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Course Overview
The CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice is a globally recognised qualification designed for senior managers, directors, and leaders seeking to enhance their ability to lead complex organisational change and drive business growth. This comprehensive programme develops high-level strategic skills in areas such as managing people, leading transformation, and shaping organisational direction—making it ideal whether you’re advancing from the Level 7 Certificate or enrolling directly to deepen your strategic leadership expertise.
This CMI qualification is offered through our partners We-are-HR.
Extra information
Immediately after enrolment
Upon completion of enrolment with Acudemy, you will be registered with We-are-HR and required to go through a secondary application process; this is just a formality and involves completing and signing a course application form. Once completed you will be required to arrange an induction interview with your allocated course tutor who will help you to choose the study units that best suit your requirements.
Assessment
You will be assessed on each unit studied, based on criteria set out by your tutor. All assessments will be submitted via your tutor.
This course is delivered and assessed by We-are-HR.
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Course content
As part of the CMI Level 7 Diploma, you’ll complete modules totalling at least 37 credits. Select from the following modules based on your personal development and career goals:
Strategic Leadership (11 credits)
- The aim of this unit is to equip leaders with an in-depth understanding of strategic leadership within an organisational context. Leaders will explore the complexities of the role and the theoretical perspectives, approaches, behaviours and skills which can enhance their professional practice. The unit focuses on the leader’s ability to respond creatively to complex organisational challenges and understand how to set and deliver sustainable strategic goals.
Developing Organisational Strategy (9 credits)- The aim of this unit is to enable leaders to know how to develop and influence an organisation’s strategic direction through the development of a meaningful strategy. To support this outcome, leaders will critique the factors which drive the development of organisational strategy and appraise approaches to successfully develop strategy. The unit culminates in leaders developing an organisational strategy to achieve a business goal. To complement this activity, leaders will propose an approach to implement and monitor the strategy developed to ensure its sustained success.
Leading Strategic Change (8 credits)
- The aim of this unit is for leaders to understand the scope, context and complexity of leading strategic change. Leaders will understand how the application of analytical techniques, theories and models of change, and creative problem-solving can be used to equip them to lead strategic change with confidence. The unit culminates in giving leaders the opportunity to develop a proposal to lead a strategic change.
Organisational Design and Development (8 credits)
- The aim of this unit is to enable leaders to understand the relationship between organisational design and development and the achievement of strategic objectives. Leaders will understand the impact of current and emerging factors which influence the need for agile and adaptive organisations. On successful completion of this unit, leaders will be able to develop a proposal for sustainable organisational design and development to respond to current and emerging needs.
Marketing Strategy (8 credits)
- The aim of this unit is to enable leaders to understand the context in which a marketing strategy is developed. Leaders will appraise theoretical frameworks and processes which inform strategic marketing. They will have the opportunity to reflect on the interrelationship between marketing and an organisation’s strategic aims along with the opportunities and impact of digital marketing. Ultimately, leaders will consider how to develop a marketing strategy, which will enable organisational success.
Strategic Management Project (10 credits)
- The aim of this unit is for leaders to undertake a strategic management project of their own choosing. To achieve this outcome leaders will develop a business case, propose research design to inform the project’s direction and recommend project management methods and tools to structure the delivery of the project. Leaders will report on project outcomes and reflect on the skills and behaviours which ultimately influence the success of the strategic management project.
Personal and Professional Development for Strategic Leaders (9 credits)
- The aim of this unit is to support leaders to understand approaches to personal and professional development. Leaders will critically reflect on the interrelationship between the skillset and mindset to develop as a strategic leader. Vitally leaders will reflect on their own personal, interpersonal and professional competencies and behaviours to lead strategically. The opportunity for leaders to reflect on their own performance will equip them to develop a meaningful personal and professional development plan.
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Pathway to Chartered Manager (CMgr): Fast Track to Chartered Status
You can now become a Chartered Manager through the fast track route after completing your CMI Level 7 Certificate or Diploma.
Gaining Chartered Manager status involves completing a holistic assessment that is underpinned by the CMI Professional Standard for Management and Leadership. It provides you with a fantastic opportunity to reflect on your recent workplace achievements and how you effectively apply your management and leadership skills.
The fast track route allows you to make a much simpler and shorter application to gain your chartered manager status.
You are eligible for the Chartered Manager (CMgr) route if you have…
- Completed a CMI Diploma in Management & Leadership at level 7 within the last 5 years and You have 3+ years’ experience in a management role.
- Now, if you have completed a CMI Diploma in Management & Leadership at level 7 within the last 5 years, but you don’t have 3+ years’ experience in a management role, you can apply to get the status of Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr).
- A professional will help you throughout the process of making the fast track application to CMI for Chartered status.
What’s involved and what’s the cost?
- This route builds on the completion of your eligible CMI qualification identified above and provides a fast track assessment process taking into account your prior learning with CMI.
- If successful, you’ll be issued with a digital Chartered Manager certificate. A print version can be requested for a nominal charge.
- Contact our support team for more details.
The Benefits of being a Chartered Manager
Chartered Manager or Foundation Chartered Manager is all about giving you an advantage over the competition and setting you on your management career journey with all the benefits of CMI membership to support you.
- Tailored Guidance – Skip the guesswork on what skills to develop next – just follow our clear, step-by-step roadmap to becoming Chartered.
- A Lifelong Career Partner – As the UK’s sole Chartered body dedicated to excellence in management and leadership, we are committed to supporting your success throughout your career.
- Respected Credentials – By earning the ‘fCMgr’ or ‘CMgr’ designation, your CV will highlight your dedication to continuous professional growth and managerial accomplishments.
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Awarded By
What are the Course Completion Requirements?
To complete this course, you will be marked on an assignment for each unit you study. Learners must complete any combination to a minimum of 370 Total Unit Time (TUT) hours, 37 credits to achieve this qualification.
Upon completion, you will receive your CMI Qualification.
 How Is CMI Level 7 Diploma Course Assessed?
You’ll be assessed through written assignments of 3,500 to 4,500 words for each module. All assessments are submitted online and reviewed by expert assessors. -
FAQs
Who’s it for?
The CMI Level 7 Diploma is ideal for senior managers, directors, or leaders seeking to refine their strategic management skills. Whether you are aiming to move into senior leadership or enhance your existing role, this course provides the knowledge and skills needed for success.
What are the Course Entry Requirements?
- There are no formal entry requirements for this diploma, though you must be at least 19 years old. For non-native English speakers, an IELTS score of 6 or equivalent is recommended but not mandatory.
How long does it take to complete the course?
- The course typically takes between 8 and 12 months to complete, depending on your study schedule. However, you’ll have up to 18 months of tutor support, allowing flexibility based on your availability.
What Are the Payment Options?
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We offer flexible payment plans with 0% interest, allowing you to spread the cost over time. Plans are available for 6, 12, and 18 months. Alternatively, you can pay upfront or arrange for your employer to sponsor your course.