At a glance
Course details
- Delivery
- Online
- Study pace
- Flexible and self-paced
- Assessment
- Six online written assignments
- Provider
- Online Business School
- Qualification level
- RQF Level 3
- Published course option
- Complete Level 3 course: £2,500
Delivered by Online Business School. Course and third-party fees may apply.
RQF Level 3
Paid flexible online qualification
Business Studies Level 3
A flexible online route covering academic skills, business technology, economics, accounting and the business environment. The qualification includes four mandatory units and two optional units selected by the provider.
- Provider
- Online Business School
- Study format
- Online
- Assessment
- Six online written assignments
Course overview
Key facts before you choose this course
Compare the delivery, assessment, qualification and published fee, then check the entry requirements below.
Before you commit
What to know before enrolling
- OBS makes the admission decision and may ask for evidence of previous study, English ability, age or work experience.
- Course fees do not include external examination-centre charges, university top-up fees or other third-party costs unless the page says otherwise.
- The course has flexible online access, with up to five years under current provider terms.
- Universities, employers and professional bodies make their own recognition and progression decisions.
Fees and payment
Compare the current published options.
These are the course fees and instalment examples currently published by OBS. Taxes and clearly identified third-party charges may apply.
Complete Level 3 course
£2,500
Published course fee£20 deposit, then 24 monthly payments of £103.33 at 0% interest.
OBS publishes the course fee and instalment example shown above. Where rounded monthly figures do not equal the headline fee exactly, the provider may adjust the final payment.
Course decision guide
Is this the right route for you?
Use these fit questions alongside the qualification facts. Final entry and recognition decisions remain with the relevant provider or receiving organisation.
This route may suit you if
- Learners who want a 60-credit introduction to academic skills, business technology, economics, accounting and the business environment.
- People who prefer a shorter Level 3 business route before deciding on a specialist or higher-level direction.
- Learners willing to confirm the two optional units selected for the current provider delivery before enrolling.
Compare another route first if
- You want a broader 120-credit business-management diploma with six fixed mandatory units.
- You require the optional-unit combination to be fixed before making an initial enquiry.
Compare the closest alternatives
Alternative route
Level 3 Business Management
Choose Business Management for a larger 120-credit route with fixed units in people, customer service, finance, marketing and operations. Compare course detailsAlternative route
Level 3 Accountancy
Choose Accountancy if financial transactions, management information and record keeping are more important than broad business study. Compare course detailsQualification facts
What qualification will you receive?
Review the provider and awarding organisation separately so you can understand exactly what the route leads to.
RQF Level 3
OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies
- Awarding organisation
- OTHM
- Qualification number
- 603/2171/4
- Credits
- 60
Curriculum
What you will study
Mandatory units
- Introduction to Research and Academic Skills
- Using IT for Business
- Introduction to Economics and Accounting
- Introduction to the Business Environment
Optional units
The qualification requires two optional units. Online Business School must confirm which two are included in the current delivery before enrolment.
- Introduction to Customer Service
- Managing Business Events
- Introduction to Marketing
- Introduction to People Management
Practical requirements
What you need and how the course is assessed.
Entry requirements
- OTHM permits Level 3 study from age 16 and requires the approved centre to assess whether the learner can complete the programme.
- The current provider listing normally expects full secondary education, with relevant work experience considered in some cases.
- English-language competence is required for online study and written assessment.
- Online Business School makes the final enrolment decision.
Assessment in practice
- The qualification contains six units and the provider listing states six online written assignments.
- The provider currently describes assignments as approximately 2,000 to 3,000 words each.
- All units must be passed for the qualification to be awarded.
- The exact two optional units must be confirmed before enrolment.
Further study and careers
Further study and progression
Successful learners may apply for suitable Level 4 or first-year undergraduate routes. OTHM describes progression opportunities, but every university or provider makes its own admission, subject-fit and recognition decision. The diploma does not guarantee university entry or a management role.
Broader Level 4 business study
You may apply for a suitable Level 4 business route once the qualification is complete and the next provider confirms entry.
Choose a specialist direction
The introductory economics, accounting, IT and business content can help you compare later accounting, management or people-focused routes.
Included support
Current benefits shown for this route
Benefits can change and may depend on the course and payment method. Confirm the current terms before enrolment.
Online learning materials
The current provider listing includes online modules, learning resources and assignment support under the provider’s course terms.
Tutor and learner support
The current provider listing describes one-to-one tutor support, webinars and a social learning forum. The exact contact schedule can vary.
Conditions applyLaptop offer for eligible full-payment learners
The current provider listing describes a laptop benefit for learners who pay in full. Confirm eligibility, model, delivery and exclusions before payment.
Conditions applyQuestions before enrolment
Frequently asked questions
Read the main details about fees, study, assessment and progression.
Is this qualification the same as one A level?
It is an RQF Level 3 qualification. Its level is comparable with AS or A-level study, while its content, size and admissions treatment are different.
Which optional units will I study?
The qualification contains mandatory and optional business units. OBS provides the unit combination used for the current intake.
How much does the course cost?
OBS publishes the following course fee: Complete Level 3 course: £2,500, with a £20 deposit and 24 monthly payments of £103.33.
What happens if I cancel, withdraw or request a refund?
Online Business School's current cancellation, withdrawal and refund terms apply. Ready Study Global does not set or administer the provider's refund decisions. Ask us for the current OBS terms before enrolment or payment.
Why choose the 60-credit Business Studies route instead of the 120-credit Business Management route?
Business Studies is the more compact introduction and includes optional-unit choice. Business Management is larger and uses six fixed units for a broader management-oriented foundation.
Compare nearby options
Related online courses
These routes are selected by subject, study level and progression.
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Course and third-party fees may apply. Providers, awarding organisations, institutions and funding bodies make their own final decisions.