APEL.Q PROCESS FORExecutive Master of Business Administration
APEL.Q for Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership
Instead of spending 1 to 1.5 years to complete the Master of Applied Business Administration program, learners can shorten the duration to just 9 months and save 80% of costs through the APEL.Q process.
Receive a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management from the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body OTHM, recognized in over 180 countries and territories, including the United States and Canada.
Advantages of the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications (APEL.Q) Process:
- 100% refund policy, ensuring a risk-free process.
- Only 20% of the cost compared to studying in the UK for a similar program.
- Competency-based assessment eliminates the need for redundant coursework.
- Completion within 6 months, with qualification awarded in 9 months.
- UK government-recognized diploma, accepted in over 180 countries and territories, including the USA and Canada.
- Career advantages in multinational companies or working abroad.
- Supports residency and migration opportunities.
Detailed Information
What is APEL.Q?
APEL.Q – Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications is a competency recognition process (APEL) for awarding qualifications (Q – Qualification) through comprehensive assessment and evaluation of knowledge and skills acquired from formal and informal education, corporate training, and practical work experience. This process is widely implemented in Europe and has recently been legalized as an official national recognition procedure in several Asian countries. APEL.Q is considered an effective policy to promote liberal education, labor mobility, and lifelong learning.
APEL.Q enables individuals with expertise and practical experience but without formal qualifications to convert their experience into a recognized diploma. The process is designed to be transparent, fair, accurate, and cost-effective, offering flexible learning opportunities for workers.
While traditional degree programs award qualifications based on academic participation, APEL.Q follows the reverse approach: assessing actual competencies based on job positions and government-defined levels to grant qualifications. These qualifications are issued by professional organizations or universities that recognize this process.
APEL.Q Process at MI Swiss
At the Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation (MI Swiss), the APEL.Q process is implemented through two specific steps:
- Portfolios – A detailed record of work experience and career history.
- End Point Assessment – A comprehensive competency evaluation.
Candidates who complete this process can graduate and receive a diploma, saving up to 85% of study time and 80% of costs compared to traditional full-time programs in Europe.
Qualification Upon Graduation
Graduates of the APEL.Q program at MI Swiss will receive:
- Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body OTHM (Gov Recognition No. 603/2181/7)
Applied Competency Framework
To ensure international recognition and effectiveness in the professional environment, MI Swiss adopts the competency framework developed by the UK government with contributions from major organizations and corporations such as Barclays, BT, BBC, NHS, Santander UK plc, Virgin Media, and other reputable institutions. This framework is supported and advised by the Senior Leader Bureau, providing practical value and meeting real-world labor market demands.
MI Swiss – The World’s First Independent Institution to Implement APEL.Q
MI Swiss takes pride in being the first independent institution worldwide to implement APEL.Q while ensuring that the results are recognized by partner universities. With a transparent, fair, and precise process, APEL.Q at MI Swiss strictly adheres to national competency frameworks, making it an optimal solution for competency recognition. Instead of relying on traditional examinations, APEL.Q directly assesses actual competencies, making qualification granting more effective and aligned with modern industry requirements.
1. Earn an Executive Bachelor of Business Administration qualification:
Upon completing the program, learners will receive a recognized qualification in over 180 countries and territories:
- Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body OTHM (Gov Recognition No. 603/2181/7)
2. Globally Recognized Assessment Criteria
All assessment criteria in the APEL.Q program are advised by the Senior Leader Bureau United Kingdom and officially published by the UK government. These criteria align with real-world workplace requirements and are developed with contributions from prestigious organizations and corporations, including:
- CMI, Acivico, Agillisys, Anglo Educational, Balfour Beatty, Barclays Bank, BBC, Boots UK Ltd, Santander UK plc, Virgin Media, and many more.
View the assessment criteria [HERE]
3. Significant Time Savings
Learners can complete the program in just 9 – 12 months through two key activities:
- Submit Portfolios detailing work experience and competencies to MI Swiss.
- Complete the End-Point Assessment and submit the results to MI Swiss.
