OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies

This Ofqual-regulated qualification comprises 6 mandatory units totalling 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT), and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

• Regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation)

• 120 credits across 6 mandatory units

• 1200 hours Total Qualification Time

• 600 Guided Learning Hours

• Equivalent to GCE AS/A Levels

• Designed for delivery over one academic year or flexibly for part-time and distance learning

The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies is designed to provide learners with a foundation for entry to UK and international university courses. The qualification ensures 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 provides learners with the opportunity to progress to further study or employment.

• Ofqual-regulated qualification recognised internationally

• Flexible delivery modes including online, distance, and face-to-face learning

• Internally assessed by centres and externally verified by OTHM

• Provides progression to OTHM Level 4 diplomas and undergraduate programmes

• UCAS tariff points allocated for university entry

• No written examinations - assessment via coursework only

This qualification develops comprehensive foundational knowledge and skills across six core academic areas essential for higher education success.

• Develop competence in academic English and study skills for undergraduate degree preparation

• Master fundamental mathematical concepts, algebraic equations, statistical methods, and probability

• Understand computing fundamentals including hardware, software, data systems, networks, and ethical issues

• Analyse contemporary society and culture issues including socialisation, cultural change, and popular culture

• Comprehend business structures, ownership types, objectives, and external environmental factors

• Apply accounting and economics fundamentals including double-entry bookkeeping and market operations

This qualification is suitable for learners aged 16 and above seeking entry to UK and international university undergraduate programmes.

• Learners aged 16 or above

• Individuals seeking an alternative to traditional A-Levels or HSC

• Students planning to study at UK or international universities

• Learners from non-majority English-speaking countries (must provide English language competency evidence)

• Individuals seeking flexible learning options including online or distance study

• Those requiring foundational knowledge before entering undergraduate degree programmes

OTHM does not specify mandatory entry requirements but ensures learners have sufficient capability to undertake the learning and assessment.

• Minimum age of 16 years

• English language competency evidence required for learners from non-majority English-speaking countries

All units are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM using criterion-referenced assessment based on achievement of learning outcomes.

• Assessment via coursework assignments and portfolios only

• No written examinations

• Learners must fulfil all learning outcomes and meet all assessment criteria to achieve a pass

• Assessors provide audit trails showing judgement of learners' overall achievement

Successful completion provides opportunities for progression to undergraduate programmes and OTHM Level 4 diplomas.

• Progression to wide range of UK and international undergraduate degree programmes

• Advancement to OTHM Level 4 diplomas

• University advanced entry opportunities through OTHM progression arrangements

• UCAS tariff points allocation for university applications