OTHM Level 3 Diploma In Business Studies

The Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies qualification can be offered to learners from age 16. OTHM does not specify entry requirements for these qualifications, but delivery centres are required to ensure that learners admitted to the programme have sufficient capability at the right level to undertake the learning and assessment. OTHM Centre must ensure learners are recruited with integrity onto appropriate qualifications that will: • meet their needs • enable and facilitate learning and achievement • enable progression

If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency.

OTHM qualifications Level 3 represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to GCE AS/A Levels.

The Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies qualification consists of 4 mandatory units plus 2 optional units for a combined total of 60 credits, 600 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 360 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

• Introduction to Research and Academic Skills (10 credits)
• Using IT for Business (10 credits)
• Introduction to Economics and Accounting (10 credits)
• Introduction to the Business Environment (10 credits)

Optional Units: Choose any TWO

• Introduction to Customer Service (10 credits)
• Managing Business Events (10 credits)
• Introduction to Marketing (10 credits)
• Introduction to People Management (10 credits)

OTHM do not specify the mode of delivery for its qualifications, therefore OTHM Centres are free to deliver this qualification using any mode of delivery that meets the needs of their Learners. However, OTHM Centres should consider the Learners’ complete learning experience when designing the delivery of programmes. OTHM Centres must ensure that the chosen mode of delivery does not unlawfully or unfairly discriminate, whether directly or indirectly, and that equality of opportunity is promoted. Where it is reasonable and practicable to do so, it will take steps to address identified inequalities or barriers that may arise. Guided Learning Hours (GLH) which are listed in each unit gives the Centres the number of hours of teacher-supervised or direct study time likely to be required to teach that unit.

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes. To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the Assessor. The Assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.

Specific assessment guidance and relevant marking criteria for each unit are made available in the Assignment Brief document. These are made available to centres immediately after registration of one or more learners.

Successful completion of Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies qualification enables learners direct entry into Year 1 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree or pursue Level 4 Diplomas. As this qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), many universities acknowledge the ability of learners after studying Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies and consider for direct entry into a range of their Bachelor's degree programmes. For more information visit University Progressions page.