BTEC Plus

The course consists of studying the eight-unit BTEC Level 3 Business Diploma and one A-Level. The course is designed to help students to progress to a variety of courses at university. However, it teaches more than just the academic subjects you need for university. We teach students to think independently, plan their study time effectively and carry out independent research. Students will develop their ability to analyse and evaluate business situations skills and qualities that will stay with them and boost future careers.

Our BTEC Business programme will be changing to offer a new specification from September 2020. Whereas we have traditionally offered an exam-free programme, the new specification will include a small exam element in addition to coursework. Please find details of this change in the tabs below.

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.

The structure of the qualification allows a great deal of choice and flexibility. All students take core units, which introduce the fundamentals of business organisations as well as other units from more specialist areas.

Students choose one A-Level from the following subjects to study alongside the BTEC, basing their choice on their preferred area of business and aptitude.

Mathematics 

Psychology

Sociology

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

With the combination of your BTEC Business Level 3 Diploma and A-Level qualification you can study a variety of subjects at leading UK and international universities. Recent BTEC Plus students have chosen to study business or management at universities such as King’s College London, Surrey, Manchester and Liverpool, whilst others have gone on to study anthropology, politics, international relations, engineering, music management and fashion communication at a variety of universities, including UCL, Exeter, Royal Holloway and Reading.

Students at Oxford Sixth Form College apply to UK universities through the UCAS process and staff are available to give the advice you need to make the best choice.

Universities in the UK make offers to students based on the qualifications being studied, each grade has a potential number of points. The university will make an offer based on the total points expected or on specific grades.

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- release material and research) – 34%

Formal exam – 11%

For assessment of the A-Level subject you study alongside the BTEC Standard Diploma, please refer to the relevant subject page in the A-Level section of the website.

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.

What is BTEC?

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

How long is the BTEC Plus course?

It is a one year intensive course that starts in September of each year.

Can I use a computer for the coursework?

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

Do I need Microsoft Office on my laptop?

Yes

Can I go to university with a BTEC?

Yes and your study of an A-Level alongside the BTEC Level 3 Business Diploma enables you to apply to a range of universities for a range of different degree courses.