OCR Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Business

OCR Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Business
The course is equivalent to 3 A Levels and provides a good introduction to a range of business disciplines including finance, marketing and human resource management.

What does the course consist of?
The OCR National Extended Diploma has 18 units. You will do 9 units in the first year (including the 4 core units) and if you pass all of them you will gain the OCR National Certificate which is equivalent to 1 A Level. Completing another 9 units in year 2 will give you the full Extended Diploma.
Core Units

Investigating Business
Customer Service
Business Communications
Finance for Business
Specialist Units

Marketing for Business
Practical Sales Skills
Law in the Business World
Working in International Business
Career Planning for Business
Work Experience in Business
Research, innovation, design and development
Skills and the Entrepreneur
E-marketing
E-business
Human Resource Management
Strategic Management
Recruitment and Selection
Training and Development
Employee Relations
Motivating and empowering people
Practical Administration
Quality Systems
Production
Distribution
100% of the grade is arrived at from your portfolio of work. So there are no exams!

What else do I need to know?
This course is equivalent to 3 A Levels and is therefore an intensive course. Only exceptional candidates will be able to study an additional AS subject alongside it.
Each unit will involve you investigating case study organisations which could be real firms in Southampton or national organisations. We will try to arrange guest speakers or educational visits where possible.
Through your coursework assignments, you will be involved in problem solving activities and decision-making exercises based on real or simulated situations; role play; presentations; group-work and work experience. Much of the work will involve independent research and the use of the computer as a tool for information retrieval, storage and presentation of work. Students are also required to represent the course and college at 'open events'. We also encourage you to watch the news and read newspapers.
The classroom is equipped with computers using Microsoft Office. Access to research facilities including the Internet, relevant magazines, programmes and books are available for all students.
This course is for students who know they will eventually work in the field of business, e.g. insurance, marketing, banking, retail management, law and personnel. It will also provide entry to higher education in the above areas.
If you are intending to go to higher education you will usually be limited to a business related degree, e.g. Business and Law, Marketing, Accountancy. Some universities require a grade B in GCSE Maths for their business courses.
You must be prepared to take part in team-building exercises, field trips, visiting partner schools to speak to students and hosting visitors. Work experience is an integral part of the second year of the course.