Qualification Structure

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

Assessment for the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with Qualifi assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that learners demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and application of strategic management and leadership principles.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all six mandatory units and select and successfully complete two optional units.

Core Study Units

Mandatory Units

Unit 1: Manage Team Performance to Support Strategy

Learning Outcomes:

• Set performance targets for teams to meet strategic objectives.
• Agree team performance targets that contribute to achieving strategic objectives.
• Monitor actions and activities designed to improve team performance.
• Apply influencing skills to respond effectively to the dynamics and politics of personal interactions.

Unit 2: Information Management and Strategic Decision Taking

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the importance of management information in strategic decision-making.
• Understand the importance of information sharing within an organisation.
• Use information to support strategic decision-making.
• Monitor and review management information.

Unit 3: Leading a Strategic Management Project

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify and justify a strategic investigative project.
• Conduct research using different data sources and synthesise data and options.
• Draw conclusions and make recommendations that achieve the project aim.
• Develop and review the results of the investigative project.

Unit 4: Strategic Direction

Learning Outcomes:

• Review and determine the organisation’s strategic aims and objectives.
• Evaluate progress towards achieving organisational strategic aims and objectives.
• Determine and evaluate strategic options to support a new strategic position.

Unit 5: Strategic Planning

Learning Outcomes:

• Conceive and analyse strategic options.
• Formulate a strategic plan.
• Implement, evaluate, monitor and review the strategic plan.

Unit 6: Development as a Strategic Manager

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify personal skills required to achieve strategic ambitions.
• Manage personal leadership development to support the achievement of strategic ambitions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the leadership development plan.
• Advocate an employee welfare environment that supports organisational values.

Optional Units - 2 Units

Unit 7: Finance for Managers

Learning Outcomes:

• Analyse financial information and data.
• Assess budgets and their ability to support organisational objectives.
• Evaluate financial proposals for expenditure provided by others.

Unit 8: Strategic Marketing

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the relationship between the marketing plan and strategic objectives.
• Produce a strategic marketing plan.
• Promote the marketing plan in support of strategic objectives.

Unit 9: Organisational Change Strategies

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how to apply solutions to organisational change.
• Understand how to develop a change strategy using implementation models.
• Analyse an organisational response to change.
• Understand how to evaluate the impact of change strategies.

Unit 10: Human Resource Planning

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how the HR plan supports strategic objectives.
• Understand the legal and organisational frameworks for the employment of staff.
• Understand the effect of the organisational environment on employees.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is designed for experienced professionals and aspiring senior managers who want to develop advanced knowledge and practical capability in strategic management, leadership and organisational decision-making. The qualification is particularly relevant to UK and international learners seeking a structured RQF Level 7 programme focused on the complexities of leading organisations and managing strategic change.

It is suitable for:

• Senior managers and strategic leaders seeking to strengthen their ability to formulate strategy, lead teams and make complex organisational decisions.
• Middle and aspiring senior managers preparing for progression into higher-level management and leadership responsibilities.
• Business managers and management professionals who need advanced understanding of strategic planning, organisational performance and change management.
• Entrepreneurs and business owners looking to develop structured approaches to strategic decision-making, business growth and organisational development.
• Professionals responsible for teams or departments who want to align team performance with wider organisational strategy.
• Management consultants and business advisers seeking formal development in strategic management concepts and analytical approaches.
• Graduates and Level 6-qualified learners progressing to advanced study in strategic management and leadership.
• International management professionals seeking a UK-regulated qualification that develops transferable strategic management and leadership knowledge.

The qualification is particularly appropriate for individuals who need to analyse complex business issues, evaluate strategic options, lead organisational change, manage performance and apply management theory to practical business situations. Qualifi states that the programme is intended to develop knowledge, understanding and skills for dealing with the complexities of leadership and strategic management in a business context.

It can also support progression towards a Master’s degree or higher-level study, subject to the admission and recognition requirements of the receiving university.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership develops advanced knowledge and practical understanding of strategic management, leadership and organisational decision-making. The qualification covers strategic direction, strategic planning, team performance, information management, strategic management projects and leadership development, alongside optional areas such as finance, strategic marketing, organisational change and human resource planning. It helps learners strengthen analytical, decision-making and strategic leadership capabilities for complex organisational environments. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to progress to senior-level management roles, further postgraduate study or related academic and professional pathways.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership provides learners with a strong foundation for further academic study and progression towards senior-level management and leadership opportunities. The qualification develops advanced knowledge of strategic direction, strategic planning, team performance, information management, strategic decision-making, organisational development and leadership, with optional areas including finance, marketing, organisational change and human resource planning.

Academically, learners may progress to Master’s-level study or other postgraduate qualifications in areas such as strategic management, business management, leadership, organisational development and related disciplines, subject to the entry and recognition requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can therefore provide a structured progression route for learners seeking advanced academic development in management and leadership.

Professionally, this diploma can support progression towards roles such as Strategic Manager, Business Development Manager, Operations Manager, Strategic Planning Manager, Management Consultant, Change Management Manager, Project Manager, Organisational Development Manager, Marketing Strategy Manager, and Human Resource Planning Manager, depending on the learner’s previous experience, professional background and employer requirements. The knowledge developed through the qualification supports strategic analysis, decision-making, organisational planning, performance management, leadership development and the evaluation of complex business challenges.