The CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is a senior-level professional qualification designed for practising and aspiring managers who want to strengthen their ability to lead people, manage organisational activities and make strategic decisions that contribute to long-term organisational success. The qualification focuses on developing the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required to operate effectively in senior management and leadership roles.
The qualification is particularly relevant to professionals working towards roles such as Senior Manager, Regional Manager, Specialist Manager, Director and Chief Executive Officer, as well as managers with responsibility for areas such as finance, quality, risk, marketing, sales, information technology or human resources. CMI states that the qualifications are designed around the tasks and activities undertaken by managers in the workplace, with emphasis on professional practice, ethical behaviour, organisational impact and continuing development.
At Level 7, the qualification provides a broad strategic management and leadership framework covering areas such as strategic leadership, organisational strategy, strategic change, financial management, organisational design, risk management, data and information, marketing, entrepreneurship, applied research and personal and professional development. Learners can also explore specialist areas including equality and inclusion, mental health and wellbeing, sustainability, quality management, coaching and ethical decision making.
Successful completion can provide progression within the CMI Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership Practice suite. Learners completing the Diploma may also be eligible to pursue Chartered Manager (CMgr) status where they can provide evidence of at least three years of management and leadership experience. Further professional development may also include progression to CMI Level 8 qualifications in Strategic Direction and Leadership.
Overall, the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice provides a comprehensive framework for developing strategic thinking, leadership capability, organisational decision-making and professional management practice. It is designed to help Learners translate advanced management knowledge into effective workplace practice and contribute more confidently to organisational performance, change and long-term success.
The CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is open to Learners from the age of 19. CMI does not prescribe specific formal entry qualifications for this programme; however, the approved CMI Centre must ensure that each Learner has the appropriate capability to undertake Level 7 learning and assessment successfully.
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Minimum Age: Learners should be aged 19 or above.
- Academic Qualifications: CMI does not specify a mandatory prior academic qualification for entry.
- Management Experience: Previous management or leadership experience is not stated by CMI as a mandatory entry requirement, although relevant experience can be beneficial for applying learning to workplace practice.
- Learning Capability: Learners must have sufficient capability to engage with advanced Level 7 learning and complete the required assessments.
- English Language: The qualification is delivered in English, so Learners should have sufficient English language ability to understand learning materials and complete assessment requirements.
- Centre Assessment: The CMI Centre is responsible for establishing appropriate selection criteria and ensuring that the qualification meets the Learner’s needs and supports successful learning, achievement and progression.
- Induction: Centres should provide a comprehensive induction, identify Learners’ development needs and develop an Individual Learning Plan where appropriate.
The CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice comprises five specialist units designed to develop advanced knowledge and practical capabilities in strategic leadership, marketing, risk management, organisational wellbeing, and quality management.
Mandatory Units
- Unit 701 – Strategic Leadership
- Unit 710 – Marketing Strategy
- Unit 708 – Strategic Risk Management
- Unit 716 – Strategic Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Unit 609 – Leading Quality Management
Skills You Will Gain
On successful completion of the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, Learners should be able to:
Unit 701 – Strategic Leadership
Unit Code: H/617/6861 | GLH: 36 Hours | TUT: 110 Hours | Credit Value: 11 Credits
Learning Outcome 1
Understand the role and context for strategic leadership
Assessment Criteria
- 1.1 Critically appraise the impact of organisational context on strategic leadership.
- 1.2 Critically appraise the role of the strategic leader to set and realise organisational goals.
Learning Outcome 2
Understand the behaviours and skills for strategic leadership
Assessment Criteria
- 2.1 Critically appraise the leadership behaviours and skills required to deliver strategic goals.
- 2.2 Critically reflect on how the principles of strategic leadership can be applied to respond to complex organisational challenges.
Unit 710 – Marketing Strategy
Unit Code: J/617/6870 | GLH: 30 Hours | TUT: 80 Hours | Credit Value: 8 Credits
Learning Outcome 1
Understand the context in which a marketing strategy is developed
Assessment Criteria
- 1.1 Critically appraise theoretical frameworks and processes which inform strategic marketing.
- 1.2 Discuss the influence of an organisation’s strategic aims and context on a marketing strategy.
- 1.3 Critically review the influence of changing market environments on marketing strategy.
- 1.4 Evaluate developments in digital marketing which impact on a marketing strategy.
Learning Outcome 2
Know how to develop a marketing strategy
Assessment Criteria
- 2.1 Critically evaluate an organisation’s market position, opportunities for growth and innovation.
