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.
Entry requirements
To begin this study programme you will need...
Duration: 2 Years
- 4 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*-C ideally including English and maths
OR
- 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.
- 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 BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Plus:
- English and maths qualifications if required
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 £85 to cover the costs of books, enrichment activities and 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.