Risk Assessment & Management

OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management

A postgraduate-level qualification equipping learners with advanced risk management skills, covering principles, strategic risk, governance, environmental risk, modelling, and research methods across financial and non-financial organisations.

Awarding body OTHM
Level Level 7
OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management

Course Features

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management is a fully regulated, Ofqual-approved qualification comprising 6 mandatory units, offering a comprehensive blend of theoretical and practical risk management education.

  • Qualification Number: 603/6782/9, regulated by Ofqual on the RQF
  • 6 mandatory units totalling 120 credits
  • 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
  • Internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM
  • Pass/Fail grading based on achievement of all specified learning outcomes
  • Flexible delivery: face-to-face, online, or distance learning over one academic year

About This Course

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management is designed to equip learners with the skills and understanding in risk management that align with good strategic decision-making to maintain an organisation's competitive advantage. The programme provides an in-depth understanding of risk and its practical applications in both financial and non-financial organisations. Learners develop both theoretical and practical knowledge of risk, including advanced techniques for risk measurement and modelling.

  • Approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation)

  • Equivalent to Master's degree level on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)

  • Covers both financial and non-financial risk management applications

  • Develops skills in risk measurement, modelling, governance, and strategic planning

  • Provides a pathway to Master's or MBA top-up programmes at UK and overseas universities

  • Supports flexible study modes including online and distance learning

What You'll Learn

The programme covers a wide range of official learning outcomes derived directly from the OTHM specification, enabling learners to critically analyse, evaluate, and apply risk management concepts at a postgraduate level.

  • Critically evaluate five basic methods for risk management and the three-stage risk management process

  • Compare and contrast the influences of legislation, legal factors, and regulatory bodies on health and safety in organisations

  • Assess the focal points of ISO standard harmonisation programmes and their organisational impact

  • Evaluate tools used to review organisational strategy and risk plans, and assess market position using appropriate frameworks

  • Assess contemporary issues contributing to CSR risk management systems and evaluate ethical implications for business stakeholders

  • Critically analyse the importance of Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and approaches to business continuity planning

  • Explain how leadership and management styles should adapt to meet the needs of different risk situations in organisations

  • Critically evaluate the role of a board in corporate governance and different governance approaches taken

  • Prepare a risk management plan using environmental screening to help mitigate potential risks

  • Evaluate a range of risk financing options available to an organisation

  • Assess the Standardised Measurement Approach for credit risk as per Basel III recommendations

  • Analyse Knightian uncertainty, the Ellsberg paradox, and Black Swan events, and apply mathematical models including VaR, CVaR, and EVaR

Who Should Attend?

This qualification is designed for professionals who wish to advance their career in risk management or deepen their expertise in strategic risk across any sector. It is particularly relevant for the following learner groups.

  • Risk management professionals seeking postgraduate-level qualifications and career advancement

  • Senior managers and executives responsible for strategic decision-making and risk governance

  • Compliance officers, internal auditors, and regulatory affairs professionals

  • Health, safety, and environmental managers seeking to broaden their risk expertise

  • Finance and banking professionals involved in operational risk, credit risk, or risk modelling

  • Graduates holding a Level 6 diploma or honours degree who wish to progress to Master's level study

Course Content

Explore the comprehensive OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management course content designed to help you master the material through structured modules and lessons.

Principles of Risk Management

1
Definition of risk in an organisational context and explanation of risk management
2
The three-stage risk management process: Risk Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Planning
3
Critical evaluation of five basic methods for risk management: Avoidance, Retention, Sharing, Transferring, and Loss Prevention and Reduction
4
Five legislative factors influencing health and safety risk assessment, including COSHH (2002), Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), RIDDOR, Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992), and Personal Protective Equipment Regulations (2002)
5
Analysis of the influence of relevant legislation, legal factors (statutory law, civil law, duty of care, negligence), and regulatory bodies (HSE, local authorities) on health and safety
6
Critical evaluation of the scope of relevant ISO standards in organisations, including ISO 31000:2018, ISO/TR 31004:2013, IEC 31010:2019, ISO 31022:2020, and IWA 31:2020
7
Focal points of ISO standards harmonisation programmes: transferring accountability gaps, aligning governance frameworks, embedding management system reporting, and creating uniform risk criteria
8
Application of ISO standards in managing organisational risk, including risk management policy, mandate, accountability, and treatment options (avoiding, accepting, removing, sharing, and retaining risk)

Strategic Risk Management

Responsible Leadership and Governance

Organisational and Environmental Risk

Risk Analysis and Modelling

Advanced Research Methods

Course Requirements

Entry to the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management is designed to be accessible while ensuring learners have the academic or professional foundation necessary to succeed at postgraduate level.

  • An honours degree in a related subject, a UK Level 6 diploma, or an equivalent overseas qualification

  • Mature learners with relevant management experience may be considered (learners must confirm eligibility with the delivery centre prior to registration)

  • Learners must be 21 years of age or older at the commencement of the course

  • Learners from non-majority English-speaking countries must provide evidence of English language competency in line with OTHM's English Language Expectations

Assessments

All units within the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management are internally assessed by the approved centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualification is criterion-referenced, meaning achievement is based on demonstrating all specified learning outcomes against defined assessment criteria.

  • Written assignments (reports) of approximately 4500 words per unit covering all learning outcomes and assessment criteria

  • Research Proposal for the Advanced Research Methods unit, also approximately 4500 words

  • Internal assessment by the approved centre's assessors, who must provide a clear audit trail of how overall achievement was determined

  • External verification of all assessed work carried out by OTHM to ensure consistency and standards

Progression

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management enables learners to progress both professionally and academically. As an Ofqual-regulated qualification, it is widely recognised by UK and overseas universities for advanced standing entry.

  • Progress to a Master's top-up programme (dissertation stage, 60 credits) at a UK or overseas university with advanced standing

  • Progress to an MBA top-up programme at partnered universities with advanced standing

  • Advance into senior or strategic risk management roles within financial and non-financial organisations

  • Pursue roles in governance, compliance, corporate strategy, or enterprise risk management

Apply Now For This Course

Fill out the application form below to enroll in OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management. Our team will review your application and contact you shortly with enrollment details.

Awarding BodyOTHM
LevelLevel 7
Start DateApr 6, 2026
Deadline DateMar 30, 2026