Level 3 BTEC National in Business

Sandbach College

Why study this course?

This course develops highly specialist, work-related skills and provides you with the knowledge and understanding needed to prepare for higher education and the world of work. It is a practical course where you develop your ability to learn independently, research methodically, give presentations and be active group members. You develop literacy, analytical and creative skills and the course includes the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes required in industry.

Sandbach College at Sandbach High School Entry Requirements

We ask that all students achieve 4 GCSE at Grade 4 (or level 2 pass) or higher.

What will I learn on this course?

You will gain an overview of the key ingredients for business success, how businesses are organised, how they communicate and the characteristics of the environment in which they operate. You look at the importance of innovation and enterprise to the success and survival of businesses along with associated risks and benefits.

You will learn accounting terminology, the purpose and importance of business accounts and the different sources of finance available to businesses. You will analyse profitability, liquidity and business efficiency, and you develop the knowledge and understanding to manage your own personal finances.

You will examine the marketing aims and objectives for existing products and services, and you will understand the importance of relevant, valid, and appropriate research in relation to customers’ needs and wants. You will use market research data and other information to make recommendations about the type of marketing campaign that a business should undertake.

You will also develop your communication and interpersonal skills and will learn how to build effective customer relationships as well as the importance of having good product and service knowledge. You will examine how businesses monitor and evaluate their level of customer service through feedback, and you discover how this helps inform improvements to the service provided.

Examinations & Coursework

This course has a balanced range of assessment types and styles, which include:

Externally assessed units – examination or set tasks
Internally assessed units – coursework assignments

Potential career paths

BTEC Business is the ideal qualification to drive you towards your future career goals. It provides in-depth knowledge of the key functions in all businesses: marketing, finance, human Resources, customer service and the internal and external pressures a business must work within, leading to a career as a marketing, finance, operations or human resource leader. It also provides a breadth of knowledge and skills, which add strength to an application for higher-level apprenticeships in areas, such as leadership and management, project management and business analysis. BTEC Business alumni include Barclays Project Managers, Business Affairs Executive at the BBC and a Probate Case manager at Co-op Legal services.