is the first step to gain a MBA qualification?

The Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Online – MBA Top-Up Route (120 Credits) is not an MBA itself, but the critical academic prerequisite for one. It provides the 120 credits at RQF Level 7 required to enter the final dissertation stage of a UK MBA. You do not gain the full MBA qualification upon completing this diploma; instead, you gain eligibility to apply for an MBA top-up module at partner universities. This route is distinct from a full four-year MBA programme. The diploma focuses on strategic direction, organisational capability and governance, preparing you for the master’s-level research required in the top-up. It is a modular, regulated step designed for working managers seeking a faster, cost-effective path to a master’s degree without repeating undergraduate-level content.