Business Studies

Qualification

OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Certificate and Extended Certificate              

What does the course involve?

The certificate is an Applied General qualification – the Certificate in equivalent to an AS level and the Extended Certificate is equivalent to an A level.

The Level 3 course is assessed through both examined and internally assessed units. There is a focus on both theory and practical work to enable you to understand a range of businesses and work effectively in a business environment.

• The Business Environment
• Working in Business
• Business Decisions
• Customers and Communication
• Marketing and Market Research
• Accounting Concepts
• Principles of Project Management
• Responsible Business Practices
• Business Events

Students will learn about working in an organisation’s business function, such as finance, marketing, sales, legal, IT support, human resources, administration, logistics, and operations.  Practical business skills such as taking part in professional meetings, presenting and idea, building rapport in the professional environment and professional communication skills including body language, are also very important elements of the course. 

Teaching methods

A variety of methods are used including class room discussion, explanation, role play, individual and group work exercises, question and answer sessions, research, guest speakers and visits.

Requirements 

To study at Level 3, you will require 4 GCSEs at grade C (grade 4) or above, or a Level 2 Business or related qualification at Level 2, plus a desire to learn more about the business world and working in it.     

Assessment methods

Some units are externally assessed with an exam, other units are internally assessed through assignments and practical activities.  All students will need to do a combination of both internal and external assessment.  

Work based learning

A dedicated week of work experience helps the student understand more about business; further work experience can be arranged. The subjects covered involve following the business news and work issues.

Duration

One year (Certificate) or one/two years (Extended Certificate)

Where will it take me?

Many students go onto Higher Education to complete degrees with a business and/or management element. Recent degree courses by RNC alumni include Business andLaw, Business and Management, Business and Chinese, Event Management, Travel & Tourism and Business Management (HR).

Other students go directly into employment or self-employment. There are many potential employment fields, with progression pathways of former students often beginning at graduate trainee level and moving on to roles such as Finance Officer, Equalities and Diversity Manager, HR Assistant or HR Manager, and Director of own company.