Effective leadership is more important than ever. Organisations need professionals who can think strategically, manage change, lead people and make informed decisions in complex environments.
For aspiring senior leaders, further study can be an important step towards developing these capabilities. However, the cost of postgraduate education can sometimes be a barrier. At the Institute of Customer Management (ICM), scholarships and financial support are designed to help talented and motivated students access high-quality, career-focused education.
If you are considering a Leadership & Strategy Level 7 programme, understanding the scholarship opportunities available could help you take the next step with greater confidence.
Why Study Leadership and Strategy?
Leadership is not simply about managing people. Senior leaders are increasingly expected to understand organisational strategy, respond to change, balance competing priorities and guide teams towards meaningful outcomes.
The ICM Leadership & Strategy programme at Level 7 is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their strategic capability and leadership confidence.
Key areas of learning include:
- Strategic management
- Leadership theory and practice
- Change management
- Corporate governance
- Global business strategy
The programme uses case-based strategic analysis, applied leadership challenges and flexible learning delivery to connect academic knowledge with practical professional contexts.
For managers preparing for senior leadership, entrepreneurs and business leaders, or professionals seeking stronger strategic capability, this provides an opportunity to develop knowledge that can be applied across a wide range of organisations.
Scholarships That Support Your Potential
ICM offers a range of scholarship and financial support options designed to recognise achievement, professional experience, future potential and individual circumstances.
Scholarships may vary by programme and intake, and awards are limited and competitive. Applications are assessed through a holistic review.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships may be awarded to applicants who demonstrate strong academic performance or significant professional achievement.
For Leadership and Strategy students, this may be particularly relevant if you have demonstrated strong academic capability or built a successful professional track record.
Typical awards range from 10% to 30% of tuition fees.
Global Access Scholarships
Global Access Scholarships are designed to support students from a range of economic backgrounds and regions.
ICM’s flexible learning model is designed for a global audience, and these scholarships may help widen access to postgraduate study for eligible applicants.
Typical awards range from 20% to 50% of tuition fees.
Professional Achievement Awards
Professional Achievement Awards are specifically relevant to postgraduate applicants with demonstrated career progression and leadership potential.
If you are an experienced professional, manager or emerging leader, your professional journey may form an important part of your scholarship application.
Relevant experience may include:
- Career progression
- Leadership responsibilities
- Management experience
- Professional achievements
- Evidence of leadership potential
Early Application Awards
Early Application Awards may be available to applicants who apply and confirm their place early.
These awards typically range from 10% to 20% of tuition fees.
How Much Does the Leadership and Strategy Programme Cost?
The standard tuition fee for ICM postgraduate programmes at Level 7 is £6,500.
Scholarships may help reduce the financial commitment for eligible students. ICM also offers a flexible approach to postgraduate education, allowing students to begin with the Level 7 programme rather than committing upfront to the full cost of a traditional Master’s route.
Optional immersive learning modules may also be available at £1,500 per module, with scholarships potentially applying where applicable.
How Are Scholarships Assessed?
ICM takes a holistic approach to scholarship assessment. Your application may be considered based on several factors, including:
- Academic background
- Professional experience
- Personal statement
- Career goals
- Geographic and financial context
This means that scholarship consideration is not based on grades alone.
For Leadership and Strategy students, your application is also an opportunity to demonstrate how advanced study connects with your professional goals. You may wish to clearly explain the leadership challenges you want to address, the type of roles you are working towards and how stronger strategic capability could support your future development.
A Flexible Route to Leadership Development
One of the advantages of ICM’s approach is flexibility.
The Leadership & Strategy programme is delivered at Level 7, the same academic level as a Master’s degree in the UK. Students can complete advanced postgraduate study and may have the opportunity to progress to a university for a dissertation or applied project, subject to entry requirements and university-specific criteria.
This step-by-step structure can allow professionals to:
- Begin advanced study without an immediate full Master’s commitment
- Balance learning with professional responsibilities
- Build specialist leadership and strategic knowledge
- Consider further progression at a later stage
- Manage educational investment more gradually
The programme is delivered through flexible learning formats, making it particularly relevant to working professionals who want to continue developing their careers while studying.
More Than Financial Support
For students pursuing leadership and strategy, education should go beyond the qualification itself.
ICM’s wider learning approach focuses on developing knowledge, capability and professional confidence. Students may have access to experiences and support relating to:
- Leadership and decision-making
- Communication and professional presence
- Problem-solving in business contexts
- Career development
- Industry insight and practitioner perspectives
- Professional development opportunities
- Applied and case-based learning
The aim is to help learners develop capabilities that are relevant beyond the classroom.
Who Should Consider Applying?
You may wish to explore a scholarship for Leadership and Strategy if you are:
- A manager preparing for a more senior role
- An entrepreneur or business owner developing your strategic capability
- A professional seeking to move into leadership
- An experienced professional with a strong record of career progression
- An international learner looking for flexible UK-style postgraduate study
- A high-potential applicant with clear academic or professional goals
Preparing a Strong Scholarship Application
A strong application should communicate more than your interest in receiving financial support. It should help the admissions team understand your potential and the value of the opportunity to your future development.
Consider clearly explaining:
Your Professional Journey
Describe your experience, responsibilities and career progression. Where relevant, highlight situations where you have led people, managed change or contributed to strategic decisions.
Your Leadership Goals
Explain where you want your career to go. Are you preparing for senior management? Building your own business? Moving into a strategic role?
Clear goals can help demonstrate purpose and direction.
Your Potential for Future Impact
Think about how the programme could strengthen your ability to contribute to your organisation, profession, community or wider business environment.
Why Leadership and Strategy Matters to You
Make a clear connection between your current experience, future ambitions and the capabilities you want to develop.
Take the Next Step
Leadership capability is developed over time through learning, reflection, experience and practical application. For professionals with the ambition to lead organisations, manage change and contribute to strategic decisions, postgraduate study can provide an important foundation for the next stage of their journey.
ICM scholarships are designed to recognise achievement, support potential and help expand access to high-quality, career-focused education.
If you are considering the Level 7 Leadership & Strategy programme, explore the scholarship and financial support options available and discuss your eligibility with the ICM admissions team.
Your next leadership opportunity may begin with the decision to invest in your development.
Important information: Scholarships are limited and competitive. Not all applicants will receive an award. Awards are determined at the discretion of the institution and may vary depending on programme and intake. Eligibility and progression opportunities are subject to applicable requirements and criteria.
