Why Study Applied Business?
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 Applied 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.

Hannah Crook-Stanley
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 study. | Willingness to participate in work experience and business visits. Willingness to participate in Young Enterprise. Ability to meet deadlines. Basic IT skills. |
Qualification Levels & Enrolment Options
Qualification Name | A Level Equivalence | Duration | Awarding Body |
---|---|---|---|
Foundation Diploma | 1½ A Levels (3 Blocks) | 1 year | OCR Cambridge Technicals |
Extended Diploma | 3 A Levels (3 Blocks) | 1 year (to be studied in 2nd year after successful completion of Foundation Diploma) | OCR Cambridge Technicals |
Certificate | 1/2 A Level (1 Blocks) | 1 year | OCR Cambridge Technicals |
Extended Certificate | 1 A Level (1 Block) | 1 year (to be studied in 2nd year after successful completion of Certificate) | OCR Cambridge Technicals |
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