Business & Management

Business Advanced (Level 3)

Business at Bedford College is constantly evolving as we respond to the changing face of the employment market and the requirements of our students. This Level 3 Business study programme will enable you to study a vocational business programme which will prepare you for a career in business by developing practical business skills. You will develop a range of key skills and knowledge that will be essential for future employment or university study. You will take part in a diverse and exciting learning experience which has something for everyone. You will develop your creative flair and test your knowledge as you learn about business.

I came to England four years ago from the Congo. I had always wanted to study law to enable me to help defend people and their rights, so I enrolled on to an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course at a college where I lived in London and worked my way up through the levels.

After finishing the ESOL courses, I realised that there were lots of aspects of law in business. I decided to enrol on to the Business full-time study programme here at Bedford College, where I could also study GCSE English and maths. I don’t regret my decision at all; it is such a good course. My favourite unit has been Exploring Business, where we’ve learnt about the inner workings of businesses.

Outside of class I have been a Student Ambassador, helping the College Marketing department at Open Days and with data entry. I’ve also joined the Debating Society and created a club called Black Culture to help further enhance inclusion and diversity between students.

You have to attend a work experience placement as part of the course. I worked in the HR department of a care home in Bedford and was so proud when they offered me a part-time job at the end of it. I’ve just started as an official employee and am looking forward to staying on with them after my course finishes, before hopefully going to university to study International Relations. I would love to eventually become an Ambassador.

Suzanne - Business Advanced Level

Previous school: John Ruskin College, London

Entry requirements

To begin this study programme you will need...

Duration: 2 Years

4 GCSEs at grades A*-C or 9-4 including English and maths

Business BTEC Level 2 Diploma with Level 2 Functional Skills

Course content

During this course you will develop practical skills in all areas and aspects of business.

Year 1 mandatory units:
- Exploring Business
- Developing a Marketing Campaign
- Personal and Business Finance

Year 2 mandatory units:
- International Business
- Principles of Management
- Business Decision Making

You will study 13 units in total over the 2 year programme, also including optional units on Managing an Event, Recruitment and Selection, Investigating Customer Service, Pitching for a New Business, Digital Marketing, retailing, etc.

English and maths:
If you don't already have GCSE English and maths grade A*-C, we will work with you to help you develop your maths and English skills.

Work experience

Personal development skills, study skills and employability skills

Additional vocational learning and qualifications:
- During the course of the year you will also be given the opportunity to visit local and national businesses in order to bring classroom theory to life. Previous trips have included Coca Cola, British Airways and the Bank of England. You may also take part in Subway’s ‘Design a Sub’ challenge, a nationally recognised competition which provides greater opportunity to develop your understanding of marketing practices and gain a hands-on experience relating business theory to a real life business scenario.

Assessment methods

2 exams in Year 1 - Personal and Business Finance and Developing a Marketing Campaign

2 exams in Year 2 - Principles of Management and Business Decision Making

The remainder of the units are made up of internal assessments of practical and written assignments.

Qualifications

Business Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Plus:

English and maths skills
Work experience
Personal development skills
Study skills
Employability skills

You can also gain up to 168 UCAS points.

Further study and career options

Completion of this study programme will allow you to seek full employment, or alternatively to progress to further Business courses at the College, or at university. As part of the study programme you will be given advice on developing a career in Business to help you make the important decision about what to do next.

Additional information

The Business department has a strict dress code that aims to reflect the business environment. We feel that it is essential that students on our study programme learn this essential employability skill. In addition to the course fees you will also be required to pay £125 to cover the costs of books and enrichment activities/trips.

Additional independent study outside of College will be regularly expected. The examinations require a high standard of preparation and considerable commitment if success is to be achieved.

Funding information

All full-time Level 1 and Level 2 courses are now FREE for everyone, whatever their age. If you are looking to study a Level 3 qualification, courses are still free if you’re under 19 or 19-23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification. If you’re over 23 or studying a second Level 3 qualification, you will need to pay a fee. Find out more on our financial support page at www.bedford.ac.uk/finance

If you are aged 19 or over you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help you pay the tuition fees for this course. Find out more at www.bedford.ac.uk/loans. You can also pay by instalments to help make the cost of this course more affordable.