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CMI Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Direction and Leadership cover image

CMI Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Direction and Leadership
Next Level Impact

Online course with all costs included. 0% Interest Payment Plans available on request.

Summary

Price
£2,795 inc VAT
Or £232.92/mo. for 12 months...
Finance options

Finance and funding options are available on request.
Funding options

Finance and funding options are available on request.
Study method
Online
Duration
9 months · Self-paced
Access to content
Access until course completion
Qualification
CMI Level 8 Diploma In Strategic Direction and Leadership
Regulated qualification What's this?
CPD
670 CPD hours / points
CPD What's this?
Certificates
  • CMI level 8 certification - Free
Assessment details
  • CMI assessment (included in price)
Additional info
  • Tutor is available to students
17 students enquired about/purchased this course

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Overview

The CMI Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Direction and Leadership is the highest-level CMI qualification, designed for experienced directors and senior leaders. Equivalent to a Doctorate in academic terms, it develops the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to translate inter-organisational strategy into exceptional performance. Learners gain the ability to shape and drive strategic vision across complex organisations, influence stakeholders, and lead in global and multi-organisational environments.

Qualification

CMI Level 8 Diploma In Strategic Direction and Leadership

Regulated by Ofqual

Certificates

Assessment details

CMI assessment

Included in course price

Assessment is by assignments - no stressful exams.

CPD

670 CPD hours / points
Accredited by Chartered Management Institute

Course media

Description

This Diploma is aimed at senior executives with at least 3 years’ experience at board or director level. The programme enables you to critically evaluate and implement inter-organisational strategy, strengthen leadership capability, and influence strategic direction at the highest level.

Key study areas include:

  • Personal development as a strategic leader

  • Collective strategy development

  • Inter-organisational strategic planning and direction

  • Strategic communication and culture

  • Advanced leadership practice

The Diploma requires learners to complete all mandatory Level 8 units plus optional units from Group B (minimum total of 67 credits). Assessment is through work-based assignments (approx. 4,000–4,500 words each), supported by a dedicated tutor.

Completion demonstrates the skills and expertise required of a strategic leader operating at the highest levels of business and governance, and provides a direct route to Chartered Manager (CMgr) status.

Who is this course for?

  • Experienced directors and senior leaders already working at board or strategic level.

  • Leaders responsible for shaping organisational direction, cross-sector collaboration, or global strategy.

  • Professionals seeking the highest CMI qualification and recognition equivalent to a Doctoral level award.

Requirements

  • Ability to complete assignments at post-graduate level.

  • All Learners must hold a Level 7 or equivalent qualification.

  • At least 3 years’ experience at strategic level as a senior manager.

Career path

Graduates typically progress into or consolidate positions such as:

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

  • Managing Director

  • Executive Director

  • Board-level or Non-Executive Director roles

  • Senior Government or NGO leadership positions

Successful completion also provides a pathway to:

  • Chartered Manager (CMgr) status with CMI

  • Senior consulting, academic, or governance roles

Questions and answers

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Legal information

This course is advertised on Reed.co.uk by the Course Provider, whose terms and conditions apply. Purchases are made directly from the Course Provider, and as such, content and materials are supplied by the Course Provider directly. Reed is acting as agent and not reseller in relation to this course. Reed's only responsibility is to facilitate your payment for the course. It is your responsibility to review and agree to the Course Provider's terms and conditions and satisfy yourself as to the suitability of the course you intend to purchase. Reed will not have any responsibility for the content of the course and/or associated materials.

FAQs

Study method describes the format in which the course will be delivered. At Reed Courses, courses are delivered in a number of ways, including online courses, where the course content can be accessed online remotely, and classroom courses, where courses are delivered in person at a classroom venue.

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. If you work in certain professions or for certain companies, your employer may require you to complete a number of CPD hours or points, per year. You can find a range of CPD courses on Reed Courses, many of which can be completed online.

A regulated qualification is delivered by a learning institution which is regulated by a government body. In England, the government body which regulates courses is Ofqual. Ofqual regulated qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which can help students understand how different qualifications in different fields compare to each other. The framework also helps students to understand what qualifications they need to progress towards a higher learning goal, such as a university degree or equivalent higher education award.

An endorsed course is a skills based course which has been checked over and approved by an independent awarding body. Endorsed courses are not regulated so do not result in a qualification - however, the student can usually purchase a certificate showing the awarding body's logo if they wish. Certain awarding bodies - such as Quality Licence Scheme and TQUK - have developed endorsement schemes as a way to help students select the best skills based courses for them.
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