Level 4 diploma entry requirements, explained
The awarding bodies set the requirements and London School of Planning and Management, as the approved centre, applies them to each applicant. Most people qualify by one of three routes. This page explains each, and what to do if you are not sure which one you fit.
The three usual routes
- A relevant Level 3 qualification. A Level 3 diploma, extended diploma or foundation diploma in a related subject, or an Access to Higher Education diploma. "Relevant" is judged by LSPM against the subject you want to study; a Level 3 in business is relevant to a Level 4 in management, and usually to accounting or marketing too.
- A levels or equivalent. Typically two A levels, or the equivalent in Scottish Highers, an International Baccalaureate, or an overseas school-leaving qualification at a comparable level. Overseas qualifications are checked by LSPM against the UK ENIC statements of comparability.
- Mature entry through experience. For applicants over 21 (the exact age differs by programme), relevant work experience reviewed by LSPM before registration. This route matters. Many of the strongest applicants we have advised came in with years of experience and no formal Level 3, and the awarding bodies expect centres to use the route responsibly.
English language
Every programme is taught and assessed in English at higher education standard. If you are not from a majority English-speaking country, the awarding bodies ask for evidence of English competency, and LSPM will ask you for it at application. When we talk we will be candid about your reading and writing level, because the first unit of most programmes depends on it; where English is likely to hold you back we will say so and suggest a short preparatory course rather than send you to LSPM to struggle.
How LSPM checks
At application you upload a copy of the qualification certificate or transcript, or for the experience route a CV and a short account of your role. LSPM's admissions staff review it against the awarding body's requirement for the specific programme; borderline cases are referred to the awarding body rather than guessed. You should have a written decision from LSPM before you pay anything. We can help you assemble the evidence, and we can tell you how similar cases have gone, but the decision is LSPM's alone.
Programme-specific wording
Each programme page prints the awarding body's own entry wording for that qualification, with a link to the specification. The wording varies slightly between OTHM and Qualifi and between subjects. As a guide, here is how the 31 programmes on this site break down:
- OTHM (13 programmes): see the entry section of any programme page awarded by OTHM for the exact wording.
- Qualifi (18 programmes): see the entry section of any programme page awarded by Qualifi for the exact wording.
Not sure whether you qualify?
Tell us what you have studied and what you have done for work. We will reply within two working days with a plain view: likely yes, likely no, or here is what would get you there, and where it is genuinely borderline we will put the question to LSPM's admissions team before you apply.