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The CMI Level 7 Award in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is an ideal course for individuals wishing to develop the essential skills required for effective senior managers and leaders.
This CMI Level 7 Award course is designed for those desiring to develop strategic management and leadership practices who will have the knowledge, skills and behaviours to drive business activities in a senior, regional, specialist, director or CEO management and leadership role.
You will gain the expertise and significantly improve your potential to implement fundamental management and leadership models within an organisation’s strategic framework.
The Level 7 Award in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is a concise and shorter course that will give you key skills and competencies to become a competent manager and deliver effective results for your organisation.
You'll have a wide range of modules to choose from, and depending on your career goals, you can select the modules that will be most effective for your progression.
The course is designed for senior managers, heads of department, regional managers, directors, business owners, and aspiring executives who want to strengthen their strategic leadership skills and prepare for more senior organisational responsibilities.
This qualification is ideal for experienced professionals with significant management responsibilities who are responsible for leading teams, departments, or business functions. It also provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to progress towards Chartered Manager (CMgr) status, subject to meeting the relevant CMI requirements.
CMI graduates achieve remarkable things:
Full access for 6 months from enrolment.
The CMI Level 7 Award in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is designed for senior managers and executives who want to develop advanced strategic management and leadership expertise to lead at the highest organisational level.
CMI (the Chartered Management Institute) is the UK's only chartered professional body focused exclusively on management and leadership. CMI sets the benchmark for management practice, and its qualifications are approved and regulated by Ofqual.
CMI qualifications run from Level 3 up to Level 8, offering a clear progression route from first-line management to senior strategic leadership. Learners also gain professional CMI membership and the opportunity to work towards Chartered Manager status — a distinction only a small proportion of UK managers hold.
Key reasons to choose CMI Qualifications:
Foundation Chartered Manager is a professional status awarded by CMI for managers in the early stages of their career — and it comes included with this qualification. Because this programme is mapped against the CMI Professional Standard, fCMgr status is awarded automatically on successful completion — no extra assessment, no extra cost.
Foundation Chartered Manager status and CMI membership are awarded and administered by the Chartered Management Institute. fCMgr is awarded on completion of eligible CMI Level 3–7 Management & Leadership qualifications and CBIT–CMI Recognised courses. Membership terms are set by CMI and may change.
To enrol in the CMI Level 7 Award in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, learners must meet the following entry requirements.
Be 18 years of age or older.
Hold a Level 6 qualification, or have equivalent relevant experience in a senior-management role.
Possess the ability to complete the Level 7 course.
The course is offered in English. You must possess considerable competency in English.
For each module you study, you will complete a written assignment of approximately 3500–4,500 words and submit it online via your MyLearnDirect learning portal. The guideline word count for units within this qualification varies depending on the size and content of the unit, thus we kindly ask you to refer to your assessment brief and guidelines for each unit.
Learners must select at least one unit from units 701 to 716 to a minimum of 7 credits, 70 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT), and a minimum of 18 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) to achieve this qualification.
Learners must request before enrolment to interchange unit(s) other than the preselected units shown in the SBTL website because we need to make sure the availability of learning materials for the requested unit(s). SBTL will reject an application if the learning materials for the requested interchange unit(s) are unavailable.
Unit Aim
This unit equips leaders with an in-depth understanding of strategic leadership within an organisational context. Effective strategic leadership drives organisational success, and leaders need to be knowledgeable, creative, agile and resilient. Learners will explore the complexities of the role, the theories, approaches, behaviours and skills that strengthen professional practice, and how to respond creatively to complex challenges while setting and delivering sustainable strategic goals.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit gives leaders an in-depth understanding of how to lead and develop people effectively to optimise organisational performance. Success begins by putting people at the heart of the organisation and creating a culture that sustains performance. Learners will explore the influence of leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, development, design, policy and strategy, and will propose a leadership and development strategy that values people while optimising performance.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit gives leaders an understanding of collaborative and partnership arrangements, which can increase profitability and productivity, drive innovation and are increasingly needed to win bids and tenders. Learners will critically assess the scope and value of these arrangements and evaluate how organisational and legal frameworks affect their delivery. The unit concludes with learners presenting a rationale for collaboration or partnership to further an organisation’s success.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit gives leaders an understanding of the scope, context and complexity of leading strategic change. Navigating change well helps an organisation stay competitive, meet stakeholder expectations and respond to changing markets. Learners will explore how analytical techniques, change theories and models, and creative problem solving equip them to lead change with confidence, and will develop a proposal to lead a strategic change.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit gives leaders an understanding of the scope, context and complexity of leading strategic change. Navigating change well helps an organisation stay competitive, meet stakeholder expectations and respond to changing markets. Learners will explore how analytical techniques, change theories and models, and creative problem solving equip them to lead change with confidence, and will develop a proposal to lead a strategic change.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit gives leaders an understanding of the scope, complexity and role of Finance within an organisation. Finance affects every part of an organisation and profoundly influences the development and achievement of strategic objectives. Learners will critically assess methods for analysing the financial data and information needed for strategic decisions, building confidence in their understanding of the finance function.