This postgraduate-level diploma is built for people who need to interpret complex evidence, choose a strategic response and bring others with them.
You will complete four mandatory subjects and choose two from a six-unit optional pool. Your final study plan can focus on finance, operations, innovation, governance, change or marketing, subject to availability and confirmation at enrolment.
What you will learn to do
01
Diagnose strategic prioritiesConnect internal capability, external change and stakeholder expectations before recommending a direction.
02
Lead people through complexityEvaluate leadership, workforce and change choices while considering culture, ethics and performance.
03
Defend an evidence-based decisionUse advanced research methods to test assumptions and communicate a credible management case.
A flexible curriculum with a fixed award size
You complete six 20-credit units: four mandatory units and two approved optional units. RiseLadder confirms the available options in your study plan before learning begins.
HOW YOU LEARN
Study around your work. Apply ideas as you go.
Use the online learning environment to work through guided content, independent research, live sessions and applied coursework. Monthly starts let you choose a practical point to begin.
01
Confirm your route
Complete the eligibility review and agree your two optional units with RiseLadder. You receive access to the online learning environment and study materials.
02
Build your evidence
Study each topic, join live webinars, use the learner forum and research current organisations, sectors and strategic questions.
03
Develop your coursework
Turn research into structured analysis and practical recommendations. One-to-one tutor guidance and feedback help you understand the assessment criteria.
04
Complete six selected units
Pass all four mandatory units and both approved optional units. The qualification is graded Pass or Fail.
Plan for postgraduate-level independence
The formal qualification size is 1,200 total qualification-time hours, including 600 guided learning hours. These totals include guided activity and independent study, so agree a realistic routine that fits your other responsibilities.
Need another attempt?
Unlimited free resubmissions are included subject to assessment rules, deadlines and academic-integrity requirements. Use the feedback, address the missing criteria and follow the timetable provided by your course team.
Plan and evaluate change by connecting context, readiness, communication, implementation and sustainable adoption.
FStrategic MarketingOptional · 20 credits+
Translate customer, competitor and market insight into strategic positioning and a coherent route to growth.
Your two optional units are not assumed
Availability and selection are confirmed in your RiseLadder study plan. If you are considering a specific university route, share its current unit conditions before your choices are finalised.
ASSESSMENT
Show your judgement through applied coursework.
You are assessed through coursework across your six selected units. There are no traditional examinations, and the qualification is graded Pass or Fail.
01
Interpret the brief
Identify the assessment criteria, command words and evidence the task requires.
02
Research the problem
Use reliable, current sources and relevant organisational evidence.
03
Build the analysis
Compare perspectives, test assumptions and connect evidence to your recommendation.
04
Use feedback
Review tutor guidance and resubmit without an extra fee when further work is needed, within the assessment rules and deadlines.
What strong Level 7 work demonstrates
A clear strategic question and credible evidence base.
Critical comparison of relevant theories and competing options.
A justified recommendation with implementation, risk and stakeholder implications.
Accurate academic writing, structure and source acknowledgement.
Exact task format, submission dates and reassessment procedures are confirmed in your module and assessment materials.
YOUR STARTING POINT
Bring a higher-level foundation or relevant leadership experience.
This is a postgraduate-level qualification. RiseLadder reviews your prior study, management experience and English-language readiness before confirming your place.
21+
Typical ageApplicants are normally aged 21 or above.
BA
Degree routeA related honours degree can provide the academic foundation for entry.
L6
Diploma routeA UK Level 6 diploma or an equivalent overseas qualification may also meet the entry requirement.
EXP
Management experience routeMature applicants with relevant management experience may be considered through the centre’s individual review.
EN
English-language readinessEvidence of suitable English-language competency is required where applicable.
Check before you commit
Prepare your qualification records, employment history and study goals. RiseLadder will review your evidence and confirm whether this Level 7 route is appropriate.
120 credits · Online · Up to one year · Monthly starts
ONE PAYMENT£2,500
Pay the full, undiscounted fee in one payment to qualify for the free laptop.
The full course fee is payable in one payment through secure bank checkout.Full course fee
The full course fee is payable in one payment through secure bank checkout.
What the course fee includes
Online learning materials for six selected units.
One-to-one tutor support, live webinars and learner forums.
Coursework feedback and unlimited free resubmissions, subject to assessment rules, deadlines and academic integrity.
A free trial and a separate additional CPD certificate.
Laptop eligibility
A free laptop is included only when the full, undiscounted course fee is paid in one payment.
The live enrolment route currently collects your application details. RiseLadder confirms eligibility, your optional-unit plan and how payment is completed.
CAREER PROGRESSION
Strengthen the work behind senior decisions.
Use the course to develop strategic analysis, leadership, research and change capability. How this supports your next role depends on your existing experience, sector and professional goals.
STRATEGY
Strategy and planning
Analyse organisational position, compare options and build an evidence-based case for direction.
PEOPLE
Leadership and people
Connect culture, capability, workforce planning and leadership practice with long-term priorities.
CHANGE
Transformation and change
Consider readiness, stakeholders, implementation risk and how change is sustained.
INSIGHT
Research and consulting
Frame a business problem, select credible methods and communicate findings for decision-makers.
A qualification supports development; it does not guarantee a role
Position the learning alongside your professional record, results and sector knowledge when planning promotion or a career move.
UNIVERSITY OPTIONS
Plan an MBA or master’s top-up with the exact conditions in view.
The Level 7 diploma may support a separate application to an eligible postgraduate top-up route. Each university controls admission, required units, remaining study, delivery, availability and fees.
WALES
Cardiff Metropolitan University
MBA Advanced Entry. Published progression information requires Strategic Financial Management and Strategic Marketing among the completed options.
ENGLAND
Northumbria University
Strategic Leadership MSc progression example.
ENGLAND
University of Greater Manchester
MBA top-up progression example.
ENGLAND
University of Northampton
Executive MBA top-up progression example.
ENGLAND
University of Sunderland
MBA dissertation-only progression example.
ONLINE
Arden University
MBA top-up progression example.
These are independent possibilities, not RiseLadder university partnerships
Ask the university to assess your exact award title, qualification reference and selected optional units. Obtain a current written decision before relying on a route or choosing modules.
Four mandatory units plus two approved optional units
RiseLadder is your learning provider. The awarding organisation is named here only because this is the formal regulated-qualification record.
LEARNING & TUTOR SUPPORT
Keep momentum when the work gets demanding.
Level 7 study asks for independent judgement, but you do not have to navigate the process alone.
01
One-to-one tutorsAsk focused questions about concepts, structure, evidence and the next stage of your work.
02
Live webinarsExplore difficult topics and hear how strategic ideas connect with practical settings.
03
Learner forumsShare perspectives, compare professional contexts and stay connected to a learning community.
04
Feedback and resubmissionsUse clear feedback to close assessment gaps. Unlimited free resubmissions are included within the assessment rules, deadlines and academic-integrity requirements.
Need help choosing the right course?
Speak with a RiseLadder adviser and get guidance on the right programme and study route.
