Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Project Management is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification consists of combined total of 120 credits, 1,200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT), and 480 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Project Management is assignment-based and focuses on demonstrating knowledge, understanding and practical application of project management principles. Learner work is internally assessed and verified by the approved centre, with external quality assurance conducted by OTHM-appointed External Quality Assurers to ensure compliance with established quality standards.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all five mandatory units.

Core Study Units

Unit 1. Planning, Controlling and Leading a Project

• Understand the concepts and principles of project management in business.
• Be able to design systems and plans for initiating, managing and leading projects.
• Be able to evaluate the effectiveness of communication within a project management team.
• Be able to design monitoring and controlling mechanisms for a project.
• Understand how to close and review the completion of a project.

Unit 2. Procurement Risk and Contract Management

• Understand the core concepts of procurement and contract management.
• Be able to critically evaluate the procurement operating environment.
• Understand the management of procurement operations.
• Understand the risk management process in procurement and contract management.

Unit 3. Advanced Project and Logistics Management

• Understand the features and aims of project, programme and portfolio management.
• Understand the requirements for implementing a Project Management Office.
• Understand the global supply chain ecosystem.
• Understand the role of information technology in logistics and supply chain.

Unit 4. Operations and Information Management for Project Managers

• Understand the role of operations management within a business.
• Understand strategic capacity planning for products and services.
• Understand the requirements for effective inventory management using information systems.
• Understand scheduling operations for project managers.
• Understand systems for project quality management.

Unit 5. Advanced Research Methods

• Be able to develop research approaches in an appropriate context.
• Be able to critically review literature on a business research topic.
• Be able to design research methodologies for an appropriate context.
• Be able to develop and present a research proposal.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Project Management is designed primarily for experienced professionals and senior managers who are responsible for managing projects in complex and changing business environments. The qualification develops advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills across project, programme and portfolio management.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Senior managers responsible for projects, programmes or portfolios.
• Experienced project managers seeking advanced professional development.
• Project coordinators progressing towards senior management positions.
• Programme and portfolio management professionals.
• Business managers involved in strategic project delivery.
• Professionals responsible for project planning, monitoring and control.
• Managers involved in procurement, contracts and project risk.
• Professionals working with project operations, logistics and supply chains.
• Managers responsible for project teams, stakeholders and communication.
• Professionals seeking advanced skills in project leadership and decision-making.
• Graduates with a relevant degree or Level 6 qualification progressing to advanced project management study.
• Mature managers with relevant management experience seeking a Level 7 qualification.
• Professionals seeking career progression in project-driven industries.
• Managers working across international or multicultural project environments.
• Professionals planning to progress towards a relevant master's top-up programme.

Career Opportunities

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Project Management prepares learners for senior roles across construction, engineering, IT, healthcare, finance, logistics, energy, government, and consultancy. It develops advanced skills in project planning, leadership, risk, procurement, contracts, operations, stakeholder communication, and strategic decision-making. Suitable for experienced professionals, managers, and graduates, the qualification supports effective project delivery, improved organisational performance, and progression into programme, portfolio, and strategic project management.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Project Management provides learners with a strong foundation for career advancement into senior leadership and strategic project management roles. The qualification supports progression across industries such as construction, engineering, information technology, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, logistics, finance, infrastructure, and consultancy, where advanced project management expertise is highly valued.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant postgraduate qualifications, including a Master’s degree, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution, or pursue specialist professional development programmes in project management, programme management, portfolio management, risk management, operations, procurement, and strategic leadership. The Level 7 qualification also supports lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD).

Professionally, this diploma can support progression into roles such as Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Programme Manager, Portfolio Manager, Project Management Consultant, Project Controls Manager, Project Risk Manager, Project Director, and Project Operations Manager. The advanced knowledge and leadership skills developed through the qualification support effective project governance, strategic decision-making, stakeholder management, risk control, resource planning, and successful project delivery across UK and international organisations.