Level 3 Diploma Ofqual-regulated · OTHM · 603/3896/9

Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies

Teaching · Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education · online with Education Training

Duration: 6 months or 9 months Fees from: £950 Start: enrol any time

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Education Training offers the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (qualification number 603/3896/9), online over 6 or 9 months. This diploma equips learners with essential skills and knowledge required to pursue undergraduate-level courses. Fees from £950. It is worth 120 credits.

What is this qualification?

The Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies is a comprehensive programme designed to provide a solid academic foundation for students pursuing higher education. This course covers a wide range of subjects and helps students develop essential skills in critical thinking, research, and independent study. With a focus on preparing students for future degree-level studies, this qualification enhances academic readiness and opens doors to various disciplines. Whether you aspire to study business, science, humanities, or social sciences, this foundation diploma equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed. Enrol now to kickstart your academic journey and pave the way for a successful higher education experience.

Who is this qualification for?

The Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies is ideal for individuals who are looking to pursue higher education and need to strengthen their academic skills and knowledge. This diploma is suitable for school leavers, mature students, or anyone seeking to enhance their academic qualifications. It serves as a stepping stone for those who wish to enter undergraduate programmes but may require additional preparation. With a focus on academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and study techniques, this course caters to a diverse range of learners who aspire to excel in higher education. Enrol in this qualification to kickstart your academic journey.

Why choose this qualification

The course "the qualification" is essential for aspiring students seeking a seamless pathway to higher education. This accredited Level 3 qualification equips learners with vital academic skills, enhancing critical thinking and research abilities. It serves as a stepping stone to university-level study, providing a diverse range of subjects to explore interests. With flexible learning options, including online study, it caters to diverse schedules. Recognised by universities and employers, this diploma enables a smoother transition to degree-level courses, making it a cost-effective and efficient route to higher education and better career prospects. Enrol now to kickstart your academic journey.

Qualification structure and units

The qualification totals 120 credits. Unit details are published in the OTHM specification.

How you study

Standard study plan: 6 months; extended plan: 9 months.

At Education Training the qualification is delivered online: you receive the materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit work when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

How you are assessed

Units are assessed through written assignments and, where the qualification requires it, observed teaching or assessment practice. Work is marked by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. There are no examinations.

Entry requirements

This qualification is suitable for learners aged 18 and above.

Fees and payment plans

Duration	Total fee	Payment option	You pay
6 months	£1,250	3 × £416 monthly	£1,248
6 months	£1,250	Pay in full (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full)	£1,187.50
9 months	£950	5 × £190 monthly	£950
		2 × £475 quarterly	£950
		Pay in full (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full)	£902.50

A £10 enrolment fee is paid with the application. Fees include tuition, learning materials, assignment marking and the awarding-body certificate. Prices correct as of 23 October 2026.

Refund policy · Complaints procedure

What is included

Item	Included
Tuition and learning materials for every unit	Included
Tutor support and assignment feedback	Included
Assessment and marking	Included
OTHM registration and certificate	Included
Instalment plan	Available at no extra charge
Application fee	£10 enrolment fee

Progression and career routes

Looking to pave the way for a successful career through higher education? This qualification provides a solid academic foundation and opens doors to diverse career opportunities. This qualification prepares you for future degree-level studies and equips you with critical thinking, research, and independent study skills. Whether you aspire to pursue a degree in business, science, humanities, or social sciences, this foundation diploma sets the stage for your academic journey. Enhance your employability, unlock a wide range of career prospects, and embark on a path towards personal and professional growth. Enrol today and take the first step towards future success.

Related job profiles on the National Careers Service (pay, hours and entry routes are published there):

How this qualification compares

Figures below come from Education Training's own catalogue and enquiry records, not from estimates; each carries the date it was calculated.

