Behind every organisation are people making decisions. Learn the principles that help them communicate clearly, serve customers and manage resources.
This Level 3 diploma introduces the core areas of business management across six practical subjects. You’ll develop the knowledge to contribute as an individual, work within a team and approach further study with greater confidence.
What you’ll build
01
A broader view of businessUnderstand how different functions work together, from customer service to finance.
02
Knowledge you can put into contextExplore business ideas through course materials, practical activities and written coursework.
03
A foundation for your next qualificationPrepare to progress to Level 4, subject to the entry requirements of your chosen course.
Where Level 3 fits
Level 3 is at the same academic level as GCE AS and A levels. This diploma is a separate qualification; its title, credits and entry requirements should be checked when planning further study.
HOW YOU LEARN
Know the process. Plan your study.
Study online over the official one-year course duration. Use the materials, activities and feedback to build your understanding before completing your coursework.
01
Get ready to study
Choose a monthly start and work through the enrolment steps. Your online dashboard provides access to course materials, progress information and support after enrolment.
02
Work through six units
Read the guided materials, explore practical examples and complete activities. Keep notes on the ideas you find difficult so that you can ask focused questions.
03
Prepare your assignments
Use the assignment guidance to understand the task. Apply business concepts, develop your own reasoning and use formative feedback to improve your approach.
04
Complete the qualification
Meet the assessment requirements across all six mandatory units. The qualification uses coursework and pass/fail grading, rather than traditional examinations.
Make room for independent study
Reading, research, practical activities and assignment preparation all form part of learning. Before you enrol, discuss the weekly commitment, submission timetable and access arrangements with the course team.
What if an assignment needs more work?
Unlimited free assignment resubmissions are included. Use your feedback to identify what needs improvement, then ask the team about the resubmission process and timing.
This is a foundation in business. It can suit people new to the subject, returning to education or preparing for further study.
16+
Age requirementThe qualification is available to learners aged 16 or above.
01
Previous qualificationsNo specific prior qualification is prescribed for this diploma.
02
Readiness to studyYou must have sufficient capability to undertake Level 3 learning and assessment. Your education, experience and English-language ability are considered during your eligibility review.
Unsure if Level 3 is right for you?
Tell an adviser about your education and experience before you make your decision.
A business foundation helps you see how everyday decisions connect. Use the learning to strengthen your contribution at work or prepare for a new area of responsibility.
01
Business administration
Connect communication, organisation and financial information when supporting day-to-day business activity.
02
Customer-facing work
Use your understanding of customer needs, service standards and complaint handling to think through service decisions.
03
Marketing support
Build context for customer research, digital channels and the way an organisation presents its products or services.
04
Working with people
Explore motivation, leadership and employee relations before moving towards more advanced management study.
Think of this as your foundation
These are examples of where the subject knowledge may be relevant, not promised job outcomes. Management positions usually require further learning and workplace experience. Employers set their own requirements.
UNIVERSITY OPTIONS
Your diploma. Your university options.
Completing your Level 3 diploma with RiseLadder can open routes to the first year of a degree. Explore the universities and courses below, and let us help you plan your next step.
RiseLadder university progression
Choose a course to explore its current details. Each university assesses applications individually and may require additional qualifications or English-language evidence.
Your RiseLadder adviser can help you compare these routes. Each university makes its own admissions decisions. Check current course availability, study format and entry requirements before applying.
ANOTHER WAY TO PROGRESS
Continue through Level 4 and Level 5
Level 3Your business foundation
Level 4Further business study
Level 5More advanced study
Eligible degree top-upSubject to university entry and credit decisions
Suitable Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications may support a later top-up application. Level 3 alone does not provide direct entry to the final year of a bachelor’s degree.
Plan your next step with admissions
Confirm the course, intake and entry point for qualification 603/7795/1.
Check English-language evidence and any other entry requirements.
Ask whether study is online, on campus or a combination.
Compare the remaining study, full fees and application deadlines.
Study with RiseLadder and work towards a regulated Level 3 qualification in business management. The formal award details are set out below.
QUALIFICATION RECORD
Level 3 Diploma in Business Management
Awarding organisation
OTHM
Level
3
Total credits
120
Mandatory units
6 × 20 credits
Qualification reference
603/7795/1
What the award tells you
The diploma is listed on the Ofqual register. Its level describes the academic demand of the qualification, and its credits describe its size. Recognition for a particular job or university course is decided by that employer or institution.