4. Save Up to 80% on Tuition Costs
Compared to tuition and living expenses for full-time students in the UK, you only need to pay 20% of the total cost.
5. Recognized in Over 180 Countries and Territories
The awarded qualification provides a significant advantage in the international job market, supporting employment opportunities abroad and within foreign enterprises. Additionally, this qualification facilitates labor mobility and international migration, enabling learners to secure jobs quickly and reduce the risk of unemployment, particularly for mid-career professionals.
Key Benefits:
- 100% refund policy ensures a risk-free process.
- Only 20% of the cost compared to studying a similar program in the UK.
- Competency-based assessment eliminates the need for redundant coursework.
- Complete the assessment in 6 months, receive the qualification in 9 months.
- Government-recognized UK qualification, accepted in over 180 countries and territories, including the USA and Canada.
- Advantageous for working abroad or in multinational companies.
- Supports immigration and residency applications.
About the Ofqual UK.Gov awarding body OTHM:
- Recognized as an organization by the educational authority of the United Kingdom, Ofqual (UK.Gov). Recognition Number: RN5284. Refer to the recognition information [HERE]
- OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership is accredited under Ofqual UK.Gov code 603/2181/7. Refer to the accreditation details [HERE].
Reference:
To enroll in the APEL.Q competency assessment program, learners must meet the following requirements:
| Diploma | APEL.Q Bachelor | APEL.Q Master | APEL.Q Doctorate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | High School IGCSE A-Level T-Level Level 3 EQF |
10 years | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| 2 | Certificate Level 4 Intermediate Level 4 EQF |
5 years | 15 years | Not Applicable |
| 3 | Diploma Level 4 College Level 5 EQF |
5 years | 10 years | Not Applicable |
| 4 | Bachelor Level 6 EQF Diploma |
Immediately | 5 years | Not Applicable |
| 5 | Master Level 7 EQF Diploma |
N/A | Immediately | 10 years |
| 6 | Doctor Level 8 EQF |
N/A | N/A | Immediately |
English Language Requirements
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Level B2 certificate or an equivalent qualification
- IELTS 5.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 in Reading and Writing, or an equivalent qualification
Note: MI Swiss reserves the right to make admissions decisions based on the requirements of recognized agencies and the global quotas of the program.
Upon completion of the program, learners will receive a qualification recognized in over 180 countries and territories:
- Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body OTHM (Gov Recognition No. 603/2181/7)
Reference – Sample Certificate OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership:
Reference – Sample Transcript for OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership:
The APEL.Q process consists of the following steps:
1. Submit the APEL.Q Application
- Submit the application form as per the provided template.
- Provide supporting evidence of work experience, prior qualifications, and accumulated certifications.
2. Competency Evidence:
- Candidates will receive study materials and detailed guidelines to complete competency assessment tasks.
- Submit the completed assessments to the local partner for formatting support.
- Send the final submission to MI Swiss.
3. End Point Assessment (EPA)
- The competency portfolio and documents are submitted to Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Bodies for evaluation.
- If approved, candidates receive the corresponding UK national qualification.
- If not approved, candidates receive guidance for resubmission or additional evidence if required.
Online Review and Assessment for e-ProCerts
- Learners receive study materials aligned with the national competency framework.
- Guidance is provided on completing competency assessment tasks (written assignments).
- Upon review and successful online assessment, learners receive e-ProCerts (electronic professional competency certificates).
Learners who wish to do so can opt to convert their e-Master ProCerts into a physical certificate for a small additional fee.