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit enables leaders to understand the relationship between organisational design and development and the achievement of strategic objectives. Design and development shape how an organisation responds to new markets, changing work patterns, new technologies and stakeholder expectations. Learners will explore the factors driving the need for agile, adaptive organisations and develop a proposal for sustainable organisational design and development.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit gives leaders an in-depth understanding of strategic risk management, which is essential to safeguard an organisation’s prosperity and reputation. Learners will critically appraise strategic risk within an organisational context, assess risk management strategies and the leadership skills needed to lead risk initiatives, and develop a framework to deliver a risk strategy.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit encourages leaders to see the strategic management of data and information as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Using data strategically supports complex decisions and judgements that help an organisation achieve its objectives. Learners will explore the strategic value and use of data and information, critique strategies for managing it, and develop a strategy to improve its use in a strategic context.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit enables leaders to understand the context in which a marketing strategy is developed. Learners will appraise the theoretical frameworks and processes that inform strategic marketing, reflect on the relationship between marketing and an organisation’s strategic aims, and explore the opportunities and impact of digital marketing. They will consider how to develop a marketing strategy that supports organisational success.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit enables leaders to explore the principles of entrepreneurial practice, the contexts in which entrepreneurship can flourish, and the characteristics of entrepreneurial leadership. Entrepreneurship can mean pursuing an opportunity, launching an innovative start-up, reinventing a product, service or process, or solving social, cultural or environmental issues. At its core, it is a mindset.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit enables leaders to undertake a strategic management project of their own choosing that adds value to the organisation. Projects may focus on growth, development, change, solving identified problems, or creating new opportunities and capabilities. Learners will develop a business case, propose a research design, recommend project management methods and tools, report on outcomes, and reflect on the skills and behaviours that influence success.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit enables strategic leaders to develop an evidence-based understanding of applied research methods and how research can be conducted scientifically, ethically and legally in an organisation. Meaningful research can unlock solutions to complex problems and open up new opportunities. Learners will become producers of applied research, generating new knowledge from practical workplace challenges to support strategic decision-making and add value.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit supports leaders to understand approaches to personal and professional development, which they must prioritise to keep pace in a fast-moving, unpredictable world. Learners will critically reflect on the relationship between skillset and mindset, assess their own personal, interpersonal and professional competencies and behaviours, and use this reflection to develop a meaningful personal and professional development plan.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit enables leaders to develop an in-depth understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion at a strategic level. Excellent practice has a moral, financial, and legal case, supports strategic objectives, reduces risk, and helps a culture of support and wellbeing thrive. Learners will critically assess structural inequality, discuss how to meet legal and good practice requirements, and develop strategic priorities for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Learning Outcomes:
Unit Aim
This unit gives leaders an understanding of the impact of mental health and wellbeing on organisational performance. Prioritising wellbeing is increasingly expected, as people challenge the always-on culture and treat work-life balance as a requirement. Learners will critically assess the complexities of managing wellbeing, appraise contemporary approaches to healthy work systems, and propose recommendations to create and sustain a positive culture of mental health and wellbeing.
Learning Outcomes:
Our online learning gives you the flexibility to study when and where you want, with rich online learning resources and study guides developed by our expert tutors to provide structure, keep you motivated, and strengthen your understanding of the subject.
If you want a high level of structured guidance and support but can't attend scheduled live classes, then online learning is the perfect study method. You study at your own pace and set your own flexible schedule. We are dedicated to offering extensive learning support to simplify your learning journey, so we provide the option to schedule online personal meetings with your tutor at your convenience.
Our simplified online learning facilitates you to achieve high career growth without stress and dilemmas.
We are committed to providing unwavering support throughout your educational journey. Our dedicated support team is a crucial link between tutors and learners, ensuring that guidance, assessment feedback, and additional study assistance are delivered promptly and effectively.
We focus on providing a sophisticated, flexible learning experience. Our courses are designed with 100% online learning so your studies fit around your full-time work and other commitments, letting you study from anywhere, at your own pace.
You'll also get dedicated tutor support, scheduled personal tutor meetings whenever you need them, and access to our Dedicated Support Desk portal to raise queries or request a call back.
Our online learning gives you the flexibility to study when and where you want, with rich online learning resources and study guides developed by our expert tutors to provide structure, keep you motivated, and strengthen your understanding of the subject.
If you want a high level of structured guidance and support without attending scheduled classes, then online learning is the perfect study method for you. You study at your own pace and set your own flexible schedule. Our simplified online learning helps you achieve high career growth without stress and dilemmas.
You can schedule online personal tutor meetings whenever you want, which will help you get the most out of your studies and provide guidance, support and encouragement. When it comes to support, we have a dedicated support desk team so you can raise queries, request tutor support, and ask for a callback whenever you need guidance or assistance.
You will have access to unlimited dedicated tutor support through our centralised Support Desk portal. You can schedule personal tutor meetings whenever needed and raise queries via the MyLearnDirect learning portal at any time.
What are the payment methods?
The fee can be paid in either of the following methods:
Debit Card/Credit Card
PayPal
Bank Transfer
Do you offer a monthly payment plan?
