Tab 01 • Qualification Profile
Course Overview
Ofqual RegulatedThe OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Environmental and Sustainability Management is a postgraduate-level qualification designed to develop understanding of contemporary sustainability and environmental management issues, including ESG in policy, theory and practice.
Learners engage with sustainability as a physical, social, financial and strategic business issue. The qualification builds the language, concepts and analytical capability needed to communicate with practitioners, evaluate environmental and sustainability challenges, and work effectively in management, consulting, policy, government or non-profit settings.
It is regulated by Ofqual and carries 120 credits. The official specification gives a duration of 1 year, 1,200 Total Qualification Time hours and a recommended minimum of 600 Guided Learning Hours.
Qualification Number610/3662/6
RQF LevelLevel 7
Duration1 Year
Total Credits120 Credits
TQT1,200 Hours
GLH600 Hours
AssessmentCoursework
LanguageEnglish
GradingPass / Fail
Regulation Start Date26 January 2024
Operational Start Date29 January 2024
Sector Subject Area3.4 Environmental Conservation
Unit Structure4 Mandatory + Choose 2 of 5 Optional
Centre NumberDC2508936
Tab 02 • Qualification Purpose
Objectives & Learning Outcomes
Strategic CapabilityThe qualification aims to develop informed managers and consultants who understand the relationship between sustainability, environmental management, business performance, governance, policy and society.
01
Sustainability & ESG
Understand contemporary sustainability challenges and how ESG is applied in policy, theory and professional practice.
02
Environmental Management
Evaluate environmental issues, management systems, environmental impacts, performance and reporting.
03
Energy & Climate Transition
Engage with energy systems, carbon, climate science, transition pathways, net-zero concepts and resilience.
04
Leadership & Change
Explore leadership, culture, systems thinking, materiality and transformational change in organisations.
05
Research & Evidence
Develop postgraduate research skills for critical analysis, consultancy, decision-making and further academic study.
06
Strategic Business Impact
Understand the financial and non-financial impact of sustainability on strategy, governance, policy and organisational performance.
Tab 03 • Admission Profile
Entry Requirements
Typically 21+The official OTHM entry profile is designed for learners who are typically aged 21 and above. Applicants are likely to meet at least one of the published academic or professional experience routes.
Relevant Level 6 Qualification
A relevant Level 6 qualification, normally an honours degree or equivalent from a recognised institution.
Professional Experience Route
Applicants may demonstrate relevant professional experience. The specification states at least 3 years' professional experience in the field and advises learners to check with the delivery centre before registration.
English Language Requirement
Where a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, evidence of English-language competency is required.
Centre Eligibility Review
PESS should review academic background, experience and English readiness before final registration to confirm suitability for Level 7 study.
Recommended applicant profiles: environmental and sustainability professionals, managers, engineers, ESG/risk/compliance practitioners, consultants, policy professionals and experienced professionals moving into sustainability leadership.
Tab 04 • 120-Credit Diploma
Qualification Structure
6 Units TakenThe qualification contains 4 mandatory units and 5 optional units. Learners complete all four mandatory units and select any two of the five optional units, giving six units and 120 credits in total.
4Mandatory Units
4 × 20 credits = 80 credits
→
2Optional Units
Choose 2 from 5 = 40 credits
→
120Total Credits
6 units completed overall
Each Unit20 Credits
Each Unit GLH100 Hours
Each Unit TQT200 Hours
Important: the five optional units are available within the qualification specification; actual unit availability in a specific intake may depend on the approved centre's delivery plan.
Tab 05 • Core Curriculum
Four Mandatory Units
80 Credits
01
Fundamentals of Sustainability
Unit Ref: J/650/9704 • Level 7 • Mandatory
20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT Establish a strong Level 7 foundation in sustainability, resilience, business growth, social responsibility, climate change, biodiversity, international collaboration and business ethics.
Key learning focus- Sustainability, CSR and systems thinking
- Planetary boundaries, resilience and climate change
- Biodiversity, ecosystem services and social challenges
- Business risks, opportunities and externalities
- Global sustainability agreements and SDGs
- Business ethics, culture and reputational risk
Coursework • approximately 4,500 words
02
Environmental Science and Energy Transition
Unit Ref: K/650/9705 • Level 7 • Mandatory
20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT Develop understanding of the science and policy behind energy systems, carbon, renewable and non-renewable alternatives, storage, grid management and energy transformation.
