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Course Overview

This well-recognised qualification is equivalent to 3 A-Levels for the two-year Extended Diploma.  It is suitable if you have an interest in Business and/or Management and would welcome the opportunity to study a broad-based, vocational programme, before progressing to university.

The two-year BTEC Extended Diploma which is equivalent to 3 A-Levels consists of 12 units; of which six will be completed in the first year and six in the second year. Examples of some of the topics covered are listed below:

Extended Diploma units:

Year 1

  • Exploring Business (core unit)  Assignment based
  • Developing a Marketing Campaign (core unit)  External - Controlled Assessment
  • Personal and Business Finance (core unit)   External Exam
  • Managing an Event (core unit)  Assignment based
  • Work Experience in Business  Assignment based
  • Recruitment and Selection Process  Assignment based

Year 2

  • International Business (core unit) Assignment based
  • Principles of Management (core unit)  External - Controlled Assessment
  • Business Decision Making (core unit) External -  Controlled Assessment
  • Three optional units - yet to be confirmed

The optional units could be subject to change.

Students who aspire to go on to university or for higher level Apprenticeships. It is also suitable for students who want to learn about different business-related careers or start their own business.

 We require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grades 9 - 5 (formerly A* - C) including English and Maths.

You will be taught by a mixture of lectures, seminars, directed study, case studies and practical IT sessions and will have access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You will be assessed via internal assignments, externally controlled assessments and external examinations.  

You will receive an overall grade for the qualification at either triple: Pass, Merit or Distinction.

You will participate in a work experience placement that is relevant to your studies as part of this course. Bournemouth and Poole College will support and help find placement employers but you are encouraged to seek your own placement employer.

You could progress to Higher Education for a Degree or HND or to employment in Marketing, Finance or Administration, for example. There are also opportunities for students to progress to Apprenticeships in a relevant business sector.

Bournemouth and Poole College is affiliated with many professional bodies in the area of Business, Finance and Administration. The skills and knowledge you will develop on this course are designed to meet the current demands of industry and commerce, and you will find that many of the skills are transferable and will have currency in a wide range of careers from Retail to Finance, Marketing, Events Management, Sales and Customer Service roles.

The suite of Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) Business Level 3 Diploma is valued by employers and can lead to careers in Business specialisms such as Finance, Human Resources, Management or Marketing as well as other Business-related careers.


You may also progress within employment to professional qualifications such as The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Accountancy and Public Relations.