The NVQ Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is an advanced qualification designed for senior professionals and aspiring executives who aim to develop expert-level skills in strategic decision-making, leadership, and organisational management. This diploma equips learners with the knowledge and practical expertise needed to lead complex projects, drive organisational change, and influence corporate strategy in dynamic business environments.
Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and applied practice, learners explore key areas such as strategic planning, leadership development, performance management, and corporate governance. The programme emphasises the ability to make informed, evidence-based decisions, foster innovation, and enhance organisational effectiveness while ensuring sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
Ideal for managers, directors, and senior leaders across diverse industries, the NVQ Level 7 Diploma enables professionals to refine their leadership style, improve strategic thinking, and strengthen their ability to manage teams and resources efficiently. Graduates of this diploma will not only enhance their professional credibility but also position themselves for top-tier management roles, executive leadership, and specialist consultancy opportunities.
By completing this qualification, learners gain a comprehensive understanding of modern leadership challenges, strategic management principles, and the skills required to deliver measurable business results. The NVQ Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is a gateway to executive-level career progression and professional recognition in today’s competitive corporate landscape.
Course Entry Requirements:
The NVQ Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is designed for senior professionals and aspiring executives who wish to enhance their strategic and leadership capabilities. This advanced qualification is ideal for individuals with significant experience in management or leadership roles, who are looking to develop the knowledge and skills required to influence organisational strategy and lead teams effectively.
Applicants are expected to have:
- A Level 6 qualification or equivalent experience in management, leadership, business administration, or a related discipline.
- Substantial professional experience in managerial or leadership roles, demonstrating the ability to manage teams, resources, and organisational objectives.
- Proficiency in English, including the ability to communicate effectively, produce reports, and complete assessments to a professional standard.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the capability to evaluate business performance, plan strategically, and implement organisational change.
- Commitment to professional development, with a willingness to engage in reflective practice, research, and applied learning in strategic management and leadership.
These entry requirements ensure that learners are well-prepared to undertake advanced study at Level 7, equipping them to tackle complex business challenges, lead strategically, and make impactful decisions at an executive level.
Course Study Units:
Candidates must achieve a minimum of 45 credits:
- 16 credits from Mandatory Group A, plus
- A minimum of 29 credits from Optional Group B
A minimum of 35 credits must be achieved at Level 7
Group A Mandatory Units – complete all units
- Develop a strategic business plan
- Execute a strategic business plan
- Provide strategic leadership and direction
Group B Optional Units – a Minimum of 29 Credits
- Develop a business strategy
- Establish organisational governance controls
- Shape organisational culture and values
- Manage strategic human resources
- Obtain financial resources
- Lead the development of a quality strategy
- Lead the development of a continuous improvement strategy
- Establish business risk management processes
- Promote equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion
- Design business processes
- Develop and manage collaborative relationships with other organisations
- Optimise the use of technology
- Manage product and/or service development
- Manage strategic marketing activities
- Lead the development of a knowledge management strategy
Course Learning Outcome:
Upon successful completion of the NVQ Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, learners will be able to:
Develop a strategic business plan
- Understand the principles underpinning the development of a strategic business plan
- Be able to prepare for business strategy implementation
- Be able to develop plans to deliver the business strategy
Execute a strategic business plan
- Understand the principles underpinning the execution of a strategic business plan
- Be able to implement a strategic business plan
- Be able to evaluate a strategic business plan
Provide strategic leadership and direction
- Understand the characteristics underpinning strategic leadership and direction
- Be able to provide leadership and direction to achieve organisational objectives
- Be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the leadership and direction of an organization
Develop a business strategy
- Understand the principles underpinning the development of a business strategy
- Be able to evaluate an organisation’s operating environment
- Be able to develop a strategic vision
- Be able to develop a business strategy
Establish organisational governance controls
- Understand the nature of compliance and non-compliance with governance requirements
- Understand the legal and regulatory framework affecting businesses
- Be able to establish governance controls
Shape organisational culture and values
- Understand organisational culture and values
- Be able to influence organisational culture and values
Manage strategic human resources
- Understand strategic workforce planning
- Be able to optimise retention in an organization
- Be able to manage human resources strategically
Obtain financial resources
- Understand methods of raising finance
- Be able to identify the need for financial resources
- Be able to obtain financial resources
Lead the development of a quality strategy
- Understand the principles underpinning the development of a quality strategy
- Be able to develop a quality strategy
- Be able to manage quality
Lead the development of a continuous improvement strategy
- Understand the principles underpinning the development of a continuous improvement strategy
- Be able to develop a continuous improvement strategy
- Be able to manage continuous improvement
Establish business risk management processes
- Understand business risk management models and techniques
- Be able to develop business risk management processes
- Be able to evaluate the effectiveness of business risk management processes
Promote equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion
- Understand the principles underpinning equality, diversity and inclusion in the workforce
- Be able to evaluate organisational strategies, policies and practices which address equality, diversity and inclusion requirements
- Be able to promote equality, diversity and inclusion policies and practices
Design business processes
- Understand techniques and tools that support the design of business processes
- Be able to develop business processes
- Be able to evaluate the effectiveness of business processes
Develop and manage collaborative relationships with other organisations
- Understand the principles of effective collaboration with other organisations
- Be able to identify external collaborative relationships to be developed
- Be able to collaborate with other organisations
Optimise the use of technology
- Understand the principles underpinning the optimisation of technology
- Be able to scope the use of technology
- Be able to optimise the use of technological solutions
- Be able to manage the use of technology
Manage product and/or service development
- Understand the development of new or improved products and/or services
- Be able to establish the need for new or improved products and/or services
- Be able to manage the development of new or improved products and/or services
Manage strategic marketing activities
- Understand the strategic management of marketing activities
- Be able to evaluate a market
- Be able to develop a marketing communications strategy and plan
- Be able to manage strategic marketing activities
Lead the development of a knowledge management strategy
- Understand the principles underpinning knowledge management
- Be able to develop a knowledge management strategy
- Be able to manage knowledge
- Be able to promote knowledge management
Who Is This Course For?
