Access to Higher Education

Foundation level qualifications

120 credits (online)

Ofqual Qualification Number: 603/3896/9

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Course description

 

OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies is to provide you with a foundation as an entry route to UK and international university courses. It is designed to ensure that each learner is equipped with knowledge of study skills, mathematics, computing, society and culture, business and accounting, providing the knowledge and skills to adapt rapidly to change and progress with their learning. Successful completion of the Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies provides learners with the opportunity to progress to further study or employment.

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Entry requirements

OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies qualification is open to individuals from age 16. OTHM does not specify entry requirements for these qualifications, but LSBE will ensure that you have sufficient capability at the right level to undertake the learning and assessment to be admitted to the programme. LSBE admission process will ensure you are recruited with integrity onto the appropriate qualification that meets your needs, enables and facilitates your learning and achievement and enables your progression. As this qualification is taught in English, you should have an appropriate level of English for entry onto the OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies qualification. If you are not from a majority English-speaking country, you must provide evidence of English language competency. If you do not hold any certificate, LSBE will provide you with an English Level Test for free. Please contact us.

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Equivalence

OTHM qualifications at RQF Level 3 represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competencies that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to GCE AS/A Levels.

 

Qualification Structure and Content

OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies consists of 6 mandatory units for a combined total of 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

 

Mandatory Units:

Academic English and Study Skills (20 credits)

Develops competence in and awareness of academic English and study skills in preparation for entry to an undergraduate degree programme.

Foundation Mathematics (20 credits)

Consolidates your knowledge of mathematics and to introduce more topics in the areas of statistical methods and linear algebra. As the business world embraces the use of bigger data in all areas of operation, the mathematical techniques taught in this module will be necessary to aid in the understanding of data, valuable in enhancing future employment prospects.

Foundation Computing (20 credits)

Provides you with an introduction to computing and the concepts of hardware and its uses. You will gain an understanding of data systems and data presentation, key aspects of computer networks and the importance of ethical and legal issues in relation to computing. 

Society and Culture (20 credits)

Introduces you to a variety of contemporary issues related to society and culture, enabling learners to understand social and cultural literacy by developing their knowledge and understanding of societies and cultures.

Introduction to Business (20 credits)

Provides you with knowledge and understanding of how different forms of business ownership operate. It will cover how businesses are run in terms of their form of ownership, the impact of external factors on business success, understanding the different objectives businesses may have, and the key functional areas within a business which enable it to operate effectively.

Foundation Accounting and Economics (20 credits)

Provides you with an introduction to the fundamentals of accounting and economics. You will gain an understanding of financial reports through their preparation, based on the double-entry bookkeeping system which is essential for the management of any organisation. The unit will also develop your understanding of how economic issues affect choices about resources and markets and how consumers, producers and governments interact in markets nationally and internationally.

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Duration and delivery

OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year if you chose to study full-time, however it is also flexible to accommodate part-time and distance learning. At LSBE, the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies qualification is taught through online learning (Learning Management System and weekly live webinars).

 

Assessment and Verification

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes. To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, you must provide evidence to demonstrate that you have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. The judgement that the students have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the Assessor. The Assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the students’ the overall achievement has been arrived at.

 

Progression

Successful completion of OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies provides learners with the opportunity for academic progressions to a wide range of undergraduate programmes including OTHM Level 4 diplomas or all undergraduate programmes at the University of Sunderland. For more information visit the OTHM University Progressions page.

 

Technical requirements

As this qualification is taught through distance learning format, you will be studying online. Therefore, you must have access to a desktop or laptop computer and broadband internet connection.