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Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business Studies

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 3

Course Overview

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business is equivalent to three A-Levels. The programme aims to provide students with an in-depth and holistic understanding of key business principles such as in Marketing, Finance, HR, Law, Operations and Management; all these equipping the students with the skills necessary to succeed in employment or in higher education such as university.

The course has in total 13 subject-units that are studied across two years, these are then predominantly assessed through internally assessed assignments, four of these units are externally assessed. An integral part of the course is Industry Placement where students attend block placements in organisations to develop and build real business skills and their confidence.

This course is delivered through theory lectures, group seminars and external professional development (industry placement). The students will also have individual tutorials with their Year Tutor on a regular basis in order to monitor and track their progress. Guest speakers, trips and visits are used to enhance and enrich the learning experience of the students as much as possible.

Course Code

FF3NBUS2B1

End Date

Fri, 03 Jul 2026

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths.

Course information

Students will cover a range of topics that include: Exploring Business, Personal and Business Finance, Marketing Campaign, Managing an Event, The English Legal System, Principles of Management, International Business, Recruitment and Selection, Work Experience in Business, Business Decision Making, Merchandising, Digital Marketing, Investigating Corporate Social Responsibility.

2 Years – There are options for learners to study a one-year certificate, extended certificate or foundation diploma qualification.

The course will be delivered through direct teaching from industry specialist teachers, workshops and talks from specialist external organisations.

Continuous assessment consisting of projects and assignments will form the overall assessment scheme for this programme. However there will be some externally assessed units and you will have the opportunity, within the academic year, to re-sit for a higher grade if required. You will be asked to produce written reports and similar, take part in individual and group presentations and role plays and internal and external events as part of the assessment.

Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business Studies (year 1), Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business Studies.

Industry Placement is a fantastic opportunity for you to get hands-on experience and is also a compulsory and invaluable part of your course. We have a fantastic Industry Placement Team who will support you along your placement journey. Level 3, Year 1 and year 2 students will complete one day a week placement alongside two one week block placements.

Upon successful completion of this course you can apply to University to study a wide range of degrees, or a higher apprenticeship or go straight into employment. Your engagement in Industry Placement during the course will be a key factor in your choice of career and successful progression. There will be opportunities within a number of industries including Marketing, Finance, Public Relations, Events Management, Advertising, Sales and Human Resources in both public and private sector organisations.

3

All students are required to supply their own stationery and in order to make the induction of your course as smooth as possible, it is essential that you are prepared before you start. The items you will need for your first day are: A full pencil case, A notebook, An A4 lever arch file, dividers and plastic poly pockets, Highlighter pens, Laptop or tablet (only if available to you), Graph paper and a calculator.