Traditional Master Degree Route
180 credits at university
Typical tuition from £17,000+
Postgraduate Pathways
Fast Track Your UK Master Degree
Complete a 120 credit Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma from approximately £2,500, then progress towards a university top-up stage for the remaining 60 credits where admission requirements are met.
OVSphere Institute helps eligible graduates and professionals compare postgraduate routes, understand costs and plan a credible path towards a UK master degree.
11
Level 7 course options
120 Credits
Diploma stage
From £2,500
Starting diploma fee
Save £10,000+*
Illustrative saving
Route Snapshot
1
Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma
120 credits
2
University Top Up
60 credits
3
UK Master Degree Goal
180 credits
Master Degree Planning
A Smarter Route To A UK Master Degree
OVSphere Postgraduate Route
120 credit Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma from £2,500
60 credit university top up from approximately £2,500 depending on university and programme
UK master degree goal with 180 credits
Potentially Save Over £10,000 In Tuition Fees*
Tuition fee comparisons are illustrative examples only. Actual costs, study duration and progression opportunities vary by institution, programme, study mode and individual circumstances. University admission is subject to entry requirements.
Pathway Movement
How The Postgraduate Pathway Works
The Level 7 pathway is designed for eligible learners who want to complete a substantial part of their postgraduate study before progressing to a university top up stage. The final university stage is normally focused on the remaining 60 credits, which may include dissertation, research methods and dissertation, or a similar final project depending on the university.
1
Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma
120 credits
2
University Top Up
60 credits
3
UK Master Degree Goal
180 credits
Why Level 7
Why Learners Choose The Level 7 Route
Save Money
Potentially save over £10,000 in tuition fees compared with some traditional master degree routes.
Complete 120 Credits First
Build a substantial part of your postgraduate qualification before progressing to university.
Study Flexibly
Study around work, family and professional commitments.
Master Degree Progression
Prepare for MBA, MSc, MA or other master degree top up opportunities where admission requirements are met.
Learner Fit
Who Is This Pathway Designed For?
Graduates
For learners who already hold a degree and want to progress towards master level study.
Experienced Professionals
For professionals seeking advanced knowledge, recognition and postgraduate progression.
Managers And Leaders
For those preparing for leadership, strategic management or senior professional roles.
International Learners
For learners seeking a flexible and potentially more affordable route towards a UK master degree.
Subject Areas
Choose Your Postgraduate Subject Area
Choose the subject area that matches your professional direction, then view the matching Level 7 postgraduate courses.
1 course
Accounting & Finance
Explore advanced accounting, finance and strategic financial management pathways.
View Courses5 courses
Business & Management
Develop postgraduate knowledge in leadership, strategy, HR, public administration, project management and organisational performance.
View Courses2 courses
Computing & Emerging Technologies
Build advanced capability in information technology, computing technologies, digital systems and technology project leadership.
View Courses2 courses
Health & Social Care
Progress in healthcare leadership, care management, service improvement and professional practice.
View Courses1 course
Law & Governance
Strengthen legal analysis, governance awareness and international business law knowledge.
View CoursesCourse Options
Explore Level 7 Postgraduate Courses
Browse available postgraduate pathways and choose the subject area that best supports your academic, professional and master degree goals.
PostgraduateAccounting & Finance
Level 7 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Finance
This course is part of the OVSphere Institute course portfolio. Full course details are being prepared, but you can still make an enquiry for guidance on entry requirements, fees and progression options.
Study level: Level 7 Extended Diploma
Credits: 120
PostgraduateBusiness & Management
Level 7 Diploma in Business and Organisational Psychology
This course is part of the OVSphere Institute course portfolio. Full course details are being prepared, but you can still make an enquiry for guidance on entry requirements, fees and progression options.
Study level: Level 7 Extended Diploma
Credits: 120
PostgraduateBusiness & Management
Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management
This course is part of the OVSphere Institute course portfolio. Full course details are being prepared, but you can still make an enquiry for guidance on entry requirements, fees and progression options.
Study level: Level 7 Extended Diploma
Credits: 120
PostgraduateBusiness & Management
Level 7 Diploma in Project Management
This course is part of the OVSphere Institute course portfolio. Full course details are being prepared, but you can still make an enquiry for guidance on entry requirements, fees and progression options.
Study level: Level 7 Extended Diploma
Credits: 120
PostgraduateBusiness & Management
Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration
This course is part of the OVSphere Institute course portfolio. Full course details are being prepared, but you can still make an enquiry for guidance on entry requirements, fees and progression options.
Study level: Level 7 Extended Diploma
Credits: 120
PostgraduateBusiness & Management
Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership
This course is part of the OVSphere Institute course portfolio. Full course details are being prepared, but you can still make an enquiry for guidance on entry requirements, fees and progression options.
Study level: Level 7 Extended Diploma
Credits: 120
PostgraduateComputing & Emerging Technologies
Level 7 Diploma in Information Technology
Develop advanced expertise in information technology, applied computing, IT project delivery and technology leadership, with progression opportunities to the final stage of a master’s degree at many UK universities.
Study level: Level 7
Credits: 120
PostgraduateComputing & Emerging Technologies
Level 7 Extended Diploma in Computing Technologies
This course is part of the OVSphere Institute course portfolio. Full course details are being prepared, but you can still make an enquiry for guidance on entry requirements, fees and progression options.
Study level: Level 7 Extended Diploma
Credits: 120
PostgraduateLaw & Governance
Level 7 Diploma in International Business Law
This course is part of the OVSphere Institute course portfolio. Full course details are being prepared, but you can still make an enquiry for guidance on entry requirements, fees and progression options.
Study level: Level 7 Extended Diploma
Credits: 120
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma?
A Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma is postgraduate level study designed to develop advanced academic and professional knowledge in a specialist subject area.
How many credits are needed for a UK master degree?
A full UK master degree is normally 180 credits. The OVSphere postgraduate pathway helps eligible learners complete 120 credits first, then explore university top up options for the remaining 60 credits.
Can I progress from Level 7 to a UK master degree?
Progression may be possible where university admission requirements are met. Suitability depends on your qualification, experience, chosen programme and the university admissions process.
What is a master degree top up?
A master degree top up is normally the final university stage for learners who have already completed a recognised postgraduate diploma. It often focuses on the remaining 60 credits.
Is university admission guaranteed?
No. University admission is not guaranteed. It depends on entry requirements, available programmes, academic evidence and the decision of the university.
How much could I save?
Some learners may be able to save over £10,000 compared with some traditional master degree routes. This is an illustrative comparison and actual costs vary.
Can I study while working?
Many Level 7 pathways are designed for flexible online study, making them suitable for working professionals and busy learners.
What does the final 60 credit stage usually involve?
Depending on the university and programme, the final stage may involve a dissertation, research methods and dissertation, or a similar final project.
Eligibility Guidance
Ready To Progress Towards A UK Master Degree?
Tell us about your qualifications, experience and study goals. Our advisors can help you understand whether a Level 7 postgraduate pathway is suitable for you and explain your possible university top up options.