Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership
Reach the apex of strategic-leadership expertise. This doctoral-level diploma equips executives to design, govern and communicate global strategy – and provides a direct route to DBA or PhD research.
Duration
18 months
Level
Level 8 (Doctoral)
Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership Overview
Reach the apex of strategic-leadership expertise. This doctoral-level diploma equips executives to design, govern and communicate global strategy – and provides a direct route to DBA or PhD research.
Doctoral Level
RQF Level 8 | 160 credits of board-level strategic leadership content.
Enterprise-Wide Impact
Focus on governance, ethics and cross-border strategic execution.
Research Pathway
Direct progression to DBA or PhD programmes worldwide.
Global Perspective
All units contextualised for multi-jurisdictional environments.
Leadership Qualities and Practice
Critically evaluate contemporary leadership theories and examine how executive leaders create strategic value and ethical cultures in volatile global contexts.
Develop an evidence-based, doctoral-level personal development plan that enhances strategic credibility, influence and organisational impact.
Analyse macro-environmental volatility and craft borderless strategies that secure sustainable competitive advantage in complex, multi-jurisdictional markets.
Translate global strategies into actionable plans with clear governance structures, milestones, KPIs and cross-functional accountability.
Examine how visionary executives articulate and steer strategic direction across culturally diverse subsidiaries to realise cohesive corporate purpose.
Master high-stakes, multi-channel strategic communication that shapes stakeholder perception, mitigates risk and sustains reputation in the C-suite.
Critically evaluate the interplay between national, corporate and occupational cultures and its influence on strategic execution and performance.
Equip senior professionals with doctoral-level methodological skills required to design and execute original research that advances strategic-management knowledge.
Optional Units
Level 8 Diploma Structure: This programme consists of a single main module only. No additional optional units are required as you will have already completed the taught components through your prior qualification.
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Entry Requirements
To be eligible for the Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership, applicants must meet the following requirements.
Qualification Requirements
- Level 7 qualification in strategic management or a related discipline
- Master's degree (MBA, MSc, MA) or international equivalent
- English language equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ (if applicable)
- Substantial senior leadership experience (8+ years) with strategic remit
- Evidence of decision-making at board or director level
- Portfolio of achievements demonstrating enterprise impact
Strategic Project Portfolios
Practice-based submissions that demonstrate board-level decision-making and deliver measurable enterprise value.
Doctoral-Level Research Proposal
A fully-referenced research design suitable for DBA/PhD progression, evidencing methodological rigour and ethical compliance.
Reflective & Ethnographic Journals
Critically evaluate leadership practice, cultural dynamics and personal development through structured reflection.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in their field.
- ✔️Chief Executive Officer
- ✔️Group Strategy Director
- ✔️Non-Executive Director
- ✔️Managing Partner
- ✔️Strategy Partner
- ✔️Transformation Consultant
- ✔️Executive Coach
- ✔️Board Advisor
- ✔️Doctoral Researcher
- ✔️Adjunct Professor
- ✔️Think-Tank Fellow
- ✔️Policy Analyst
Progression Pathways
This qualification provides advanced standing for further study and professional development opportunities.
Professional Development: Your Level 8 qualification also opens doors to visiting professorships, consulting engagements and senior research roles at leading universities and think-tanks worldwide.
Partner Institutions
This programme is delivered in partnership with leading universities and professional bodies, ensuring the highest academic standards and global recognition.
American University of Malta
Degree-Awarding BodyAccredited Maltese university conferring the DBA
Qualifi
Qualification ProviderOfqual-regulated body issuing Level-8 entry diploma.
Chestnut Education Group
Delivery PartnerProvides online/blended delivery and learner support worldwide.
Assured Quality
Aligned to European Qualifications Framework Level-8 standards.
Global Credibility
AUM DBA respected by employers and professional bodies worldwide.
Seamless Progression
Direct pathways to post-doctoral research and professorships.
Ready to Elevate Your Board-Level Influence?
Apply today or speak with our doctoral-qualified advisors to explore how the Level 8 Diploma can accelerate your strategic impact.