Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The completed qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with a total of 120 credits.

Assessment for the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed and quality assured in accordance with OTHM requirements to ensure that the qualification is delivered and assessed against the required standards.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all four mandatory units and two optional units, making a total of six completed units.

Core Study Units

Mandatory Units

• Strategic Management
• Strategic Leadership
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Advanced Business Research Methods

Optional Units – Choose 2

• Strategic Financial Management
• Supply Chain and Operations Management
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Globalisation and Corporate Governance
• Strategic Change Management
• Strategic Marketing

Who Is This Qualification For?

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is designed for experienced professionals who want to develop advanced strategic management, leadership and organisational decision-making capabilities. OTHM states that the qualification is particularly suitable for mature learners with an academic or industry background and has a clear work-related emphasis, combining theoretical understanding with practical skills development.

• Senior managers and business leaders seeking to strengthen strategic leadership, organisational performance and long-term decision-making capabilities.
• Department heads and functional managers responsible for translating corporate strategy into operational objectives and measurable business performance.
• Experienced management professionals preparing to take on greater strategic responsibility within private, public or third-sector organisations.
• Strategic planning professionals who need stronger skills in market analysis, strategic options appraisal, implementation planning and performance monitoring.
• Business owners and entrepreneurs seeking advanced knowledge of strategic growth, innovation, organisational development and competitive positioning.
• Human resource and people-management professionals interested in aligning workforce strategy with wider organisational objectives.
• Operations and supply chain managers who require strategic approaches to operational effectiveness, resource management and organisational performance.
• Marketing and commercial managers seeking to connect market intelligence, competitive analysis and strategic marketing with business objectives.
• Professionals involved in organisational change who need advanced understanding of change management, leadership and implementation.
• Professionals planning further postgraduate study, particularly those considering progression towards an MBA or related master's-level study, subject to the receiving university's requirements.

Overall, this qualification is most appropriate for a manager or experienced professional who already operates, or intends to operate, at strategic level and wants to strengthen the ability to analyse complex business environments, formulate strategy, lead organisational change and convert strategic objectives into effective organisational performance.

Career Opportunities

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership prepares learners for senior and strategic management and leadership roles across a wide range of industries. The qualification develops advanced expertise in strategic planning, leadership, organisational performance, business analysis, change management, and corporate decision-making, enabling graduates to formulate effective strategies, lead organisational development, manage complex business challenges, and support sustainable organisational growth in both national and international organisations. It is highly relevant to sectors such as business services, finance, consulting, retail, manufacturing, construction, technology, healthcare, education, logistics, hospitality, government, and the wider corporate sector.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership provides learners with a strong foundation for career advancement into senior management, strategic leadership, and organisational development roles. The qualification supports progression across industries such as finance, consulting, construction, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, education, logistics, hospitality, retail, and public sector organisations, where advanced strategic management and leadership expertise are highly valued.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant postgraduate qualifications, including a Master's degree or MBA, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution, or pursue specialist professional development programmes in strategic management, leadership, business strategy, organisational change, corporate governance, human resource management, and business development. The Level 7 qualification also supports lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD).

Professionally, this diploma can support progression into roles such as Strategic Manager, Business Strategy Manager, Senior Operations Manager, Management Consultant, Strategic HR Manager, Business Development Manager, Change Manager, Strategy Analyst, and Senior Business Manager. The advanced knowledge and leadership capabilities developed through this qualification enable learners to contribute to strategic planning, organisational transformation, performance improvement, informed decision-making, and sustainable business development across UK and international organisations.