Think strategically
Analyse complex environments, evaluate choices and align goals, resources and long-term organisational growth.
Kent Business College — College of Leadership
Level 7 applications now open
College of Leadership
Think strategically. Lead with confidence.
Elevate your career with the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership — an advanced programme for professionals ready to strengthen their strategic thinking, leadership judgement and management capability.
6 strategic modules
Flexible online learning
Optional UK workshops
OTHM qualification route
MBA top-up progression opportunities
Admission, fees, delivery schedule and progression options are confirmed individually before enrolment. University progression remains subject to the receiving university’s own admissions and credit-transfer requirements.
6Strategic Level 7 modules
OnlineFlexible supported delivery
10093689UK Provider Reference Number
2016Established in the United Kingdom
Programme overview
Advanced leadership learning for complex organisations.
The Level 7 Diploma combines strategic management, people leadership, marketing, finance and applied research. It helps experienced professionals move beyond operational delivery and make better-informed decisions across the organisation.
Lead people and change
Strengthen your ability to influence teams, shape culture and guide people through uncertainty and transformation.
Use evidence with confidence
Apply research, financial insight and critical analysis to improve the quality and credibility of senior decisions.
Progress professionally
Build the postgraduate-level capability expected in senior management, leadership and consultancy roles.
A learning model that fits work
Flexible study with expert guidance and practical relevance.
Every part of the programme is designed to help learners analyse, challenge, recommend, lead and communicate at a strategic level.
Flexible online learning
Study online with structured teaching and learning materials designed around working professionals.
Expert academic support
Use tutor guidance, critical feedback and one-to-one support to strengthen assignments and professional confidence.
Optional city workshops
Complement online study with optional face-to-face workshops and professional networking opportunities.
Practical application
Connect frameworks and case studies to the strategic challenges facing your organisation, sector or career.
Our modules
Six disciplines. One integrated strategic perspective.
Each module develops a different dimension of senior management capability while contributing to a coherent understanding of organisational strategy and leadership.
01
Strategic Management
- Analyse external environments, internal capability and strategic options.
- Align organisational goals, resources and long-term growth.
- Evaluate implementation, governance and competitive advantage.
02
Human Resources
- Connect people strategy with organisational direction and performance.
- Explore culture, talent, engagement and workforce capability.
- Evaluate responsible approaches to people and organisational change.
03
Strategic Leadership
- Develop leadership judgement for complex and changing contexts.
- Lead change, influence stakeholders and shape organisational culture.
- Critically reflect on leadership approaches, ethics and impact.
04
Strategic Marketing
- Interpret markets, customers, competitors and brand positioning.
- Develop strategic marketing choices and value propositions.
- Connect market insight with sustainable organisational growth.
05
Advanced Research Methods
- Formulate credible research questions and select appropriate methods.
- Evaluate sources, evidence quality, ethics and analytical approaches.
- Use applied research to support stronger professional decisions.
06
Strategic Financial Management
- Interpret financial information for strategic decision-making.
- Evaluate investment, risk, performance and resource allocation.
- Communicate financially credible recommendations to stakeholders.
Learning outcomes
Turn advanced theory into confident strategic action.
By integrating the six modules, learners develop a broader view of organisational performance and a more disciplined approach to leadership decisions.
Analyse
Interpret complex organisational, people, market and financial evidence.
Evaluate
Compare strategic options, challenge assumptions and understand risk.
Recommend
Develop credible proposals supported by research and commercial logic.
Lead
Influence stakeholders, guide change and communicate with confidence.
Strategic capability
- Organisational strategy and competitive advantage.
- HR strategy, talent and organisational culture.
- Leadership, influence and change management.
- Financial decision-making, risk and performance.
Applied professional outcomes
- Build coherent, evidence-based strategic recommendations.
- Use research methods to investigate professional problems.
- Communicate decisions to senior and specialist stakeholders.
- Reflect critically on leadership ethics and personal impact.
Entry profile
Is Level 7 study right for you?
Admission is reviewed individually to make sure the programme matches your prior study, professional experience, English-language capability and progression goals.
Relevant prior study or experience
Applicants normally bring a Level 6 qualification, an honours degree, or substantial management and leadership experience that supports Level 7 study.
Professional ambition
The programme suits learners seeking senior management, leadership, consultancy or postgraduate progression.
