Business Level 3 National Diploma

Program Overview

This two-year program provides a comprehensive foundation in business principles, including marketing, finance, management, and event planning. Through practical assignments, written exams, and a work placement, students develop essential skills for careers in various business sectors, such as marketing, finance, and human resources. The program also offers guaranteed admission to University College Birmingham for students achieving 56 UCAS points or higher.

Program Outline

Outline:

Year 1:

• Developing a marketing campaign: Students will learn the basics of marketing, including how to develop a marketing plan, create marketing materials, and conduct market research.
• Personal and business finance: Students will learn about personal finance, including budgeting, saving, and investing.
They will also learn about business finance, including financial statements, accounting, and financial analysis.
• Exploring business: Students will learn about the different types of businesses, including small businesses, large corporations, and non-profit organizations.
They will also learn about the different functions of a business, such as marketing, finance, human resources, and operations. They will also learn about the different types of recruitment methods, such as advertising, headhunting, and social media. They will also learn about the different types of events, such as conferences, trade shows, and festivals.
• Pitching for a new business: Students will learn how to pitch a new business idea to investors or potential customers.
They will learn about the different elements of a pitch, such as the problem, the solution, the market, and the financial projections.

Year 2:

• Principles of management: Students will learn about the different principles of management, such as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
They will also learn about the different management styles, such as autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire.
• Business decision making: Students will learn how to make sound business decisions using quantitative and qualitative data.
They will also learn about the different types of decision-making models, such as the rational model, the intuitive model, and the political model.
• Work experience in business: Students will complete a work placement in a business organization.
This will give them the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting.
• International business: Students will learn about the different aspects of international business, such as globalization, trade, and foreign direct investment.
They will also learn about the different challenges of doing business in a global market.
• Investigating retail business: Students will learn about the different aspects of retail business, such as merchandising, customer service, and supply chain management.
They will also learn about the different types of retail businesses, such as department stores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
• Employment law: Students will learn about the different aspects of employment law, such as contracts of employment, discrimination, and unfair dismissal.
They will also learn about the different rights and responsibilities of employees and employers.
• Training and development: Students will learn about the different aspects of training and development, such as needs analysis, curriculum development, and evaluation.
They will also learn about the different types of training and development programs, such as on-the-job training, classroom training, and e-learning.

Assessment:

• There is a strong element of practical assessment in the form of internal assignments and external tasks and written exams.
• Assessment and tasks include writing essays and reports, business research, debates and presentations.

Teaching:

• The teaching and assessment is underpinned by the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.

Careers:

• The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
• Marketing executive: Average salary: £26,500 – £30,500
• Advertising account executive: Average Salary: £35,000
• Finance officer: Average Salary: £29,250
• Accounting technician: Average Salary: £24,000
• Business adviser: Average Salary: £32,500
• IT support technician: Average salary: £19,000 – £29,000

Other:

• Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham.
• Students will also have an individual study programme to help them build the skills and experience they need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.