is a specific academic award usually?

No, the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is not an academic award in the traditional university sense. It is a vocational, regulated qualification on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 7, equivalent to master’s level. Awarded by OTHM and regulated by Ofqual, it focuses on practical strategic management skills rather than academic research. While it holds the same level as a master’s degree, it is distinct from a university-awarded master’s or MBA. Its primary value lies in its recognition for professional development and as a pathway to an MBA top-up, allowing learners to gain the final credits needed for a full MBA from partner universities. It is designed for working professionals seeking strategic capability enhancement without committing to a full academic master’s programme initially.