Edexcel National Diploma and Extended Diploma in Business BTEC - Level 3

Edexcel National Diploma and Extended Diploma in Business BTEC - Level 3 Overview

This course is aimed at students who are ready and qualified for a higher level business course, whether coming direct from school or after progressing from a Level 2 business course.

It offers a fascinating insight into how the world of business works and allows you to gain skills and knowledge to help you function in a business environment. The course is equivalent to three A Levels.

You will also be given the opportunity to visit businesses to see how it operates and see the impact this has on business performance, giving you a real insight into real working business environments.

Visits to businesses and the opportunity to meet with key speakers to gain first-hand experience and industry knowledge are a vital part of our course.

In addition to your BTEC modules you will have the opportunity to participate in exciting business challenges. These include Business Set up Schemes, Make your mark with a tenner, 554 Challenge, Live business projects. These activities will help you gain the skills and experience to meet the needs of local and national employers.

Entry requirements

For the National Diploma you will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade C or above (including maths and English language) or:
• Level 2 in Business at merit level
• Written skills test at interview

For the National Extended Diploma you will need:

• Five GCSEs at grade C or above (including maths and English language) or:
• Business National Diploma/First Diploma at Level 2 with GCSE maths and English language at grade C or above
• Written skills test at interview

You will need to attend an interview with the tutor before being accepted on to the course. You may also need to supply at least one written reference from a teacher or employer (in some cases two) and/or your current school or college report.

Mature students (those aged 21 or over) who do not have the qualifications required for entry may still be eligible, subject to an interview. Relevant experience, a strong portfolio of work and a commitment to the subject you wish to study may be acceptable for certain courses.

Start dates and fees

The table below shows you when the course starts. You may be charged a fee for your course depending on your age and circumstances. If you are aged 24 or over and studying a qualifying Level 3, 4 or 5 course you may be able to apply for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to cover the costs.

Start DateDurationCodeAnnual Fee (Age)Actions 16-1819-2324+ Sep 20161 yr(s)4199A1205Free£400.00*£3725.00* | Loan infoApply online

*Course fees shown are for guidance only and are the fees charged for courses running this year. Fees for courses starting in September 2016 will be confirmed in spring 2016.

How long is the course?

90 credit diploma: One year

Top up: One year

These will be discussed at interview with you and the best option for you will be offered and explained further.

Location

• Derby Road

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is undertaken throughout the course in the form of assignments, presentations and projects.

What does the course lead to?

• Employment within industry
• The ability to set up own business
• The opportunity to secure higher paid employment
• Greater job satisfaction

After successful completion of your BTEC course your potential employment opportunities could include:

• Sales or marketing management trainee
• Office administrator
• Trainee accounts manager
• Finance office
• Retail management trainee
• Human resource assistant

Your potential pay levels could be in the region of £13,000-£15,000 dependant on the job role and the organisation. This could open opportunities for you to start the foundation of your chosen career pathway and ultimately achieve your full potential.

What will I study?

Subjects covered in year one include:

• The business environment
• Business resources
• An introduction to marketing
• Business communications
• Career planning
• Visual merchandising
• Health and safety

You will also take maths or English GCSE resits where required (for students on the National Diploma only).

Second year topics will build on these and include:

• Human resource management
• Recruitment and selection
• Developing teams in business
• Understanding business ethics
• Starting a small business
• Understanding retailing
• Business accounting
• Events management
• Health and safety in the UK business environment
• Business and economic environment

Study programmes

It is an entry requirement for some courses to have gained GCSEs A*-C in English and maths (see entry requirements). If the entry requirements to a course do not require A*-C in these subjects, and you haven’t already gained GCSEs A*-C in English and maths before joining us, you will continue to study English and maths as part of your programme and take appropriate qualifications in these subjects with the aim of achieving A* to C grade. In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, every student aged under 19 and studying a full-time course at college will take part in our study programmes alongside their main subject qualification. Find out more.

What can I go on to study?

• Foundation Degree Business Management (available at the college)
• Start your own business

How do I apply?

Completion of online or paper based application form.

Apply online