Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, online from 6 months
Awarded by Qualifi and Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 7: 120 credits, 6 mandatory + 2 optional (choose 2 from 4), assessed by assignment with no exams. Delivered 100% online by LEAP Education.
£10 to apply · Offer within 24 hours · Apply with qualifications or relevant work experience
Stanmore School of Business Limited — UK registered learning provider since 2017.
- Duration
- 9 months
- Credits
- 120
- Level
- RQF Level 7
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £190 / month
What this qualification is
The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is awarded by Qualifi and regulated by Ofqual at RQF Level 7. The qualification totals 120 credits across 6 mandatory units. Ofqual register reference 601/5335/0. LEAP Education delivers this programme 100% online with tutor support.
Standard completion is 9 months; accelerated completion in 6 months is offered on this programme where shown below. Fees from £950. Assessment is through coursework and assignments — there is no requirement to attend a UK campus.
Senior managers, directors and entrepreneurs seeking postgraduate-level business credentials. MBA top-up or Level 8 strategic management qualifications.
Most senior managers hit a ceiling where operational excellence stops mattering and strategic vision becomes the only currency that gets you into the boardroom. You have mastered the daily grind, but without the formal framework to articulate enterprise-wide direction, you remain a department head rather than a business leader.
This qualification transforms your ability to move from managing processes to owning the P&L. You will gain the specific tools to construct defensible business cases for major investments, lead complex organizational restructuring, and present high-level strategic forecasts to non-executive directors with the confidence of a C-suite executive.
Degree progression: Level 7 strategic management diplomas are often used for MBA or MSc top-up entry with partner universities — check entry requirements for your chosen institution.
Units cover strategic direction, planning, finance, marketing, team performance and a strategic management project — assessed through assignments at postgraduate level.
- Awarding organisation: Qualifi
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 7
- Credits: 120
- Units: 6 mandatory + 2 optional (choose 2 from 4)
- Duration: 9 months (accelerated 6 months)
- Ofqual qualification no.: 601/5335/0
- Progression: MBA top-up or Level 8 strategic management qualifications where eligible.
Key facts
- Qualification:
- Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership
- Awarding organisation:
- Qualifi
- Qualification number (Ofqual):
- 601/5335/0
- Level:
- RQF Level 7
- Credits:
- 120
- Units:
- 6 mandatory + 2 optional (choose 2 from 4)
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 9 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £190 / month
- Entry requirements:
- A Level 6 qualification or equivalent (e.g., Bachelor's degree, Level 6 Diploma), or equivalent; or relevant experience. Minimum age 18.
- Progression:
- MBA top-up or Level 8 strategic management qualifications where eligible.
- Last verified:
- 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
Related: Level 5 Business Management (120 credits), MBA top-up, BA (Hons) Business Management, business management qualifications.
See how the programme works, how you're assessed and how online study fits around your job.
What you'll study
Qualification rules (NQual specification): 6 mandatory + 2 optional (choose 2 from 4).
Manage Team Performance to Support Strategy (mandatory)
15 creditsTranslate high-level corporate strategy into specific team KPIs that drive measurable performance across distributed, multicultural workforces.
Information Management and Strategic Decision Taking (mandatory)
15 creditsSynthesize fragmented global data into clear strategic intelligence to mitigate risk and justify major investments to international boards.
Leading a Strategic Management Project (mandatory)
15 creditsDemonstrate the ability to deliver complex, cross-border strategic initiatives on time and within budget, validating your readiness for executive responsibility.
Strategic Direction (mandatory)
15 creditsFormulate and articulate a compelling long-term vision that aligns diverse stakeholder interests and differentiates your organization in saturated global markets.
Strategic Planning (mandatory)
15 creditsConstruct resilient strategic plans that optimize resource allocation and anticipate market shifts, ensuring organizational agility in volatile international economies.
Development as a Strategic Manager (mandatory)
15 creditsRefine your executive presence and ethical decision-making framework to build trust and influence among senior global stakeholders.
Finance for Managers (mandatory)
15 creditsDecode complex financial reports and capital structures to make informed, profit-driven decisions that satisfy international investors and regulatory bodies.
Strategic Marketing (mandatory)
15 creditsEngineer culturally intelligent market-entry strategies that maximize brand equity and revenue growth across distinct international regions.
Every unit is assessed by written assignments submitted online, with tutor feedback and sample assignments to guide you.
Two ways in
Qualifications
A Level 6 qualification or equivalent (e.g., Bachelor's degree, Level 6 Diploma), or an international equivalent. Higher qualifications are also accepted.
