The BTEC Business Studies course is a good alternative to A-level and is ideal for students who prefer to complete modular assignments.
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School report and 3 GCSEs at 4+ or grade C or equivalent.
Age: 16
Start Date: September
Ideal For: Students who want a modular alternative to A-levels
Each assignment is graded and this mark counts towards the final result of Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction Star. At the end of year one, a guaranteed number of UCAS points will have been accrued. The modular approach means students can review their progress at each stage of the 1 or 2-year course. They do not rely solely on an end of course exam but build up their credits. The programme can also work alongside A-level for any students who wish to combine the two.
The Level 3 BTEC Business Studies Programme offers an alternative to A-level study. It is a modular-based course usually of 2-year duration. It is designed for students who may benefit from a more task-based, vocational approach to learning with business theories presented in case studies and real-life examples. The course relies on continuous assessment and, as such, is an attractive option for students who have found that they tend to under-perform in exam conditions.
The BTEC Business Studies programme provides a timetable of directed study, as well as supervised study periods and optional enrichment classes. Students study a number of core and further modules. The core modules cover essential business skills including areas such as principles of management, managing an event and international business. There is a wide range of further modules including investigating customer service, team building and market research. It is possible in some cases to combine BTEC units with A-level in order to meet university entrance requirements for programmes that are not business-related. Recent university offers have been for: Business Management, Criminology, Marketing, Psychology & Criminology, Supply Chain Management, and Graphic Design.
The BTEC approach affords tutors the opportunity of setting group task-based projects where learners are encouraged to work collaboratively. This approach is replicated by undergraduate courses at universities and a BTEC qualification is, therefore, an ideal preparation for progression to study at degree level.
BTEC enhances a student’s confidence and employability, as they learn to adapt to project work in groups, become familiar with presenting their findings back to the tutor alongside individual research via self-study. Indeed, universities report that BTEC students are particularly strong in team work, project work, practical skills, independent learning and presentations. Students take four externally assessed exams, alongside the assignments, across the two years, so they will gain exam skills; but unlike A-level their overall grade will not depend on exams alone.
Leading pathways from the BTEC Business Studies Course include: Economics, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Advertising, Accounting & Finance, International Business, Politics, Retail Management, Travel & Tourism and Hotel Management/ Hospitality. All students receive extensive counselling about which institution and course would be their best choice.
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