Why Study Business Level 3?

The course is specially designed to allow students to study vocationally. This means it is work related wherever possible, but provides the same value as conventional A Level qualifications. It places heavy emphasis on skills which are required by employers, such as time management and team working. It is, therefore, aimed equally at students who wish to move into a career after further education, and those who wish to study at a higher level. You can choose to study the one A Level equivalent (Extended Certificate) alongside other subjects or you can study Business at a more in-depth level and complete the Extended Diploma, which is the equivalent of three A Levels. The course is a mix of exams and coursework.

You will complete a variety of units such as:

• The Business Environment

• Working in Business

• Customers & Communication

• Marketing

• International Business

• Human Resources

• Accounting Concepts

These will give you an insight into a range of business functions and will develop transferable employability skills. Awards are graded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* (star) which are determined by an accumulation of points gained from all the assessed work including externally assessed exams and coursework.

Why Study Business Level 3 at Worcester Sixth Form College?

The course is taught by specialist teaching staff, the majority of whom have worked in industry. Good links to local businesses to give you a focus for your assignment research. Students will spend time on company premises, meeting managers to find out how the business works. In the past we have visited Cadbury World, West Midlands Safari Park, Westons Cider and Aztec Watersports. Extended Diploma students will also take part in a one week work experience, organised by the College.

Progression Opportunities

The qualification can be used for admission to degree level courses, to begin a business related career or to complete an apprenticeship. All of the career opportunities open to A Level students are also available to Level 3 Applied students.

Previous students have gone on to study Business at universities such as Liverpool, Cardiff and Aston University in Birmingham. Others have completed Marketing Apprenticeships or have joined Business Management schemes.

Business level 3 Izzy Lebray

Izzy Lebray

Business Applied - Bowbrook House School
I discovered my passion for Business when I studied the subject at GCSE, so I wanted to identify a course that would help me gain further experience of how organisations and customers function. The Business Extended Level 3 course is the perfect pathway in achieving my ambition to study Business Management at University. The vocational aspect has provided me with a greater insight into life at university, as the course requires strong planning and time management skills, both of which will be critical at degree level. In addition, my other subjects, Psychology and Economics A-levels, compliment Business perfectly, adding consumer behaviour and analytical skills to my course. My aspiration is to learn more about the inner workings and concepts related to business, and identify the skills needed to pursue a career in business. This course has provided me with an excellent foundation and the confidence to continue my development at university.

Entry Requirements

Essential Qualifications Other Desirable Qualifications / Combinations Skills & Attributes Required for Success Guidance on Costs or Commitments
Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above, otherwise will be added to your programme of studyWillingness to participate in business visits. Willingness to participate in Young Enterprise. Ability to meet deadlines. Basic IT skills.Compulsory trips with an approximate cost of £30

Qualifications and Enrolment Options

Qualification Name A Level Equivalence Duration Awarding Body
Foundation Diploma1½ A Levels (3 Blocks)1 YearOCR
Extended Diploma3 A Levels (3 Blocks)1 year (to be studied in 2nd year after successful completion of the Foundation Diploma)OCR
Certificate½ A Level (1 Block)1 yearOCR
Extended Certificate1 A Level (1 Block)1 year (to be studied in 2nd year after successful completion of Certificate)OCR

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