will serve as a ladder towards an MBA top-up program in the future?

Yes. The Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Online – MBA Top-Up Route (120 Credits) is explicitly designed as a direct precursor to a full MBA. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to apply for the final year of an accredited MBA programme at partner universities, a process known as the MBA top-up. This route allows you to gain the remaining 120 credits required for a full master’s degree, typically through a dissertation or strategic project. The qualification is regulated by Ofqual (qualification number 603/2181/7) and awarded by OTHM, ensuring it meets the rigorous standards of RQF Level 7. This structured pathway provides a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to starting a three-year MBA from scratch, enabling senior professionals to achieve master’s-level recognition while maintaining their employment.