OTHM Qualifications Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies, online from 6 months
Awarded by OTHM Qualifications and Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 3: 120 credits, 6 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
- 9 months
- Credits
- 120
- Level
- RQF Level 3
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £190 / month
What this qualification is
The OTHM Qualifications Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies is awarded by OTHM Qualifications and regulated by Ofqual at RQF Level 3. The qualification totals 120 credits across 6 mandatory units. Listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. LEAP Education delivers this programme 100% online with tutor support.
Standard completion is 9 months; accelerated completion in 6 months is offered on this programme where shown below. Fees from £950. 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.
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You move from offering informal advice to designing and delivering certified training modules that satisfy multinational compliance and quality standards. This credential provides the formal academic foundation required to progress into higher-level degrees in education or specialized coaching certifications. You gain the authority to validate your practical experience with recognized theory, allowing you to pitch structured learning initiatives to senior leadership with professional confidence.
- Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 3
- Credits: 120
- Units: 6
- Duration: 9 months (accelerated 6 months)
Key facts
- Qualification:
- Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies
- Awarding organisation:
- OTHM Qualifications
- Level:
- RQF Level 3
- Credits:
- 120
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 9 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £190 / 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
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What you'll study
Academic English and Study Skills
20 creditsEnables you to structure persuasive arguments and synthesize complex information for high-stakes reporting in multinational organizations.
Foundation Mathematics
20 creditsStrengthens your ability to interpret quantitative data and model scenarios accurately for executive-level strategic planning.
Foundation Computing
20 creditsEnsures you can leverage digital tools to automate workflows and solve technical bottlenecks in fast-paced global operations.
Society and Culture
20 creditsBuilds the cross-cultural agility required to negotiate effectively and manage stakeholder expectations across different regulatory and social landscapes.
Introduction to Business
20 creditsClarifies the operational mechanics of global enterprises so you can align functional strategies with broader organizational objectives.
Foundation Accounting and Economics
20 creditsEquips you to read financial statements and economic indicators critically, allowing for informed investment and resource allocation decisions.
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
A published source has not yet been matched to a salary figure for these roles.
Indicative UK salary information for related occupations. Figures reflect the referenced occupation and data source, not guaranteed earnings after completing this qualification.
Universities that recognise this qualification for progression
- University College Birmingham
- Teesside University
- University of South Wales
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 page9 monthsStandard mode | 6 monthsFast-track | |
|---|---|---|
| Total fee | £950 | £1,250 |
| Monthly | £190 × 5 | £416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250) |
| Quarterly | £475 × 2 | — |
| Pay in full | £902.50 (save 5%) | £1,187.50 (save 5%) |
| Apply | Apply |
- Monthly£190 × 5
- Quarterly£475 × 2
- Pay in full£902.50 (save 5%)
- 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, 120 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.
Insights and Q&A
Extra detail beyond this page — written for learners researching fees, assessment and outcomes.
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 9 months (Standard mode, £950); 6 months (Fast-track, £1,250). 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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