learners develop advanced research designs, build high-level research capabilities, and plan strategic projects linked directly to professional practice.

Operational and Financial Strategy

Learners analyse and apply advanced principles across strategic marketing, financial management, operations, supply chains, human resources, and entrepreneurship.

How you can study

Fully online

100% online, with live online classes and tutorials plus directed self-study, a personal tutor, an online learning platform and digital library access. Open to applicants from any country; you study from home, so no visa is needed. Start dates: ask admissions.

Progression

  • Doctoral research programmes such as a DBA, DProf, or PhD
  • Work in roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Strategy Director, Management Consultant, or Senior Operations Executive

Entry requirements

Your entry profile is likely to include at least one of the following:

  • provide proof of a relevant postgraduate degree
  • hold a Master's degree or equivalent qualification in a business-related subject
  • have a minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience
  • must hold/have held a position at senior management level which is capable of supporting the achievement of the programme learning outcomes, including the professional research project
  • an up-to-date and comprehensive CV
  • submission of a personal statement and
  • centre interview to assess suitability and potential to achieve
  • details of 2 referees or 2 references, one of which should ideally be an academic reference
  • ability to demonstrate appropriate links to the practice the proposed research refers to

English language

  • The programme is taught and assessed in English.
  • If you are not from a majority English-speaking country, you must provide evidence of English language competence.
  • Previous education taught in English may count as evidence; admissions will advise.

Who can apply

  • Fully online: open to applicants from any country; you study from home, so no visa is needed. You need a computer with a stable internet connection, a webcam and a microphone.

How to apply

  1. Apply online at reg.bcbt.be/apply, choosing this programme.
  2. Upload your passport or ID card, certificates and transcripts (translated where needed), English evidence if applicable, a short personal statement and a CV.
  3. Admissions reviews your application and may invite you to a short interview by video call.
  4. Accept your offer, complete enrolment and join your induction before your start date.

Frequently asked questions

When can I start?

Start dates: ask admissions.

No written examinations: every unit is assessed by coursework.

€8,500 a year (€12,750 in all, 180 credits) online. Questions about fees and payment: ask admissions.

Programme structure

You complete 5 mandatory units plus optional units, 180 credits in total.

Units

UnitNameCredits
SMP801Developing Strategic Management and Leadership Potential20
SMP802Managing Strategic Change20
SMP803Project Development, Planning and Management20
SMP804Advanced Research Design and Methodologies40
SMP805Developing Research Capability20
SMP806Globalisation and Corporate Governance20
SMP807Entrepreneurship and Innovation20
SMP808Strategic Human Resource Management20
SMP809Supply Chain and Operations Management20
SMP810Strategic Financial Management20
SMP811Strategic Marketing20
Open a unit for its description and its 16-week course plan, with the topic of every week.

Assessment

Every unit is assessed by coursework, with no written examinations. 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.

Study hours

Learning timeHours
Guided learning (live classes, tutorials and supervised study)900
Directed self-study, reading and coursework900
Total Qualification Time1,800

Unit titles, credits and hours are set by the awarding organisation and may be updated.

Apply Now

Key Facts
  • Qualification: Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
  • Level: RQF Level 8 (Ofqual-regulated)
  • Awarded by: the Ofqual-regulated awarding body
  • Provided by: Brussels College, as an approved NCC Education centre (SCH005); studied with BCBT
  • Credits: 180
  • Total Qualification Time: 1,800 hours
  • Guided learning: 900 hours
  • Duration: typically one year
  • Units: 11 (5 mandatory, the rest optional)
  • Assessment: coursework, no written examinations
  • Grading: Pass / Fail
  • Language: English
  • Study mode: Fully online
  • Minimum age: 18
  • Fees: €8,500 a year (€12,750 in all, 180 credits) online
Ask admissions

Fees: €8,500 a year (€12,750 in all, 180 credits) online. Our admissions team can answer your questions and help you check your entry requirements.

Ask admissions
Ofqual-regulated diplomas
Scroll