Your additional CPD certificate
The course offer includes an extra CPD certificate. This is distinct from your Level 3 diploma; ask the team about the activity it recognises and its completion requirements.
Certificate information
Ask the course team about certification after successful completion and to show you an authorised example for this exact qualification. Check that its title and reference match the award listed here.
You can study independently and still have people to turn to. One-to-one tutors, live webinars and learner forums support you alongside your course materials and assignment guidance.
One-to-one tutor support
Bring a question about a concept or assignment and work through the area where you need support.
Live webinars
Build understanding through scheduled learning sessions alongside your independent study.
Learner forums
Connect with other learners and contribute to discussions around your studies.
Unlimited free resubmissions
Use feedback to revise your work where needed. Ask your tutor about the resubmission requirements and timetable.
BEFORE YOU START
Choose your starting point
Discuss your previous study, experience and goals with an adviser. Ask about the study commitment and any support you may need.
WHILE YOU STUDY
Make progress with guidance
Use your online dashboard and learning materials. Bring questions about concepts or tasks to the course team, and use formative feedback to guide your next steps.
BEFORE YOU SUBMIT
Understand the assessment
Read the assignment guidance, check the requirements and ask how feedback and resubmissions work.
Find out how support will work for you
Ask about tutor availability, contact methods, response times, accessibility arrangements and any scheduled sessions before enrolling.
New to business? You’re in the right place to begin.
You might be exploring a new career, returning to study or taking your first formal step into business. Start by building the knowledge that connects the bigger picture.
A foundation across six core business subjects
Online learning with assignment guidance
A clear route to consider further study at Level 4
The course is delivered online, so you can access your learning materials remotely. The official duration is one year. Discuss the expected study commitment with an adviser to decide how it fits around your work and other commitments.
What do I need to enrol?+
No specific prior qualification is prescribed for this diploma. You must be 16 or above and have sufficient capability to undertake Level 3 learning and assessment. An adviser can help you consider whether this is the right starting point.
How will I be assessed?+
You complete coursework across the six mandatory units. There are no traditional examinations. Assignment guidance and formative feedback support your learning.
What qualification will I receive?+
After successfully meeting the course requirements, you receive a Level 3 Diploma in Business Management worth 120 credits. See Your qualification for the awarding organisation and official qualification record.
Does this lead directly to a university top-up?+
RiseLadder can help you explore Year 1 progression routes at Bangor, the University of Greater Manchester, the University of Law and De Montfort. Admission remains subject to individual assessment and other university requirements. A final-year top-up normally requires further suitable study beyond Level 3. See University options for the specific courses and entry points.
When can I start, and what does it cost?+
RiseLadder offers monthly starts. The Level 3 course fee is £2,500. Progression courses are separate qualifications with separate enrolment fees.
What makes this a formal qualification?+
The diploma is listed on the Ofqual register under reference 603/7795/1. You must meet the assessment requirements across six mandatory units to achieve its 120 credits.
What learning resources and support are available?+
The course offers guided online materials, practical activities, one-to-one tutors, live webinars, learner forums, assignment guidance and formative feedback. Unlimited free resubmissions are included. Ask about tutor availability, webinar schedules and the support arrangements that apply to your circumstances.
How do I pay the course fee?+
The full course fee is payable in one payment through secure bank checkout.
Can I see what studying business is like?+
Free course-trial access is available through the team. You can also try the sample activity on this page or download your RiseLadder learner guide immediately. The sample activity is introductory and does not count towards your qualification.
The subjects provide context for administration, customer service, marketing and team-based responsibilities. This is a foundation qualification. Employment, promotion and later management opportunities depend on your experience, further learning and employer requirements.
Is a laptop included?+
A free laptop is included only when the full, undiscounted course fee is paid in one payment.
How many free resubmissions can I make?+
There is no cap on the number of free assignment resubmissions. Use your tutor’s feedback to improve your work, and follow the course’s assessment requirements and submission timetable.
Is the CPD certificate the same as the diploma?+
No. The additional CPD certificate is separate from your Level 3 Diploma in Business Management. Ask the team what the CPD certificate covers and which completion requirements apply.