List of 30 e-Master ProCerts Learners Can Achieve in the Executive Master of Business Administration Program (Optional):
- Level 7 e-Certified for Qualities of Effective Leadership
- Level 7 e-Certified for Developing Interpersonal Skills
- Level 7 e-Certified for Motivating and Influencing People
- Level 7 e-Certified for Making Decisions
- Level 7 e-Certified for Creativity and Problem-Solving
- Level 7 e-Certified for Studying and Using Management Theories
- Level 7 e-Certified for The External Operating Environment of Business
- Level 7 e-Certified for Culture and Ethics
- Level 7 e-Certified for Governance and Directorships
- Level 7 e-Certified for Analyzing the Competition
- Level 7 e-Certified for Marketing Strategy
- Level 7 e-Certified for High-Performance Sales
- Level 7 e-Certified for E-Marketing Communication
- Level 7 e-Certified for Customers and Their Needs
- Level 7 e-Certified for Strategic Human Resource Management
- Level 7 e-Certified for Recruiting and CPD
- Level 7 e-Certified for Measuring and Rewarding Performance
- Level 7 e-Certified for Interpreting Business Accounts
- Level 7 e-Certified for Tools of Financial Analysis
- Level 7 e-Certified for Managing Cash and Working Capital
- Level 7 e-Certified for Exercises in Quantitative Techniques
- Level 7 e-Certified for Impact of Technology on Business
- Level 7 e-Certified for Innovation and R&D
- Level 7 e-Certified for Implementing and Managing Quality Systems
- Level 7 e-Certified for Strategic Planning Tools
- Level 7 e-Certified for Strategic and Systems Management
- Level 7 e-Certified for The Business Plan
- Level 7 e-Certified for Developing High-Performance Teams
- Level 7 e-Certified for Managing Projects
- Level 7 e-Certified for Strategies for Growth
Watch the video on how to obtain the 30 e-Master ProCerts [Video HERE]
- During the APEL.Q process, if learners do not meet the requirements, they will have the opportunity to retake the assessment (“Retake”) with support from local partners.
- The retake option allows learners additional time and opportunities to refine their competencies or enroll in supplementary courses to meet the assessment criteria.
- Learners are allowed one retake at no additional cost.
| Time of Payment | EPA Refund | Capstone Refund (If any) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee and Application Screening | 100% refund if not passed. | N/A |
| Study materials and portfolio preparation guidance fee | 70% refund if not passed. This fee is non-refundable if the candidate does not proceed. | N/A |
| End Point Assessment and Qualification Issuance Fee | 80% refund if not passed after being guided for a retake. This fee is non-refundable if the candidate does not proceed. | N/A |
APEL.Q is a unique and humanitarian program designed to support individuals affected by pandemics, wars, and crises—situations that force many to migrate or lose their educational and competency documents. Given its nature, the program aims to provide the best possible opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and those directly impacted by war and crises.
Scope of Application:
Disadvantaged individuals are those facing life challenges. According to UNESCO, vulnerable groups include:
- People with disabilities;
- Individuals in extremely difficult circumstances;
- Pregnant women;
- Individuals over 60 years old;
- People with mobility limitations.
Support Policy for Vulnerable Groups:
- 50% financial support for the entire APEL.Q End-Point Assessment stage.
- In case of an unsuccessful End-Point Assessment, vulnerable individuals receive a 100% fee refund.
The Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation (MI Swiss) is committed to supporting vulnerable communities through a globally inclusive policy applicable to all programs.
Although under the APEL.Q assessment principles, learners are fully responsible for the entire process, MI Swiss collaborates with local partners to provide support, making the process smoother and more accessible.
Support from London Academy of Sciences
The exclusive scientific partner of MI Swiss will accompany you throughout the APEL.Q process. However, this partner only provides support and does not complete any part of the process on your behalf. Available support includes:
- APEL.Q Process Consultation: Providing detailed information and guidance on the process.
- Success Potential Assessment: Offering advice on potential outcomes before submission (note: this is advisory only and not a guarantee).
- Provision of Regulations and Standards: Including competency assessment criteria and liability disclaimers.
- Application Guidance: Assisting with APEL.Q application forms, personal portfolios (Portfolios), and supporting evidence.
- Document Submission: Ensuring that all documents are sent to MI Swiss for the End-Point Assessment (EPA).
- Interpretation Support: Providing translation or clarification if there are language or interpretational differences in the application.
