Level 3
Diploma
Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
120 credits 1200 hrs TQT one year Online
RQF Level 3
Foundation Diploma
Ofqual-regulated
Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies
Higher Education Studies · Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education · online with LSIB
The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies is an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 foundation diploma in Higher Education Studies 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 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies?
The objective of the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies is to provide learners with a foundation to provide an entry route to UK and international university courses. It is designed to ensure that each learner is equipped with knowledge of study skills, mathematics, computing, society and culture, business and accounting, providing the knowledge and skills to adapt rapidly to change and progress with their learning.
Successful completion of the Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies provides learners with the opportunity to progress to further study or employment.
Who is this qualification for?
This Level 3 foundation diploma suits school leavers, career changers and adult learners who want a regulated route into higher education studies 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
OTHM Level 3 qualifications can be offered to learners from age 16. OTHM does not specify entry requirements for these qualifications. OTHM ensures that learners admitted to the programme have sufficient capability at the right level to undertake the learning and assessment criteria.
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. The qualification is offered in English.
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.
Qualification structure and units
The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies consists of 6 mandatory units for a combined total of 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.
| Unit | Type | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Academic English and Study Skills | Mandatory | 20 |
| Foundation Mathematics | Mandatory | 20 |
| Foundation Computing | Mandatory | 20 |
| Society and Culture | Mandatory | 20 |
| Introduction to Business | Mandatory | 20 |
| Foundation Accounting and Economics | Mandatory | 20 |
| Total for the qualification | 120 | |
Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 603/3896/9.
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.
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 OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies provides learners the opportunity for academic progressions to a wide range of undergraduate programmes including OTHM Level 4 diplomas. For more information visit University Progressions page in this website.
Fees and how to apply
The course fee for the Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies at LSIB depends on how quickly you choose to complete the qualification. Every programme is available in two duration modes.
| Duration mode | Length | Course fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard mode | 9 months | £950 |
| Accelerated mode / Fast-track | 6 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)
| Plan | Instalments | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | 5 × £190 | £950 |
| Quarterly | 2 × £475 | £950 |
| Pay in full (Save 5%) | 1 × £903 | £903 |
6 months (Accelerated / Fast-track)
| Plan | Instalments | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | 3 × £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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies
What is the Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies equivalent to?
The Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies 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 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies?
The qualification carries 120 credits, with 1200 hours of Total Qualification Time and 600 Guided Learning Hours. Credits are awarded per unit on successful completion.
How long does the Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies 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 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies 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 603/3896/9. LSIB is an OTHM approved centre.
Are there exams on the Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies?
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 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies 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
- Level 3 Foundation Diploma
- Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Business
Related OTHM qualifications
Who awards and delivers this qualification
Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications, regulated by Ofqual. Ofqual qualification number 603/3896/9.
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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