are a prestigious qualification that is equivalent to a postgraduate certificate (PGCert) or a Master's degree?

The Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Online – MBA Top-Up Route (120 Credits) is a distinct qualification, not automatically equivalent to a full Master’s degree. It sits at RQF Level 7, matching the academic standard of a Master’s, but carries only 120 credits. A typical UK Master’s requires 180 credits. Therefore, this diploma is academically equivalent to a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), not a full Master’s. To achieve a Master’s, you must complete the MBA top-up module, adding 60 credits. This structure allows working managers to validate strategic capability immediately while retaining the option to progress to a full Master’s degree through partner universities, ensuring clear, regulated progression without unnecessary academic overhead.