Transparency and Responsibilities
- Integrity in the Process: All information and supporting evidence must be accurate. MI Swiss will cancel any application and issue no refunds if fraudulent activity or false information is detected.
- Application Submission Rules: Learners may submit only one APEL.Q application at a time and may not submit applications in multiple countries.
- Global Network: Applications submitted at the London Academy of Sciences will be connected with partners of the London Academy of Sciences in Europe, ASEAN, Africa, MENA, and China via the MI Swiss EPA system.
Free Local Partner Support
Learners do not have to pay any additional fees for support provided by the local scientific partner.
No Commitments Beyond Jurisdiction
In compliance with EU regulations, including transparency in communication, fair competition, and GDPR, MI Swiss, its partner universities, and London Academy of Sciences are not permitted to make commitments beyond their authority. Please refer to the liability disclaimer on the websites of MI Swiss, its partner universities, and local scientific partners for more details.
Learners participating in the APEL.Q process at MI Swiss will receive their qualification and attend the graduation ceremony in Asia alongside MI Swiss students and partner institutions.
If a learner is unable to attend the graduation ceremony, the diploma and certifications from MI Swiss and its partners will be sent to the local partner. Learners can visit the local partner’s office to sign and collect their diploma.
Graduation ceremony costs (if applicable) are not included in the tuition fees.
As APEL.Q is not a traditional academic program, candidates are not granted access to visit the campus, nor are they eligible for invitation letters for tourist or student visas to Switzerland, as is the case with full-time international students.
The entire competency framework used to assess APEL.Q for the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management is advised by the Senior Leader Bureau, based on the professional competency framework for the Chartered Manager position, published and recognized by the UK government.
The competency criteria were developed with contributions from advisory councils representing organizations such as Serco (employer chair), Civil Service (employer chair), Acivico (Birmingham City Council), Anglo Educational, Barclays, BT, Balfour Beatty, Barchester Healthcare, Boots UK Ltd, British Army, BBC, CMI, Co-op, DFS, Grant Thornton, Interserve, JRV Associates, KPMG, Morgan Sindell, NHS (Dept of Health), Nestlé, Opus Building Services, Pearson, Pendragon plc, Ricoh, Sainsbury’s, Santander UK plc, Speedy Services, umi Digital, Unipart, United Utilities plc, Virgin Media, Wincanton, and XPO Logistics.
APEL.Q for the Executive Master of Business Administration Program corresponds to Level 7 (Master) under the UK’s national qualification framework (RQF), recognized by Ofqual (UK Gov), equivalent to:
| Level | Qualifications Framework | Equivalent qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Level UK (RQF) | Level 7 Diploma Level 7 NVQ Postgraduate Diploma |
| 11 | Scotland Level (SCQF) | Masters Degrees Post Graduate Diploma SVQ 5 |
| Master | The Frameworks for High Education Qualifications of UK (FHEQ) | Integrated master’s degree, for example master of engineering (MEng) master’s degree, for example master of arts (MA), master of science (MSc) |
| 7 | European Level (EQF) | Masters Degrees Post Graduate Diploma |
| 9 | Australian Level (AQF) | Masters Degrees |
| 9 | African Level (ACQF) | Masters Degrees Post Graduate Diploma |
| 7 | ASEAN Level (ARQF) | Masters Degrees Post Graduate Diploma |
Detailed Competency Framework:
| Knowledge | What is required |
|---|---|
| Strategy | Knows how to shape organisational vision, culture and values. Understands organisational structures; business modelling; diversity; global perspectives; governance and accountability; the external environment, social, technological and policy implications. Understands new market strategies, changing customer demands and trend analysis. |
| Innovation & Change | Understands innovation; the impact of disruptive technologies (mechanisms that challenge traditional business methods and practices); drivers of change and new ways of working across infrastructure, processes, people and culture and sustainability.
