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Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies

60 credits | 6-9 months | A-Level / High School Equivalent | 100% Online

Overview

The OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies is an introductory qualification designed for school leavers, career changers, and anyone new to business study. It provides a broad understanding of business fundamentals and prepares you for progression to Level 4 study or entry-level employment.

Learner preparing for a business foundation pathway

What You Will Learn

Mandatory units

  • Introduction to Research and Academic Skills
  • Using IT for Business
  • Introduction to Economics and Accounting
  • Introduction to the Business Environment

Optional units (choose two)

  • Introduction to Customer Service
  • Managing Business Events
  • Introduction to Marketing
  • Introduction to People Management

Unit titles are as published by OTHM. The full unit table with official references and credit values is below.

Key Facts

Qualification: OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies
Credits: 60 credits
Duration: 6-9 months
Mode: 100% Online via Moodle
Assessment: Written assignments - no examinations
Awarding Body: OTHM Qualifications (Ofqual regulated)
Entry Requirements: See individual course page for details

Units and Credits

The qualification comprises 6 units (60 credits): 4 mandatory units plus any 2 optional units. Unit titles, references and credit values below are as published by OTHM in the official qualification specification.

Unit referenceUnit titleCredits
R/616/0686Introduction to Research and Academic Skills10
J/616/2712Using IT for Business10
D/616/0691Introduction to Economics and Accounting10
L/616/2713Introduction to the Business Environment10
Optional units — choose any two
H/616/0692Introduction to Customer Service10
R/616/2714Managing Business Events10
D/616/2716Introduction to Marketing10
K/616/2718Introduction to People Management10

Study Hours, Entry and Assessment

Guided learning hours (GLH): 360
Total qualification time (TQT): 600
Entry requirements: Open to learners aged 16 and over. OTHM does not specify formal entry requirements for Level 3 qualifications. If English is not your first language, you will need evidence of English language competency.
Assessment: All units are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. Assessment is coursework-based — written assignments against published criteria, with no examinations. Grading is Pass/Fail.
Programme status: This is a prospective programme, subject to OTHM centre approval. Enrolment will open once approval is granted.

Progression Routes

  • Progress to Level 4 - Continue to an OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Business Management.
  • Enter employment - Use your qualification for entry-level roles in administration, customer service, sales, or retail.
  • Enter the first year of a degree - Progress directly into Year 1 of a UK bachelor's degree programme.

Fees

Programme fees will be published before enrolment opens. We plan to offer flexible monthly instalment options at no extra cost.

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