Level 7 Diploma in Education Management and Leadership
Education Management and Leadership · Equivalent to master's degree level · online with Education Training
Duration: 6 months or 9 months Fees from: £950 Start: enrol any time
Education Training offers the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Education Management and Leadership (qualification number 603/4248/1), online over 6 or 9 months. The programme provides knowledge that underpins the ability to work as an effective manager in the education sector. Fees from £950. Research Methods in Education is one of 6 units (120 credits).
What is this qualification?
The Level 7 Diploma in Education Management and Leadership is a prestigious programme designed to enhance your expertise in managing and leading educational institutions. This comprehensive course focuses on developing advanced skills in educational leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and policy development. With practical experience and industry-relevant curriculum, this sought-after qualification prepares you for senior leadership positions such as school principal, education director, or educational consultant. Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to drive educational excellence, foster innovation, and create positive learning environments. Enrol today to advance your career in education management and leadership, and make a lasting impact on the future of education.
Who is this qualification for?
The Level 7 Diploma in Education Management and Leadership is a prestigious qualification designed for experienced education professionals who aspire to advance their careers in educational management and leadership roles. This course provides advanced knowledge, skills, and insights into the principles and practices of managing and leading educational institutions.
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Educational Managers and Leaders: If you are currently working in a managerial or leadership position within the education sector, this diploma is highly relevant to your career progression. It equips you with advanced skills in strategic planning, organisational development, financial management, and policy implementation, enabling you to lead and manage educational institutions effectively.
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School Principals and Headteachers: This course is particularly beneficial for school principals, headteachers, or aspiring educational leaders who want to enhance their leadership capabilities. It covers topics such as educational leadership theories, change management, curriculum design, and fostering a positive learning environment, empowering you to lead your school towards excellence.
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Higher Education Professionals: Individuals working in higher education institutions, such as universities or colleges, can benefit from this diploma. It provides insights into educational management at a higher level, focusing on areas such as academic governance, quality assurance, student engagement, and strategic decision-making in the higher education context.
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Education Consultants: Professionals working as education consultants or aspiring to become consultants can gain valuable knowledge and expertise through this course. It equips you with a comprehensive understanding of educational policies, assessment frameworks, research methodologies, and effective consultancy practices.
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Career Advancers: If you have a strong background in education and aspire to advance into senior management or leadership roles, this diploma can provide you with the necessary qualifications and skills. It is highly regarded within the education sector and can significantly enhance your employability and career prospects.
By completing this qualification, you can position yourself as a highly competent and respected educational leader. This qualification opens up a range of opportunities in educational management, leadership, policy development, consultancy, and research. Whether you seek to lead schools, shape educational policies, or drive educational reforms, this diploma equips you with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact in the field of education.
OTHM publishes its full target audience for this qualification on its own page.
Why choose this qualification
This qualification is essential for aspiring education leaders and administrators. This course is required to equip professionals with advanced skills in education management, leadership, and strategic decision-making. It provides global recognition and accreditation, enhancing career prospects for educational leaders seeking top-tier positions. The flexible online learning option allows busy professionals to balance work and studies effectively. With practical applications and networking opportunities, learners can apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and build a vast professional network. This diploma empowers educators to drive positive change and innovation, making it a valuable qualification for those seeking to excel in education management and leadership roles.
Qualification structure and units
This qualification consists of 6 mandatory units for a combined total of 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.
| Unit | Type | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Contemporary Issues in Education: Theory, Policy and Practice | Mandatory | 20 |
| The Management of Educational Change | Mandatory | 20 |
| Managing Effective Intercultural Communication and Perspectives | Mandatory | 20 |
| Pedagogy and Practice in Education | Mandatory | 20 |
| Leading Reflective Practice in Education | Mandatory | 20 |
| Research Methods in Education | Mandatory | 20 |
| Total for the qualification | 120 | |
Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 603/4248/1.
How you study
The qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year for full-time study, but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.
The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.
At Education Training the qualification is delivered online: you receive the materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit work when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.
