Business – Level 3

Applicants are expected to have five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths (or Scottish equivalent 4 National 5 at C and above, including English and Maths, or Applications of Maths).

This course is ideal for students who: have an interest in business but have not yet decided on a specialist career pathway; enjoy working collaboratively and solving problems; want to develop their confidence and employability skills before progressing to further study, such as university or degree apprenticeships. 

You will also be invited to meet your tutors before starting the course to complete a diagnostic assessment, helping ensure this programme is the right pathway for you.

Upon successful completion, you will achieve the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business.

During your first year, you will study a combination of units that develop your understanding of modern business and prepare you for further study.

Year One
•    Exploring Business (Coursework) – Understand how businesses operate, their objectives, organisational structures and the factors that influence success.
•    Developing a Marketing Campaign (External assessment) – Learn how to research markets, identify target audiences and develop marketing campaigns in response to a business brief.
•    Personal and Business Finance (External examination) – Develop an understanding of personal finance, business finance, budgeting and financial decision-making.
•    Customer Service (Coursework) – Develop the skills needed to deliver excellent customer service, build customer relationships and manage customer expectations in a professional business environment.
•    Digital Marketing (Coursework) – Explore how businesses use websites, social media, email marketing, search engines and digital content to promote products and services, engage customers and build successful brands.

Throughout the course you will also develop:
•    Business communication and professional behaviours
•    Teamwork, leadership and collaboration
•    Research and analytical skills
•    Enterprise and problem-solving
•    Presentation and project management skills
•    Digital literacy and commercial awareness
These units provide a strong foundation for progression to the Year 2 Extended Diploma in Business or, where appropriate, a specialist programme such as the T Level in Marketing.

Year Two

Depending on your individual aspirations and achievement, you may progress to:

•    Year 2 of the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business, enabling you to complete a full Level 3 qualification with a broad business focus. During the second year you will develop advanced skills and take on more creative and strategic projects.
•    Transfer to a specialist Level 3 programme, such as the T Level in Marketing, where appropriate and subject to meeting the entry requirements.
•    Employment within a wide range of business sectors.

The Foundation Diploma develops the knowledge, confidence and transferable skills needed to progress successfully into further study or employment. Whether you choose to broaden your business expertise through the Extended Diploma or specialise in an area such as marketing, you'll be well prepared for your next step.

Learning is varied, practical and designed to develop both academic knowledge and employability skills through:
•    Interactive classroom sessions
•    Practical business projects
•    Employer-inspired assignments
•    Business simulations and case studies
•    Enterprise challenges
•    Group discussions and collaborative activities
•    Presentations and research projects
•    Guest speakers and enrichment opportunities
•    Regular tutorials and personalised support from experienced tutors

Assessment is primarily through coursework, allowing you to demonstrate your understanding through practical assignments. There are two externally assessed exam modules in year one: Unit 2 Developing a Marketing Campaign and Unit 3 Personal and Business Finance. 

Assessment methods include:
•    Written assignments
•    Business reports
•    Individual and group presentations
•    Research projects
•    Business case studies
•    Professional discussions
•    Practical project work

Regular feedback will support your progress throughout the course.

Students have opportunities to engage with employers through guest speakers, employer projects, enterprise activities and enrichment events that develop workplace skills and commercial awareness.
Where appropriate, students may also undertake work experience to further develop their understanding of business and strengthen their progression opportunities.
These experiences help students develop confidence, professionalism and transferable skills that are valued by employers across a wide range of industries.

English and maths are embedded throughout the programme. You'll develop English skills through presentations, reports, research and professional communication, while maths is applied through business finance, budgeting, analysing business performance and interpreting data.

Successful completion of the Foundation Diploma provides a strong platform for further study and future careers in business.

Depending on your individual aspirations and achievement, you may progress to:
•    Specialist Level 3 programmes, such as the T Level in Marketing, where appropriate
•    University to study subjects such as Business, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources or Management
•    Degree Apprenticeships
•    Employment within a wide range of business sectors

The broad knowledge and transferable skills developed throughout the course ensure you are well prepared to take the next step in your education or career with confidence.