Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with a combined total of 120 credits.

Assessment for the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with OTHM quality assurance requirements to ensure that the qualification meets the required academic and professional standards.

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

Core Study Units

Unit 1: Principles of Risk Management

• Understand risk management principles.
• Understand key legislative frameworks that influence risk management decision-making in an organisation.
• Evaluate the scope and implications of risk management standards.

Unit 2: Strategic Risk Management

• Understand the concept of strategic risk and various types of strategic risk.
• Be able to review an organisation’s strategy and risk plans.
• Understand the role of Corporate Social Responsibility and ethics in risk management systems.
• Understand the development, implementation and role of Business Continuity Planning with regard to corporate strategy.

Unit 3: Responsible Leadership and Governance

• Understand the key socio-cultural, ethical and moral issues that affect organisations in the current economic environment.
• Understand the role of leadership in managing strategic and operational risk in the organisation.
• Understand the importance of corporate governance in organisations.
• Understand the role and impact of corporate governance in the management of companies.

Unit 4: Organisational and Environmental Risk

• Understand the effects of risks on business organisations.
• Understand the risk management function in organisations.
• Be able to prepare an effective risk management plan followed by environmental screening.
• Understand risk control techniques.

Unit 5: Risk Analysis and Modelling

• Understand the concept of operational risk and the Basel II model.
• Understand how to apply risk models to an organisational context.
• Be able to apply financial models to an organisational context.

Unit 6: Advanced Research Methods

• Be able to develop research approaches within a risk management context.
• Be able to critically review literature on a relevant risk management topic.
• Be able to design research methodologies.
• Be able to develop a research proposal

Who Is This Qualification For?

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management is designed for experienced professionals seeking advanced knowledge and strategic capability in organisational risk management. It is particularly suitable for individuals responsible for identifying, assessing, controlling and communicating risk within financial and non-financial organisations. The qualification develops the ability to connect risk management with strategic decision-making, governance, business continuity and organisational performance.

It is suitable for:

• Risk managers and senior risk management professionals seeking advanced qualification-level development.
• Risk analysts involved in risk identification, assessment, modelling and mitigation.
• Compliance and governance professionals responsible for regulatory and organisational risk.
• Senior managers and business leaders who incorporate risk into strategic planning and decision-making.
• Financial risk professionals working with risk measurement, modelling and risk financing.
• Business continuity and resilience professionals managing organisational disruption and recovery.
• Corporate governance professionals seeking stronger understanding of board-level risk oversight.
• Management consultants advising organisations on enterprise risk management and strategic risk.
• Health and safety professionals involved in organisational risk assessment and regulatory compliance.
• Project, procurement and operational managers responsible for managing business and operational risks.
• Professionals working with ISO 31000 and other recognised risk management frameworks.
• Experienced managers seeking to strengthen their strategic risk management expertise.
• Professionals progressing towards senior-level roles in risk, governance, compliance or business management.
• Graduates or Level 6-qualified professionals seeking advanced study in risk management.
• Professionals intending to progress to further postgraduate study, including relevant MBA pathways.

Career Opportunities

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management prepares learners for senior and strategic risk management roles. It develops advanced expertise in risk assessment, governance, business continuity, risk analysis, and organisational resilience. The qualification is relevant across finance, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, logistics, government, consultancy, and professional services.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management provides learners with a strong foundation for career advancement into senior and strategic risk management roles. The qualification supports professional progression across industries such as finance, construction, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, logistics, government, consultancy, and professional services, where advanced risk 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 risk management, governance, compliance, business continuity, financial risk, and strategic management. The Level 7 qualification also supports lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD).

Professionally, this diploma enhances opportunities to progress into roles such as Risk Manager, Enterprise Risk Manager, Senior Risk Analyst, Operational Risk Manager, Risk and Compliance Manager, Business Continuity Manager, Risk Consultant, and Corporate Governance Manager. The advanced knowledge and analytical skills gained through this qualification enable learners to strengthen organisational resilience, support strategic decision-making, manage uncertainty, and contribute to effective risk governance across the UK and internationally.