The MBA Top-Up (MBA Capstone & Thesis) represents the final stage of the iMBA Degree following the completion of the Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (L7PGDip.Man) (IQF) Programme. The MBA Top-Up (MBA Capstone & MBA Thesis) consists of a 60-credit Level 7 Capstone Dissertation-style project that will be submitted to Arden University which will award the MBA Degree (Strategic Management to the successful candidate.

The term "Capstone" refers to an academic multi-phase assignments that enables students to theoretically or practically apply what they have studied. These assignments, which can be papers, presentations, research studies, or practical work like product design or community initiatives, are typically completed at the conclusion of a degree or certification programme. The "Capstone" may, depending on the field of study include a combination of the following academic components: 

• Main Research Paper or Thesis: This is most common in liberal arts, social sciences, or graduate programs. It usually involves deep research, critical thinking, and original analysis. 
• Capstone Essay or Report: A structured, written essay focusing on a problem, policy, or case study. This often has literature reviews, citations, and personal reflections. 
• Creative Projects: For students in arts or media fields, this project might have a film, design portfolio, or performance. 
• Service-Based or Experiential Projects: These projects involve working with a local organization, developing a community-based solution, or interning in a field related to your major.
• Business Plans or Prototypes: Common in business or STEM fields, where students may present an innovative product idea, software solution, or startup plan. 

The EduVisa/Ofqual quality control protocol prescribed the external moderation of grades/marks obtained by the student during the formative assessment phases - specifically the L7PGDip.Man (IQF-Formative Assessment) which is regarded as preparation to complete the Faculty Colloquium and/or Ofqual Assignment (RQF-Summative Assessment) in the foreseeable future. The process of external moderation may include summative analysis to meet plagiarism and minimum AI-generated requirements relevant to any feedback previously provided by the student. This process is usually completed within a period of 14 academic days and is a precursor to the Faculty Colloquium.

Prominent Business Schools or Graduate Management Schools usually require MBA students to avail themselves for a Faculty Colloquium during which a panel of senior academics will interview the candidate online or locally to determine the level of preparation as well as suitability to proceed towards the final MBA Capstone (Ofqual Moderation) and MBA Mini-Thesis curriculum phase.

Students are required to familiarise themselves with the following resource relevant to the MBA Capstone (Ofqual Mini-Assignments) and MBA Thesis to be completed:  "Exploring Strategy - Text and Cases (11^th Edition)". This resource will be instrumental in the completion of the Ofqual Mini-Assignments and MBA Mini-Thesis, and students are required to scan the resource to familiarise themselves with then outlay and contents for quick reference during the Faculty Colloquium.  

Please take note that completion of the L4 Diploma (IQF), L5 Higher Diploma (IQF), L6 Graduate Diploma (IQF) and L7 Post-Graduate Diploma (IQF) should be regarded as a curriculum build-up towards the final MBA Capstone & Thesis phase.

Please note that the MBA Capstone and Mini-Thesis) will commence as soon as the colloquium has been completed.

Students who have completed a L7 Post-Graduate Diploma (PGDip.Man) (Ofqual-RQF) may be recommended for register towards the MBA Top-Up (MBA Thesis) pending validation of the qualification by the relevant Qualification Board (Ofqual. ENCA, SAQA etc) 

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