is positioned within the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at level 7, the same as a master's degree?

Yes, the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Online – MBA Top-Up Route (120 Credits) is positioned at Level 7 on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). This designation confirms that the qualification demands the same depth of knowledge, complexity, and autonomy as a UK master’s degree. Regulated by Ofqual and accredited by OTHM, it ensures rigorous academic standards equivalent to postgraduate study. While it is not a master’s degree itself, its Level 7 status allows graduates to progress directly to the final year of an MBA programme, often referred to as the MBA top-up route. This structural alignment ensures that the strategic management and leadership competencies developed are recognised by UK universities and employers as master’s-level achievements, facilitating seamless academic progression and professional credibility for senior managers seeking to formalise their strategic direction and organisational capability without undertaking a full three-year degree programme.