Knowledge of systems thinking, knowledge/data management, and programme management. |
| Enterprise & Risk | Knowledge of ethics and values based leadership; regulatory environments, legal, H&S and well-being and compliance requirements; corporate social responsibility; risk management, environmental impact and cyber security. Understands competitive strategies and entrepreneurialism, approaches to effective decision making, and the use of big data and insight to implement and manage change. |
| Finance | Understands financial strategies including scenarios, modelling and identifying trends, application of economic theory to decision-making, and how to evaluate financial and non- financial information. Understands financial governance and legal requirements, and procurement strategies. |
| Leading & Developing People | Knowledge of organisational/team dynamics and how to build engagement and develop high performance, agile and collaborative cultures. Understands approaches to strategic workforce planning including talent management, learning organisations, workforce design, succession planning, diversity and inclusion. |
| Developing Collaborative Relationships | Understands large scale and inter-organisational influencing and negotiation strategies. Knowledge of the external political environment and use of diplomacy with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders. Understands working with board and company structures. Knowledge of brand and reputation management. |
| Skills | What is required |
| Strategy | Use of horizon scanning and conceptualisation to deliver high performance strategies focusing on growth/sustainable outcomes. Sets a clear agenda and gains support from key stakeholders. Able to undertake research, and critically analyse and integrate complex information. |
| Innovation and Change | Initiates and leads change in the organisation, creates environment for innovation and creativity, establishing the value of ideas and change initiatives and drives continuous improvement. Able to manage conflict. Manages partnerships, people and resources effectively, and measures outcomes. Acts where needed as a Sponsor, championing projects and transformation of services across organisational boundaries. |
| Enterprise and Risk | Challenge strategies and operations in terms of ethics, responsibility, sustainability, resource allocation and business continuity/risk management. Application of principles relating to Corporate Social Responsibility, Governance, Regulatory compliance. Drives a culture of resilience and supports development of new enterprise and opportunities. |
| Finance | Oversees financial strategies/management, results and setting organisational budgets, and challenges financial assumptions underpinning strategies. Is accountable for decisions based on relevant information e.g. Key Performance Indicators/scorecard. Uses financial data to allocate resources. Oversees procurement, supply chain management and contracts. |
| Engaging Employees | Uses personal presence and “storytelling” to articulate and translate vision into operational strategies, demonstrating clarity in thinking and using inspirational communication. Creates an inclusive culture, encouraging diversity and difference. Gives and receives feedback at all levels, building confidence and developing trust, and enables people to take risks. |
| Leading and Developing People | Enables an open and high performance working, and sets goals and accountabilities for teams and individuals. Leads and influences people, building constructive working relationships across teams, using matrix management where required. Ensures workforce skills are utilised, balancing people and technical skills and encouraging continual development. |
| Building Collaborative Relationships | Manages complex relationships across multiple and diverse stakeholders. Builds trust and rapport, with ability to positively challenge. Leads beyond area of control/authority, and able to influence, negotiate and use advocacy skills to build reputation and effective collaborations. |
| Behaviours | What is required (developed and exhibited in the workplace) |
| Leads by Example | Has high levels of self-awareness, emotional and social intelligence, empathy and compassion, and able to identify mental well-being in others. Works collaboratively enabling empowerment and delegation. Acts with humility and authenticity, is credible, confident and resilient. |
| Judgement and Challenge | Takes personal accountability aligned to clear values. Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to challenge when making decisions and solving problems. Instils confidence demonstrating honesty, integrity, openness, and trust. |
| Courage & Curiosity | Is confident and brave, willing to innovate, seeks new ideas and looks for contingencies. Manages complexity and ambiguity, comfortable in uncertainty, and is pragmatic. |
| Valuing Difference | Engaging with all – is ethical and demonstrates inclusivity, recognising diversity, championing, and enabling cultural inclusion. Empowers and motivates to inspire and support others. |
| Professional | Reflects on own performance, demonstrates professional standards in relation behaviour and ongoing development. Advocates the use of good practice within and outside the organisation. |
Direct Evidence
Certifications and Qualifications
You can provide the certifications and diplomas you have accumulated:
- Diplomas and certificates
- Result confirmations
- Courses organized by companies (with certification)
Work-Related Documents
You may submit documents and records that you have accessed or created during your work experience. To ensure confidentiality, we only require reference information to verify your competencies. We do not accept confidential or sensitive information from you or your organization.
