are UK postgraduate- level diplomas, equivalent to a **Master's degree**?

No, a Level 7 Diploma is not equivalent to a Master’s degree, though it sits at the same RQF Level 7. The diploma provides 120 credits, whereas a full Master’s requires 180. It is a distinct qualification focused on strategic management and leadership competencies. Its primary value lies in the MBA top-up route: universities accept the 120 credits towards a full MBA, requiring only the final dissertation. This allows working managers to gain master’s-level recognition without repeating core modules. The diploma itself is a standalone professional credential, regulated by Ofqual and awarded by OTHM, designed for career progression rather than academic completion.