This Business Programme enables students to explore and apply real life examples and situations within the context of a variety of well-known businesses, focusing on topics such as Finance, Marketing and Human Resources. Students will develop their IT, communication and team based skills through the topics. The course incorporates different types of assessment including coursework and examination. Students will develop their business knowledge and skills in preparation for further study or employment.

This is a two year course and is equivalent to one A Level.

Business Studies goes well with the majority of subjects, particularly:

  • Mathematics
  • English
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Media
  • Politics
  • Law

Business Studies can help students aquire the necessary skills to pursue higher education courses in Accountancy, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources and Banking or apply for Apprenticeships and Sponsored Degree Programmes and employment. 

A qualification in Business can help set students apart from other applicants, equip them with essential transferable skills and provide the commercial knowledge that will help prepare them for further study and future employment.

See what some of our former Business students have gone on to do.

This course covers the following units in each year:

Year 1

Exploring a Business

Developing a Marketing Campaign

Year 2

Personal and Business Finance

Recruitment and Selection

Course Specific Trips, Visits & Experiences

BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate Business students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of industry related experiences. In the last couple of years, these have included:

In addition to course specific experiences, students also have the opportunity to get involved in the College’s Activities Programme.

All students need to gain an experience of the work place during their time at College and for students studying vocational courses it should ideally be linked to one of their subject areas.

This BTEC course is assessed through a combination of two external exams and two internally assessed assignments. The course is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.

The exam board for this BTEC is Pearson BTEC.

All students need to have at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (and a satisfactory school reference) in order to be accepted on an A Level/BTEC Level 3 Programme. 

In addition, students should meet the following minimum GCSE requirements:

  • Grade 4 in a numerate subject such as Maths or Science and
  • Grade 4 in a literate subject such as English Language, English Literature or History

A Merit or above in BTEC Level 2 Business will also be considered.  

Students will:

  • Work independently
  • Give presentations and pitches
  • Do independent research 
  • Develop an understanding of how different companies work

Students should be interested in the world of Business, enjoy working with others and be able to communicate their own opinions both in writing and verbally. There is a significant financial element assessed through external examination; therefore an ability to calculate and interpret financial information is essential.

Do I need to have studied Business at GCSE?

No. You are not required to have a GCSE in Business to study it at Level 3 (either A Level or BTEC).

How many A Levels is the qualification equivalent to?

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate is equivalent to one A Level.

Will I have to take exams?

You will complete two external exams during your course.  The remaining two units of study are assignment based units which are assessed internally. There is an examination on Personal and Business Finance and an externally assessed coursework task which focuses on developing a Marketing Campaign.

How are the assignments assessed?

Students are taught the relevant content and are then given a timeframe to complete a particular assignment. The assignment is then marked by your teacher who will provide you with feedback within ten days of your submission deadline.

Do universities accept BTEC qualifications?

You are advised to check the UCAS website to check the specific requirements of specific university degree courses. You’ll find most universities, other than the very top ones, accept BTEC qualifications.

How to Apply

Applications for entry September 2024

Please apply (from 19 September 2023) via the link on this page: www.reigate.ac.uk/apply

Please see the Admissions timetable for information about the College’s enrolment process.

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