Qualification Structure

The ProQual Level 7 Diploma in Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA/QC) is a 120-credit, Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited onto the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and published on Ofqual’s Register of Qualifications. The qualification is awarded by ProQual AB and has been approved for delivery in England.

The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1,200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). It is designed to develop advanced knowledge and practical understanding of quality assurance, quality control, quality management systems, auditing, compliance, risk management, and continuous improvement at a strategic professional level.

Assessment is conducted entirely through assignment-based assessment, enabling learner to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, analytical ability, and application of quality management principles through structured written assignments and relevant evidence.

To achieve the qualification, learner must successfully complete all mandatory units and meet the required assessment criteria. The qualification structure supports progression into senior QA/QC, quality management, auditing, compliance, consultancy, and quality leadership roles across national and international industries.

Core Study Units

Unit 1: Strategic Quality Management

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of strategic quality management principles.
• Develop and implement a strategic quality management plan.
• Analyse the role of leadership in driving quality management initiatives.
• Assess the impact of external and internal factors on quality strategy.
• Evaluate continuous improvement processes within strategic quality management.

Unit 2: Advanced Quality Auditing and Inspection Techniques

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of auditing and inspection processes.
• Analyse inspection techniques used to assess product quality.
• Apply advanced auditing techniques to evaluate quality systems.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of quality auditing and inspection systems.
• Communicate audit and inspection results effectively.

Unit 3: Statistical Methods for Quality Control

• Understand advanced statistical methods in quality control.
• Evaluate the application of statistical quality control methods in various industries.
• Apply statistical methods to monitor and control quality in processes.
• Interpret statistical data to improve quality control processes.
• Use software tools to perform statistical analysis for quality control.

Unit 4: Quality Assurance in Manufacturing and Service Industries

• Understand the principles of quality assurance in manufacturing and service industries.
• Analyse quality assurance practices across different sectors.
• Implement quality assurance processes to improve organisational performance.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance systems.
• Develop strategies for continuous improvement in quality assurance.

Unit 5: Risk Management and Mitigation in QA/QC

• Understand the principles of risk management in QA/QC.
• Identify and assess quality-related risks within organisational processes.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies for quality control and assurance.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of risk management measures.
• Implement continuous risk monitoring and improvement processes.

Unit 6: Lean Six Sigma and Process Optimisation

• Understand Lean Six Sigma principles and methodologies.
• Analyse process performance and identify opportunities for optimisation.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma tools to improve quality and operational efficiency.
• Evaluate process improvement initiatives using appropriate performance measures.
• Develop strategies for sustainable process optimisation.

Unit 7: Advanced Quality Management Systems (QMS)

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Quality Management Systems.
• Analyse the design and implementation of effective QMS frameworks.
• Evaluate QMS performance against organisational objectives and quality standards.
• Apply quality management principles to support compliance and continual improvement.
• Develop strategies for maintaining and improving QMS effectiveness.

Unit 8: Supplier Quality Management and Control

• Understand the principles of supplier quality management and control.
• Evaluate supplier performance against quality requirements.
• Apply supplier quality assurance and control techniques.
• Develop strategies for managing supplier-related quality risks.
• Implement continuous improvement approaches for supplier quality performance.

Unit 9: Regulatory Compliance and Standards in QA/QC

• Understand regulatory requirements and standards relevant to QA/QC.
• Analyse the impact of regulatory requirements on quality management systems.
• Apply relevant quality standards and compliance requirements within organisational processes.
• Evaluate organisational compliance with applicable quality standards and regulations.
• Develop strategies to maintain regulatory compliance and support continual improvement.

Unit 10: Research and Development in Quality Control

arner will be able to:

• Understand the principles and processes of research and development in quality control.
• Analyse emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies in quality management.
• Conduct research to identify opportunities for quality improvement.
• Evaluate research findings and their application to quality control practices.
• Develop recommendations based on research to support innovation and continuous improvement.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The ProQual Level 7 Diploma in Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA/QC) is designed for experienced professionals seeking advanced knowledge, strategic responsibility, and career progression in quality management and organisational performance. It is particularly suitable for professionals working in quality-critical environments across construction, engineering, manufacturing, services, and other industries.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Quality Control Managers responsible for maintaining product, process, and service quality.
• Quality Assurance Managers developing and implementing effective QA systems.
• QA/QC Managers overseeing integrated quality control and assurance functions.
• Quality Engineers applying technical and analytical approaches to quality improvement.
• Quality Auditors conducting internal and external quality assessments.
• Quality Management Professionals responsible for Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Compliance Specialists managing regulatory and standards-based requirements.
• Supplier Quality Professionals monitoring supplier performance and quality risks.
• Continuous Improvement Managers leading process optimisation initiatives.
• Operations Managers seeking advanced expertise in quality and operational performance.
• Engineering and Manufacturing Professionals working in quality-critical environments.
• Quality Consultants advising organisations on quality systems, compliance, and improvement.
• Senior Supervisors and Managers progressing towards strategic quality leadership positions.
• Professionals involved in risk management, process control, inspection, and quality improvement.
• Experienced practitioners seeking a UK-regulated Level 7 qualification to strengthen their professional profile and support international career progression.

Career Opportunities

The ProQual Level 7 Diploma in Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA/QC) provides advanced knowledge and professional skills for pursuing senior roles across quality management, quality assurance, quality control, auditing, compliance, manufacturing, engineering, construction, and other quality-critical sectors. As organisations increasingly focus on quality standards, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, risk management, and continuous improvement, professionals with advanced QA/QC expertise are highly relevant across national and international industries.

This Level 7 qualification can support career progression towards roles such as Quality Assurance Manager, Quality Control Manager, QA/QC Manager, Quality Manager, Quality Engineer, Quality Auditor, Compliance Manager, Supplier Quality Manager, Quality Consultant, and Continuous Improvement Manager. It is particularly relevant for experienced professionals seeking to strengthen strategic quality leadership, improve organisational performance, implement effective Quality Management Systems (QMS), and support evidence-based quality improvement.

The qualification can be valuable across manufacturing, construction, engineering, infrastructure, energy, logistics, healthcare, services, and other regulated or quality-sensitive environments, supporting professional development in both UK and international contexts.

Future Progression

Successful completion of the ProQual Level 7 Diploma in Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA/QC) can support advanced professional development, career progression, and further academic or specialist study in quality management, quality assurance, quality control, auditing, compliance, and organisational performance. The qualification provides a strong foundation for professionals seeking greater responsibility for strategic quality systems, operational improvement, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Following completion, learner may progress into senior and strategic positions such as Quality Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Quality Control Manager, QA/QC Manager, Quality Systems Manager, Quality Auditor, Compliance Manager, Supplier Quality Manager, Quality Consultant, and Continuous Improvement Manager. Progression opportunities may vary according to professional experience, sector requirements, employer criteria, and additional certifications.

Learner may also strengthen professional competence through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and specialist training in areas such as Quality Management Systems, ISO 9001, quality auditing, statistical process control, Lean Six Sigma, supplier quality management, risk-based quality management, process optimisation, and operational excellence.

The qualification can support progression across manufacturing, construction, engineering, infrastructure, energy, logistics, healthcare, professional services, and other quality-critical industries. For international professionals, its advanced QA/QC focus can provide a valuable foundation for developing transferable quality management expertise and pursuing senior responsibilities within organisations operating across global markets.