- 2.2 Develop a marketing strategy to respond to existing and future stakeholder requirements.
- 2.3 Recommend approaches to ensure an organisation’s approach to marketing remains effective.
Unit 708 – Strategic Risk Management
Unit Code: L/617/6868 | GLH: 24 Hours | TUT: 80 Hours | Credit Value: 8 Credits
Learning Outcome 1
Understand strategies for managing risk
Assessment Criteria
- 1.1 Critically appraise strategic risk within an organisational context.
- 1.2 Critically assess strategies for managing risk in an organisational context.
Learning Outcome 2
Know how to develop risk management strategies
Assessment Criteria
- 2.1 Critically appraise the leadership skills for strategic risk management.
- 2.2 Propose a Risk Management Framework to deliver strategic objectives.
Unit 716 – Strategic Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing
Unit Code: H/617/6875 | GLH: 18 Hours | TUT: 70 Hours | Credit Value: 7 Credits
Learning Outcome 1
Understand the impact of managing mental health and wellbeing on organisational performance
Assessment Criteria
- 1.1 Discuss the impact of mental health and wellbeing on organisational performance.
- 1.2 Critically assess the complexities of managing mental health and wellbeing in an organisational context.
- 1.3 Critically evaluate contemporary approaches for creating healthy work systems.
Learning Outcome 2
Know how to develop a culture of mental health and wellbeing
Assessment Criteria
- 2.1 Propose a strategy to promote mental health and wellbeing in an organisational context.
- 2.2 Critically appraise approaches for implementing and sustaining a culture of mental health and wellbeing.
Unit 609 – Leading Quality Management
Unit Code: M/617/4465 | GLH: 25 Hours | TUT: 70 Hours | Credit Value: 7 Credits
Learning Outcome 1
Understand the factors which influence organisational approaches to quality management
Assessment Criteria
- 1.1 Critically assess organisational approaches to quality management in relation to different perspectives and schools of thought.
- 1.2 Appraise the impact of multi-dimensional issues on quality management within organisational contexts.
Learning Outcome 2
Know how to lead quality management to achieve strategic objectives
Assessment Criteria
- 2.1 Discuss how quality management can be developed to achieve strategic objectives in an organisational context.
- 2.2 Develop a proposal to lead quality management at an operational level.
- 2.3 Consider how individuals and teams can be supported to instil the principles of quality and continuous improvement into all aspects of working practice.
Qualification Overview
| Unit | GLH | TUT | Credits |
| Unit 701 – Strategic Leadership | 36 | 110 | 11 |
| Unit 710 – Marketing Strategy | 30 | 80 | 8 |
| Unit 708 – Strategic Risk Management | 24 | 80 | 8 |
| Unit 716 – Strategic Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing | 18 | 70 | 7 |
| Unit 609 – Leading Quality Management | 25 | 70 | 7 |
| Total | 133 | 410 | 41 |
Total Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 133 Hours
Total TUT: 410 Hours
Total Credit Value: 41 Credits
Total Qualification Time (TQT): 543 Hours
The CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is recommended for Learners who are preparing for, or already working in, senior management and leadership roles. The qualification is designed around the activities and responsibilities undertaken by managers in the workplace and supports the development of strategic management, leadership and professional practice.
Who Is This Course For
- Senior Managers seeking to strengthen their strategic leadership and organisational management capabilities.
- Aspiring Senior Managers preparing to progress into higher-level management and leadership positions.
- Departmental and Functional Managers responsible for areas such as finance, marketing, sales, HR, quality, risk or information technology.
- Strategic Leaders who need to develop organisational strategy and contribute to long-term business objectives.
- Directors and Senior Executives looking to enhance their strategic decision-making and leadership practice.
- Managers Leading Organisational Change who need to develop the knowledge and skills to plan, implement and manage strategic change.
- Business and Organisational Leaders responsible for improving organisational performance, managing risk and responding to complex business environments.
- Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs seeking to strengthen entrepreneurial thinking and strategic approaches to innovation.
- Project and Programme Leaders involved in strategic management projects, organisational development or major change initiatives.
- Experienced Management Professionals seeking structured professional development at Level 7 and potential progression towards higher-level CMI qualifications.
The qualification is particularly suitable for professionals who want to move beyond operational management and develop the ability to think strategically, influence organisational direction, lead people and manage complex organisational challenges. The syllabus includes strategic leadership, organisational strategy, strategic change, finance, risk, data and information, entrepreneurship, applied research and professional development.
The CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice can support Learners in progressing towards higher-level management, leadership and professional development opportunities. The syllabus identifies several progression routes following successful completion of the qualification.
Professional Progression
- Senior Management Roles – Supports progression towards senior management and leadership responsibilities across different organisational functions.
- Strategic Leadership Roles – Develops the strategic knowledge and capabilities relevant to positions involving organisational strategy, change, performance and decision-making.
- Director-Level Positions – The qualification is relevant to practising or aspiring managers progressing towards Director and other senior executive responsibilities.
- Specialist Management Roles – Supports continued development for managers specialising in areas such as finance, risk, marketing, quality, sales, HR or IT.
Chartered Manager (CMgr)
Learners who successfully complete the CMI Level 7 Diploma may be eligible to progress towards Chartered Manager (CMgr) status, provided they can evidence a minimum of three years’ management and leadership experience.
Further CMI Qualifications
Learners can continue their professional development through other qualifications within the CMI framework, including:
- Further CMI Level 7 qualifications in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice.
- Progression to CMI Level 8 Qualifications in Strategic Direction and Leadership for those seeking further advanced professional development.
Senior Leader Apprenticeship Pathway
Selected units from the qualification can also support on-programme development for practising or aspiring managers undertaking the Senior Leader Apprenticeship Programme. The relevant units include Strategic Leadership, Leading and Developing People, Developing Organisational Strategy, Leading Strategic Change, Finance for Strategic Leaders, Strategic Risk Management and Personal and Professional Development for Strategic Leaders.
Overall, the qualification can provide a pathway from advanced management development → senior strategic leadership → Chartered Manager development → further Level 8 strategic leadership study, depending on the Learner’s experience, career objectives and chosen progression route.
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The Chartered Management Institute
The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is a UK professional body and awarding organisation dedicated to management and leadership. CMI is the only Royal Chartered Body for management and leadership, with a Royal Charter recognising management as a profession and providing the foundation for Chartered Manager status.
What CMI Provides
- Regulated management and leadership qualifications
- Professional standards
- Management and leadership development
- Professional membership
- Chartered recognition
Why CMI?
CMI qualifications connect structured learning with practical management and leadership capability. They are designed to help professionals:
- Manage effectively — Lead people, teams and organisational activities.
- Make better decisions — Evaluate situations, priorities and opportunities.
- Think strategically — Understand organisational direction, performance and long-term priorities.
- Develop professionally — Build knowledge, capability and continuing professional development.
For experienced professionals, CMI offers pathways to fCMgr and CMgr, subject to eligibility requirements.
CMI Qualifications & UK Regulation
CMI offers regulated qualifications in management and leadership across different levels and qualification sizes. Its regulated qualifications operate within the UK’s four national regulatory frameworks:
- Ofqual — England
- CCEA Regulation — Northern Ireland
- Qualifications Wales — Wales
- Qualifications Scotland — Scotland
CMI is the awarding organisation, while the relevant national regulator provides regulatory oversight within its jurisdiction. Individual qualifications are identified through their official qualification titles, qualification codes and qualification numbers.
Why Choose Lexiton International?
Choose Lexiton International for a professional pathway to selected CMI management and leadership qualifications through a CMI Approved Centre in Pakistan. Our programmes are designed to support learners and professionals developing management, leadership, strategic and workplace wellbeing capabilities.
CMI Approved Centre | CMI Centre Number: C100002244
CMI Approved Centre
Lexiton International is a CMI Approved Centre in Pakistan (CMI Centre Number: C100002244) , operating within its approved scope and applicable CMI quality requirements.
Recognised CMI Qualifications
Access selected CMI Level 5 and Level 7 qualifications covering Management & Leadership, Strategic Management & Leadership Practice, and Strategic Approaches to Mental Health & Wellbeing.
Flexible Online & Blended Learning
Our applicable programmes are available through online and blended learning, supporting professionals who need to balance professional responsibilities with their development.
Professional & Strategic Development
Develop practical knowledge and capabilities in management, leadership, strategic decision-making, organisational performance and workplace wellbeing.
Support Throughout Your Learning Journey
Receive guidance throughout the learning and assessment journey in line with the requirements of your selected programme.
Pakistan & International Access
Lexiton International supports learners and professionals in Pakistan and international markets, providing access to applicable CMI qualification pathways.