Academic English capability
Learners need sufficient English to analyse sources, participate in learning and produce postgraduate-level written assignments.
Time for independent study
Successful completion requires regular reading, research, assignment writing and engagement with tutor feedback.
Individual admissions review
Kent Business College confirms the appropriate route after reviewing qualifications, experience and learning goals.
Qualification recognition
A regulated Level 7 route with clear progression potential.
OTHM is a UK awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual. The diploma provides advanced strategic management learning and may support progression to relevant MBA or master’s top-up routes.
Advanced qualification level
Level 7 study develops postgraduate-level strategic analysis, critical thinking and leadership capability.
Recognised awarding organisation
The final diploma and transcript are awarded after successful completion of the required units and quality-assurance processes.
MBA and master’s top-up opportunities
Graduates may apply to relevant university top-up programmes, subject to each university’s admissions and credit-recognition requirements.
What you receive
- Kent Business College module-completion recognition as applicable.
- OTHM Level 7 Diploma and transcript after successful completion and award confirmation.
- Academic and progression guidance for suitable next-step routes.
- Official learning resources and textbooks where included in the written offer.
Important distinction
Diploma, not a degree
The Level 7 Diploma is an advanced qualification. A separate university top-up must be successfully completed before any MBA or master’s degree can be awarded.
Fees and support: Contact Kent Business College for the current tuition fee, payment schedule, included textbooks and any available support. All costs and inclusions should be confirmed in writing before enrolment.
Career and academic progression
Use Level 7 learning to move your career forward.
The diploma can strengthen progression into senior organisational roles and provide a platform for further postgraduate study, subject to the requirements of employers and receiving universities.
Senior management
Strengthen readiness for roles with broader strategic, financial and organisational responsibility.
Leadership and change
Develop the judgement needed to influence people, shape culture and lead transformation.
Consultancy and specialist roles
Build analytical credibility for advisory, strategy and organisational-development work.
MBA or master’s top-up
Explore relevant university progression routes after the diploma, subject to admissions approval.
Why choose this route?
Academic challenge with practical professional value.
The programme brings together structured learning, tutor support and applied assignments so that advanced study remains connected to real organisational questions.
01
Integrated strategic curriculum
Connect leadership, people, marketing, finance and research rather than studying them in isolation.
02
Evidence-based assignments
Develop analysis and recommendations through practical case studies and professional contexts.
How study works
Flexible delivery with clear academic expectations.
Online study provides flexibility, but successful Level 7 learning still requires regular engagement, independent reading and carefully developed assignments.
Study from your location
Access teaching and learning resources online, with tutor guidance throughout each module.
Discuss the study modelFace-to-face workshops
Join selected workshops to deepen discussion and connect with peers. Attendance is not shown on the qualification certificate.
Explore workshopsFrequently asked questions
Clear answers before you take the next step.
Can I study online without attending face-to-face workshops?
Yes. The programme is designed for online study, and face-to-face workshops are optional enhancements. Your final qualification certificate does not state whether you studied online or attended workshops.
How much study time should I plan each week?
The source programme recommends around four hours per week as a starting point, but Level 7 workloads vary by experience, module and assessment deadline. You should plan sufficient time for reading, research, tutor engagement and assignment writing. Passing depends on meeting the assessment criteria, not simply completing a set number of hours.
What qualification will I receive?
After successful completion and award confirmation, you receive the OTHM Level 7 Diploma and transcript. Kent Business College may also provide relevant module-completion recognition. The diploma is not itself an MBA or master’s degree.
Can the diploma lead to an MBA or master’s top-up?
It may support applications to relevant university top-up routes. Admission, credit recognition, dissertation requirements and the final award remain entirely subject to the receiving university’s current policies.
Are textbooks included?
Official learning resources and textbooks may be included in the programme offer. Confirm the exact books, delivery method and any associated costs in writing before enrolment.
Can international learners attend UK or overseas events?
International learners may attend eligible events where places are available. Kent Business College may provide an attendance or invitation letter, but visa decisions are made solely by the relevant immigration authority and no letter guarantees visa approval.
What is the best next step?
Book an information session so the team can review your prior qualifications, professional experience, delivery preferences, fees and intended progression route before you apply.
Your next strategic step
Ready to strengthen your leadership and progress at Level 7?
Start with an information session or submit an application. We will help you understand entry requirements, study expectations, fees, qualification outcomes and progression options.
