OTHM Qualifications Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies, online in 6 months
Awarded by OTHM Qualifications and Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 3: 60 credits, 9 units, assessed by assignment with no exams. Delivered 100% online by LEAP Education.
£10 to apply · Offer within 24 hours · Apply with qualifications or relevant work experience
Stanmore School of Business Limited — UK registered learning provider since 2017.
- Duration
- 6 months
- Credits
- 60
- Level
- RQF Level 3
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £416.67 / month
What this qualification is
The OTHM Qualifications Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies is awarded by OTHM Qualifications and regulated by Ofqual at RQF Level 3. The qualification totals 60 credits across structured mandatory units. Listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. LEAP Education delivers this programme 100% online with tutor support.
Standard completion is 6 months; accelerated completion in available on selected programmes is offered on this programme where shown below. Fees from £1,250. Assessment is through coursework and assignments — there is no requirement to attend a UK campus.
Designed for working professionals in the UK and overseas who need a regulated qualification recognised by employers. Progress to the next RQF level or a university top-up degree where eligible.
The ceiling for administrative staff is rarely about work ethic; it is about the inability to translate operational details into financial strategy. Senior leaders ignore support staff who only report on tasks completed, while they promote those who can explain how process optimization reduces overhead and protects profit margins.
You gain the authority to redesign departmental workflows, justify budget allocations with hard data, and lead cross-functional projects with a formal strategic mandate. This credential transforms your role from a cost center to a profit protector, allowing you to sit in meetings where resource allocation decisions are made rather than just executing the orders given to you.
- Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 3
- Credits: 60
- Units: 9
- Duration: 6 months
Key facts
- Qualification:
- Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies
- Awarding organisation:
- OTHM Qualifications
- Level:
- RQF Level 3
- Credits:
- 60
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 6 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £416.67 / month
- Entry requirements:
- A Level 2 qualification or equivalent (e.g., GCSEs, Level 2 Diploma), or equivalent; or relevant experience. Minimum age 18.
- Last verified:
- 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
Related: Business Management Qualifications, browse related courses.
Explore: Level 5 Diploma in Business Management, BA (Hons) Business Management online, Level 5 business management guide (blog).
See how the programme works, how you're assessed and how online study fits around your job.
What you'll study
Marketing Mix
Calibrate product, price, place, and promotion variables to capture market share and drive revenue in competitive international sectors.
Business Planning
Construct strategic roadmaps that align operational capabilities with long-term growth objectives to secure executive stakeholder buy-in.
Financial Management
Analyze financial statements and manage cash flow to make data-driven investment decisions that protect profitability across borders.
Human Resource Management
Design talent acquisition and retention frameworks that build high-performance teams while navigating diverse cultural expectations.
Organizational Behavior
Diagnose team dynamics and leadership styles to resolve conflict and drive productivity within complex, multi-cultural organizational structures.
International Business
Apply cross-cultural strategic insight to enter new markets, manage global supply chains, and mitigate geopolitical risks.
Entrepreneurship
Validate market opportunities and assess commercial viability to launch scalable ventures or drive internal innovation within established firms.
Business Law
Apply knowledge of commercial regulations and contract law to mitigate legal risk and ensure ethical compliance in global operations.
Operations Management
Optimize end-to-end supply chains and internal processes to reduce costs and ensure consistent quality delivery in international markets.
Every unit is assessed by written assignments submitted online, with tutor feedback and sample assignments to guide you.
Two ways in
Qualifications
A Level 2 qualification or equivalent (e.g., GCSEs, Level 2 Diploma), or an international equivalent. Higher qualifications are also accepted.
Work experience
Candidates with some relevant work experience or a keen interest in the subject are encouraged to apply. Your practical knowledge counts.
Minimum age 18. International applicants welcome. Send us your certificates and we'll confirm eligibility within 24 hours.
Fully online
No campus visits. Study on any device, in any time zone.
Materials included
Study notes, sample assignments and resources from day one.
24/7 study assistant
Instant explanations and assignment guidance from our AI study assistant.
Tutor feedback
Qualified tutors mark assignments and give feedback by email and chat.
Where this can take you
Designed for working professionals who need a recognised qualification to move into supervisory, management or specialist roles.
Universities that recognise this qualification for progression
- Bangor University
- Sheffield Hallam University
- University of Sunderland
- University of Greater Manchester
- Northumbria University
- De Montfort University
- University of Staffordshire
- University of Law
- Arden University
Progression routes vary by university and programme. Contact admissions for current entry requirements.
Choose your pace
All plans are interest-free and include every unit, study material and tutor support. A £10 enrolment fee applies.
| This page6 monthsFast-track | 9 monthsStandard mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Total fee | £1,250 | £950 |
| Monthly | £416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250) | £190 × 5 |
| Quarterly | — | £475 × 2 |
| Pay in full | £1,187.50 (save 5%) | £902.50 (save 5%) |
| Apply | Apply |
- Monthly£416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250)
- Pay in full£1,187.50 (save 5%)
* Programme fees shown include online learning, study materials and tutor support for the qualification. A separate £10 enrolment fee is payable when you submit your application. Interest-free instalment plans and a 5% discount for paying the full programme fee upfront are available where shown.
Need a different payment plan? Our admissions team can help.
Talk to an adviser on WhatsApp →Who awards your qualification
This qualification is awarded by OTHM Qualifications, an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation. OTHM qualifications are regulated on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and recognised by employers and universities in the UK and internationally.
Regulation
Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 3, 60 credits.
Find OTHM Qualifications qualifications on the Ofqual Register →
Provider
Stanmore School of Business Limited · Company No. 10591140 · UKPRN 10085235.
OTHM Qualifications →
Start in three steps
- 01
Apply online
Complete the short form and pay the £10 enrolment fee. About five minutes.
- 02
Receive your offer
We confirm eligibility and email your start date and payment options.
- 03
Start learning
Pay your first instalment and get access to your units.
Common questions
Is this qualification regulated by Ofqual?
Yes. This qualification is awarded by OTHM Qualifications at RQF Level 3 and is listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.
Can I study from outside the UK?
Yes. The programme is 100% online with no campus visits, so you can study from anywhere in the UK or internationally.
Are there any exams?
No. Every unit is assessed through written assignments submitted online. There are no written examinations.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants should hold a Level 2 qualification or equivalent (e.g., GCSEs, Level 2 Diploma) or an equivalent credential. Candidates with some relevant work experience or a keen interest in the subject are also encouraged to apply. Minimum age 18.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
You can choose 6 months (Fast-track, £1,250); 9 months (Standard mode, £950). Interest-free instalment plans are available on each option.
When can I start?
You can enrol at any time. Once your application is accepted and the first payment is made, you receive access to the learning platform and study materials.
Who operates LEAP Education?
LEAP Education is a brand of Stanmore School of Business Limited (Company No. 10591140, UKPRN 10085235), a UK learning provider.
Last reviewed 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
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