ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Business (60 Credits)
UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION PROGRAM
LEVELS: 3 | £4,500
The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Business is a 60-credit Ofqual regulated qualification designed for learners who wish to develop a foundation in business and progress towards higher-level study in business or management.
The programme introduces learners to the business environment, how organisations operate, professional business communication, teamwork and market research. It also develops study and employability skills that can support progression into higher education or employment.
The qualification is equivalent in level to an A Level or Access to HE qualification. It is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction and is eligible for UCAS points. The qualification number is 610/1761/9.
The qualification is designed for learners who are typically aged 16 and above.
For learners who have recently been in education or training, the entry profile is likely to include one of the following:
For learners whose first language is not English, ATHE recommends one of the following standards of English language proficiency or an approved equivalent:
Course Fee: £4,500
The course fee includes access to online learning materials, assessments, tutor support and the student learning portal.
Payment Options:
Please contact the admissions team for further information regarding payment arrangements.
The qualification consists of five mandatory units carrying a total of 60 credits. All five units must be completed.
1. Business Environment
10 Credits
This unit introduces learners to the external environment in which businesses operate. Learners explore stakeholders, sectors of the economy and the effect of external factors on organisations, including the use of STEEPLE analysis to understand changes in the business environment.
2. How Businesses and Organisations Work
10 Credits
This unit develops an understanding of how organisations are structured and operated. Learners explore organisational objectives, customer service, legal identities and the human, physical and other resources required for organisations to function effectively.
3. Business Communication
10 Credits
This unit develops the principles and practical skills required for effective business communication. Learners explore internal and external communication, communicating complex business information in written and oral formats, customer communication and the review of their own communication skills.
4. Working in Teams
10 Credits
This unit develops learners' understanding of effective teamwork, leadership and motivation. Learners explore how teams operate, how individuals contribute to team performance and how their own employability skills can be reviewed and developed.
5. Market Research
20 Credits
This unit introduces the principles of marketing that underpin market research. Learners examine legal and ethical considerations, plan and undertake market research, interpret research findings and use the results to support business decision-making.
Assessment for this qualification is undertaken internally by the approved centre through assignments. ATHE states that its Level 3 International Access Programme qualifications are assessed through the completion of assignments set for each diploma.
Learners must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for all five mandatory units.
The qualification is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.
The public qualification page does not specify a fixed number of separate written assignments or a prescribed word count for each unit. Therefore, no fixed assignment count or word count is stated here.
The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Business is designed for learners who wish to progress to a business or management degree and may not have the traditional entry qualifications usually required.
Successful learners may progress to:
The qualification is eligible for UCAS points. ATHE also publishes university progression arrangements, including routes where the 60-credit Level 3 Diploma in Business can support entry to Year 1 of selected business-related undergraduate programmes.
Admission remains subject to the entry and English language requirements of the receiving university.
