Diploma in
English and Communications for Business
Level 3

Study skills are an important set of generic and transferable skills. All of the qualifications in the IAP develop Study Skills. The development and application of study skills will enable learners to achieve their current qualification; be better prepared for higher education; support lifelong learning and progress in employment.

In the Diploma in English and Communications for Business, the following study skills will be developed and learners will use them in their study and in preparing and writing the summative assignments. They are therefore integral to the learning and learners will provide evidence in their portfolio to show that they have been applied.

• Critical thinking
• Planning, organising and time management
• Research
• Gathering information, note taking and summarising
• Analysis
• Oral and written skills
• Academic skills, including referencing
• Application of IT skills
• Reflection

The application of the study skills will be signposted in assignments and will therefore form part of the assessment process.

This qualification has been developed to conform to the requirements of the RQF, to meet the requirements of higher education and employers and to meet the needs of learners. The English and Communications for Business qualification is applied learning, integrating knowledge and understanding with the development and application of skills. It will be relevant for students intending to study a business-related undergraduate level programme or equivalent using the English medium. It will also be relevant to those in employment or seeking employment, as it will improve their business communication skills using the English language, including those for whom English is a second language.

The Level 3 Diplomas within the IAP are designed to meet the needs of learners who are progressing from study at Level 2, as well as those who are returning to learning. This includes those who are seeking to progress to higher education, entering the workforce, including higher level apprenticeships or wishing to progress in their career. Learners may be aged 16/19, who have recently been in education or training, or those aged 19 plus. More mature learners are likely to present a more varied profile of achievement and experience.

ATHE’s policy regarding access to our qualifications is that:
• they should be available to everyone who is capable of reaching the required standard
• they should be free from any barriers that restrict access and progression
• there should be equal opportunities for all those wishing to access the qualifications

Centres should review the prior qualifications and experience of each learner and consider whether they provide the necessary foundations to undertake the programme of study at level 3. For learners with disabilities and specific needs, this review will need to take account of the support available to the learner during teaching and assessment of the qualification.

The typical minimum requirements for learners who have recently been in education or training 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.

Learners will need to have appropriate Level 2 standard in English, so they can access resources and complete the unit tasks and assignments.

The varied profile of achievement of more mature learners is likely to include relevant work experience (paid and/or unpaid), participation and/or achievement of relevant qualifications. This may be used for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Learners may also hold RQF qualifications which will enable them to claim a credit transfer from part of the qualification. Exemptions from part or all of the qualification may also be available based on detailed and current evidence provided by the learner. For further information please see the ATHE RPL, Credit Transfer and Exemptions Policy, which can be found on the ATHE website.

For those whom English is not their first language we recommend the following standards of proficiency in English language skills or an approved equivalent for this qualification:
• IELTS 5.5
• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B2
• Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) 162 or above
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic 42-49

Students can make payment using one of the following methods:
• Credit or debit card
• Bank transfer
• Interest free monthly instalments
• Paypal
• Western Union

All course material, including online modules and written assignments
• Personal tutor support with 1-2-1 Zoom sessions
• Dedicated student support
• Access to an online social learning forum
• Assignment marking and feedback
• FREE access to Our Hubs

On completion of this course, students will have the opportunity to apply for admission onto a full BA degree programme from a range of UK universities. Alternatively, students can opt to study our Level 4/5 Extended Diploma in Management and then go on to complete a BA top-up at a range of UK universities.

University of Sunderland – On Campus
BA (Hons) Business and Management (Year 1)

Birmingham City University – On Campus
BA (Hons) Marketing (Professional Practice) duration Full Time 3 years
BA (Hons) Business – progression from Level 3 Diploma in Business, duration Full time 3 years / Sandwich 4 years
BSc (Hons) Business Accountancy, duration Full time 3 years / Sandwich 4 years

ATHE Level 3 Diploma in English and Communications for Business is a 60-credit qualification.

Rules of Combination
Learners must achieve 5 Mandatory Units.

• The Total Qualification Time is 600
• The Total Guided Learning Hours is 360
• The Total Credit value is 60

Mandatory Units:

Unit codes	Unit Title	Level	Credit	GLH
J/618/6394	Business Communications	3	5	30
R/618/4163	Mobile and Digital Business Communications	3	10	60
Y/618/4164	Verbal and Non-Verbal Business Communications	3	15	90
D/618/4165	Business English: Reading and Writing	3	15	90
H/618/4166	Business English: Speaking and Listening	3	15	90

This course is most suited to individuals who are at least 16 years old, have a high school education and wish to progress onto a degree at university, or the Undergraduate Level 4/5 Extended Diploma in Management.