About the course

This course offers the potential opportunity to progress to employment in a wide range of job roles across the business sector and digital industries – for example in roles such as business administrator, finance assistant, HR assistant and marketing assistant and a lot more.

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs grades 4 and above – to include 4 maths and a minimum 3 in English 

How much does it cost?

Free to those aged 16-18. If you are aged 19+ you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

There is a range of financial support that you may be entitled to, including: Learner Support funds, grants and bursaries and employer support.

£100 per year to cover cost of educational visits, guest seakers and workshops, plus your own equipment and textbook.

Who is it suitable for?

For those who wish to make a career in business and who have a real desire to learn and develop the ability to the solve the challenges that any type of business presents.

Why study?

The Extended Certificate is for learners who are interested in learning about the business sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in business-related subjects. 

It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels. 

Unit  1 Exploring Business will provide learners with the opportunity to gain broad knowledge and understanding of, and develop skills in, the business sector. Unit 2 and 3 will develop knowledge and skills in finance and marketing. 

‘Business’ units – These units have an emphasis on ‘fundamentals of business’ to create/develop skills and knowledge within the broadest sense of the business environment.  

‘Developmental’ units – These units focus on ‘mini-projects’ within the context of retail, promotion and selling products.

Alongside this you will also be studying to re-sit your GCSE English

Learners could visit business related shows and exhibitions.

Where will this course take me?

Many students apply for university degree courses choosing to study Business & Marketing, Business & Finance or International Business. Students can also progress to an apprenticeship. Alternatively students enter employment in such areas as business management, marketing, finance and business law.

Possible job roles this course could lead to:

• Business administrator 
• Finance assistant 
• HR assistant 
• Marketing assistant 
• Retail assistant

Core modules

1: Exploring Business

2:  Developing a Marketing Campaign(Externally assessed)

3: Personal and Business Finance(Externally assessed)

Optional modules

Unit 8: Recruitment and Selection Process

14: Investigating Customer Service

How will I be assessed?

4 units of which 3 are mandatory and 2 are external

Mandatory content (83%)

External assessment (58%)

Will I have to provide anything?

Recommended course text as per your interview, enrolment information to follow.

£100 to cover consumables