Top-up via OFQUAL vs APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning)/Credit Transfer

[lincolnlawyer]

I have some questions on the top-up scheme in the UK system. 


As far as I’m aware, how this works is that you complete a level 7 “postgraduate” diploma and apply for top-up to a master’s program for a significantly reduced fee. All you have to complete is a dissertation module. 

But when I tried looking at top-up programs, most seemed to be MBAs (there are more subjects offered on OFQUAL level 7 than business management/the like), and top-up options were scarce. Meanwhile, most MBA programs offer “Accreditation of Prior Learning”, which is basically the UK equivalent of credit transfer  in the US system. 

The training instituions offering the level 7 diplomas, on the other hand, often list specific universities whom they partner with as top-up options.

So my questions are:
1. Are my top-up options limited by where I choose to do my level 7 diploma? 
2. Theoretically, is it possible to complete a level 7 diploma and apply to a normal master’s program under the Accreditation of Prior Learning scheme? 
3. If (2) is possible, does it also come at a reduced tuition rate? 

Happy to hear from anyone who’s familiar/had experience with this.