OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Business Management

Overview

The OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Business Management is an Ofqual-regulated qualification. Its objective is to provide learners with a solid foundation to build a successful career across a variety of organisations. It is designed to ensure each learner is ‘business ready’: a confident, independent thinker with a detailed knowledge of business and management and equipped with the skills to adapt rapidly to change.

The qualification will provide learners with the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills associated with the business activities, policies, procedures and processes required to work effectively in a business environment. The units combine both theoretical and practical knowledge in the areas of academic and research skills, business and global operations, finance and accounting, business communication, leadership and team working.

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Business Management provides learners the opportunity for a wide range of further study progressions, including the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Business Management.

As this qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), learners are also eligible to gain direct entry into Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree programme. Several universities in the UK offer Top-Up options, depending on their own Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policies.

Regulatory Information

Qualification Title: OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Business Management

Ofqual Reference Number: 610/0763/8

Duration: 1 year

Total Credit Value: 120 Credits

Total Qualification Time (TQT): 1200 Hours

Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 600 Hours

Overall Grading Type: Pass/Fail

Assessment Methods: No exam; Only Coursework

Language of Assessment: English

Equivalences: OTHM qualifications at RQF Level 4 represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Year 1 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme.

Entry requirements

The OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Business Management is designed for learners who are usually 18 years or older.
You’ll need one of the following qualifications:
- A relevant Level 3 Diploma or equivalent
- GCE Advanced Level in two subjects or equivalent
- Or, if you're over 21 with relevant management experience, you can apply as a mature learner.
English Requirements: If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to show evidence of your English language skills. To qualify, you should typically meet one of the following:
- CEFR level B2
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of 51
- IELTS score of 5.5, with at least 5.5 in Reading and Writing
- If you don’t have any of these proficiency certificates, no need to worry—you can take our own English language proficiency test instead!

Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Business Management consists of 6 mandatory units for a combined total of 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

Mandatory units:

Academic Writing and Research Skills (20 credits)
Business Operations (20 credits)
Communication in Business (20 credits)
Finance and Accounting (20 credits)
Leading and Managing Teams (20 credits)
Operating in a Global Context (20 credits)

Assessment and Grading

You will be required to complete one assignment for each unit, with a total of six assignments to submit for this qualification. All units are tutored and assessed internally by the European College of Polytechnics.
To achieve a ‘pass’ in a unit, you must provide evidence that demonstrates you have met all the learning outcomes and satisfied the standards set by the assessment criteria.

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.
We have experienced academics who are industry specialists, along with visiting lecturers who bring real-world expertise. To learn more about our academic team, visit our Academics page.

As an approved learning centre, we offer the opportunity to complete the qualification within 6 months, provided you follow our guidelines properly.

Fees and Charges

Application Fee: € 75
Tuition Fee: € 975 per year
Support/Scholarship: read here

How to Apply

When applying, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:

1) Find the suitable admission session:

We offer three admission sessions throughout the year for attending tutoring and classes. For example,

January to March
April to June
September to November

First, determine which session works best for you.

There’s no application deadline, so you can submit your application at any time.

2) Fill out the application form:

Once you’ve determined that this programme aligns with your career goals, proceed to fill out the application form. You’ll find the "Apply now" button at the bottom.
In the application form, you will be asked to upload the following documents. To ensure a hassle-free process, make sure all the required documents are merged into a single PDF:
- Academic Documents: This includes both your transcript and certificate.
- Proof of English Proficiency: If applicable, provide the necessary documentation.
- CV: Your CV must include at least one academic or professional reference.
- Application Fee: €75 (Please note, without payment, the application will not be processed, and we will be unable to verify your eligibility. The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstance.)

3) Await confirmation:

After submitting your application, the next step is to wait for our confirmation.
We will review your application and documents thoroughly, so please be patient. We aim to send out confirmations promptly, ensuring you're informed every step of the way. If necessary, we will arrange an interview with you.

Apply now

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Do I have to attend classes throughout the entire year?

No, you attend classes only during the session you are enrolled in. We offer three sessions: January to March, April to June, and September to November. During these periods, you attend your classes, and for the rest of the time, you can focus on self-study and completing assignments. Classes are mostly scheduled in the evenings (Estonian time) and on weekends.

2) Are three months of classes enough to complete the assignments?

Yes, learners attend three months of classes and receive personalised guidance from tutors. We ensure you are not left alone with your study assignments and provide continuous support to help you successfully complete them.

3) Can I join without an English language proficiency test like IELTS?

Different qualifications require a certain level of English proficiency. If you don't have the required evidence but wish to apply, you can take our English language assessment test.

4) My employer wants to finance my studies. Can I get an invoice?

Yes, we can provide an invoice. Please send us an email with the details.

5) Can I join online?

Yes, you can join and complete the programme entirely online.

6) How is the class routine structured for those who work during the day?

Our classes are scheduled in the evening (Estonian time) and also on weekends to provide flexibility for learners with busy schedules.

7) How can I use my qualification?

It really depends on your goals. You can use your qualification to apply for further studies, such as university admissions or Top-up programmes at UK universities. Alternatively, you can use it to advance your career and boost your prospects in employment.

8) Can I receive a hard copy of my certificate and transcript?

Yes, you can receive hard copies of your certificate and transcript once the relevant charges are paid.

9) My target is to Top-up at a UK university. Can I do that?

This depends on the level of qualification you complete and the specific entry requirements of the university you're aiming for.

10) How do I get UK ENIC certification after completing my diploma?

After receiving your certificate and transcript, you will need to upload these documents to the UK ENIC portal. For any assistance, please contact our career advisor or visit the UK ENIC website.

11) Is this OTHM qualification recognised?

The European College of Polytechnics is an approved learning centre authorised to offer OTHM qualifications. OTHM qualifications are regulated by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), a UK government body that ensures the quality and standard of qualifications. These qualifications are widely recognised in the UK and internationally, making them highly valued by both universities and employers. You can use this qualification to pursue further studies, such as applying to a university or a Top-up degree programme. For example, if you’ve completed an OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Business Management and wish to join a UK university’s Bachelor’s degree programme, you may be eligible to enter directly into the second year, provided you meet the other entry requirements of the university. If you need to verify the qualification’s equivalence for these purposes, UK ENIC can also help by providing a certificate or a statement confirming its recognition once you submit your transcript and certificate to them. For more details on qualification levels, you can also refer to the UK Government’s guide on qualification levels here.