The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies prepares learners for UK and international undergraduate study through academic English, mathematics, computing, society, culture, b...
This Ofqual-regulated Level 3 qualification consists of 6 mandatory units worth 120 credits, with 1200 TQT, 600 GLH, English-medium delivery, coursework assessment, and pass/fail grading.
Ofqual regulated qualification
6 mandatory units
120 credits in total
600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
1200 Total Qualification Time (TQT)
Assessed by coursework with pass/fail grading
The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies is designed to provide learners with a foundation and an entry route to UK and international university courses. It develops knowledge across study skills, mathematics, computing, society and culture, business, and accounting.
Builds a recognised foundation for higher education entry
Covers academic and vocationally relevant subject areas
Strengthens independent study and research capability
Develops quantitative and digital skills for further study
Introduces business, society, accounting and economics concepts
Supports progression to undergraduate study and Level 4 diplomas
Learners develop the core academic, quantitative, digital and subject knowledge required for undergraduate study through the qualification’s six mandatory units.
Interpret data from academic texts and apply academic conventions in written work
Apply numeracy, algebra, graphical methods, statistics and probability to solve problems
Understand hardware, software, data representation, networks, and ethical and legal issues in computing
Understand socialisation, social and cultural change, and the interaction between popular culture and society
Understand business structures, objectives, stakeholders and environmental influences on decision making
Understand accounting and economics fundamentals, markets, policy influences and financial statements
This qualification is suitable for learners seeking a recognised Level 3 route into higher education and for those who need broad academic preparation before undergraduate study.
Learners planning to enter UK or international university courses
Students needing a Level 3 foundation before undergraduate study
Individuals wanting to strengthen academic English and study skills
Learners seeking introductory knowledge in maths, computing and business-related subjects
Students aiming to progress to OTHM Level 4 diplomas
Learners preparing for further study or employment
OTHM does not specify formal entry requirements for this qualification, but centres must ensure learners have sufficient capability to undertake the learning and assessment criteria. Learners can be offered Level 3 qualifications from age 16, and non-majority English-speaking learners must provide evidence of English language competency.
Minimum age: 16 years
Evidence of English language competency required where applicable
The qualification is assessed by coursework. All units are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM, and learners must achieve all learning outcomes and assessment criteria to pass each unit.
Overall assessment method: coursework
Internal assessment by the centre
External verification by OTHM
Pass achieved by meeting all specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria
Successful completion of this qualification supports academic progression to a wide range of undergraduate programmes, including OTHM Level 4 diplomas, and may also support employment progression.
Progress to undergraduate programmes
Progress to OTHM Level 4 diplomas
Use the qualification as a recognised Level 3 higher education entry route
Support further study or employment opportunities
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