BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Business

The BTEC National Diploma in Business is designed to provide a specialist work related programme of study that covers the knowledge and skills required to progress successfully in the workplace but also provides a firm basis for higher education. The mandatory units provide an underpinning knowledge of business as well as basic business skills. The BTEC Level 3 Diploma is equivalent to two A Levels. The philosophy behind vocational courses is to encourage student centred learning. You are encouraged to carry out your own research within a supportive and constructive teaching framework. Initiative, flexibility and a consistent approach to producing work in class and private study time is emphasised. Some assignments could involve a large project lasting 8 or 10 weeks. After an initial introduction to the important concepts and theory, you will be given a variety of tasks to complete. During this time, the teacher will advise and support your learning. Evidence for assessment may be generated through a range of diverse activities including assignment and project work, case studies, role-play and oral presentation.

Subject Combinations and Progression

The Level 3 Diploma course in Business Studies will form a large part of a student’s timetable as it is equivalent to two A levels and hence takes up two teaching blocks. Even so, a student has a wide number of possible subject combinations, but it may be wise to consider ones that are not coursework based because of the heavy commitment for this course to producing work outside the classroom. The Level 3 Diploma course offers a thorough grounding in real world business skills, allowing students to confidently enter the world of work. Employers such as Barclay’s Bank, John Lewis and the CoOperative Group have endorsed this course. They may also progress to a business studies undergraduate programme at university. Top class universities such as the Universities of East Anglia, Exeter and Manchester have also given their endorsement to this course. Students should also be capable of starting their own business. Business employers value employees who are able to communicate effectively both verbally and using electronic communication methods.

Subject Modules and Assessment During the course you will complete 8 units of study.

• 5 units will be assessed internally by way of a series of assignments. • 2 units will be assessed by way of written tasks completed under controlled conditions and assessed externally. • 1 unit will be assessed by way of an external examination.

For those students who prefer this style of learning as against sitting a series of examinations, the Level 3 Diploma is an excellent choice.

The mandatory units are: ▪ Unit 1: Exploring Business (internally assessed) ▪ Unit 2: Developing a Marketing Campaign (written task, externally assessed) ▪ Unit 3: Personal and Business Finance (external examination) ▪ Unit 4: Managing an Event (internally assessed) ▪ Unit 5: International Business (internally assessed) ▪ Unit 6: Principles of Management (written task, externally assessed) Plus 2 optional units (internally assessed) from a list of 20, examples of which are: ▪ Investigating Retail Business ▪ Pitching for a New Business ▪ Investigating Corporate Responsibility (Ethics) ▪ Market Research

All optional units are coursework based.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of grade 4 in English Language. You do not need any prior qualification in any business-related subject. The course assumes zero knowledge at the start. Exam Board - Pearson