OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
Enhance strategic leadership, research capability, and executive decision-making at an advanced level.
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OTHM Awarded
- Paid
- 1800 hours
- Online
- 180 Credits
Course Overview
This qualification is intended for senior managers, directors, consultants and professionals who are responsible for shaping strategy, leading change and improving organisational effectiveness. It combines academic depth with practical application, enabling learners to connect strategic theory with real workplace challenges. Learners will develop the ability to evaluate complex business situations, lead strategic initiatives and apply research-informed approaches to decision-making. The programme also encourages independent learning, critical reflection and continuous professional development throughout a learner’s career.
- About Ofqual
Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) is an independent regulator of qualifications, examinations, and assessments in England. Operating as a non-ministerial department that reports directly to the UK Parliament, Ofqual ensures the quality, integrity, and consistency of qualifications across all levels of education and vocational training.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Evidence of a relevant postgraduate qualification.
- A master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a business-related subject.
- At least three years of relevant professional experience.
- Current or previous senior management experience that can support achievement of the programme learning outcomes, including the professional research project.
Course Duration & Language
Duration
1800 hours training
Delivery
Online
Language
English (proficiency test may be required)
Difficulty
Beginner
Key Benefits
The course aims to help learners:
- Apply analytical and evaluative techniques to strategic issues in private, public, and third-sector organisations.
- Strengthen critical thinking and decision-making skills across different business and industry contexts.
- Reflect on personal learning and professional development to improve leadership practice.
- Select and apply appropriate research methodologies to complex organisational questions.
- Initiate, design, and undertake research or strategic projects that can create meaningful change.
- Critically evaluate actions, methods, and outcomes, including their wider short- and long-term implications.
- Develop advanced knowledge, research capability, and professional judgement.
- Strengthen strategic leadership capability.
- Contribute to high-level organisational performance.
- Connect strategic theory with real workplace challenges.
- Lead strategic initiatives and apply research-informed decision-making approaches.
Qualification Structure
The qualification consists of:
- Five Mandatory Units
- Three Optional Units
- 180 Credits
- 1800 Hours Total Qualification Time (TQT)
- 900 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Mandatory Units
- Developing Strategic Management and Leadership Potential (20 credits)
- Managing Strategic Change (20 credits)
- Project Development, Planning and Management (20 credits)
- Advanced Research Design and Methodologies (40 credits)
- Developing Research Capability (20 credits)
What Will I Learn
Learners will be able to:
- Apply analytical and evaluative techniques to strategic issues.
- Strengthen critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Reflect on personal learning and professional development.
- Apply appropriate research methodologies to complex organisational challenges.
- Design and undertake strategic projects and research initiatives.
- Critically evaluate actions, methods, outcomes, and their implications.
- Evaluate complex business situations.
- Lead strategic initiatives.
- Apply research-informed approaches to decision-making.
- Develop advanced knowledge, research capability, and professional judgement.
Target Audience
The qualification is intended for:
- Senior Managers.
- Directors.
- Consultants.
- Professionals responsible for shaping strategy.
- Professionals leading organisational change.
- Professionals focused on improving organisational effectiveness.
Entry Requirements
The qualification is intended for:
- Senior Managers.
- Directors.
- Consultants.
- Professionals responsible for shaping strategy.
- Professionals leading organisational change.
- Professionals focused on improving organisational effectiveness.
Assessment & Verification
N/A
Progression
After completing the qualification, learners may:
- Progress to a university partner to discuss a research proposal for a DBA.
- Progress to a university partner to discuss a research proposal for a DProf.
- Progress to a university partner to discuss a research proposal for a PhD.
- Move directly into senior employment roles.
- Move into consultancy roles in a related professional field.
Materials Included
⦁ Comprehensive course materials and study guides.
⦁ Access to online resources and case studies.
⦁ Templates for risk assessments, audits, and incident reporting.
⦁ Practical examples and real-world scenarios for application.
⦁ Certification upon successful completion of the course.
Course Info
Level
Level 8
Credits
180
Duration
1800 hours
Delivery
Online
Difficulty
Beginner
Language
English
IOSH Eligibility
N/A
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