Key learning focus- Carbon cycle, climate science and IPCC
- Scope 1, 2 and 3 fundamentals
- Solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy
- Hydrogen, nuclear, biomass and carbon capture
- Energy storage and grid management
- Energy transition policy and the energy trilemma
Coursework • approximately 4,500 words
03
Environmental Management in Organisations
Unit Ref: M/650/9707 • Level 7 • Mandatory
20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT Build advanced understanding of environmental aspects, environmental management standards, EMS implementation, performance improvement, environmental data and reporting.
Key learning focus- Environmental drivers and organisational impacts
- Environmental management standards including ISO 14001 concepts
- Environmental assessment and management tools
- Audits, lifecycle assessment and impact assessment
- Environmental performance improvement programmes
- Data collection, assurance, analysis and reporting
Coursework • approximately 4,500 words
04
Research Methods
Unit Ref: T/618/0798 • Level 7 • Mandatory
20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT Develop postgraduate research capability through problem definition, literature review, research methodology, ethics, data approaches and preparation of a robust research proposal.
Key learning focus- Research problems, aims and objectives
- Critical literature review
- Research philosophies and methodologies
- Qualitative and quantitative approaches
- Validity, reliability and research ethics
- Research proposal development
Research Proposal • approximately 2,500 words
Tab 06 • Specialist Options
Five Optional Units — Choose Two
40 Credits RequiredLearners select two optional units to align the qualification with their professional or academic interests in change, net zero, policy, finance or business strategy.
05
Delivering Transformational Change
Unit Ref: R/650/9708 • Level 7 • Optional
20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT Develop capability in materiality, stakeholder engagement, systems thinking, leadership, change management and ESG governance for sustainability transformation.
Key learning focus- Materiality and readiness for change
- Drivers of organisational change
- Change-management models and stakeholder engagement
- Systems thinking and intervention
- Leadership styles and diverse teams
- ESG governance structures
Coursework Essay • 3,000 words (80%) + Presentation with approximately 800 words of speaker notes (20%)
06
Advanced Principles of Net Zero
Unit Ref: T/650/9709 • Level 7 • Optional
20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT Build Level 7 understanding of net zero, greenhouse-gas accounting, science-based targets, decarbonisation, climate communication, greenwashing and adaptation.
Key learning focus- Net zero and carbon neutrality
- GHG Scope 1, 2 and 3
- Corporate greenhouse-gas inventories
- Science-based targets and decarbonisation
- Environmental communication and green claims
- Climate adaptation and resilience
Coursework • approximately 2,500 words + 2,000 words
07
Environmental Politics and Policies
Unit Ref: D/650/9710 • Level 7 • Optional
20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT Examine environmental law, policy, governance, climate ethics, economic and suasive instruments, international agreements, UN mechanisms and sustainable development goals.
Key learning focus- Environmental legislation and policy
- Climate ethics and governance
- Economic policy instruments
- Voluntary and suasive instruments
- UN, COPs and global agreements
- SDGs and measures of progress
Coursework • approximately 2,500 words (60%) + 2,000 words (40%)
08
Sustainable Finance
Unit Ref: K/650/9723 • Level 7 • Optional
20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT Explore the role of finance in sustainability transformation, climate-related financial risk, taxonomies, disclosure frameworks, sustainable products, carbon markets and ESG ratings.
Key learning focus- ESG finance ecosystem
- Physical and transition risks
- Taxonomies and disclosure frameworks
- Green bonds, lending and investment
- Carbon markets and pricing
- ESG data, ratings and labels
Coursework • approximately 4,500 words
09
Sustainability as a Business Strategy
Unit Ref: L/650/9706 • Level 7 • Optional
20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT Integrate sustainability into corporate strategy through value-chain analysis, holistic accounting, circular business models, marketing and stakeholder collaboration.
Key learning focus- Business case for sustainability
- Triple Bottom Line and capital models
- Sustainable value chains
- Holistic accounting and reporting
- Circular economy and business models
- Marketing and stakeholder engagement
Coursework • approximately 4,500 words
Tab 07 • Evidence & Quality
Assessment, Verification & RPL
Coursework BasedCriteria-Referenced Assessment
All units are assessed against specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Learners must demonstrate full achievement of the criteria for the units they complete.
Coursework and unit-specific assessment evidence
Internal assessment by the approved centre
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
External verification by OTHM
Formative and summative feedback
Assessment tracking throughout delivery
Assignment Briefs
Specific assessment guidance and marking criteria are issued through the official Assignment Brief documents made available to centres after learner registration.
Recognition of Prior Learning
RPL may be considered for individual units when valid evidence demonstrates achievement of the learning outcomes and criteria. The entire qualification cannot be claimed through RPL.
Assessment Audit Trail
Assessors are expected to maintain an audit trail showing how overall achievement decisions have been reached against the published criteria.
