The CMI Level 7 Extended Diploma in Management and Leadership is a work-based route towards developing professionally competent senior managers and leaders.

The programme includes:

• Learning within the workplace
• Business Education
• Development of new Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs)

Students completing this programme will receive:

• CMI Level 7 Extended Diploma in Management and Leadership

Students successfully completing the programme will also be eligible to receive professional recognition as a Fellow with CMI (CMgr FCMI).

For existing senior managers or those moving into senior management positions

The programme is designed for any individual working or moving into a senior or strategic management role, where the development of new Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours is required. This can include General Managers, Senior Managers, Section Leaders, Executives, Directors, COO, CFO, CEO, CIO roles, and senior military officers. The programme has been specifically developed, and is delivered, by our work-based academic specialists. They understand the realities of business because of their industry experience, gained working within industry; as a result, you can be confident that they will appreciate your needs, challenges and constraints, as well as those of your staff and will be able to deliver a programme to fully meet your organisational and staff needs.

Directly benefits the employer organisation

The programme is delivered and assessed using a range of methods and activities using a hybrid model which includes live Teams webinar, academic assignments, projects, case studies, reports, work-product evidence, presentations, self-directed study, and interactive groupwork activities. The majority of activities focus on the role of a senior leader and employer business and are of direct and immediate benefit to the organisation.

The CMI Level 7 at a glance

Awards: CMI Level 7 Extended Diploma in Management and Leadership Practice, and eligibility to apply for Chartered Manager status: Fellowship (CMgr FCMI)

Duration: 20 months

Starts: Multi-employer cohorts from September 2026

Suitable for: Current, new and aspiring senior leaders

Costs: £3,995 payable by the employer or student.  The Senior Leadership apprenticeship standard is no longer funded through the apprenticeship levy.  You will need access to ICT to undertake your studies. You will also be invited to an annual learning fair, held centrally in England. You or your employer will be expected to pay travel costs.

Entry requirements: Working in an appropriate role, 19+.

“Off the job” element: Live lectures (via Teams) plus activities including research, assignments, reflection, work-product evidence, tutorials, group activities, workshops.

Support for students: UCQ mentor for duration of the programme, contact with lecturers via Teams or phone

Support for employers: UCQ account manager for the duration of programme with practical experience of business management and leadership

Eligibility: Individuals holding existing qualifications may join the programme.

Assessment: There are no exams, successful completion is entirely based upon the following assessments:

• Knowledge – academic assignments
• Skills and Behaviours – Self-reflection and work product evidence.

If you have any questions you would like to ask about the CMI Level 7 you can contact UCQ, by:

1. Emailing apprentices@ucq.ac.uk
2. Calling UCQ on 0333 0048 470