RQF Level 3 Diploma Ofqual-regulated

Level 3 Diploma in Business Management

Business Management · Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education · online with LSIB

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The OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Business Management is an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 diploma in Business Management worth 120 credits (1200 hours of total qualification time), delivered online and flexibly by LSIB, an OTHM approved centre. It is equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education. Most learners complete it in one year, studying part-time around work. You can apply online today, download the brochure, or ask for the full course details by email.

What is the Level 3 Diploma in Business Management?

The objective of the OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Business Management qualification is to provide learners with an in-depth understanding of the operations and structure of businesses.

The qualification will provide learners with the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills associated with business activities. It will prompt research, investigation and review of aspects of business which include Business Communication, The Business Environment, People Management, Customer Service, Finance and Marketing.

After completing OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Business Management a learner should be able to demonstrate and/or work with:

Knowledge and Understanding

  • An appreciation of the body of knowledge that constitutes a discipline of business.
  • A range of knowledge, facts, theories, ideas, properties, materials, terminology, practices and techniques about, and associated with, business , its functions and its context.
  • Apply knowledge, skills and understanding using some of the basic, routine practices, techniques to address set situations and/or problems related to the business management of organisations.
  • Relating field of business, functions of business, industries, sector to a range of practical and/or commonplace applications.

Generic Skills

  • Obtain, organise and use factual, theoretical and/or hypothetical information in drawing conclusions and suggest solutions to business organisations.
  • Use a wide range of skills, such as ICT, basic analysis of range of numerical and graphical data and effective written and oral communication.
  • Take responsibility for carrying out a range of activities where the overall goal is clear, under non-directive supervision.
  • Exercise some supervisory responsibility, work in teams, evaluate the work of others and make use of limited resources efficiently.

Successful completion of this qualification will support learners progressing to university, and to provide learners with the requisite skills and knowledge to enter the world of work in their chosen sector.

Who is this qualification for?

This Level 3 diploma suits school leavers, career changers and adult learners who want a regulated route into business management or into Level 4 study without A-levels.

  • Study fully online with tutor support from LSIB, with no fixed timetable.
  • Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.

Entry requirements

The OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Business Management 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 Centres must ensure learners are recruited with integrity onto appropriate qualifications that will:

  • meet their needs
  • enable and facilitate learning and achievement
  • enable progression

English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit English Language Expectations page in our website www.othm.org.uk.

Qualification structure and units

The OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Business Management qualification consists of 6 mandatory units making a combined total of 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 480 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

Mandatory units

UnitTypeCredits
Communication for BusinessMandatory20
The Business EnvironmentMandatory20
People ManagementMandatory20
Customer ServiceMandatory20
Finance in BusinessMandatory20
MarketingMandatory20
Total for the qualification120

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 603/7795/1.

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year for full-time study but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.

The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.

At LSIB the qualification is delivered online: you receive the unit materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit assignments when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

How you are assessed

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.

Progression and career routes

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Business Management provides learners the opportunity for a wide range of academic progressions including the OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Business Management.

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 the OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Business Management and may consider them for direct entry into a range of their Bachelor's degree programmes. For more information visit University Progressions page in this website.

Fees and how to apply

The course fee for the Level 3 Diploma in Business Management at LSIB depends on how quickly you choose to complete the qualification. Every programme is available in two duration modes.

Course fees by duration mode
Duration modeLengthCourse fee
Standard mode9 months£950
Accelerated mode / Fast-track6 months£1,250

The fee is payable in monthly or quarterly instalments. It includes tuition, learning materials, assessment and OTHM registration and certification.

Fee payment plans

9 months (Standard mode)

Standard mode payment plans
PlanInstalmentsTotal
Monthly5 × £190£950
Quarterly2 × £475£950
Pay in full (Save 5%)1 × £903£903

6 months (Accelerated / Fast-track)

Fast-track payment plans
PlanInstalmentsTotal
Monthly3 × £416£1,248
Pay in full (Save 5%)1 × £1,188£1,188

You can avail a 5% discount if you pay the full course fee upfront in one instalment (bursary amounts shown in the tables).

The enrolment fee is £10 when you submit your application. It is separate from the course fee above.

  1. Apply and pay the £10 enrolment fee Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Complete the form, upload your ID and qualification certificates (or a CV showing relevant experience), and pay the £10 enrolment fee to submit.
  2. Application review and course-fee link Admissions review your application within one working day. If you are approved, we email you a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan.
  3. Start your course As soon as your course fee (or first instalment, if you chose a plan) is paid, you receive your learning-platform login and can begin the first unit. There is no fixed intake date.

Frequently asked questions about the Level 3 Diploma in Business Management

What is the Level 3 Diploma in Business Management equivalent to?
The Level 3 Diploma in Business Management sits at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education.
How many credits is the Level 3 Diploma in Business Management?
The qualification carries 120 credits, with 1200 hours of Total Qualification Time and 480 Guided Learning Hours. Credits are awarded per unit on successful completion.
How long does the Level 3 Diploma in Business Management take?
OTHM designs the qualification to be completed in one year of full-time study; LSIB delivers it online so you can study part-time and pace the assignments around work.
Is the Level 3 Diploma in Business Management recognised?
Yes. OTHM Qualifications is an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual in England, and this qualification is listed on the Ofqual register under qualification number 603/7795/1. LSIB is an OTHM approved centre.
Are there exams on the Level 3 Diploma in Business Management?
No. OTHM qualifications are assessed by written assignments for each unit, marked by the centre and externally verified by OTHM.
How do I apply for the Level 3 Diploma in Business Management with LSIB?
Apply online through the LSIB application portal (Apply now), pay the £10 enrolment fee, and upload your documents. Admissions review your application within one working day. If approved, you receive a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan. You start as soon as course fee payment clears.

Progression path

  1. Level 3 Diploma
  2. Level 4 Diploma in Business Management

Related OTHM qualifications

Other OTHM Business Management qualifications

Who awards and delivers this qualification

Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications, regulated by Ofqual. Ofqual qualification number 603/7795/1.

Delivery centre: London School of International Business Ltd (LSIB), 622 Crown House, North Circular Road, Park Royal, London NW10 7PN — OTHM approved centre since 2007.

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF); facts on this page are taken from it and re-checked nightly.

Last reviewed 18 October 2026Published by LSIB admissions team

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