RQF Level 3 Foundation Diploma OTHM Ofqual-regulated

Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations

People and Organisations · Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education · studied online

Apply now

The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations is an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 foundation diploma in People and Organisations worth 60 credits (600 hours of total qualification time), awarded by OTHM Qualifications and studied online and flexibly through HRCourses. It is equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education. Most learners complete it in one year, studying part-time around work. You can enquire today, download the brochure, or ask for the full course details by email.

What is the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations?

The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations has been designed to provide learners with a flexible, relevant course to gain knowledge and understanding about the structure, values and behaviours of organisations and the management of people.

Successful completion of this qualification will equip learners with the underpinning knowledge and skills required to succeed in employment or further studies.

The learners will:

Develop a body of knowledge about people, organisations and employment in a range of sectors.
Develop a range of knowledge, facts, theories, ideas, skills, materials, terminology, practices and techniques about, and associated with people and organisations and employment.
Develop self-confidence and skills required for the working environment and organisations and employment.
Improve communication skills and personal effectiveness that will provide a basis for growth in employment and or in further study.

Who is this qualification for?

This Level 3 foundation diploma suits school leavers, career changers and adult learners who want a regulated route into people and organisations or into Level 4 study without A-levels.

Study fully online with tutor support through HRCourses, with no fixed timetable.
Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.

Entry requirements

OTHM Level 3 qualifications can be offered to learners from age 16.

OTHM does not specify entry requirements for these qualifications. OTHM ensures that learners admitted to the programme have sufficient capability at the right level to undertake the learning and assessment.

OTHM centres must ensure learners are recruited with integrity onto appropriate qualifications that will meet their needs, enable and facilitate learning and achievement enable progression. The qualification is offered in English.

English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit English Language Expectations page.

Qualification structure and units

The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations consists of 6 mandatory units for a combined total of 60 credits, 600 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 240 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

Unit	Type	Credits
Organisation Structures and their Culture and Values	Mandatory	10
Principles of Organisational Planning	Mandatory	10
Managing Human Resources	Mandatory	10
Personal and Professional Development	Mandatory	10
Teamwork	Mandatory	10
Leadership and Management Skills	Mandatory	10
Total for the qualification		60

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 603/7032/4.

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year for full-time study, but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning. The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.

The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.

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

How you are assessed

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the Assessor.

The Assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.

Progression and career routes

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations provides learners with the opportunity for workplace and academic progressions to a wide range of OTHM Level 4 diplomas. For more information visit University Progressions page in this website.

What is included when you study the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations with HRCourses

Included with HRCourses	Detail
Tutor support	Email tutor support for assignment questions
Resubmissions	One resubmission per unit where the awarding body allows it
Certificate	Regulated certificate from OTHM Qualifications when you pass all units
Study mode	100% online, flexible start
Payment plans	Pay in full or instalments — adviser confirms options at enquiry
Course fee	Quote on enquiry — total price includes every mandatory fee we publish here

Last updated October 2026. Fees and inclusions are confirmed in writing before you pay.

Fees and how to apply

Fees for the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations are confirmed when you enquire, together with the current start dates and instalment plans.

The fee covers tuition, learning materials, assessment and OTHM registration and certification.

Enquire or apply Use the enquiry form (or Apply now, where available) with this qualification pre-selected. Tell us your current qualifications and experience so we can confirm you meet the entry requirements.
Confirmation and fee link An adviser replies within one working day with the fee, start date and a secure link to pay in full or on an instalment plan.
Start your course As soon as your course fee (or first instalment, if you chose a plan) is paid, you receive your learning-platform login and can begin the first unit. There is no fixed intake date.

Frequently asked questions about the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations

What is the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations equivalent to?

The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations sits at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education.

How many credits is the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations?

The qualification carries 60 credits, with 600 hours of Total Qualification Time and 240 Guided Learning Hours. Credits are awarded per unit on successful completion.

How long does the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations take?

OTHM designs the qualification to be completed in one year of full-time study; through HRCourses it is studied online so you can work part-time and pace the assignments around work.

Is the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations recognised?

Yes. OTHM Qualifications is an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual in England, and this qualification is listed on the Ofqual register under qualification number 603/7032/4.

Are there exams on the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations?

No. OTHM qualifications are assessed by written assignments for each unit, internally marked and externally quality-assured by OTHM.

How do I apply for the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations through HRCourses?

Enquire or apply online from this page and tell us your current qualifications and experience. An adviser replies within one working day with the fee, start date and a secure link to pay in full or on an instalment plan. You start as soon as the course fee payment clears.

Progression path

Level 3 Foundation Diploma
Level 4 Diploma in Coaching (Health Practitioner)

Related HR qualifications

Who awards this qualification

Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications, regulated by Ofqual. Ofqual qualification number 603/7032/4.

Listed by: HRCourses — an independent guide to regulated HR qualifications. Facts on this page come from the awarding body's published specification and are re-checked nightly.

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF).

Last reviewed 26 October 2026Published by the HRCourses adviser team

Start the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in People and Organisations

Apply in five minutes, download the brochure, or ask admissions a question — replies within one working day.