is a postgraduate qualification in the UK, basically the same level as a master's degree?

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 a UK master’s degree. Regulated by Ofqual and awarded by OTHM, it is not a master’s degree itself but holds equivalent standing in the UK qualifications framework. This distinction matters for progression: while it demonstrates master’s-level strategic capability, it is designed as a bridge to an MBA top-up. Graduates typically complete one final year at a partner university to convert the diploma into a full MBA. For working managers, this route offers a cost-effective, flexible alternative to a traditional three-year master’s, focusing on applied strategic direction and organisational capability rather than purely academic research.