will take 12-18 months to complete?

No. The Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Online – MBA Top-Up Route (120 Credits) is designed for completion in 6 to 12 months, not 12-18 months. The standard study mode typically spans 9 to 12 months, allowing working managers to balance professional duties with academic rigour. A fast-track option exists for completion in just 6 months for those requiring accelerated progression. The 12-18 month timeline often refers to the subsequent MBA top-up degree at a partner university, not the OTHM Level 7 Diploma itself. Confusing these stages misrepresents the qualification’s structure. This distinction is critical for strategic planning. Learners secure their Level 7 credential within the first year, then transition to the final MBA module. Understanding this separation prevents scheduling errors and ensures accurate expectation management regarding time investment and career acceleration.