Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration

What is the Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration?

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration is a postgraduate level recognised qualification suitable for learners to gain skills in public service administration.

Public service managers face an increasing pace of change, combined with pressures to deliver more with less, navigate a complex policy context and enhance performance while sustaining public service values. Designed for professionals in public and non-profit organisations who provide strong and comprehensive support, this OTHM Level 7 Diploma qualification will equip you to meet these challenges.

You will study three aspects of public administration:

• The policy process, within which public services are developed.
• The organisational and human context through which public services are delivered.
• The wider social, economic and political environment that shapes public service demands and constraints.

Over the course of the programme you will grow as a competent and reflective practitioner, both in your current role, and in preparation for more demanding roles in the future.

Who is this qualification for?

This Level 7 diploma suits graduates and experienced managers who want master's-level study in public administration with a route to an MBA or MSc top-up.

• Study fully online with tutor support from LSIB, with no fixed timetable.
• Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.
• Each level carries 120 credits, so you can progress one level at a time.

Entry requirements

For entry onto the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration qualification, learners must possess:

• An honours degree in related subject or UK level 6 diploma or an equivalent overseas qualification
• Mature learners with management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)
• Learners must be 21 years old or older at the beginning of the course

Alternative professional qualifications with at least three years' relevant work experience in the public service field will also be considered. This could be in roles in local or national government, or in non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations, the voluntary and charitable sector, and private sector roles which support or deliver public services.

English requirements: : If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, they must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit English Language Expectations page.

Qualification structure and units

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration consists of 6 mandatory units for a combined total of 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 603/5735/6.

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year for full-time study, but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.

The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.

At LSIB the qualification is delivered online: you receive the unit materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit assignments when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

How you are assessed

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the Assessor.

The Assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.

Progression and career routes

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration qualification enables learners to progress into or within employment and/or continue their study towards a relevant master top-up programme with advanced standing at many universities in the UK and overseas. For more information visit University Progressions page

Fees and how to apply

The enrolment fee is £10 when you submit your application. It is separate from the course fee above.

1. Apply and pay the £10 enrolment fee Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Complete the form, upload your ID and qualification certificates (or a CV showing relevant experience), and pay the £10 enrolment fee to submit.
2. Application review and course-fee link Admissions review your application within one working day. If you are approved, we email you a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan.
3. Start your course As soon as your course fee (or first instalment, if you chose a plan) is paid, you receive your learning-platform login and can begin the first unit. There is no fixed intake date.

Progression path

1. Level 7 Diploma
2. Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
3. University top-up

Related OTHM qualifications

• Level 7 Diploma in Education Management and Leadership
• Level 7 Diploma in Accounting and Finance
• Level 7 Certificate in Research Methods