Progress Tracking
Learner achievement should be tracked throughout the delivery period, including formative review, summative assessment and planned internal quality assurance sampling.
Tab 08 • PESS Support Process
Learner Journey
Application → EQA01Application & Documents
Submit qualification, experience, identity and English-language evidence where applicable.
02Eligibility Review
PESS confirms whether the applicant meets the Level 7 entry profile before registration.
03Learning & Tutor Guidance
Complete guided learning, independent study, resources and structured tutor support.
04Assignments & Feedback
Submit coursework and receive formative and summative feedback against assessment criteria.
05IQA & Progress Tracking
Assessment decisions and learner progress are quality assured and recorded throughout delivery.
06OTHM External Verification
External quality assurance confirms assessment standards before final certification processes.
Need an eligibility review?Share your academic and professional profile with PESS before registration.
Tab 09 • Next Step
Progression & Career Pathways
Master's Top-Up RouteLevel 7 → University Dissertation → Full Master's
OTHM Level 7 diplomas are at the same RQF level as master's degrees but are shorter at 120 credits. Learners normally need to progress to a 60-credit dissertation stage with a university to complete a full master's programme.
OTHM Level 7
120 Credits
→University Dissertation / Top-Up
60 Credits
→Full Master's Programme
180 Credits
Successful completion can support progression into or within employment and further study. OTHM also maintains progression arrangements with universities, subject to each university's current admission requirements.
Sustainability Manager
Environmental Manager
ESG Manager / Advisor
Net Zero / Carbon Manager
Sustainability Consultant
Environmental Consultant
Climate Risk / ESG Analyst
Sustainable Finance Specialist
Corporate Sustainability Lead
Environmental Policy Advisor
ESG Reporting Specialist
Strategy / Transformation Manager
Career note: job titles and advancement depend on prior experience, employer requirements, local regulations and the optional units selected.
Tab 10 • Approval & Delivery Information
Trust, Verification & Delivery
Verified Centre DetailsUse this section to verify the qualification identity, PESS centre status, quality-assurance route and delivery information before enrolment.
01Ofqual-Regulated Awarding Organisation
OTHM Qualifications are approved and regulated by Ofqual. The qualification is listed under Ofqual Qualification Number 610/3662/6.
02PESS OTHM Approved Centre
Proactive Environmental and Safety Solutions (SMC-Pvt) Ltd is an OTHM-approved centre with Centre Number DC2508936.
03Centre Approval Validity
The supplied OTHM centre certificate records approval on 01 September 2025 and validity until 31 December 2030.
04Official Specification
The current supplied qualification specification is dated January 2024, with regulation starting 26 January 2024 and operational delivery starting 29 January 2024.
05Flexible Centre-Led Delivery
OTHM does not prescribe one fixed delivery mode. Approved centres may choose delivery arrangements that meet learner needs while supporting an effective learning experience and equality of opportunity.
06Quality-Assurance Chain
Units are assessed and internally quality assured by the centre, with external verification by OTHM. Learner progress and assessment evidence should be tracked throughout delivery.
Verification checklist: before enrolling, confirm the exact qualification title and number, PESS Centre Number DC2508936, selected optional units, delivery arrangements, assessment expectations and the applicable learner agreement.
Verify eligibility and current intake detailsSpeak with PESS Admissions before registration or selecting optional units.
Tab 11 • Before You Enrol
Learner FAQs
Quick Answers
What is the exact qualification number?
610/3662/6 — OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Environmental and Sustainability Management.
How many units must I complete?
Six units in total: all four mandatory units plus two optional units selected from the five available options.
How many credits and learning hours are required?
The diploma carries 120 credits, 1,200 TQT and a recommended minimum of 600 GLH. Each unit carries 20 credits, 100 GLH and 200 TQT.
How is the qualification assessed?
The official overall assessment method is coursework. Individual units use coursework, a research proposal, and in one optional unit a presentation with speaker notes.
Is this a full master's degree?
No. It is at the same RQF level as a master's degree, but it is a 120-credit diploma. A further 60-credit university dissertation stage is normally needed for a full master's programme.
What is the typical entry profile?
Learners are typically aged 21 or above and are likely to hold a relevant Level 6 qualification / honours degree or demonstrate at least three years of relevant professional experience. English-language evidence may also be required.
Can RPL be used?
RPL may be considered for individual units where appropriate evidence meets the relevant learning outcomes and assessment criteria, but the complete qualification cannot be awarded through RPL.
Is PESS an OTHM approved centre?
Yes. Proactive Environmental and Safety Solutions (SMC-Pvt) Ltd is OTHM Approved Centre DC2508936. The supplied centre certificate states approval from 01 September 2025 and validity until 31 December 2030.
