Secretarial Course Level 7: Advanced Secretarial Diploma

Module 1: Introduction to the Modern PA/Secretary Role

The first module examines the evolving responsibilities of personal assistants and secretaries.

Learners consider how these professionals support executives while contributing to wider administrative functions.

Understanding the role itself provides an important foundation for the rest of the programme.

A secretary may need to manage information, coordinate activities and maintain professional communication while responding to changing priorities. A PA supporting an executive may also need to anticipate requirements and organise several activities simultaneously.

Learners who would prefer focused study of these core responsibilities can explore the Job Functions of a PA Secretary course, which concentrates on secretarial duties, scheduling, documentation, confidentiality and executive support.

Module 2: Communication and Interpersonal Excellence

Administrative professionals communicate with colleagues, managers, clients and other stakeholders.

The second module develops professional communication skills with emphasis on clarity, professionalism and effective interpersonal relationships.

Communication in secretarial work can involve:

• written correspondence;
• telephone conversations;
• meetings;
• internal communication;
• communication with senior managers;
• handling enquiries;
• coordinating information between different people.

Effective communication is therefore not simply about speaking or writing clearly. It also involves understanding context, listening carefully and ensuring that information is communicated appropriately.

Module 3: Time, Task and Schedule Management

Managing competing demands is a central part of many PA and secretarial roles.

This module explores techniques for managing time, prioritising tasks and coordinating schedules.

For example, an administrative professional may need to arrange appointments while responding to urgent correspondence, preparing documents and coordinating an upcoming meeting.

A structured approach can help distinguish genuine priorities from tasks that can be scheduled for later.

Relevant capabilities include:

• prioritising work;
• coordinating diaries;
• organising tasks;
• monitoring deadlines;
• adjusting schedules when priorities change;
• communicating scheduling changes clearly.

These skills can support both individual productivity and the organisation of the people an administrator assists.

Module 4: Digital Office Management and AI Tools

Modern administration increasingly takes place within digital working environments.

The fourth module introduces digital office management and the use of AI-powered tools and technologies in administrative operations.

This topic is particularly relevant as administrative work increasingly involves digital documents, online communication, shared systems and technology-supported workflows.

The objective is to help learners consider how digital tools can support administrative efficiency while maintaining appropriate professional judgement.

Technology should support good administrative practice rather than replace the need for accuracy, confidentiality and careful review.

Module 5: Records, Reports and Data Handling

Accurate information management is an important administrative responsibility.

This module examines organising records, preparing reports and handling sensitive data accurately and confidentially.

Poorly maintained information can create practical problems, from missing documents to incorrect decisions based on outdated records.

Good practice therefore involves thinking carefully about:

• accuracy;
• organisation;
• consistency;
• appropriate handling;
• confidentiality;
• clear reporting.

Learners develop greater awareness of how reliable records and reports contribute to effective office operations.

Module 6: Meeting and Event Coordination

Meetings and events require more than selecting a date.

Administrative professionals may need to coordinate availability, arrange logistics, prepare information, communicate with attendees and maintain appropriate documentation.

The sixth module covers meeting and event organisation from preparation through to follow-up.

This can involve:

• scheduling;
• participant communication;
• logistical planning;
• document preparation;
• coordination;
• follow-up communication;
• maintaining appropriate records.

The module helps connect organisational skills with practical coordination responsibilities.

Module 7: Conflict Resolution and Professional Conduct

Administrative and secretarial professionals regularly interact with people who have different priorities, expectations and communication styles.

Disagreements or difficult interactions can therefore arise.

This module introduces strategies for resolving workplace conflict while maintaining professional conduct.

The objective is not to avoid every disagreement but to understand how difficult situations can be approached calmly and professionally.

Learners who want additional focused development in this area can explore the Conflict and Conflict Resolution course, which examines conflict causes, communication, negotiation, difficult workplace interactions and approaches to resolving disputes.

Module 8: Career Growth and Executive Support

The final module considers executive-level support capabilities and professional development.

Executive support can require a combination of the skills introduced throughout the programme: communication, organisation, scheduling, information management, meeting coordination and professional judgement.

The module also encourages learners to consider their continuing development and how administrative responsibilities may evolve over time.

A career as a PA or secretary could take you places you never dreamed possible. Whether looking to climb the ranks with an established employer or take the first steps towards self-employment, this Level 7 Admin, Secretarial and PA Skills Diploma could be just the thing.  Typical job titles in the field include Personal Assistant, Personal Executive Assistant, Office Assistant, Support Secretary, Data Entry Clerk, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Personal Concierge, Executive Assistant and many more besides.  All with huge scope for progression and generous earnings potential.

The formal endorsement section on the live course page states that successful learners receive a Certificate of Achievement from the Quality Licence Scheme together with a Learner Unit Summary listing the completed course components.

The website also states that the programme is non-regulated and is not an Ofqual-regulated accredited qualification.

This distinction is important.

A Quality Licence Scheme-endorsed programme should not be presented as equivalent to a regulated Level 7 qualification.

Learners who require a qualification for entry to further study, employment, professional membership or another formal purpose should confirm the programme's suitability with the relevant organisation before enrolling.

What does the Secretarial Course Level 7 cover?

The eight-module syllabus covers the modern PA and secretary role, professional communication, time and schedule management, digital office management and AI tools, records and reports, meeting coordination, conflict resolution, professional conduct and executive support.

How long is the Secretarial Diploma Level 7?

The live course page states a duration of approximately 620 hours. The programme is self-paced, allowing learners to organise their study around their available time.

Are there entry requirements?

The live course page currently states No Entry Requirements. Review the syllabus and study commitment carefully before deciding whether this advanced programme suits your needs.

Is this an Ofqual-regulated Level 7 qualification?

No. The formal endorsement information states that the programme is Quality Licence Scheme endorsed for non-regulated provision and is not an Ofqual-regulated accredited qualification.