Oakswood College

ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (120 Credits)

The ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management is a UK Ofqual-regulated qualification designed to develop advanced strategic leadership, management, and decision-making capabilities for professionals aspiring to senior leadership and executive management roles.

The programme is intended for learners who already possess management experience or a relevant Level 6 qualification and wish to strengthen their ability to lead organisations, formulate strategy, manage organisational change, and support long-term business growth.

Overview & Key Info
What You Will Study
Teaching & Entry Requirements
Progression & Fees

Qualification Overview

Learners develop an advanced understanding of strategic planning, financial management, organisational behaviour, leadership development, business research, and organisational performance. Alongside the mandatory strategic management units, learners select specialist optional units that enable them to focus on targeted high-level strategic management pathways.

Throughout the programme, learners are encouraged to apply strategic management theories to complex organisational situations, developing critical thinking, analytical ability, research competence, and evidence-based decision-making skills required for executive leadership in today's global business environment. It also provides an excellent progression route towards Master's level study, including MBA programmes.

Key Information

Course Details
Qualification	ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (120 Credits)
Level	7
Credits	120
Duration	12 months (Total Qualification Time: 1200 hours, including 480 Guided Learning Hours)
Intakes	September, January & April
Study Mode	Full-time / Blended Learning / Distance Learning
Delivery Location	On-campus at Oakswood College, Tricorn House, 7th Floor, 51–53 Hagley Road, Birmingham B16 8TP
Awarding Body	ATHE (Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation)
Assessment	Coursework-based (internally assessed assignments)

What You Will Study

This qualification consists of five mandatory units and three optional units, enabling learners to develop advanced strategic management knowledge while tailoring their studies towards their professional interests. Each unit is assessed through structured assignments designed for senior leadership contexts.

Units within this qualification

Unit Title	Type	Level
Mandatory Units (All 5 Must Be Completed)
Strategic Planning	Mandatory	7
Finance for Strategic Managers	Mandatory	7
Research for Strategic Development	Mandatory	7
Organisational Behaviour	Mandatory	7
Personal Development for Leadership and Strategic Management	Mandatory	7
Optional Units (Select Three From Below)
International Business Environment	Optional	7
Developing Organisational Vision and Strategic Direction	Optional	7
International Finance	Optional	7
Quantitative Methods	Optional	7
Strategic Marketing	Optional	7
International Marketing	Optional	7
Corporate Communication Strategies	Optional	7
Strategic Human Resource Management	Optional	7
Managing Continuous Organisational Improvement	Optional	7

Teaching and Learning Approach

The programme is delivered through structured teaching blocks supported by tutor-led sessions, seminars, case studies, guided learning, independent research, and assignment preparation.

Learning focuses on applying strategic management principles to real organisational challenges. Learners critically evaluate business environments, develop organisational strategies, analyse financial and operational performance, and explore leadership approaches that support sustainable organisational success. Collaborative discussion, applied business scenarios, professional reflection, and research-informed learning are integrated throughout the programme to strengthen strategic thinking and executive decision-making. Learners are expected to undertake substantial independent study and demonstrate advanced levels of autonomy, critical evaluation, and professional judgement.

Entry Requirements

This programme is designed for learners aged 19 and above. Typical entry profile includes:

A first degree in Business, Management or a related discipline, or
ATHE Level 6 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Management, or
Equivalent international qualifications, or
Relevant management or leadership experience (subject to assessment)

English language requirement (for non-native speakers): IELTS 5.5 or equivalent (CEFR B2 level). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered where appropriate.

Assessment Methodology

Assessment is completed through internally assessed coursework assignments. Learners are assessed against ATHE learning outcomes and may achieve Pass, Merit, or Distinction grades. Assessment methods may include strategic business reports, research projects, business case studies, organisational analyses, financial evaluations, strategic plans, presentations, and reflective reports.

Progression Opportunities

On successful completion, learners may progress to:

ATHE Level 8 or other postgraduate management qualifications
MBA programmes (subject to university entry requirements and possible advanced standing)
Senior management and executive leadership roles across public, private and third-sector organisations
Strategic management, operations management, business development, organisational change, and consultancy positions
Continued professional development through executive leadership programmes and specialist management qualifications