Level 3
Business, BTEC Extended Diploma
Level 3
Business, BTEC Extended Diploma
Develop the knowledge, confidence, and commercial awareness needed to succeed in today's business world. This career-focused qualification combines practical projects, industry experience, and real business challenges to prepare you for university, apprenticeships, or employment across a wide range of industries.
Course Overview
Equivalent to three A Levels, the BTEC Extended Diploma in Business provides an in-depth understanding of how organisations operate and succeed in today's competitive marketplace. This programme is ideal if you are interested in business, management, entrepreneurship, marketing, human resources, or finance and want to gain both practical experience and academic knowledge.
Based at Knightstone Campus, you will study in purpose-built business classrooms and professional learning environments, including our dedicated business suite and boardroom facilities. You will be taught by experienced lecturers with industry backgrounds who bring real-world business knowledge into the classroom.
The course combines theory with practical application, allowing you to explore how businesses make decisions, manage people, develop products, and respond to changing markets. Through a range of projects, case studies, and employer-led activities, you will develop the professional skills and commercial awareness employers and universities are looking for.
As part of Weston College's Business Career Excellence Hub, you will have access to employer engagement opportunities, guest speakers, networking events, and work experience placements. You will also take part in exciting enterprise activities, including running your own business venture and applying your learning in real-world scenarios.
What will I study?
You will study a broad range of business topics, developing both specialist knowledge and practical workplace skills.
Topics include:
• Exploring business
• Developing a marketing campaign
• Personal and business finance
• Managing businesses
• Business decision-making
• Recruitment and selection
• Training and development
• Events management
• Team building and leadership
• International business
• Digital business activities
• Customer service and business communication
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
As part of the Enterprise Challenge, you will receive funding to create and run your own business venture. Working as part of a team, you will develop products, manage budgets, market your business, and sell to real customers. You will also receive support and guidance from local business professionals and employers, helping you gain valuable insight into entrepreneurship and commercial decision-making.
How will I be assessed?
The qualification combines coursework, project work, and examinations.
Assessment includes:
• Four externally assessed examinations • Coursework assignments • Business projects and presentations • Employer-led activities • Work experience activities • Research and case study analysis
Approximately 60% of the qualification is assessed through coursework, with the remaining units assessed through external examinations.
Throughout the programme, you will develop and apply practical business skills through a variety of real-world projects and challenges.
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
• Membership of Weston College's Business Career Excellence Hub • Access to purpose-built business classrooms and facilities • Guest speakers from a range of industries • Employer networking and recruitment opportunities • Enterprise and entrepreneurship projects • Work experience placements • Industry visits and business tours • Career planning and university progression support
Learners typically attend college four days per week, with additional time available for work placements, English and maths support where required, and independent study.
Previous trips and enrichment activities have included:
• New York residential visit • London business and finance visits • Thatcher's Cider visitor experience • NatWest business workshops • Thorpe Park educational visits • Winter Wonderland • Mendip Activity Centre team-building activities
Residential and international trips are planned regularly, subject to demand and availability.
Entry Requirements
• A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9–4
OR
• A relevant Level 2 qualification
You must also have:
• English or maths at Grade 4 or above • An interest in business and commercial activities • A willingness to participate in enterprise projects and work experience
What can I do after this course?
Successful completion of this qualification can lead directly to university, higher apprenticeships, or employment.
You could progress to university-level study in areas such as:
• Business Management • Marketing • Human Resource Management • Accounting and Finance • International Business • Entrepreneurship • Events Management • Digital Business
You could also progress to University Centre Weston programmes including:
• BA (Hons) Business Management and Sustainability
Career opportunities include:
• Business Administrator • Marketing Executive • Recruitment Consultant • Human Resources Assistant • Events Coordinator • Sales Executive • Customer Relationship Manager • Business Development Executive • Operations Coordinator • Project Administrator • Retail Manager • Entrepreneur or Business Owner
The broad range of skills developed on this programme makes it an excellent foundation for careers across virtually every sector.
