Qualification Structure

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Project 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 120 credits. The qualification has the Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN) 610/1342/0.

Assessment for the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Project Management is assignment-based. Learner work is internally assessed by the Qualifi-approved centre and subject to external quality assurance by Qualifi. Written assessment tasks are designed to address the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit, with learners expected to apply their knowledge through relevant organisational information, case studies and, where appropriate, work-related examples.

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

Core Study Units

Planning, Controlling and Leading a Project

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the concepts and principles of project management and their application in workplace and business environments.
• Develop methods and plans for initiating, managing and leading projects, including feasibility, resources, costs, timescales and project structures.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of project management team communication and stakeholder communication.
• Develop project monitoring, control and management procedures, including risk assessment, performance measurement and contingency planning.
• Understand how projects are closed, reviewed and evaluated.

Procurement Risk and Contract Management

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the fundamental principles of procurement and contract management.
• Critically assess the procurement operating environment and relevant legislative frameworks.
• Understand how procurement activities are managed, including category management, technology, electronic tendering and associated risks.
• Understand procurement and contract management risk processes and the application of risk assessment frameworks.

Project and Logistics Management

Learning outcomes:

• Identify the characteristics and objectives of project, programme and portfolio management and understand their relationship with corporate strategy.
• Evaluate the need for establishing a Project Management Office (PMO), including its structures and implementation stages.
• Understand the global supply chain ecosystem and its relevance to supply chain analysis.
• Understand the importance of information technology in logistics and supply chain management and its integration within logistics systems.

Operations and Information Management for Project Managers

Learning outcomes:

• Evaluate the role of operations management within an organisation, including production and service operations and their relationship with organisational functions.
• Understand strategic capacity planning for products and services, including capacity assessment, outsourcing and constraint management.
• Understand the use of information technology for effective inventory management.
• Understand operational scheduling and its importance to project managers.
• Understand project quality management systems and the use of quality assurance frameworks.

Research Methods for Project Management

Learning outcomes:

• Develop appropriate research methodologies for a specific research task.
• Conduct a critical and structured review of relevant literature relating to a business or project management topic.
• Develop research methodologies appropriate to the research situation, population, objectives and ethical requirements.
• Prepare and present a research proposal incorporating an appropriate research question, literature review and approaches to quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.

Principles of Project Management

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the principles of project management and their importance in successful project delivery.
• Understand the project lifecycle, project objectives, success criteria and factors contributing to project success.
• Analyse established and innovative processes and methodologies used for project planning, execution and control, including project closure and contemporary project management issues.

Operations and Global Supply Chain Management

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the nature, development and strategic importance of supply chains and operations management.
• Understand how operations and supply chain strategies can be designed and managed across product, service, supply and distribution networks.
• Understand approaches to planning and controlling supply and demand, including capacity, inventory, forecasting, lean operations, supply chain and relationship management.
• Evaluate techniques for operations and supply chain improvement, including quality management, continuous improvement, performance measurement, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Leadership and Professional Development

Learning outcomes:

• Understand a range of leadership models, theories and concepts and their application to leadership and teamwork.
• Develop a personal leadership development plan based on individual strengths, development needs, competencies, SMART objectives and review milestones.
• Analyse the drivers of organisational change and evaluate their implications for organisational leadership, including risks associated with change and the effectiveness of change leadership.

Managing Risk, Uncertainty and Complexity in Projects

Learning outcomes:

• Evaluate the project risk management process, including risk integration throughout the project lifecycle, cultural influences and risk treatment approaches.
• Assess the extent to which complex project environments can be controlled, including approaches to managing uncertainty and developing risk strategies.
• Control and manage complex project environments by analysing the challenges involved and assessing suitable models and approaches.

Innovation in Project Management

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the innovation project environment and distinguish it from traditional project management environments, including the influence of disruptive technologies and organisational change frameworks.
• Understand the best practices and tools used by project managers in innovation environments, including methods for dealing with complexity, ambiguity and uncertainty.
• Evaluate approaches for tailoring project management methodologies, innovation tools and techniques, organisational innovation practices and alternative project management methodologies.

Project Management Planning

Learning outcomes:

• Evaluate a range of project management models and tools and assess their relevance, advantages and disadvantages.
• Manage the risks and uncertainties inherent in project management by analysing appropriate mitigation and management approaches.
• Develop a comprehensive project plan addressing stakeholder relationships, SMART objectives, success criteria, resources, milestones, timescales, project techniques and project charter requirements. Learners also evaluate the plan and project team performance.

Finance for Project Managers

Learning outcomes:

• Evaluate the financial aspects of project management and their importance to project success.
• Analyse financial information and data and use it to assess financial performance and stakeholder needs.
• Assess budgets in relation to organisational objectives, financial constraints, targets and accounting requirements.
• Evaluate financial proposals for expenditure by assessing their viability, strengths, weaknesses and suitability.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Project Management is designed for learners who want to develop advanced project management knowledge, strategic leadership capabilities and the ability to manage projects in complex organisational environments. It is particularly suitable for professionals and graduates seeking a higher-level qualification focused on project planning, risk, leadership, procurement, operations, finance and innovation.

This qualification may be suitable for:

• Project managers seeking to strengthen their strategic project management knowledge and professional capabilities.
• Programme and portfolio managers who want to develop a broader understanding of project governance, risk and organisational strategy.
• Project coordinators and team leaders progressing towards more senior project management responsibilities.
• Operations and business managers whose roles involve planning, implementing or overseeing projects.
• Professionals working in procurement, logistics, supply chain or contract management who need advanced project-related knowledge.
• Graduates and experienced learners seeking a Level 7 qualification in project management within the UK-regulated qualifications framework.
• International learners looking for a UK-regulated project management qualification that develops knowledge applicable across different organisational and business environments.
• Professionals involved in complex, innovative or change-focused projects who want to develop their understanding of risk, uncertainty, leadership and project innovation.

The qualification is especially relevant to learners who want to move beyond operational project administration and develop the analytical, leadership and strategic capabilities associated with advanced project management. It provides learning across areas such as project planning and control, procurement and contracts, risk and complexity, leadership, finance, global supply chains, research and innovation.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Project Management provides learners with advanced knowledge and practical understanding of strategic project management principles and practices. The qualification develops expertise in project planning and control, procurement and contract management, risk and complexity, leadership, finance, global supply chain management, operations, research and innovation. It helps learners develop the analytical, strategic and leadership capabilities required to manage projects effectively within complex organisational environments. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to strengthen their project management expertise and progress towards senior-level responsibilities or further academic and professional development in project management and related disciplines.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Project Management provides learners with advanced knowledge and skills that can support further academic study and professional development in project management and related disciplines. The qualification covers project planning and control, procurement and contract management, project logistics, operations, risk and complexity, leadership, finance, global supply chain management, research, and innovation.

Academically, learners may progress to further postgraduate-level study in project management, business management, operations management, supply chain management, or related disciplines, subject to the entry and recognition requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can provide a relevant foundation for learners seeking to deepen their academic understanding of strategic project management and organisational practices.

Professionally, the diploma can support progression towards roles such as Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Project Planning Manager, Project Management Consultant, Project Risk Manager, Procurement Manager, Contract Manager, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, and Project Management Office Manager, depending on the learner’s existing experience, professional background and employer requirements. The knowledge developed through the qualification supports project planning, strategic decision-making, stakeholder management, risk assessment, financial evaluation, operational control and the management of complex project environments.