BTEC Business Level 3 Diploma

The BTEC Business Diploma has been designed to prepare students for the fast-paced and constantly evolving world of business, ensuring you have the commercial knowledge and skills you need to work in business or establish your own enterprise.

It is particularly suited to those who want a more practical learning experience and it can be taken alongside or instead of A-Levels.

This page focuses on the BTEC Business Level 3 Diploma. This is the vocational equivalent to two A-Levels and is available as a September start course taught over one academic year.

Students learn to research, give presentations, produce papers and projects, work in teams, develop their communication skills and study a wide range of business topics.  There is feedback at the end of each unit, allowing students to develop a clear sense of how they are progressing.

All students take core units which introduce the fundamentals of business organisations as well as other units from more specialist areas.

Students will take 8 units in total:

• Exploring business
• Developing a marketing campaign
• Personal & business finance (exam)
• Managing an event
• International business
• Principles of management
• Pitching for a new business
• Market research

Students could be assessed on:

• Producing a Business plan
• Creating a Powerpoint presentation
• Designing Excel documents
• Written documents, eg Memo, Report, briefing document
• Longer written analysis and evaluation
• Observation sheets from teachers
• Witness statements

Exam board: Edexcel

Coursework – 55%

Supervised assessment (with pre- released material and research) – 34%

Formal exam – 11%

5 GCSEs grade 4 or above including Maths and English or equivalent international qualifications.

For international students who have taken IELTS, we require an overall score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 for each of the reading and writing components.

For international students who have taken IGCSE English (Second Language), we require grade 4 or above.

Whether you are a UK or international student, you must have the motivation to work extremely hard and to meet all deadlines as these are highly intensive courses.

Q: What is BTEC?

A: It is an internationally recognised qualification from the Edexcel exam board that is respected and accepted by UK employers and universities.

Q: How long is the course?

A: The Diploma is taught within one academic year, starting each September.

Q: Can I use a computer for the coursework?

A: Yes, all coursework is produced on a computer. Students are encouraged to bring in their own laptop.

Q: Do I need Microsoft Office on my laptop?

A: Yes

Q: Can I go to university with a BTEC Standard Diploma?

A: Yes but for most universities and most degree courses you will need one A-Level alongside the BTEC Business Level 3 Standard Diploma.

Q: Can I only study business at university after this course?

A: No. A wide variety of degree courses remain open to you particularly if you choose a certain A Level subject to study alongside the BTEC Level 3 Business Diploma.