What is a level 7 course equivalent to?

A Level 7 qualification sits at Master’s level on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It is academically equivalent to the taught component of a UK Master’s degree, such as an MSc or MA, and matches the learning outcomes of the first year of a PhD. Crucially, the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is not a full Master’s degree itself but serves as a recognised precursor. Upon successful completion of the 120 credits, graduates gain entry to the final year of an MBA top-up programme at partner universities. This pathway allows working managers to achieve a full MBA without repeating undergraduate-level study. The qualification is Ofqual regulated, ensuring its status is transparent and comparable to university postgraduate certificates. It validates strategic capability, governance understanding, and organisational leadership at a senior level.