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The Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management (60 credits) offers learners a short but flexible entry point to Level 7 strategic management learning. Choosing from a core set of units (a minimum of 2 units from 5) and then identifying optional unit choice from a set of management pathways (at least 2 units from either Finance, Marketing, Managing People and International) enables learners to optimise their qualification content to best serve their interests. This is a core qualification available to existing and interested centres of ATHE.

Grading
Graded with Pass, Merit and Distinction. Advanced learner loans available in the UK – to check if funding is available see the latest Qualification Catalogue here. For the progression routes visit our progression routes page.

Delivery Mode
This qualification can be delivered either in the classroom, via distance learning or blended.

Typical Age
This qualification is designed for learners who are typically aged 19 and above.

Qualifications
For learners who have recently been in education or training the entry profile is likely to include one of the following: a first degree in Business, Management or related subjects or a level 6 qualification for example an ATHE Diploma in Management other equivalent international qualifications.

Language
For those whom English is not their first language we recommend the following standards of proficiency in English language skills or an approved equivalent for this qualification:
  • IELTs 5.5
  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B2
  • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) 162 or above
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic 42-49

Qualification Content

Learners selecting this qualification must take at least two of the five mandatory units and two further units from either the remaining core units or from the optional units listed below.

Unit Name Unit Aims Credits Mandatory
Strategic PlanningThe aim of this unit is to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to develop an organisational strategic plan.15Yes
Finance for Strategic ManagersThe learners will develop knowledge, understanding and skills that will enable them to analyse internal and publicly available financial information. This will help to inform strategic decision making.15Yes
Research for Strategic DevelopmentThe aim of this unit is to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to carry out research to meet the needs of strategic business management.15Yes
Organisational BehaviourThe aim of this unit is to help learners develop an understanding of how organisational behaviour, structure, culture, motivation, creativity and leadership impact on an organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency.15Yes
Personal Development for Leadership
and Strategic Management
This unit aims to help learners develop their own personal leadership and management skills in the context of the creation and achievement of organisational vision and strategic direction.15Yes
International Business EnvironmentThe unit will enable learners to explore the changing international business environment and develop knowledge and understanding of how organisations respond.15No
Developing Organisational Vision
and Strategic Direction
To enable learners to improve their knowledge and understanding of how organisations develop vision and strategic direction. The unit may be of particular interest for learners aiming for leadership roles in either private or public sector organisations.15No
Human Resource ManagementTo develop skills and knowledge in the field of human resource management strategy. To look at contemporary issues which affect human resource strategy within organisations.15No
Project ManagementTo understand the process of identifying appropriate and feasible projects, and to be able to initiate and start a project. To be able to manage, monitor and control a project, including assessing, managing and controlling project risks and issues, project and team management and change management. To be able to evaluate the success or failure of a project.15No
Strategic Resource ManagementTo explore the mechanisms for managing resources to achieve the business objectives of organisations. To understand the roles and strategies used in acquiring, managing, and developing human, physical and technological resources. To understand the importance of marketing in achieving business aims and objectives, and the roles, strategies and processes used to manage the marketing function15No
Risk ManagementTo raise business risk awareness and develop knowledge and understanding in the assessment, monitoring and control of business risks. To enable the learner to develop an appreciation of the implications of business risks.10No
Managing Stakeholder EngagementThe aim of the unit is to enable the learner to develop the knowledge and understanding required to engage with stakeholders and to learn how to manage stakeholders in projects and organisations.10No
Corporate Communication StrategiesTo understand the importance of corporate communication and how it links to corporate objectives. To conduct an audit internal and external corporate communications, and to be able to develop an effective corporate communications strategy.10No
Leading Organisational Equality and DiversityThe aim of this unit is to enable the learner to develop an understanding of the importance of managing equality and diversity within the organisation and to understand how to lead the approach to equality and diversity within an organisation.10No
Sustainable Business StrategyTo raise awareness of sustainable development issues and how they impact on the strategic development of the business.10No
Managing Quality and Service DeliveryThis unit aims to introduce the learner to the delivery of excellent customer service. The learner will also develop knowledge and understanding required for quality measurement and management of service delivery (for public service or healthcare management programmes the unit can be delivered in context).10No
International FinanceThe unit will allow learners to consider the importance of International Accounting Standards and the international financial environment for decision making within businesses and organisations. Particular attention is paid to analysing the role of international financial markets in creating opportunities and risks for organisations, especially those operating in a multinational context. Learners will gain experience in assessing strategic options and making appropriate recommendations.15No
Quantitative MethodsThis unit will enable learners to further develop understanding and skills in the application of quantitative methods appropriate to support decision-taking in organisations.15No
Strategic MarketingThis unit enables learners to develop knowledge and understanding of marketing at a strategic level and how this is applied in practice including developing a marketing strategy.15No
Corporate Communication StrategiesThis unit will enable learners to develop knowledge and understanding of the importance of corporate communications and the link with corporate objectives. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills in auditing corporate communications and planning a corporate communication strategy.15No
Strategic Human Resource ManagementThe aim of this unit is to help learners acquire knowledge and understanding of human resource management strategy and its impact on the efficiency of an organisation.15No
Managing Continuous Organisational ImprovementTo enable learners to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to create a culture of continuous improvement in an organisation. The learners will have the opportunity to develop the skills required to plan organisational change.15No