Other Supporting Documents
You may also provide additional evidence from your daily life:
- Published articles
- Awards from professional associations, communities, etc.
General Information:
- The APEL.Q process is independently implemented by Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation (MI Swiss). In compliance with EU regulations and international practices, the APEL.Q process is conducted with transparency, fairness, independence, and effectiveness under established guidelines. However, it is not a government-funded or government-affiliated program.
- Upon completion of the process, MI Swiss will submit the applicant’s portfolio for independent evaluation and qualification issuance by the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body. MI Swiss and the London Academy of Sciences do not issue qualifications in any form.
- The APEL.Q assessment results verified by MI Swiss, along with accompanying documentation and certifications, serve solely as a means for partner universities and awarding institutions to recognize competencies in relation to academic programs. The APEL.Q results from MI Swiss do not constitute a professional license, job title recognition, or any equivalent accreditation.
- MI Swiss does not issue academic diplomas (qualifications, academic degrees) upon completion of the APEL.Q process. Certification issuance is conducted by partner institutions.
- MI Swiss and its academic partners reserve the right to immediately revoke APEL.Q results without refunds if applicants violate the principles and commitments agreed upon before entering the APEL.Q process.
- MI Swiss reserves the right to accept or decline any APEL.Q application submission.
- The estimated processing time for the entire APEL.Q process is 9 to 12 months, provided that applicants submit complete documentation, portfolios, and fulfill End-Point Assessment requirements on time. Applicants failing to meet the prescribed timeline will not receive a graduation confirmation or qualification within the 9 to 12-month period.
- The APEL.Q process fee does not cover graduation ceremony costs (if applicable), diploma shipping fees, or any other expenses unrelated to the APEL.Q process.
Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly research and verify all relevant information from reliable sources before enrolling in the APEL.Q process at Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation (MI Swiss).
MI Swiss, Partners, and Local Partners Disclaimer:
- MI Swiss, the London Academy of Sciences, and its academic partners do not guarantee or promise graduation or qualification issuance upon enrollment in the APEL.Q process. Qualification issuance and academic recognition depend entirely on the applicant meeting all academic, financial, disciplinary, and regulatory requirements.
- In cases of commitment violations, unauthorized absence, withdrawal from the program, or non-compliance with financial obligations, MI Swiss, the London Academy of Sciences, and its academic partners reserve the right to reject applications, discontinue support, revoke student status, and deny refunds.
- MI Swiss, the London Academy of Sciences, and its academic partners do not guarantee that awarded qualifications will be accepted, accredited, or recognized by third parties, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, or institutions in any other country. Acceptance is subject to the discretion of each receiving entity, government, and regulatory framework.
- MI Swiss, the London Academy of Sciences, and its academic partners do not guarantee salary increases, promotions, job placements, or acceptance into new positions upon program completion.
- Despite various international agreements on qualification recognition, each country, organization, and institution retains the right to accept or reject qualifications based on its policies. MI Swiss, the London Academy of Sciences, and its academic partners do not guarantee, commit to, or support equivalency certification processes (if applicable and required).
- MI Swiss, the London Academy of Sciences, and its academic partners do not guarantee job placement, work permits, teaching licenses, or professional certifications in Switzerland, Europe, or any other country.
- The program does not provide reference letters or student visas for studying in Switzerland or Europe.
MI Swiss, its partners, and local partners strictly adhere to EU regulations on transparency and GDPR compliance. MI Swiss and its partners do not make commitments beyond their jurisdiction.
Competency Framework Code
TUITION FEESTotal 2,900 Pound
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APEL.Q PROGRAMS
APEL.Q of Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation (MI Swiss) is the first independent APEL.Q provider in the world. The learner could get a full accredited academic degree within 6 months
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