Official Approved Centre
PESS • Centre No. DC2508936
RQF Level 7 • Sustainability • ESG • Environmental Leadership
Lead Sustainability. Influence ESG Strategy. OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Environmental and Sustainability Management
Move from environmental practice to strategic leadership. Develop advanced knowledge of sustainability, environmental management, energy transition, ESG, research and transformational change through a UK-regulated qualification.
- 120 Credits
- Six Units in Total
- Coursework Assessment
- Master's Top-Up Potential
Programme Overview
Build the Expertise to Lead Sustainability and ESG Transformation
This advanced programme connects environmental science, organisational management, ESG thinking, research and strategic change.
Move from Environmental Practice to Strategic Leadership
The qualification develops understanding of contemporary sustainability and environmental-management issues, including ESG in policy, theory and practice. Learners explore the financial and non-financial effects of sustainability on business performance, governance, public bodies, policy-making and society.
Mandatory units establish advanced common knowledge, while optional units allow learners to deepen study in areas such as net zero, environmental policy, sustainable finance, business strategy or transformational change.
The qualification can support work in business strategy, consulting, government and non-profit environments. Career appointments remain subject to employer requirements, experience and individual competence.
ESG StrategyEnvironmental GovernanceEnergy Transition
ResearchSustainable FinanceOrganisational Change
Who Should Join
Designed for Graduates and Experienced Sustainability Professionals
The programme is suitable for learners who want to progress from operational environmental work into analysis, management, consultancy and leadership.
Environmental Professionals
Strengthen management, governance, energy-transition and strategic sustainability knowledge.
ESG & Sustainability Teams
Develop advanced understanding of ESG priorities, finance, policy, reporting and organisational change.
HSE & Compliance Leaders
Broaden professional capability from compliance and environmental practice into sustainability strategy.
Government & NGO Practitioners
Build knowledge relevant to policy, governance, development, stakeholder engagement and public-interest work.
Two Main Admission Routes
OTHM states that the qualification is designed for learners typically aged 21 and above. Applicants normally qualify through academic achievement or relevant professional experience.
PESS reviews every application before registration. Meeting a general route does not guarantee admission until supporting evidence has been checked.
Typical Age
Learners are typically aged 21 years and above.
Academic Route
A relevant Level 6 qualification, normally an Honours degree or equivalent from a recognised institution.
Professional Experience Route
Applicants may demonstrate at least three years of relevant professional experience. Suitability is reviewed by the delivery centre before registration.
English-Language Competency
Applicants from non-majority English-speaking countries must provide evidence of English-language competency in accordance with OTHM expectations.
PESS Document Review
PESS may request identification, academic certificates, an updated CV, professional-experience evidence and English-language evidence where applicable.
Qualification Structure
Complete Four Mandatory Units and Choose Two Optional Units
Each unit carries 20 credits, 200 TQT and 100 GLH. Six completed units produce the full 120-credit qualification.
Mandatory Units
Complete all four units
01
Mandatory Unit
J/650/9704
Mandatory Unit
Fundamentals of Sustainability
20 Credits
100 GLH
200 TQT
Build a critical foundation in sustainability, climate and biodiversity urgency, systems thinking, business ethics, international agreements and the relationship between environmental, social and economic performance.
Complete all four mandatory units.
02
Mandatory Unit
K/650/9705
Mandatory Unit
Environmental Science and Energy Transition
20 Credits
100 GLH
200 TQT
Examine energy systems, climate science, carbon footprints, life-cycle thinking, transition pathways and the technical and organisational challenges of moving towards lower-carbon energy.
Complete all four mandatory units.
03
Mandatory Unit
M/650/9707
Mandatory Unit
Environmental Management in Organisations
20 Credits
100 GLH
200 TQT
Evaluate environmental impacts, management systems, policies, objectives, risk, performance measurement, reporting and practical organisational improvement programmes.
Complete all four mandatory units.
04
Mandatory Unit
T/618/0798
Mandatory Unit
Research Methods
20 Credits
100 GLH
200 TQT
Develop advanced research capability through research design, literature review, qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis, ethics and professional presentation of findings.
Complete all four mandatory units.
Optional Units
Select two of the following five units
05
Optional Unit
R/650/9708
Optional Unit
Delivering Transformational Change
20 Credits
100 GLH
200 TQT
Explore materiality, stakeholder engagement, systems thinking, change readiness, leadership approaches and the practical management of sustainability transformation.
