Business & Management Qualifications: Level 3 Diplomas
Upskill your administrators and first-line managers with NCFE Level 3 Diplomas in business administration and management. Staff join monthly live remote sessions alongside their role, are assessed through real workplace evidence with no exams, and can fund the course through an Advanced Learner Loan or monthly instalments.
Business and management diplomas at High Ridge Training, in short
- What they are: two NCFE Level 3 Diplomas. The Diploma for Business Administrators covers organisational planning, business legislation and finance, communication, decision making, IT and project management skills. The Diploma in Management Skills and Knowledge covers leading and managing people, communication, operational and project management, managing finance and decision making.
- For employers: a fast, low-disruption way to formalise the skills of staff already in admin or supervisory roles, with no end-point assessment and no exams.
- Funding: eligible learners aged 19+ can use an Advanced Learner Loan, and both diplomas can be paid in monthly instalments or funded by the employer.
- Prefer a funded apprenticeship? See our business administration apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3.
Who the diplomas are for
Upskill the people you already have
- Turn experienced administrators into qualified business administrators
- Give new supervisors a structured grounding in leading a team
- Assessment uses real work, so learning improves day-to-day performance
- A dedicated adviser handles enrolment and progress updates
Gain a recognised Level 3 qualification
- Monthly live remote sessions that fit around work
- No exams, assessed through assignments and case studies
- Advanced Learner Loan available for eligible learners aged 19+
- Spread the cost with monthly instalments
Level 3 business and management diplomas
Each card gives you the essentials. Open the course page for full content, assessment and enrolment details.
Level 3 Diploma for Business Administrators
For administrators, office coordinators and executive assistants. Seven units covering organisational planning and processes, legislation, structure and finance, business communication, decision making and problem solving, IT skills, project management and personal development.
- Entry requirementsNone. Aged 16+
- Typical duration12 months, monthly remote sessions
- AssessmentPortfolio of evidence: assignments, case studies and work-based evidence
- Course fee£1,265 or £105.42 a month for 12 months
Level 3 Diploma in Management Skills and Knowledge
For new and aspiring team leaders and supervisors. Nine units covering leading and managing people, communication, building relationships, operational and project management, managing finance, decision making and self-development.
- Entry requirementsNone. Aged 16+
- Typical duration6 months, monthly remote sessions
- AssessmentPortfolio of evidence: assignments, case studies and practical assessments
- Course fee£724 or £120.67 a month for 6 months
Roles the diplomas support
Both diplomas build skills employers look for in office, operations and supervisory roles.
Administration roles
- Business Administrator
- Office Administrator
- Executive Assistant
- Business Support Officer
- With experience: Office Manager or Operations Coordinator
Supervisory and management roles
- Team Leader or Supervisor
- Shift Leader
- Operations Team Leader
- Project Coordinator
- With experience: Department Manager or Operations Manager
Why employers choose the Level 3 Diplomas
Better run operations
Staff learn to organise processes, manage information and solve problems without escalating.
Confident first-line managers
New supervisors learn to lead, motivate and manage performance from day one.
Quick to complete
6 months for Management and 12 months for Business Admin, with no exams and no end-point assessment.
One adviser, start to finish
Your dedicated High Ridge adviser handles enrolment and progress updates.
Business administration apprenticeships
Want the training funded through the Growth and Skills Levy or government co-investment instead? These apprenticeships suit new recruits and existing staff gaining substantial new skills.
All business administration apprenticeships
Durations, funding and end-point assessment explained.
View the sector pageHow the Level 3 Diplomas can be funded
| Route | Business Administrators Diploma | Management Diploma | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Learner Loan | Eligible learners aged 19+ | Eligible learners aged 19+ | Staff funding their own progression, nothing to pay upfront |
| Monthly instalments | 12 payments | 6 payments | Spreading the cost, including learners aged 16 to 18 |
| Employer funded | £1,265 | £724 | Developing named staff into new responsibilities |
Advanced Learner Loans are repaid only once income is above the repayment threshold. For funded apprenticeships, non-levy employers pay nothing for apprentices under 25 and 5% for those aged 25 and over under the 2026 to 2027 rules. Speak to us to confirm what applies to you.
How it works
Free consultation
Tell us about the role. We recommend the right diploma or apprenticeship for each person.
Funding check
We confirm loan eligibility or set up a payment plan before anyone enrols.
Enrol and start
Learners join monthly live remote sessions with tutor support and build evidence from their own work.
Complete and progress
Assignments and case studies are assessed as they go, with no final exam.
Level 3 business and management diplomas: frequently asked questions
What business and management qualifications do you offer?
We offer two NCFE qualifications: the Level 3 Diploma for Business Administrators and the Level 3 Diploma in Management Skills and Knowledge. For funded on-the-job training, we also deliver business administration apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3.
Which diploma is right for my staff member?
Choose the Diploma for Business Administrators for people running office, admin or operational support work. Choose the Diploma in Management Skills and Knowledge for people who lead, or are about to lead, a team. Your adviser will help you decide.
Should I choose a diploma or an apprenticeship?
The diplomas are shorter, have no end-point assessment or off-the-job hours requirement, and suit staff who need a recognised qualification for the role they already do. Apprenticeships last 12 months or more and can be funded through the levy or government co-investment. Non-levy employers pay nothing for apprentices under 25.
Are there exams?
No. Both diplomas are assessed through assignments, case studies and work-based or practical assessments, with no formal written exams.
How long do the diplomas take?
The Management Diploma is delivered over 6 months and the Diploma for Business Administrators over 12 months, both with monthly live remote sessions supported by independent study.
Does the learner need to be working in an admin or management role?
It helps but is not essential. Learners in a relevant role can use their own work as evidence. Others can use simulations or arranged work experience to complete the practical assessments.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no formal entry requirements. Learners must be aged 16 or over. For the Management Diploma, supervisory experience or a strong interest in management is helpful.
How much do the diplomas cost?
The Level 3 Diploma for Business Administrators is £1,265, or £105.42 a month for 12 months. The Level 3 Diploma in Management Skills and Knowledge is £724, or £120.67 a month for 6 months.
Can I use an Advanced Learner Loan?
Eligible learners aged 19 and over can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the course fee, with nothing to pay upfront. Repayments start only once income is above the threshold. See information for students.
Who awards the diplomas?
Both qualifications are awarded by NCFE, a UK awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual.
Ready to develop your team?
Speak to a High Ridge Training adviser. We will match each person to the right diploma or apprenticeship and confirm funding before anyone enrols.
Or call 0330 236 9118