BTEC First Diploma Business

BTEC First Diploma Business

What is Business?
The subject of Business Studies is concerned with looking at the world of business, how businesses are created, how they are organised, staffed and financed. In addition, the role of businesses in meeting customer needs is considered very seriously. The BTEC First Diploma is a one year course for anyone looking to gain a nationally recognised vocational qualification to enter employment or progress to other qualifications such as the BTEC National Diploma in Business.

You will study 6 units over one year including Exploring Business Purposes, Developing Customer Relations, and Investigating Financial Control. Each unit is assessed by means of a vocational assignment.

The qualification is equivalent to four GCSEs at A* - C. You will study a variety of topics including the ownership and classification of businesses, their aims, customer services, and financial controls on the way in which businesses operate.

The course will interest students who wish:

• To investigate the world of business
• To gain future employment in the wide range of job opportunities that are available
• To progress onto the BTEC National Diploma in Business

Is Business suitable for me?
The most challenging part of the course is the need to meet deadlines for the coursework assignments. There are however opportunities to improve upon coursework. You skills in time management will improve over the year and this will be vital for gaining good grades. You will often work in small groups and you may well be required to present your findings to a particular task that you have been set to the rest of the group.

The range of Units you study is very wide, including both core units and those designed to help more specialist study. The specialist units cover a range of topics, including an investigation of online business, personal selling, and starting up a small business.

Students studying this course over the past few years have appreciated the different relationships they have with teachers at college and the amount of individual support they get. Probably the most important challenge for students is learning how to take more responsibility for organising their own time so that they balance college work, part-time jobs and other commitments. An opportunity for work experience is included during your course.

How will I learn?
Lessons in the classroom will include a mixture of formats including group work, individual activities, guest speakers, role plays, using case studies, videos, and some formal note-taking sessions. You will find yourself working with others, applying key skills and improving your knowledge throughout all the units of the course. Some study support is provided in college to help students with their assignments and other homework. Students should also expect to spend up to ten hours per week outside of lessons on homework.

How will I be assessed?
Coursework: 100%

All units on the BTEC First Diploma are internally assessed. All unit assignments are assessed at pass, merit or distinction standard with associated points of two, four or six respectively. At the end of the course, these points combine together to generate a single overall grade for your First Diploma of pass, merit or distinction.

Progression
Success will give you a nationally recognised qualification. You will have undertaken activities and learned skills which make you more employable and provide the entry requirements for further education or training. During the course, careers guidance will be available to help you decide your future. You may feel ready for employment, or you may wish to progress to a National Diploma, providing you have achieved a merit grade overall. Many students choose to progress onto the National Diploma in business following success on the First Diploma course.

Course Costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbook, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where appropriate). Course costs are outlined below:

Essential: £20 for text books

Optional: Trips and visits £15- 20

If the cost of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: EDEXCEL