Choose two optional units with your approved centre.
06
Optional Unit
T/650/9709
Optional Unit
Advanced Principles of Net Zero
20 Credits
100 GLH
200 TQT
Critically examine net-zero concepts, greenhouse-gas accounting, reduction pathways, transition planning, target setting, residual emissions and organisational implementation.
Choose two optional units with your approved centre.
07
Optional Unit
D/650/9710
Optional Unit
Environmental Politics and Policies
20 Credits
100 GLH
200 TQT
Analyse environmental governance, policy instruments, international institutions, economic and voluntary mechanisms, social dimensions and the role of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Choose two optional units with your approved centre.
08
Optional Unit
K/650/9723
Optional Unit
Sustainable Finance
20 Credits
100 GLH
200 TQT
Evaluate sustainable finance frameworks, ESG data and ratings, responsible investment, green financial products, climate-related disclosure and transition-finance strategies.
Choose two optional units with your approved centre.
09
Optional Unit
L/650/9706
Optional Unit
Sustainability as a Business Strategy
20 Credits
100 GLH
200 TQT
Connect sustainability with strategy, innovation, value creation, stakeholder expectations, responsible governance, competitive positioning and long-term organisational resilience.
Choose two optional units with your approved centre.
Learning Outcomes
Develop the Capability to Influence Sustainability Performance
Build advanced analytical, research, governance, environmental-management and leadership capability for complex organisational contexts.
01
Evaluate
Evaluate Sustainability Frameworks
Critically examine sustainability principles, ESG concepts, environmental-management approaches and recognised international frameworks.
02
Lead
Shape ESG and Climate Strategy
Contribute to organisational sustainability priorities, climate-response planning and ESG-related strategic decision-making.
03
Govern
Strengthen Environmental Governance
Interpret environmental policy, regulation, international agreements and governance mechanisms that influence accountability.
04
Design
Develop Sustainable Business Solutions
Formulate practical strategies for environmental improvement, resource efficiency, responsible growth and transition planning.
05
Research
Deliver Evidence-Based Recommendations
Use advanced research and analytical methods to investigate complex problems and present defensible professional recommendations.
06
Embed
Build Organisational Sustainability Culture
Engage leaders, employees and stakeholders to encourage ethical practice, environmental responsibility and sustained change.
07
Integrate
Connect Sustainability and Finance
Assess ESG information, sustainable-finance approaches and investment considerations that support organisational transition.
08
Transform
Lead Transformational Change
Apply systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, leadership and change-management principles to sustainability initiatives.
09
Influence
Create Strategic Organisational Impact
Operate as an informed sustainability professional capable of influencing governance, policy and long-term performance.
Coursework, Internal Quality Assurance and OTHM Verification
The qualification is criterion referenced. Learners must provide evidence that meets every learning outcome and all assessment criteria for each completed unit.
- The official assessment method is coursework.
- Units are assessed and internally quality assured by the approved centre.
- Assessment decisions are externally verified by OTHM.
- Every learning outcome and assessment criterion must be achieved for a Pass.
- Formative and summative feedback supports improvement and final assessment.
Pass / Fail
The overall grading type is Pass or Fail rather than percentage or distinction grading.
Applied Academic Work
Coursework may include essays, reports, research, policy evaluation and professionally structured recommendations.
No Single Final Examination
The specification uses coursework assessment rather than one traditional final written examination.
RPL Limit
RPL may be considered for units, but the complete qualification cannot be claimed through RPL.
PESS Learning Experience
Structured Academic Support for Working Professionals
PESS supports learner readiness, teaching, academic writing, assessment quality and progress—not only registration.
Eligibility Review
Review of academic qualifications, experience, English readiness and admission evidence.
Programme Induction
Guidance on units, assessment, academic integrity, policies and learner responsibilities.
Moodle LMS
Course materials, assignment briefs, submission areas, feedback and activity monitoring.
Tutor-Led Learning
Scheduled teaching, subject explanation, critical discussion and applied learning activities.
Academic Writing
Guidance on structure, critical evaluation, research, Harvard referencing and conclusions.
Assessment Feedback
Constructive feedback linked to learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Internal Quality Assurance
IQA sampling and standardisation support fair and consistent assessment decisions.