Work experience
Candidates with 3+ years of relevant professional or managerial experience are encouraged to apply. Your practical knowledge counts.
Minimum age 18. International applicants welcome. Send us your certificates and we'll confirm eligibility within 24 hours.
Fully online
No campus visits. Study on any device, in any time zone.
Materials included
Study notes, sample assignments and resources from day one.
24/7 study assistant
Instant explanations and assignment guidance from our AI study assistant.
Tutor feedback
Qualified tutors mark assignments and give feedback by email and chat.
Where this can take you
A published source has not yet been matched to a salary figure for these roles.
Indicative UK salary information for related occupations. Figures reflect the referenced occupation and data source, not guaranteed earnings after completing this qualification.
Progression: MBA top-up or Level 8 strategic management qualifications where eligible.
MBA or MSc top-up routes depend on the entry requirements and decisions of the receiving institution. This diploma does not guarantee university admission.
Choose your pace
All plans are interest-free and include every unit, study material and tutor support. A £10 enrolment fee applies.
| This page9 monthsStandard mode | 6 monthsFast-track | |
|---|---|---|
| Total fee | £950 | £1,250 |
| Monthly | £190 × 5 | £416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250) |
| Quarterly | £475 × 2 | — |
| Pay in full | £902.50 (save 5%) | £1,187.50 (save 5%) |
| Apply | Apply |
- Monthly£190 × 5
- Quarterly£475 × 2
- Pay in full£902.50 (save 5%)
- Monthly£416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250)
- Pay in full£1,187.50 (save 5%)
* Programme fees shown include online learning, study materials and tutor support for the qualification. A separate £10 enrolment fee is payable when you submit your application. Interest-free instalment plans and a 5% discount for paying the full programme fee upfront are available where shown.
Need a different payment plan? Our admissions team can help.
Talk to an adviser on WhatsApp →Who awards your qualification
This qualification is awarded by Qualifi, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation. Qualifi qualifications are recognised by employers and universities worldwide, supporting career progression and further academic study.
Regulation
Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 7, 120 credits.
View on the Ofqual Register (No. 601/5335/0) →
Provider
Stanmore School of Business Limited · Company No. 10591140 · UKPRN 10085235.
Qualifi →
Start in three steps
- 01
Apply online
Complete the short form and pay the £10 enrolment fee. About five minutes.
- 02
Receive your offer
We confirm eligibility and email your start date and payment options.
- 03
Start learning
Pay your first instalment and get access to your units.
Insights and Q&A
Extra detail beyond this page — written for learners researching fees, assessment and outcomes.
Common questions
Is this qualification regulated by Ofqual?
Yes. This qualification is awarded by Qualifi at RQF Level 7 and is listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Qualification number: 601/5335/0.
How many units do I need to complete?
The qualification totals 120 credits: 6 mandatory + 2 optional (choose 2 from 4).
Can I study from outside the UK?
Yes. The programme is 100% online with no campus visits, so you can study from anywhere in the UK or internationally.
Are there any exams?
No. Every unit is assessed through written assignments submitted online. There are no written examinations.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants should hold a Level 6 qualification or equivalent (e.g., Bachelor's degree, Level 6 Diploma) or an equivalent credential. Candidates with 3+ years of relevant professional or managerial experience are also encouraged to apply. Minimum age 18.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
You can choose 9 months (Standard mode, £950); 6 months (Fast-track, £1,250). Interest-free instalment plans are available on each option.
When can I start?
You can enrol at any time. Once your application is accepted and the first payment is made, you receive access to the learning platform and study materials.
What can I progress to?
MBA top-up or Level 8 strategic management qualifications where eligible.
Who operates LEAP Education?
LEAP Education is a brand of Stanmore School of Business Limited (Company No. 10591140, UKPRN 10085235), a UK learning provider.
Is the Qualifi Level 7 Strategic Management diploma online?
Yes. 120 credits at RQF Level 7, delivered fully online with assignment assessment.
How many units are in this Level 7 leadership diploma?
Eight units (six mandatory and two optional from a wider optional set on the Qualifi specification). Core units include strategic direction, planning, finance and a strategic management project.
Can this diploma lead to an MBA top-up?
Many universities accept Level 7 strategic management diplomas for MBA or MSc top-up entry subject to their admissions rules. This diploma does not guarantee university admission.
What is the Ofqual reference for this qualification?
Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership — register reference 601/5335/0.
Are there exams?
No. Assessment is through written assignments at postgraduate level.
Who is this Level 7 diploma for?
Senior managers, directors and experienced professionals building formal postgraduate business credentials for UK and international employers.
Last reviewed 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
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