ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Business and Management (120 Credits)
ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Business and Management (120 Credits)
Course Fee: £4500
Course Overview
The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Business and Management is a 120-credit Ofqual regulated qualification designed for learners who wish to progress to a business or management degree and may not have the traditional entry qualifications usually required.
The programme develops a broad foundation in business and management through areas including the business environment, organisational operations, communication, teamwork, market research, financial controls and people management. Learners also select optional units to develop additional knowledge in specialist areas such as marketing and sales, human resources, organisational strategy, online marketing, international business or project management.
Eligibility
This qualification is designed for learners who are typically aged 16 and above.
For learners who have recently been in education or training, the typical entry profile is likely to include one of the following:
- 5 or more GCSEs at grades C and above or Grade 4 and above
- Other related Level 2 subjects
- Other equivalent international qualifications
For learners whose first language is not English, ATHE recommends IELTS 5.5, CEFR B2, Cambridge English Advanced 162 or above, Pearson Test of English Academic 42 to 49, or an approved equivalent.
Course Fee
Course Fee: £4,500
The course fee includes access to online learning materials, assessments, tutor support and the student learning portal.
Payment Options:
- Full payment
- Instalment payment options may be available
- Online payment through the student portal
Please contact the admissions team for further information regarding payment arrangements.
Module Listing
Learners must complete all 7 mandatory units and 2 optional units to achieve the 120-credit qualification.
Core Units
1. Business Environment
10 Credits
This unit introduces the external and internal factors that shape business activity. Learners examine stakeholders, sectors of the economy and the use of STEEPLE analysis to understand how wider changes can influence organisations.
2. How Businesses and Organisations Work
10 Credits
This unit explores organisational objectives, structures and legal identities. Learners also examine customer service and the resources businesses need in order to operate effectively and achieve their objectives.
3. Business Communication
10 Credits
This unit develops learners' understanding of effective internal and external business communication. Learners practise communicating complex business information in written and oral forms and review their own communication skills.
4. Working in Teams
10 Credits
This unit develops an 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 marketing principles that underpin market research. Learners consider legal and ethical requirements, plan and undertake market research, interpret findings and use the results to support business decision-making.
6. Introduction to Financial Controls in Business
15 Credits
This unit introduces core financial controls used in business. Learners examine business costs, breakeven, budgeting, financial ratios and cash flow and develop an understanding of why financial monitoring is important.
7. Leading and Managing People
15 Credits
This unit introduces the principles of leadership and management in organisations. Learners explore how employees are led, supported and motivated and review their own leadership and management capabilities.
Elective Units
Learners select 2 of the following optional units.
8. Principles of Marketing and Sales
15 Credits
This unit explores the relationship between marketing and sales and introduces the key elements of the marketing mix. Learners examine product, place, price and promotion and consider how these elements apply to both goods and services.
9. Human Resources
15 Credits
This unit introduces the role and responsibilities of the Human Resource function. Learners explore recruitment, employee support and development, performance monitoring and responsibilities associated with ending employment.
10. Organisational Strategy
15 Credits
This unit develops an understanding of organisational vision, mission and objectives and the role of strategic planning in business growth. Learners also explore organisational culture, values and the use of management information.
11. Online Marketing
15 Credits
This unit introduces online marketing through websites, email and social media. Learners explore Search Engine Optimisation, content creation, online marketing data and the legal requirements that affect digital marketing activity.
12. International Business
15 Credits
This unit develops learners' understanding of international trade and the factors that influence organisations operating across borders. Learners examine exchange rates, trade agreements and barriers to international trade.
13. Project Management
15 Credits
This unit introduces the principles and stages of project management. Learners develop skills in planning and implementing a project and review their own role and capabilities in managing project activity.
Written Assignments
The ATHE qualification page confirms that learners complete 9 units in total, consisting of 7 mandatory units and 2 optional units.
ATHE publishes assignment briefs and assessment guidance for approved centres. Assessment is centre-assessed and externally quality assured in accordance with ATHE requirements. The public qualification page does not state one fixed universal number or word count of written assignments for this qualification, so no unsupported assignment count or word count is stated here.
Learners must demonstrate achievement of the required learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the units they complete. The qualification is graded Pass, Merit and Distinction.
University Progression
This qualification has been designed for learners who wish to progress to a business or management degree and may not have the traditional entry qualifications usually required.
The qualification is equivalent to an A Level or Access to HE qualification and is eligible for UCAS points. It can therefore support progression to higher education in business, management and related subjects.
Admission to a particular university or degree programme remains subject to the entry and admissions requirements of the receiving institution.