Plain-English definitions of the terms you will see on LEAP Education course pages:
RQF levels, Ofqual, awarding organisations, and delivery partners.
A
Awarding Organisation (AO)Awarding Organisation
A body recognised by Ofqual to design, develop and award regulated qualifications. The AO sets the curriculum and issues certificates — it is separate from the institution that delivers teaching.
The institution responsible for all teaching, tutoring and assessment delivery. On LEAP Education programmes, the delivery partner is either LSPM or UKSM — they handle all academic activity once you are enrolled.
Distance LearningDistance Learning / Online Study
A mode of study where all learning materials, assessments and tutor contact take place remotely — no campus attendance required. All LEAP Education programmes are fully online.
L
LSPMLondon School of Planning and Management
A UK educational institution and Ofqual-registered centre that delivers OTHM and Qualifi programmes for learners enrolled through LEAP Education.
Level 5RQF Level 5
Equivalent in difficulty to the second year of a UK undergraduate degree (HND level). Level 5 Diplomas are widely accepted for professional roles and progression to Level 6 top-up programmes.
Level 6RQF Level 6
Equivalent in difficulty to a full UK Bachelor's degree. Level 6 qualifications are recognised by employers for professional and managerial roles.
Level 7RQF Level 7
Equivalent in difficulty to a UK Master's degree. Level 7 Diplomas are often described as MBA-equivalent qualifications and are widely recognised by employers in senior management roles.
N
NQualNational Qualifications
An Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation offering regulated qualifications in health and social care, childcare, and education sectors.
O
OfqualOffice of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation
The government body in England that regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments. A qualification listed on the Ofqual Register is legally recognised across England.
OTHMOTHM Qualifications
An Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation based in the UK, offering regulated qualifications primarily in business, management, health, and education at Levels 3–7.
Ofqual RegisterRegister of Regulated Qualifications
The publicly searchable database at register.ofqual.gov.uk listing every qualification regulated in England. A qualification's reference code can be searched to confirm it is genuinely regulated.
Q
QualifiQualifi Ltd
An Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation providing regulated qualifications at Levels 3–7, with a focus on business, leadership, IT, and health.
R
RQFRegulated Qualifications Framework
The system used to organise qualifications in England. Qualifications on the RQF are assigned a level (1–8) and a size (Award, Certificate, Diploma) based on content and difficulty.
T
Top-Up DegreeTop-Up Degree Programme
A one-year programme that converts an existing Level 5 or Level 6 qualification into a full Bachelor's or Master's degree. Completing an OTHM or Qualifi Level 6 Diploma can allow progression to a top-up degree at a UK university.
U
UKSMUK School of Management
A UK educational institution that delivers NQual programmes for learners enrolled through LEAP Education.