OCR Level 3 Business

Business Studies
This qualification is suitable for those students studying in preparation for employment in the business sector, or to support further study in FE and HE at HND and Degree level.

This course is designed to recognise students' skills, knowledge and understanding of the business sector. The course accredits students ability to carry out a range of tasks and achievements in realistic business contexts.

Students are encouraged to become independent learners, with the focus of the learning on applying knowledge and skill to the workplace. A facilitative delivery method supports the formal teaching input. Students will need to develop effective time management skills to meet deadlines set for submission of work, which is continuously assessed.

It is not necessary to have studied the subject previously, although it would be useful if students have some interest and knowledge about the business sector, perhaps using knowledge gained from part time employment.

What Will I learn on this Course?

Lessons are timetabled for 10 hours per week. The course is assignment based and consists of 12 units of work, completed over a 2-year period. Four units are mandatory (i.e. subscribed by OCR) - these are:

• Investigating Business
• Customer Service
• Business Communications
• Finance for Business

In addition to the 4 mandatory units, 2 Option Units will be completed in the first year, these are:

• Recruitment and Selection
• Practical Administration (linked with a work placement)

In the second year of the course the following units will be completed:

• Marketing for Business
• Practical Sales Skills
• Career Planning for Business
• Skills for the Entrepreneur
• E-business
• Training and Development

Taught elements of business theory and concepts, are developed through practical application such as simulated business activity, case studies based on local business organisations and investigation of the local business community. Visits to organisations and visiting speakers from the local business community support student in their studies.

Course Content and Method of Assessment

All units are course work based, which is assessed continuously throughout the course, enabling students to be fully aware of achievement as they progress. Course work is graded as pass, merit or distinction. Students must:

• Achieve a minimum Pass grade for all 4 mandatory units
• Complete 8 optional units and achieve a minimum Pass grade for at least 6 of these
• Achieve a minimum of 12 points for ALL units.

POINTS AWARDED PER UNIT OVERALL AWARD (12 UNITS)
Pass = 1 point Pass = 12 points
Merit = 2 points Merit = 20 points
Distinction = 3 points Distinction = 28 points

After the Course

On successful completion of the course, students will have the option to enter employment through a work-related training programme with local and national employers, continue to study a wide range of business related courses at HE establishments to HND or Degree level.

Subject Combinations

Business fits well with a variety of other subjects. Popular choices include Accounting, Law, IT and Media Studies.

Entry Requirements

Students are expected to have a minimum of 5 GCSE grades A-C, or equivalent. These should include grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics. It is not necessary to have studied Business at GCSE level.