OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership

Overview

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is an Ofqual-regulated qualification. Its objective is to develop strategic management and leadership skills for managers who have the authority and personal attributes to translate organisational strategy into effective operational performance. This qualification reflects current practice in Strategic Management and Leadership and allows learners to develop and expand their high-level understanding of strategic management and leadership in the workplace. This qualification is suitable for mature learners with a background in academic study or industry. The qualification has a clear work-related emphasis on practical skills development alongside theoretical fundamentals.

Successful completion of the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership qualification will equip learners with the key skills and capabilities to become an effective strategic manager. The qualification also allows learners to progress into or within employment and/or continue their study towards an MBA with advanced standing.

Regulatory Information

Qualification Title: OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership

Ofqual Reference Number: 603/2181/7

Duration: 1 year

Total Credit Value: 120 Credits

Total Qualification Time (TQT): 1200 Hours

Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 600 Hours

Overall Grading Type: Pass/Fail

Assessment Methods: No exam; Only Coursework

Language of Assessment: English

Equivalences: The OTHM Level 7 diplomas on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) are at the same level as master’s degrees. However, they are shorter (120 credits), and learners will have to proceed to the dissertation stage (60 credits) with a university to achieve a full masters programme from that university.

Several universities in the UK offer holders of this Level 7 qualification the option to "top up" and earn a Master's degree by defending a thesis.

Entry requirements

Learners must be 21 years old or older at the beginning of the course.
An honours degree in related subject or UK level 6 diploma or an equivalent overseas qualification.
English Requirements: If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to show evidence of your English language skills. To qualify, you should typically meet one of the following:
- CEFR level B2
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of 51
- IELTS score of 5.5, with at least 5.5 in Reading and Writing
- If you don’t have any of these proficiency certificates, no need to worry—you can take our own English language proficiency test instead!

Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership consists of 6 units, making a combined total of 120 credits, 1200 hours of Total Qualification Time (TQT), and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

Units offered:

Strategic Management (20 credits)
Strategic Leadership (20 credits)
Strategic Human Resource Management (20 credits)
Advanced Business Research Methods (20 credits)
Entrepreneurship and Innovation (20 credits)
Strategic Marketing (20 credits)

Assessment and Grading

You will be required to complete one assignment for each unit, with a total of six assignments to submit for this qualification. All units are tutored and assessed internally by the European College of Polytechnics.
To achieve a ‘pass’ in a unit, you must provide evidence that demonstrates you have met all the learning outcomes and satisfied the standards set by the assessment criteria.

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year for full-time study, but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.
The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online.
We have experienced academics who are industry specialists, along with visiting lecturers who bring real-world expertise. To learn more about our academic team, visit our Academics page.

As an approved learning centre, we offer the opportunity to complete the qualification within 6 months, provided you follow our guidelines properly.

Fees and Charges

Application Fee: € 75
Tuition Fee: € 1800 per year
Support/Scholarship: read here

How to Apply

When applying, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:

1) Find the suitable admission session:

We offer three admission sessions throughout the year for attending tutoring and classes. For example,

January to March
April to June
September to November

First, determine which session works best for you.

There’s no application deadline, so you can submit your application at any time.

2) Fill out the application form:

Once you’ve determined that this programme aligns with your career goals, proceed to fill out the application form. You’ll find the "Apply now" button at the bottom.
In the application form, you will be asked to upload the following documents. To ensure a hassle-free process, make sure all the required documents are merged into a single PDF:
- Academic Documents: This includes both your transcript and certificate.
- Proof of English Proficiency: If applicable, provide the necessary documentation.
- CV: Your CV must include at least one academic or professional reference.
- Application Fee: €75 (Please note, without payment, the application will not be processed, and we will be unable to verify your eligibility. The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstance.)

3) Await confirmation:

After submitting your application, the next step is to wait for our confirmation.
We will review your application and documents thoroughly, so please be patient. We aim to send out confirmations promptly, ensuring you're informed every step of the way. If necessary, we will arrange an interview with you.

Apply now

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Do I have to attend classes throughout the entire year?

No, you attend classes only during the session you are enrolled in. We offer three sessions: January to March, April to June, and September to November. During these periods, you attend your classes, and for the rest of the time, you can focus on self-study and completing assignments. Classes are mostly scheduled in the evenings (Estonian time) and on weekends.

2) Are three months of classes enough to complete the assignments?

Yes, learners attend three months of classes and receive personalised guidance from tutors. We ensure you are not left alone with your study assignments and provide continuous support to help you successfully complete them.

3) Can I join without an English language proficiency test like IELTS?

Different qualifications require a certain level of English proficiency. If you don't have the required evidence but wish to apply, you can take our English language assessment test.

4) How is the class routine structured for those who work during the day?

Our classes are scheduled in the evening (Estonian time) and also on weekends to provide flexibility for learners with busy schedules.

5) Can I join online?

Yes, you can join and complete the programme entirely online.

6) My employer wants to finance my studies. Can I get an invoice?

Yes, we can provide an invoice. Please send us an email with the details.

7) How can I use my qualification?

It really depends on your goals. You can use your qualification to apply for further studies, such as university admissions or Top-up programmes at UK universities. Alternatively, you can use it to advance your career and boost your prospects in employment.

8) Can I receive a hard copy of my certificate and transcript?

Yes, you can receive hard copies of your certificate and transcript once the relevant charges are paid.

9) My target is to Top-up at a UK university. Can I do that?

This depends on the level of qualification you complete and the specific entry requirements of the university you're aiming for.

10) How do I get UK ENIC certification after completing my diploma?

After receiving your certificate and transcript, you will need to upload these documents to the UK ENIC portal. For any assistance, please contact our career advisor or visit the UK ENIC website.

11) Is this OTHM qualification recognised?

The European College of Polytechnics is an approved learning centre authorised to offer OTHM qualifications. OTHM qualifications are regulated by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), a UK government body that ensures the quality and standard of qualifications. These qualifications are widely recognised in the UK and internationally, making them highly valued by both universities and employers. You can use this qualification to pursue further studies, such as applying to a university or a Top-up degree programme in UK. For example, if you’ve completed an OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership and wish to join a UK university’s DBA programme, you may be eligible to enter into the programme, provided you meet the other entry requirements of the university.

Additionally, If you’ve completed an OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership and wish to obtain a "Master's Degree Title", you may be eligible to join a UK university’s master's degree programme to complete your thesis. Several UK universities offer these ''Top-up'' opportunities, allowing learners to transition into the final stage of a master's degree by defending a thesis.

For more details on qualification levels, you can also refer to the UK Government’s guide on qualification levels here.