Business (Advanced) - Level 3
Overview
This Level 3 BTEC Foundation Diploma in Business is the perfect choice for any driven and passionate students who want to further their knowledge of business studies to pursue a career in business or entrepreneurship.
Ideal progression for students either coming direct from school or after progressing from a Level 2 business course such as the Level 2 BTEC First Extended Certificate in Business or GCSE Business.
It offers a fascinating insight into how the world of business works and allows you to gain skills and knowledge to help you function in a business environment. The course is equivalent to three A Levels and can help prepare you for careers in the following sectors: administration, sales, retail, finance, human resources or setting up your own business.
You will also be given the opportunity to visit businesses to see how they operate and the impact this has on business performance: giving you a real insight into real working business environments.
Visits to businesses and the opportunity to meet with key speakers to gain first-hand experience and industry knowledge are a vital part of our course.
In addition to your BTEC modules you will have the opportunity to participate in our Learning Companies. These are student enterprise companies, set up and run by you! Improve your problem solving and organisation skills with our event management company, The Eventors. Put your business knowledge and skills to the test in our business consultancy learning company, Strategic Solutions. Or, get stuck into producing merchandised goods with Visionize! These opportunities will help you gain the skills and experience to meet the needs of local and national employers.
Start dates and fees
| Start Date | Code | Annual Fee (Age) | Actions |
| 16-18 | over 19 |
| Sep 2025 | 4199A1362 | FREE | FREE* to £2573.00 | Apply |
* If you are aged 19-23 (as of 31 August 2025) and studying your first Level 3 course then that course may be free. Please contact us for more details. If you are aged 19 or over and either studying a second Level 3 course or qualifying Level 4, 5 or 6 course you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs.
What will I study?
- Exploring business
- Developing a marketing campaign
- Personal and business finance
- Managing an event
- Visual merchandising.
Entry requirements
- Five GCSEs at grade 4-9 including English Language and Maths.
If you are not studying a traditional GCSE programme, we accept alternative qualifications like Functional Skills and vocational courses. If you are not planning on sitting GCSE exams, we can also support you with completing an English Language and Maths assessment. Please contact our admissions team for further details:
Applicants aged over 19
If you don't meet the listed entry requirements, you may still be accepted with relevant experience, a strong portfolio, and a commitment to the subject.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
If you’re aged 16-18 (or 19-25 with an EHC Plan), we want to make sure you have the best possible chances of landing an awesome job once you finish college.
Therefore, if you do not have GCSE grade 4-9 in either English Language or Maths, you will study one or both of these courses alongside your full-time study programme. If you do have GCSE grade 4-9 in English Language and Maths then you will not be required to undertake these subjects. By doing so, you'll be building a stronger set of skills that will significantly boost your employability in the future.
Think of it as a chance to supercharge your knowledge and abilities. You'll be equipped with the tools necessary to tackle the world beyond college with confidence. Plus, we'll be right here to support you every step of the way.
How long is the course?
1-2 years.
- Year One – Foundation Diploma
- Year Two – Extended Diploma
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is undertaken throughout the course in the form of assignments, presentations and projects.
What can I progress onto?
*As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626 or discover more about this benefit here.