BTEC L3 Business Studies - KS5

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Students at SJB study Business to improve their commecial awareness, enhance their strategic thinking and develop a greater understanding of the global business environment and how to influence it

Get hands-on with the world of business through the Level 3 BTEC Extended Certificate—learn by doing with real-world projects in marketing, finance, and enterprise. This course is ideal if you prefer coursework over exams and want a practical route to university, apprenticeships, or a career in business.

Exam Board: Pearson

Qualification: BTEC L3 National Extended Certificate in Business

BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Business specificationBusiness and Economics Curriculum map

BTEC Business is a great alternative to A Level Business for those who would like a coursework element to their studies. 

In Year 12 and Year 13 students complete one internally and one externally assessed unit. 

What Will You Study?

On the BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Business, you'll explore how real businesses operate and succeed. The course covers key areas such as:

  • Marketing – understanding how businesses promote products and attract customers.
  • Finance – learning how to manage budgets, calculate profit, and make financial decisions.
  • Business Operations – exploring how businesses are structured and how they function day-to-day.
  • Personal and Business Development – building skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

You’ll apply your learning to real-world scenarios through coursework, case studies, and exams, preparing you for further study or a career in business.

In Year 12 students will study:

  • Unit 1: Exploring Business (internally assessed)
    Understand how different types of businesses operate, their aims, and how external factors influence success.

  • Unit 2: Developing a Marketing Campaign (externally assessed)
    Learn how to plan and pitch a marketing campaign, using real-world strategies to attract and retain customers.

In Year 13 students will study:

  • Unit 3: Personal and Business Finance (externally assessed)
    Gain essential financial skills, including budgeting, managing money, and understanding business accounts.

  • Unit 8: Recruitment and Selection Process (internally assessed)
    Discover how businesses recruit staff, and take part in practical activities like job applications and interviews.

Assessment is a mix of coursework and external exams:
  • Unit 1 and Unit 8 are assessed through internally marked coursework, where you'll complete assignments based on real business scenarios.
  • Unit 2 and Unit 3 are externally assessed. Unit 2 involves a controlled assessment where you respond to a business scenario, and Unit 3 is a written exam covering personal and business finance.

This combination helps you develop practical skills while preparing for formal assessments.

Throughout the course, you’ll build a wide range of valuable skills, including:
  • Analytical thinking – evaluating business strategies and financial decisions.
  • Communication – presenting ideas clearly in writing and verbally.
  • Teamwork and collaboration – working with others on projects and campaigns.
  • Problem-solving – tackling business challenges creatively and effectively.
  • Professionalism – gaining experience in recruitment processes and workplace expectations.

These skills are highly transferable and valued by employers and universities.

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Business opens up a variety of pathways:
  • University or Higher Education – study business, marketing, finance, or related subjects.
  • Apprenticeships – in areas like business administration, digital marketing, or accounting.
  • Employment – entry-level roles in retail, finance, HR, or customer service.

It’s a flexible qualification that supports a wide range of future careers in the business world.

For students to be successful in BTEC Business they must be interested in the subject, organised and 

Entry Requirments:  

  • A pass in GCSE English and Maths to enable you to come to SJB sixth form
  • It is desirable to have studied Business previously but not necessary.
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