Progress Monitoring
Attendance, LMS activity, submissions and learner actions are monitored throughout delivery.
Recognition & Progression
Progress Towards Sustainability Leadership and Further Study
Professional and academic progression remains subject to employer or university requirements.
Master's-Level RQF Study
The diploma is at RQF Level 7, the same academic level as a Master's degree. It carries 120 credits and is not itself a complete Master's degree.
Review Official SpecificationMaster's Top-Up Potential
Eligible graduates may apply to complete a university dissertation or approved top-up stage, commonly 60 credits, to work towards a full Master's degree.
Explore University ProgressionsProfessional Direction
Knowledge developed can support work in sustainability management, ESG, environmental management, consulting, government, policy and non-profit organisations. Job outcomes are not guaranteed.
Discuss Your Career Route
Admission & Learning Journey
From Eligibility Review to OTHM Result
Understand each stage before starting your Level 7 journey.
Apply
Submit your registration details and supporting documents.
Eligibility Review
PESS checks Level 6 study or relevant professional experience and English readiness.
Admission & Induction
Receive admission guidance, policies, learner responsibilities and LMS orientation.
Study Six Units
Complete four mandatory units and two approved optional units.
Assessment & IQA
Submit coursework, receive feedback and complete the internal quality process.
OTHM Verification
Assessment decisions are externally verified before final results and certification.
Official OTHM Resources
Verify the Qualification Directly with OTHM
Review the official programme page, detailed qualification specification and university progression information before enrolment.
Official Qualification Page
Review the OTHM qualification overview, entry requirements, structure, delivery and progression information.
Open OTHM PageOfficial Specification PDF
Check regulatory details, unit references, learning hours, assessment guidance, RPL and unit content.
View Official PDFUniversity Progression
Explore OTHM university progression and Master's top-up arrangements. University entry decisions remain independent.
Explore Progressions
Learner FAQs
Important Questions Before You Enrol
Review entry, structure, assessment, recognition, progression and PESS learner support.
What is the full qualification title?
The full title is OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Environmental and Sustainability Management, Ofqual qualification number 610/3662/6.
Is this a full Master's degree?
No. The diploma is at RQF Level 7, the same academic level as a Master's degree, but it is shorter at 120 credits. A learner normally needs to complete a further 60-credit dissertation or approved top-up stage with a university to achieve a full Master's degree.
What are the official entry requirements?
The qualification is designed for learners typically aged 21 and above. Entry is normally through a relevant Level 6 qualification, usually an Honours degree or equivalent, or at least three years of relevant professional experience. English-language evidence may also be required.
How many units must I complete?
Learners complete six units in total: all four mandatory units and two units selected from the five optional units.
How many credits and learning hours are included?
The completed qualification carries 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time and a recommended minimum of 600 Guided Learning Hours.
How is the qualification assessed?
The official assessment method is coursework. Units are assessed and internally quality assured by the approved centre and externally verified by OTHM. Learners must meet every learning outcome and assessment criterion to achieve a Pass.
Is there a traditional final written examination?
The OTHM specification identifies coursework as the assessment method rather than one traditional final written examination. Individual units may require essays, reports, research activities or other coursework evidence.
Can Recognition of Prior Learning be considered?
RPL may be considered for individual units where evidence meets the relevant learning outcomes and assessment criteria. The entire qualification cannot be claimed through RPL.
Can I progress to a Master's top-up?
Successful learners may be eligible to apply for Master's top-up or advanced-standing routes at participating universities. Admission, dissertation requirements, fees and credit recognition are determined by the receiving university.
What support does PESS provide?
PESS provides eligibility review, induction, scheduled teaching, LMS access, tutor guidance, academic-writing support, assessment feedback, internal quality assurance and progress monitoring.
Does PESS guarantee employment or a promotion?
No. The qualification can strengthen knowledge and professional credibility, but employment, promotion and salary decisions remain with employers and depend on experience, competence and market requirements.
Where can I verify the official information?
Use the Official OTHM Resources section on this page to open the qualification webpage, published specification and university-progression information directly from OTHM.
Invest in Your Future. Develop Global Expertise. Lead Sustainable Change.
Join PESS and develop advanced sustainability, ESG, environmental-management and research capability through the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Environmental and Sustainability Management.