Start: September 2026
Duration: 1 Year
Code: EC2BUPF1KN

Course Overview

The Business Extended Certificate provides an excellent introduction to the world of business and is ideal if you are interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, retail, or management. Through a combination of practical projects, coursework, and industry engagement, you will develop a broad understanding of how successful businesses operate and compete.

Based at Knightstone Campus, you will study in dedicated business classrooms and professional learning environments, including our business suite and boardroom facilities. You will be taught by experienced lecturers who bring industry knowledge and real-world business experience into the classroom.

This course has been designed to develop both your business knowledge and employability skills. You will explore how organisations make decisions, market products, manage finances, and build successful brands while developing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills valued by employers.

As part of Weston College's Business Career Excellence Hub, you will have access to guest speakers, employer networking opportunities, recruitment events, and industry visits, helping you gain valuable insight into a wide range of business careers.

What will I study?

The course is made up of a variety of units that allow you to explore different aspects of business and develop practical workplace skills.

Topics include:

• Finance and budgeting • Marketing and promotion • Retail and customer service • Starting and running a business • Branding and business identity • Managing teams and leadership • Business communication • Enterprise and entrepreneurship • Customer behaviour • Business planning

As part of the Enterprise Challenge, you will receive funding to create and run your own business. Working individually or as part of a team, you will design products, market your business, manage finances, and sell to real customers.

You will also benefit from support and mentoring from local business professionals, helping you develop commercial awareness and entrepreneurial skills.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment includes a combination of:

• Two externally assessed examinations • Coursework assignments • Business projects • Presentations • Research activities • Enterprise-based challenges

Approximately 60% of the qualification is assessed through coursework, making it ideal for students who enjoy practical and project-based learning.

Additional Information

Throughout your course, you will benefit from:

• Membership of Weston College's Business Career Excellence Hub • Access to dedicated business classrooms and facilities • Employer networking and recruitment opportunities • Guest lectures from local and national businesses • Enterprise and entrepreneurship projects • Career planning and progression support • Industry visits and educational trips

Trips and enrichment activities are planned throughout the year and may include:

• New York residential visits • London business and finance visits • Thatcher's visitor experience • NatWest business workshops • Thorpe Park educational visits • Winter Wonderland visits • Mendip Activity Centre team-building activities

International and residential trips may also be available, subject to demand and availability.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9–2, including at least two GCSEs at Grade 4 or above

OR

• A relevant Level 1 qualification

You should also:

• Have an interest in business and entrepreneurship • Be willing to participate in enterprise activities and business projects • Be interested in future careers within the business sector

What can I do after this course?

This qualification provides an excellent stepping stone to higher-level business programmes.

You could progress to:

• Business BTEC Extended Diploma • T Level Management and Administration • Other Level 3 business-related qualifications • Business apprenticeships

You may also choose to move directly into employment in areas such as:

• Retail • Customer service • Sales support • Administration • Hospitality management

Future career pathways could include:

• Retail Supervisor • Sales Assistant • Customer Service Adviser • Business Administrator • Marketing Assistant • Recruitment Administrator • Office Assistant • Events Assistant • Entrepreneur or Small Business Owner

The course provides a strong foundation for a wide variety of careers across the business sector.

What do I do now?

Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.

Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event.

Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.

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