At a glance
Course details
- Delivery
- Online
- Study pace
- Flexible and self-paced
- Assessment
- Eight online written assignments
- Provider
- Online Business School
- Qualification level
- RQF Level 8
- Published course option
- Complete Level 8 course: £3,200
Delivered by Online Business School. Course and third-party fees may apply.
RQF Level 8
Paid flexible online qualification
Strategic Management and Leadership Practice Level 8
An advanced 180-credit qualification for experienced managers and leaders, covering strategic leadership, change, project development, advanced research and three selected management units.
- Provider
- Online Business School
- Study format
- Online
- Assessment
- Eight online written assignments
Course overview
Key facts before you choose this course
Compare the delivery, assessment, qualification and published fee, then check the entry requirements below.
Before you commit
What to know before enrolling
- OBS makes the admission decision and may ask for evidence of previous study, English ability, age or work experience.
- Course fees do not include external examination-centre charges, university top-up fees or other third-party costs unless the page says otherwise.
- The course has flexible online access, with up to five years under current provider terms.
- Universities, employers and professional bodies make their own recognition and progression decisions.
Fees and payment
Compare the current published options.
These are the course fees and instalment examples currently published by OBS. Taxes and clearly identified third-party charges may apply.
Complete Level 8 course
£3,200
Published course fee£20 deposit, then 24 monthly payments of £132.50 at 0% interest.
OBS publishes the course fee and instalment example shown above. Where rounded monthly figures do not equal the headline fee exactly, the provider may adjust the final payment.
Course decision guide
Is this the right route for you?
Use these fit questions alongside the qualification facts. Final entry and recognition decisions remain with the relevant provider or receiving organisation.
This route may suit you if
- Experienced managers and leaders who already hold suitable Level 7 or master’s-level preparation for advanced strategic study.
- People who want to combine strategic leadership, organisational change, project development and advanced research methods.
- Learners considering future doctoral-level applications while recognising that each university controls its own research admissions.
Compare another route first if
- You have not yet completed suitable Level 7 study or developed the management experience expected for advanced work.
- You need a doctorate, doctoral supervision or guaranteed DBA or PhD admission within the published course fee.
Compare the closest alternatives
Alternative route
Strategic Management and Leadership Level 7
Choose Strategic Management and Leadership Level 7 when you need the earlier postgraduate-level strategic foundation. Compare course detailsAlternative route
Project Management Level 7
Choose Project Management Level 7 for a specialist focus on complex projects rather than broader executive leadership and research. Compare course detailsQualification facts
What qualification will you receive?
The regulated qualification contains five mandatory units plus three selected optional units, totalling 180 credits, 1,800 total qualification time hours and 900 guided learning hours.
RQF Level 8
OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
- Awarding organisation
- OTHM
- Qualification number
- 603/6996/6
- Credits
- 180
Curriculum
What you will study
Mandatory units
- Developing Strategic Management and Leadership Potential
- Managing Strategic Change
- Project Development, Planning and Management
- Advanced Research Design and Methodologies
- Developing Research Capability
Optional units: choose three
- Globalisation and Corporate Governance
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Strategic Human Resource Management
- Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Strategic Financial Management
- Strategic Marketing
Practical requirements
What you need and how the course is assessed.
Entry requirements
- Applicants normally hold an OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, another relevant Level 7 qualification or a master’s degree.
- OBS states that experienced managers without formal qualifications may be considered in some circumstances.
- English-language evidence may be required under the current OTHM specification.
- Online Business School makes the final enrolment decision.
Assessment in practice
- The completed qualification contains five mandatory units and three selected optional units.
- OBS publishes eight written assignments, normally around 2,000 to 3,000 words each.
- Previously completed matching OTHM Level 7 optional units may be recognised under the qualification rules.
- The course is assessed through assignments rather than examinations.
Further study and careers
Further study and progression
Successful learners may apply for a suitable doctoral-level programme such as a DBA or PhD. Each university decides admission, research fit, accepted prior learning and any further requirements.
Doctoral application
You may apply for a suitable DBA or PhD, with the university deciding research fit, supervision and entry requirements.
Executive development
The advanced curriculum may support leadership development, while employers decide role, experience and promotion criteria.
Included support
Current benefits shown for this route
Benefits can change and may depend on the course and payment method. Confirm the current terms before enrolment.
Online course materials
OBS publishes online modules, learning resources and assignment guidance for this course.
Tutor support
OBS publishes tutor support, assignment marking and feedback through its online learning platform.
Conditions applyFlexible course access
OBS currently allows up to five years to complete the course at a flexible pace.
Conditions applyQuestions before enrolment
Frequently asked questions
Read the main details about fees, study, assessment and progression.
How much does the course cost?
OBS publishes the following course fee: Complete Level 8 course: £3,200, with a £20 deposit and 24 monthly payments of £132.50.
Is this qualification a doctorate?
No. It is a regulated 180-credit Level 8 diploma and may support an application for suitable doctoral-level study.
How is the course assessed?
OBS publishes eight online written assignments. There are no external examinations for this diploma.
Are previous Level 7 units recognised?
Matching optional units previously completed within the relevant OTHM Level 7 diploma may be recognised under the current qualification rules.
What happens if I cancel, withdraw or request a refund?
Online Business School's current cancellation, withdrawal and refund terms apply. Ready Study Global does not set or administer the provider's refund decisions. Ask us for the current OBS terms before enrolment or payment.
How is the Level 8 diploma different from a doctorate?
It is an advanced regulated diploma with strategic and research content. A doctorate requires separate university admission, supervised original research and its own award requirements.
Compare nearby options
Related online courses
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Course and third-party fees may apply. Providers, awarding organisations, institutions and funding bodies make their own final decisions.