BUSINESS

BTEC Level 3 National Foundation/National Extended Diploma in Business

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Course Level

Level 3

Duration

2 years full-time

Placement

Opportunities available

Entry

September

Fees

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Business School

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Ever-changing nature of the industry means hugely varied and rewarding career opportunities

Learn from expert lecturers with a wide range of business and finance experience

Do you aspire to work in the world of business? Our Business college course will help get you started, giving you the foundation of knowledge and skills to go on to a business-related university degree and a professional career in this ever-changing sector.

This Level 3 business course will enable you to gain a strong grounding in general business management, studying subjects including pitching, decision making and retail. You will then be able to specialise in a particular area of business, such as marketing, human resources or accounting. Throughout the course, you will undertake practical assessments and develop a wealth of transferable, high-level skills that both higher education institutions and employers are looking for.

You will enrol on the National Foundation Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A-Levels) in year 1 before progressing onto the National Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A-Levels). Both levels will equip you with the vital practical skills needed for employment in the sector once you complete your qualification.

Why choose this college course?

BOOST YOUR SKILLS – From business knowledge to skills such as teamwork, independent research, creative thinking and presentation, arm yourself with the tools for your future
MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – This business diploma is designed to support your progression to degree-level study
GET CAREER-READY – Want to get straight into work? From marketing or advertising to finance, enterprise and more, this course will open up a huge range of business opportunities

There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.

Course breakdown

During the course, you will undertake seven mandatory (compulsory) units and six optional units:

Year 1

Developing a marketing campaign
Personal and business finance
Exploring business
Recruitment and selection
Managing an event
Pitching for a new business

Year 2

Principles of management
Business decision making
Work experience in business
International business
Investigating retail business
Employment law
Training and development

Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change

You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.

Entry requirements

Our business lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about business, together with a keen determination to succeed in the industry, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.

If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.

Academic requirements

4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C), including English (Language or Literature) and Maths, or equivalent.

English and maths

As applicants are required to achieve English and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) prior to entering this course, University College Birmingham will not offer English or Maths alongside the Business and Finance course.

Supporting documents required

School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.

Guaranteed progression

Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

There is a strong element of practical assessment in the form of internal assignments and external tasks and written exams. Assessment and tasks include writing essays and reports, business research, debates and presentations.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.

70%

of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them

Work placements

Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired employability team can help find the ideal placement for you.

Work placement will form an essential part of your individual study programme and you will be expected to complete an appropriate placement related to your business course.

Work alongside experts in your sector

A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:

The Albion Foundation (West Bromwich)
Birmingham City FC (Birmingham)
Birmingham Jazz (Birmingham)
YMCA (Birmingham)
Coinadrink (Walsall)

I had heard about the reputation of the Business School and I knew the course would lead me on to the degree I wanted. I’m really enjoying the course so far because it does more than simply overload you with new information – you’re given time to learn and grow independently.

Kyannah-Leigh Johnson Level 3 Business