LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA
IN BUSINESS

Guaranteed university access to
business or management degrees

The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Business is a 60- or 90-credit Ofqual Regulated Qualification, which holds equivalence to an A Level or an Access to Higher Education qualification. This programme is meticulously crafted for individuals aspiring to advance towards a business or management degree. It is uniquely structured to furnish students with the essential knowledge required to excel, both independently and collaboratively, within a business environment.

Programme details

This meticulously crafted course provides you with a profound understanding of the multifaceted business landscape. Gain essential skills in communication, teamwork, financial management, customer service, and strategic thinking, preparing you for success in a diverse range of professional settings.

Each unit is designed to foster a well-rounded skill set, encompassing essential communication skills, teamwork dynamics, and the practical application of principles in market research projects. Gain financial acumen through an introduction to budgets, cash flow management, and ratio analysis, while also delving into leadership principles, marketing strategies, human resources functions, and organisational strategy. This holistic approach offers the perfect foundation for a career in business.

COURSE UNITS

60-90 Credits

Students on our 60-credit course must complete units 1-5.

Students on our 90-credit course are required to successfully complete all mandatory modules (units 1-5) and select two additional units. They may choose:

both units 6 and 7;
or alternatively, at least one from units 6 and 7 along with one other from units 8-13.

Units 1-5

Unit 1: Business Environment (10 credits)

Students will acquire knowledge and insight into the environment within which organisations operate. This understanding will enhance their comprehension of the various and often intricate contexts in which organisations function.

Unit 2: How Businesses and Organisations Work (10 credits)

Learners will receive an overview of key business aspects, cultivating knowledge and understanding of business objectives, structure, customer service, and resource requirements.

Unit 3: Business Communication (10 credits)

Foster the development of knowledge, skills, and understanding in communication theory and underscore the significance of effective communication within the realm of business.

Unit 4: Working in Teams (10 credits)

Students will gain knowledge and understanding of teams and their roles. Moreover, there is an opportunity for them to develop their own employability skills.

Unit 5: Market Research (20 credits)

Our learners will apply principles to successfully complete a market research project, simultaneously honing their research skills through the application of these principles to the chosen project.

Units 6-13

Unit 6: Introduction to Financial Controls in Business (15 credits)

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of budgets, budgetary control, costings, cash flow, and basic ratio analysis. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to construct simple budgets and cash flows.

Unit 7: Leading and Managing People (15 credits)

Individuals will develop knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles, and skills required to lead and manage people.

Unit 8: Principles of Marketing and Sales (15 credits)

Our pupils will develop knowledge and understanding of the principles of marketing and sales. They will also initiate the acquisition of skills necessary to undertake marketing activities. Furthermore, there will be an opportunity for them to apply these principles and utilise their newly acquired skills by creating a marketing plan.

Unit 9: Human Resources (15 credits)

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the HR function, encompassing recruitment, selection, retention, monitoring, and the development of employees.

Unit 10: Organisational Strategy (15 credits)

Participants will develop knowledge and understanding of strategic issues in business, including vision, mission, and growth. Additionally, they will be introduced to organisational growth, organisational culture, how information is used, and how change is managed.

Unit 11: Online Marketing (15 Credits)

Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of online marketing. Moreover, they will have the opportunity to create content for a social media platform.

Unit 12: International Business (15 credits)

Individuals will develop knowledge and understanding of how businesses trade internationally, exploring the benefits and costs associated with global trade, as well as the barriers that may impede trading across borders.

Unit 13: Project Management (15 credits)

Participants will cultivate knowledge and understanding of project management. Furthermore, they will develop project management skills by actively participating in the planning of a business-related project.

ADVANCING TO UNIVERSITY

These programmes offer pathway admission to at least one British or international university, upon successful completion of your course.

AUTUMN ENROLMENT
TERM DATES 2026-2027

Winter Term 2026

12 October - 18 December

(Break: 21 Dec 2026 - 8 Jan 2027)

Spring Term 2027

11 January - 2 April

(Break: 5-23 April)

Summer Term 2027

26 April - 2 July

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students who enrol on our Level 3 Diploma Courses typically have good high school grades. You must be at least 18 years old by the time your course starts, and you are expected to have an English language level equivalent of:

IELTS: 5.5
TOEFL: 46-59 (Current Scoring) or 4 (New Scoring)
PTE Academic: 42
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) 162 or above
CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference): B2

APPLY NOW

BENEFITS OF SCL INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE

Guaranteed university place upon successful completion of our course.

One-to-one support
Our tutors are highly qualiﬁed and have experience teaching international students, so they understand the kind of personal support you may need.

University application assistance
We support each individual student through the process of applying to your chosen universities. Our partner universities guarantee you a place on passing your course.

Preparation for British academic life
A vital part of our programme involves training students to adapt their skills and knowledge to the specific context and environment they will encounter when they are enrolled in undergraduate courses.

State-of-the-art facilities
SCL’s modern classrooms have the latest hardware and software and our libraries offer a flexible space for you to work alone or in groups. Students also have 24/7 access to online resources, study tools and materials.

An international environment
Our team of academic professionals comes from all over the world and will help you develop the social and learning skills required for studying at a UK higher education institution.
Plus, when you stay with us you’ll enjoy a ready-made community of international students from over 65 nationalities!

On-site accommodation
Whether you're attending this course on your own or with friends, we'll always have space for you. All rooms come with an en-suite bathroom, kitchenette and optional weekly cleaning and linen service.
We also have an in-house events team who hosts regular activities free of charge.

Small class size
At SCL International College, you'll enjoy our smaller classes for individualised learning, with 5 students average (maximum 12) per class.

Great location in London
We're located in the student capital of the world – London! You'll have easy access to the entire city, major airports and railway stations. Stay with us and you’ll even get discounts to local restaurants, cafés and shops!

DISCOVER THE SCL EXPERIENCE

SCL International College offers an all-inclusive campus experience within a big city.

Everything you need is here in one place – from the classrooms to the café and everything in between!

A smooth transition to a UK uni

Everyone has been so friendly, helping me with the application process and giving guidance at each stage of applying to university. Teachers have also been really helpful, explaining topics clearly and making us understand the assessment tasks.

-- Agigi from Taiwan

received offers from Royal Holloway, Brunel and Sussex University

This programme provided a great foundation, giving me the skills I needed for studying at university and helping me step by step with the process of choosing the right university.

-- Sammy from Canada

is currently studying at Reading University

As an international student my biggest concern was the language barrier. Whenever I asked a question, the teacher always answered patiently, which really increased my confidence. And when I made my applications to universities, my mentor always coordinated everything smoothly and swiftly.

-- Lijia from China

is currently enrolled at the University of Birmingham

I thought the first year in Britain would be a very difficult time, but the school days were fantastic for me. My teachers answered all my questions, gave advice and helped me with college applications. I also met friends from different countries on campus. Dormitories and schools are conveniently located in the same building so I didn’t have to worry about traffic jams. Overall, my English level has been greatly improved during the school year and I have been more integrated into life in the UK.

-- Kaylie from China

received offers from University of Westminster, University of Manchester, University for the Creative Arts, and University of Birmingham

Continuing on to university in london?

Stay as long as you like!

Our campuses are an easy 15–30-minute journey to many universities across the city.

Students progressing on to university in London can easily extend their accommodation at The Stay Club where you’ll find a modern, safe and welcoming atmosphere to live, study, socialise and enjoy the very best of London.