Introduction to the Level 3 Diploma in English and Communications for Business Context

This qualification sits within a suite of ATHE L3 qualifications, which is called the International Access Programme (IAP). Each qualification has a credit value of 60. Learners may choose to study one or more of the qualifications in this suite. Extending the learning to more than one qualification will increase knowledge, understanding and the development of a range of study skills. It will also increase the total number of credits achieved so learners are more qualified to access higher education, higher level apprenticeships or employment. Learners can choose complimentary qualifications e.g. Diploma in Business with a Diploma in Small Business and Social Enterprise Start up or contrasting qualifications e.g. Diploma in Accounting with a Diploma in Law. The choice must be influenced by learner interests, abilities and career aspirations.

Study Skills

In the Diploma in English and Communications for Business, the following study skills will be

developed

• 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

Aims of the Level 3 Diploma in English and Communications for Business

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.

it will improve their business communication skills using the English language, including those for whom English is a second language.

Entry Requirements

• Learners may be aged 16/19, who have recently been in education or training, or those aged 19 plus.
• 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
• 5 or more GCSEs at grades C and above or Grade 4 and above
  • other related level 2 subjects
  • other equivalent international qualifications
• 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

Progression:

• Employment or have increased opportunities for progression in their current role
• a higher level ATHE qualification at Level 4 or above, in a related subject
• the first year of a degree programme
• higher level apprenticeships
• For mature learners aged 19 plus with existing qualifications and experience, wishing to progress within a role, or to a degree programme at Level 4 this could be 120 credits or less. Mature learners may therefore wish to study less than three diplomas.

Course Guidelines

Each qualification has agreed rules of combination which indicates the number of credits to be

achieved, the units that are mandatory and the choice of optional units. The rules of combination forthis qualification are given below:

• Mode of learning : full time/ part time /blended learning or distance learning
• Credit Qualification: 60
• Total Qualification Time(TQT) : 600
• Total Guided Learning : 360 Hour

Assessment method:

• a research activity resulting in the compilation of a report
  • an academic paper or article for publication
  • the compilation of a case study
  • an oral presentation
  • a set project completed for an employer (also known as an ‘employer-engagement’ activity)
  • the production of a portfolio of evidence relating to a particular unit including examples of written English in various formats.

Qualification Grading Structure

For the Level 3 Diploma in English and Communications for Business, points for each 15-credit unit achieved are as follows:

• Pass (achieves Learning Outcomes at the standards stated in pass assessment criteria) – 45 points
• Merit (achieves Learning Outcomes at the standards stated in pass and all merit assessment criteria) – 60 points
• Distinction (achieves Learning Outcomes at the standards stated in pass, all merit and all
• distinction Assessment Criteria) – 75 points
• Total points required for each qualification grade:
• Pass 180 – 215
• Merit 216 – 269
• Distinction 270+