BTEC in Business

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Business is a two-year vocational programme equivalent to three A levels. It is designed for learners who wish to pursue a broad but applied study of business. The programme develops knowledge, understanding, and practical skills in areas such as management, marketing, finance, and international business. It prepares students for both higher education and employment in a wide range of business-related fields.

Subject content

Mandatory units (all students complete these 7 units):

• Exploring Business – investigates organisational types, ownership structures, stakeholders, and the impact of the external environment.

• Developing a Marketing Campaign – involves researching data and designing a marketing strategy to meet business objectives.

• Personal and Business Finance – covers financial planning for individuals, sources of finance for organisations, and interpretation of financial statements.

• Managing an Event – requires planning, delivering, and evaluating an event, developing teamwork, budgeting, and organisational skills.

• International Business – explores globalisation, international trade, and strategies for entering and succeeding in overseas markets.

• Principles of Management – examines leadership and management theories and their application to organisational case studies.

• Business Decision-Making – a synoptic unit drawing together learning from across the programme to evaluate options and make strategic recommendations.

Optional units (six chosen from a wide list, including):

• Recruitment and Selection Process

• Team Building in Business

• Digital Marketing

• Market Research

• Supply Chain and Logistics

• Pitching for a New Business

• Investigating Corporate Social Responsibility

• Creative Promotion

• Work Experience in Business

• 
  

These optional modules allow institutions to tailor the course to local employer needs or student interests, giving either a generalist or specialist emphasis.

Assessment

The Extended Diploma uses a blend of internal and external assessment:

• Internal assignments (approximately two-thirds of the programme): Projects, written reports, case studies, group work, and practical tasks set by teachers.

• External assessment (approximately one-third): A combination of written examinations (e.g. Personal and Business Finance) and set tasks under controlled conditions (e.g. Developing a Marketing Campaign, Principles of Management, Business Decision-Making).

This balance enables students to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and the ability to apply knowledge in realistic scenarios.

Progression routes

The qualification is recognised by universities, employers, and professional bodies. Typical pathways include:

• Higher Education: Degrees in business management, marketing, accounting and finance, human resource management, law, and related disciplines.

• Apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications: Such as digital marketing, project management, business administration, or financial services.

• Employment: Roles in retail, sales, customer service, administration, and junior management.

  
  

Because it is equivalent to three A levels, successful students are eligible for UCAS points and can apply directly to a wide range of higher education courses.

Transferable skills developed

In addition to subject-specific knowledge, learners gain a wide set of transferable skills valued in both higher study and employment:

• Analytical skills: interpreting financial data, conducting research, and evaluating business performance.

• Problem solving and decision-making: applying theories to case studies and making strategic recommendations.

• Communication skills: producing reports, delivering presentations, and pitching ideas.

• Teamwork and leadership: collaborating on projects, managing events, and reflecting on group performance.

• Project and time management: planning and delivering assignments to deadlines.

• Digital and IT literacy: using business software, digital marketing tools, and online research methods.