The NVQ Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is designed for experienced professionals, senior managers, and aspiring executives who aim to take their leadership and strategic skills to an advanced level. This diploma is ideal for individuals seeking to influence organisational direction, drive growth, and manage complex business challenges effectively.
This course is suitable for:
- Senior Managers and Directors looking to enhance their strategic planning, decision-making, and leadership capabilities.
- Aspiring Executives aiming to progress into top-tier management or board-level roles.
- Business Consultants and Advisors who provide guidance on organisational strategy, performance improvement, and leadership development.
- Professionals in Leadership Roles across sectors such as corporate management, healthcare, finance, education, or public services, who wish to formalise and expand their leadership expertise.
- Entrepreneurs and Business Owners seeking the skills to strategically manage growth, resources, and organisational performance.
By completing this qualification, learners gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills required to lead strategically, influence corporate culture, and make high-impact decisions. This course is particularly valuable for professionals committed to continuous development and excellence in leadership at a senior or executive level.
Course Benefits:
The NVQ Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership offers a range of benefits for senior professionals and aspiring executives, equipping them with the expertise needed to lead organisations effectively and drive strategic growth.
Key benefits include:
- Enhanced Career Progression: Graduates gain a prestigious Level 7 qualification, opening opportunities for executive leadership, director-level positions, and consultancy roles across diverse industries.
- Advanced Strategic Skills: Learners develop expertise in strategic planning, organisational performance analysis, and decision-making, enabling them to tackle complex business challenges.
- Leadership Development: The course strengthens leadership capabilities, including team management, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to influence organisational culture.
- Practical Application: Candidates apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business scenarios, improving operational efficiency and delivering measurable results.
- Professional Recognition: Completing this diploma demonstrates competence and commitment, enhancing credibility and supporting membership with professional management and leadership bodies.
- Improved Organisational Performance: Graduates are equipped to implement effective strategies, drive innovation, and contribute to sustainable growth and long-term organisational success.
- Pathway to Further Development: This qualification provides a foundation for executive education, professional coaching, and other advanced leadership programmes.
By completing the NVQ Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, professionals position themselves as expert decision-makers and strategic leaders capable of driving organisational excellence, influencing corporate strategy, and achieving impactful business outcomes.
Course Future Progression:
Completing the NVQ Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership opens a wide range of opportunities for career advancement and professional development. This qualification equips learners with the strategic insight, leadership expertise, and decision-making skills required to take on senior management and executive roles across various industries.
Potential Career Pathways:
- Executive and Director Roles: Positions such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), or Managing Director, where strategic leadership and organisational oversight are critical.
- Senior Management Roles: General Managers, Operations Directors, or Department Heads responsible for implementing strategic initiatives and managing organisational performance.
- Strategic Consultant or Advisor: Providing expert guidance on organisational change, business strategy, leadership development, and performance improvement.
- Entrepreneur or Business Owner: Applying strategic leadership skills to grow and manage businesses effectively, ensuring sustainable and profitable outcomes.
Further Professional and Academic Development:
- Progression to specialist executive leadership programmes or professional certifications in strategic management, corporate governance, or business innovation.
- Opportunities to pursue doctoral-level studies in management, leadership, or organisational development.
- Eligibility to join professional leadership and management bodies, enhancing credibility and recognition in the corporate and business sectors.
By completing this Level 7 diploma, professionals gain the credentials, practical experience, and strategic acumen necessary to influence organisational direction, lead high-performing teams, and achieve measurable business success. This qualification positions learners for long-term career growth and leadership excellence in today’s competitive corporate landscape.
