are at the same level as master's degrees in the UK?

Yes, the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Online – MBA Top-Up Route (120 Credits) sits at RQF Level 7, the same academic level as UK master’s degrees. Regulated by Ofqual and accredited by OTHM, it matches the cognitive demand and strategic depth of postgraduate study. However, it is not a master’s degree itself. It is a vocational qualification designed to build organisational capability and strategic direction. Graduates typically progress to an MBA top-up module at a partner university to achieve the full master’s award. This route offers a cost-effective, flexible alternative for senior professionals seeking master’s-level recognition without committing to a full three-year university programme. The distinction lies in the final award, not the learning level.