are equivalent to a Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree level Qualification?

No. The Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is a master’s-level qualification on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It sits significantly above both Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Foundation Degrees. HNDs and Foundation Degrees are typically Level 5, equivalent to the second year of undergraduate study. Level 7 represents postgraduate study, aligning with the final year of a Master’s degree or MBA. Consequently, the OTHM Level 7 Diploma is not equivalent to these lower-tier qualifications; it is designed for senior managers and professionals seeking advanced strategic capabilities and potential progression to an MBA top-up, rather than foundational vocational or undergraduate-level training.