Yes. We offer flexible, low-cost and interest-free payment plans across all our courses and study methods, so you can spread the cost monthly and focus on learning.
Can I interchange the units?
As an approved centre, SBTL preselects the units for each course from those listed in the awarding body's specification, and the preselected units are shown on every course's details page.
If you'd like different units, you must request this before enrolment so we can confirm the learning resources are available. Once enrolment is complete, unit interchange requests can no longer be accommodated.
What are the steps I need to follow once I decide to join you?
What does the allocated tutor provide to me?
What is the difference between Award, Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma?
CMI courses come in four different sizes. The size depends on the depth of the qualification and the duration you take to complete it.
CMI is regulated by four regulators: Ofqual in England, CCEA in Northern Ireland, Qualifications Wales, and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) — meaning all qualifications awarded by CMI are regulated.
Which CMI Management and Leadership course is right for me?
A CMI qualification is the perfect choice if you want to build or advance your career in management. CMI qualifications symbolise a global benchmark for excellence, as CMI is the only Chartered professional body in Management and Leadership. By studying a CMI course, you join a network of over 143,000 members globally, gaining access to the mentoring, support, and globally recognised learning resources that come with CMI membership.
CMI qualifications range from Level 2 to Level 8, with different levels relating to learners' career positions, roles, and responsibilities. Course content is designed to provide the skills and knowledge required for your current and future positions, roles, and responsibilities. Below is a broad overview of the qualifications and the roles they cover.
CMI Level 2
CMI Level 2 in Team Leading is designed for aspiring team leaders who wish to develop their knowledge and team-leading skills.
There are three qualifications in this suite. Choose depending on your goals and needs:
CMI Level 3
Designed for aspiring, supervisory, or first-line managers, offering a broad range of knowledge from team leading to project and resource management.
Three qualifications are available in the CMI Level 3 Principles of Management and Leadership suite:
CMI Levels 4 and 5
CMI Level 4 and Level 5 in Management and Leadership are designed for middle managers, focusing on developing core management skills such as managing resources, decision-making, recruitment, and information management.
For CMI Level 4, there are three qualifications to choose from based on your progression:
For CMI Level 5, there are four qualifications to choose from, based on your progression opportunities and the depth of qualification you need:
CMI Levels 6 and 7
These courses target senior management, specifically developed for those responsible for translating organisational strategy into effective performance.
CMI Level 6 in Professional Management and Leadership Practice is designed for individuals wishing to develop their professional management and leadership practice skills. Three qualifications are available — select one based on your experience and career aspirations:
CMI Level 7 in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is designed for current or aspiring senior managers looking to develop strategic management and leadership skills to drive business activities and achieve organisational success. Four qualifications are available — choose based on your career progression, goals, and depth of study:
CMI Level 8
CMI is the only organisation offering Level 8, suited to C-level senior managers. This course primarily focuses on strategic management and developing performance management strategies.
You can enrol on any CMI course depending on your career aspirations and eligibility, but you should consider your role, responsibilities, and experience when choosing. Note that only the CMI Level 5, Level 6, and Level 7 Diplomas, and the Level 5 and Level 7 Extended Diplomas, will enable you to become a Chartered Manager.
What is Foundation Chartered Manager Status (fCMgr)?
Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) is a professional status designed to help you gain a competitive advantage and start your management career journey with CMI membership benefits. This exceptional status as a Foundation Chartered Manager recognises you as an individual and proves you have the essential skills to be an effective manager. Moreover, the status demonstrates your commitment to further developing those skills to deliver better business results.
Eligibility to become Foundation Chartered Manager
You will be automatically eligible to become a Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) if you complete one of the following courses with us.
What is Chartered Manager Status (CMgr)?
Chartered Manager (CMgr) is a professional recognition and the highest status a professional can achieve in management and leadership. Offered only by Chartered Management Institute, thousands of UK managers at all levels and across all sectors now hold Chartered Manager and highly value it – as shown by the remarkably high net promoter score of +67 and satisfaction and retention rates of 93% within the Chartered Manager report.
The Chartered Managers bring much value and contribute to the UK economy and businesses.
Why should you become Chartered Manager?
Benefits for Organisations
Chartered Managers have the potential to solve problems and deliver solutions for businesses:
Benefits for Individuals
Becoming a chartered manager will enable you to continue developing your skills throughout your career.
Fast Track to Chartered Status
You can fast-track to apply for Chartered Manager status, the ultimate professional accolade for managers, after completing one of the courses below and with 3+ years of experience in a managerial role.
Yes, our course fee is all-inclusive, and there are no hidden fees. If you complete your course within your standard support period, without needing a resubmission or a printed certificate, you pay nothing beyond the course fee. Your course fee covers awarding body registration, full course access, tutor support, learning materials, one formative review per module, assessment marking and your digital certificate.
Additional fees apply only in specific optional or performance-based situations:
The amount of each fee is set out in detail in our Terms and Conditions, which you review and accept before purchasing your course.
Your digital certificate is included in your course fee, with no shipping charge. If you request a printed certificate where the awarding body offers one, a shipping fee applies:
Shipping fees are set out in our Terms and Conditions, which you review and accept before purchasing your course.