Become a Strategic Manager

The Becoming a Strategic Manager Career Pathway is designed for ambitious professionals who want to deliver change, not just talk about it. Plenty of managers can describe a vision well, but struggle to turn plans into measurable results. This programme is built to close that gap. It gives you the skills, structure, and confidence to shape strategies that work in real organisations. Built around the Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, it strengthens your strategic thinking and leadership capability, while ensuring you can implement plans effectively in real-world business environments.

Programme cost

You can start from £199.99 today, with manageable monthly payments of £199.99 for 12 months.
Total programme cost: £2,399.88.

Qualification: Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (RQF)

The Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership develops you into a fully competent Strategic Manager, with learning grounded in real workplace situations. You will also gain an Ofqual-accredited qualification that supports your credibility, strengthens your professional standing, and helps you progress into higher-level opportunities.

A Strategic Manager is responsible for setting direction and driving high-level initiatives within an organisation. Their focus is on improving performance and profitability by creating strategies that can be delivered through operational teams, often alongside an Operations Manager. This qualification is designed for managers who want to sharpen their strategic leadership and ensure they can deliver organisational strategy successfully.

University progression (MBA Advanced Entry)

The following universities offer an MBA Advanced Entry (Top-Up) route. Holders of an approved Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in a management subject may apply directly and complete 60 credits (Research Methods 20 credits + Dissertation 40 credits) to achieve the MBA:

• Cardiff Metropolitan University
• University of Gloucestershire

Awarding body

We are an approved ProQual centre, meaning we can deliver qualifications through an Ofqual-regulated, fully accredited awarding organisation. Working alongside ProQual, we focus on supporting learners to complete successfully and achieve strong outcomes.

Units you will complete

All learners must complete the following ten units:

• Unit 1: Develop a strategic business plan
• Unit 2: Execute a strategic business plan
• Unit 3: Provide strategic leadership and direction
• Unit 4: Develop a business strategy
• Unit 5: Shape organisational culture and values
• Unit 6: Lead the development of a quality strategy
• Unit 7: Lead the development of a continuous improvement strategy
• Unit 8: Establish business risk management processes
• Unit 9: Manage product and/or service development
• Unit 10: Lead the development of a knowledge management strategy

Entry requirements

To be eligible for this programme, you must:

• Be aged 21+
• Be in a voluntary or paid role within the sector
• Be able to demonstrate Maths and English at Level 2
• Have access to a qualified observer (someone who holds this qualification, or an equivalent or higher)

What’s the Return on Investment (ROI)?

Choosing this programme is a smart long-term decision that can deliver a strong return in a relatively short time. Alongside gaining a recognised qualification, you will build advanced strategic and leadership capability that can support promotion, stronger earning potential, and wider career options. In many sectors, Strategic Managers earn £45,000+ per year, and the qualification can also support a move into consultancy, where day rates can reach £1,000+.

Because Strategic Managers play a key role in improving performance and profitability, the skills you develop through this course can put you in a strong position for salary progression, increased senior leadership responsibility, and opportunities that raise both your profile and income.

And with the payment plan, you can start from £199.99 today. It is £199.99 per month for 12 months (total £2,399.88), making it a practical and manageable investment in your future.

Strategic Manager salaries in the UK commonly range from £45,000 to £90,000+ per year, depending on industry, experience, and location:

• Entry-level Strategic Managers: £45,000–£55,000
• Mid-level Strategic Managers: £55,000–£70,000
• Senior Strategic Managers: £70,000–£90,000+