MBA Pathway

Awarded by:
  • Member of the AACSB and BGA
  • Course accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
  • Flexible and highly cost-effective course
  • Get an MBA degree within 15 months

Dual qualification pathway delivered completely online

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This flexible course is designed for ambitious professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership, strategic management and business expertise while continuing to meet their professional commitments. 

Dual Qualification Pathway 

This 180 credits programme combines two internationally recognised qualifications: 

  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma In Strategic Management And Leadership
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) Top-up  degree from the Arden University UK. 

 This dual qualification pathway is designed to be completed within 12 months. With assignment-based assessments, the course offers a flexible study experience enabling you to balance postgraduate education with other commitments. 

Start your course with the PG diploma. After successful completion of PG Diploma, progress to MBA Top Up from the Arden University, delivered online and advance your career with a globally recognised qualification. 

With the Arden MBA (Top-Up) Master’s Degree, you will study the development and implementation of strategy and how you can sustain both yourself and the organisation you manage in the future. You’ll also complete a work-based project in an area of your choice. 

Arden MBA (Top-Up) is also accredited by, and enables you to gain professional qualifications from: 

  • Chartered Management Institute (CMI) :This course awards a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership and offers CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status. 
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) : Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). 
  • Business Graduates Association (BGA), : Arden University is a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), meaning students will receive complementary BGA membership. 

Complete the project under university teachers and Supervisors. Get an MBA Degree within a year. 

STAGE ONE 

OTHM Level 7 Diploma In Strategic Management And Leadership

Awarded by

an OFQUAL (The Office for Qualifications and Examinations) UK accredited awarding body.  

120 Credits

Each module is assessed through an individual written assignment. 

The PG Diploma will be awarded upon successful completion of all six modules.  

Study Method 
The programme is delivered online by London School of Management and Media (LSMM).  

 You will attend live classes with LSMM lecturers and receive personalised guidance, plus formative and summative feedback on your assignments. 

The course will be delivered through the LSMM virtual learning platform, accessible anywhere, any time. The platform provides live classes, recorded lectures, study material including videos and presentations, reading lists, live webinar discussions, collaborations and assignments. 

  • Progression to the Arden University MBA Top-Up.

  • The MBA Top-Up is delivered and assessed directly by Arden University.

  • Applicants must meet Arden University’s entry requirements.

  • Eligibility applies to learners who successfully complete our Level 7 qualification awarded by OTHM.

STAGE TWO: MBA (Capstone project) 

60 CREDITS 

Transformation Capstone Project (60 credits) 

LSMM will get you enrolled to MBA Top-up programme subject to university admission guidelines and successful completion of Level 7 diploma. 

Once enrolled with Arden University, work on a capstone project under direct supervision of Arden University lecturers/supervisors. 

Online MBA (Top-Up) will involve conducting an in-depth research project focused on a management issue, supported by guidance from experienced tutors. You will receive academic support, feedback, and practical advice to help you apply your skills in real-world business settings. Your progress will be assessed through a range of methods designed to showcase your knowledge, strengths, and development.  

 These assessments include: 

  • Case studies 
  • Proposals 
  • Dissertation 

supported by guidance from experienced tutors  

The MBA degree will be awarded only upon successful completion of the Capstone project and Level 7 Diploma. 

Receive both qualifications upon completion of the full pathway. 

Study Method
The MBA (Top-Up) degree is studied 100% online through Arden University. To support your development and ensure you are on the right track with your distance learning studies, the university will provide you with tutor feedback on every assessment you submit. If required, your Arden tutor may be able to give you suggestions for improvement and help you understand how to apply your newly acquired skills into real life settings. 

  • Dual Qualification: 
  1. OTHM Level 7 Diploma In Strategic Management And Leadership from OTHM, an OFQUAL (The Office for Qualifications and Examinations) UK accredited awarding body.  
  2. MBA (Top-Up) from the Arden University
  • No Examinations: all assessments are assignment-based  
  • 12 Months Completion  
  • 100% Online Delivery:  Attend scheduled online sessions with tutors. Study at your own pace. 
  • Globally Recognised qualifications  
  • One of the most cost-effective programme from UK universities 
  • An honours degree in related subject, or UK level 6 diploma or an equivalent overseas qualification
    or
  • A professional qualification/diploma and a minimum of two years of working experience
    or
  • Mature learners with management experience
  • If you do not meet the entry requirements, we can provide a pathway for you, after taking your existing educational qualifications and work experience in consideration. Please make an enquiry to learn more.
  • Applicants from non-English speaking countries must demonstrate English proficiency, ideally with an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. Alternatively, proof of English as the medium of instruction from your most recent qualification (issued within the last 10 years) will also be accepted.
  • Candidates who already hold a level 7 qualification may be accepted for direct entry to the dissertation stage of the programme.
  • Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) may be considered.

This course is designed for ambitious individuals who are ready to take the next step in their professional journey. The course is particularly well suited to: 

  • Graduates who wish to enhance their employability and position themselves for management-level roles early in their careers. 
  • Experienced professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership capabilities and develop more sophisticated strategic decision-making skills. 
  • Specialists and technical professionals looking to transition into senior management or broaden their business acumen beyond their area of expertise. 
  • Application Review: Your application and supporting documents will be reviewed within one week of receipt 
  • Receive Your Offer: Upon a successful assessment, you will receive a provisional offer letter. 
  • Accept the Acceptance Letter: Review the offer letter, accept by signing it.  Send it back to LSMM admissions.
  • Fee Deposit: Deposit the fee as per the payment schedule provided in the offer letter. 
  • Induction: You will be informed about the commencement of your cohort and induction date. Attend the induction session and start the course. 
Entry requirements are subject to individual assessment. Meeting one of the above criteria does not guarantee admission. Final admission and progression decisions are made by the university  and relevant awarding institution and are subject to its current academic, credit and admissions requirements. 

For More Information

Ofqual Regulated Qualifications

All courses regulated by Ofqual, ensuring recognised UK standards and international credibility.

Flexible Study Options

Study online, blended, or part-time with flexible schedules including weekend and evening classes designed for working professionals and adult learners.

Career-Focused Learning

Courses designed to develop practical workplace skills aligned with current industry requirements.

University Progression Pathways

Learners can progress to higher-level diplomas and university degree courses in the UK and internationally.