is is a stand-alone qualification, but there are entry requirements?

Yes, the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Online – MBA Top-Up Route (120 Credits) is a stand-alone qualification, but it has strict entry requirements. As an Ofqual-regulated RQF Level 7 award, it sits at master’s level, meaning you cannot enrol without prior academic or professional evidence. Typically, you need a Level 6 qualification, such as a bachelor’s degree or an HND, plus relevant managerial experience. This ensures you possess the foundational knowledge required for strategic direction and governance units. Without these prerequisites, you cannot access the programme, as the curriculum assumes prior understanding of organisational capability and stakeholder mapping. The entry criteria protect the qualification’s integrity and ensure you are prepared for the rigour of the 120-credit assessment structure.