Teaching progression ladder (Levels 2–7) (as of 23 October 2026): Level 2: Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner → Level 3: the qualification → Level 7: Level 7 Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL)
Credits and study hours by RQF level (as of 23 October 2026): Level 2: median 37 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 3: median 18 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 4: median 33 credits, 780 TQT hours, 125 GLH; Level 5: median 120 credits, 815 TQT hours, 600 GLH; Level 6: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 480 GLH; Level 7: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 600 GLH
Share of course-page views by RQF level (all time) (as of 23 October 2026): Level 0: 2%; Level 3: 6%; Level 4: 1%; Level 5: 90%; Level 6: 1%
Regulated qualifications offered by Education Training, by level (as of 23 October 2026): Level 2: 1 qualification; Level 3: 7 qualifications; Level 4: 14 qualifications; Level 5: 13 qualifications; Level 6: 3 qualifications; Level 7: 4 qualifications (42 in total)

Awarding body and regulation

This qualification is awarded by OTHM, an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual. Its qualification number is 603/3896/9 — view the entry on the Ofqual register. Education Training is an approved centre: we deliver and assess the qualification, OTHM verifies our assessment decisions and issues the certificate. Read about OTHM recognition.

How to apply

Pay the £10 enrolment fee when you submit your application (separate from the course fee).

Apply online
Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Tell us about your current role and qualifications; pay the £10 enrolment fee to complete enrolment when prompted.
Course activation
Once you enrol, we email your course activation link within 24 hours.
Course fee
Admissions email a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan (usually within one working day). There is no fixed intake date.

Frequently asked questions

What is this qualification equivalent to?

This qualification sits at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education. The level describes the demand of the learning, not how long it takes; the credit value and total qualification time are shown in the facts panel above.

How many credits is this qualification?

The qualification carries 120 credits. Credits are awarded per unit on successful completion and are recorded on the OTHM certificate, so they can be recognised by universities and other awarding bodies for progression or exemption. The facts panel at the top of this page lists the level, credits, duration options, awarding body and qualification number.

How long does this qualification take?

You can complete it in 6 months or 9 months, depending on the study plan you choose at enrolment. Education Training delivers it online, so you study part-time and pace the assignments around work; the plan sets the registration period and the instalment schedule, and extensions are available if you need more time.

Is this qualification recognised?

Yes. OTHM is an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual, and this qualification is listed on the public register under qualification number 603/3896/9. Education Training is an OTHM approved centre, so the certificate you receive is issued by the awarding body and carries the same standing wherever you studied it.

Are there exams?

No. Assessment is by written assignments for each unit and, where the qualification requires it, observed practice. Work is marked by Education Training tutors against the OTHM assessment criteria and externally verified by the awarding body. You receive written feedback on each submission and can resubmit work that does not yet meet the criteria.

What are the entry requirements?

This qualification is suitable for learners aged 18 and above. Entry requirements are set by OTHM; if you are unsure whether you qualify, admissions will check your eligibility before you apply. The facts panel at the top of this page lists the level, credits, duration options, awarding body and qualification number.

What does it cost and how can I pay?

Fees start from £950 depending on the study plan; the fees table above shows the total for each duration and the pay-in-full and instalment options. Tuition, materials, marking and the OTHM certificate are included. A £10 enrolment fee is paid when you apply. Prices are shown as of the date in the fees section.

How do I apply with Education Training?

Apply online and pay the £10 enrolment fee to complete enrolment. Once you enrol, we email your course activation link within 24 hours. Admissions also email a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan, usually within one working day.

When can I start?

Any time. There is no fixed intake: enrolment is open all year and you begin as soon as your first payment is received. Because the course is delivered online with assignment-based assessment, you are not tied to a term calendar and can pace the units around your work and family commitments.

What can I progress to afterwards?

Most learners progress to the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training or to assessor and internal quality assurance awards. The progression section above links to the next qualification on this site, and your tutor can advise on the route that fits your role.

Progression path

Browse every Teaching qualification or all Level 3 qualifications.

Who awards and delivers this qualification

Awarding organisation

OTHM, regulated by Ofqual.

Qualification number 603/3896/9.

View on the register

Last reviewed 22 October 2026Published by the Education Training admissions team

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