How you are assessed
Units are assessed through written assignments and, where the qualification requires it, observed teaching or assessment practice. Work is marked by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. There are no examinations.
OTHM publishes its full assessment and verification policy for this qualification on its own page.
Entry requirements
For entry onto this qualification, learners must:
- possess an honours degree in related subject or UK level 6 diploma or an equivalent overseas qualification;
- be 21 years or older at the beginning of the course; or
- For more information visit English Language Expectations page in this website.
OTHM publishes its full entry requirements for this qualification on its own page.
Fees and payment plans
| Duration | Total fee | Payment option | You pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | £1,250 | 3 × £416 monthly | £1,248 |
| Pay in full (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full) | £1,187.50 | ||
| 9 months | £950 | 5 × £190 monthly | £950 |
| 2 × £475 quarterly | £950 | ||
| Pay in full (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full) | £902.50 |
A £10 enrolment fee is paid with the application. Fees include tuition, learning materials, assignment marking and the awarding-body certificate. Prices correct as of 23 October 2026.
Refund policy · Complaints procedure
What is included
| Item | Included |
|---|---|
| Tuition and learning materials for every unit | Included |
| Tutor support and assignment feedback | Included |
| Assessment and marking | Included |
| OTHM registration and certificate | Included |
| Instalment plan | Available at no extra charge |
| Application fee | £10 enrolment fee |
Progression and career routes
Achieving this qualification enables learners to progress into or within employment and/or continue their further study. For more information visit University Progressions page in this website.
Related job profiles on the National Careers Service (pay, hours and entry routes are published there):
OTHM publishes its full progression routes for this qualification on its own page.
How this qualification compares
Figures below come from Education Training's own catalogue and enquiry records, not from estimates; each carries the date it was calculated.
- How this qualification compares with other Level 7 qualifications (as of 23 October 2026)
- 1200 TQT hours against a Level 7 median of 1200 (+0%), 120 credits against a median of 120, across 4 Level 7 qualifications
- Mandatory and optional units across Level 7 Education Management and Leadership qualifications (as of 23 October 2026)
- the qualification: 6 mandatory, 0 optional
- Share of course-page views by RQF level (all time) (as of 23 October 2026)
- Level 0: 2%; Level 3: 6%; Level 4: 1%; Level 5: 90%; Level 6: 1%
- Credits and study hours by RQF level (as of 23 October 2026)
- Level 2: median 37 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 3: median 18 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 4: median 33 credits, 780 TQT hours, 125 GLH; Level 5: median 120 credits, 815 TQT hours, 600 GLH; Level 6: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 480 GLH; Level 7: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 600 GLH
Awarding body and regulation
This qualification is awarded by OTHM, an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual. Its qualification number is 603/4248/1 — view the entry on the Ofqual register. Education Training is an approved centre: we deliver and assess the qualification, OTHM verifies our assessment decisions and issues the certificate. Read about OTHM recognition.
How to apply
Pay the £10 enrolment fee when you submit your application (separate from the course fee).
- Apply online
Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Tell us about your current role and qualifications; pay the £10 enrolment fee to complete enrolment when prompted. - Course activation
Once you enrol, we email your course activation link within 24 hours. - Course fee
Admissions email a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan (usually within one working day). There is no fixed intake date.
Frequently asked questions
What is this qualification equivalent to?
How many credits is this qualification?
How long does this qualification take?
Is this qualification recognised?
Are there exams?
What are the entry requirements?
What does it cost and how can I pay?
How do I apply with Education Training?
When can I start?
What can I progress to afterwards?
Progression path
- Level 7 Diploma
- University top-up
Related pages
Browse every Education Management and Leadership qualification or all Level 7 qualifications.
Who awards and delivers this qualification
- Awarding organisation
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OTHM, regulated by Ofqual.
Qualification number 603/4248/1.
- Source
OTHM qualification specification (PDF). Facts on this page are taken from it and re-checked nightly.
Last reviewed 22 October 2026Published by the Education Training admissions team
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