Extended Diploma and Diploma in Business
BTEC National Certificate in Business
The BTEC National Certificate is a practical, career-focused qualification that develops real business skills alongside your other sixth form studies. Equivalent to one A Level, it is widely recognised by universities and employers and pairs well with A Levels or other Level 3 qualifications.
Why study the BTEC National Certificate in Business?
This qualification gives you a solid grounding in how businesses operate in the real world. You will be assessed through a combination of coursework assignments and external examinations, allowing you to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a variety of ways.
You will explore topics including the business environment, finance, marketing, and people management. The Certificate is designed to complement your other subjects, broadening your skillset and strengthening your university or employment application.
What are the entry requirements?
To study the BTEC National Certificate in Business, students must have achieved:
- Five pass grades at GCSE (grades 9–4), including GCSE English Language or Literature and GCSE Mathematics.
- Students who have studied the BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise must have achieved a minimum of Merit to meet the entry requirements for this course.
Where the course is oversubscribed, places will be allocated using the following criteria, in order:
- BTEC Enterprise with a Distinction*
- BTEC Enterprise with a Distinction
- BTEC Enterprise with a Merit
- GCSE English grade 5 or above
- GCSE Maths grade 5 or above
- Average GCSE points score (used as a tiebreaker)
BTEC National Diploma in Business
The BTEC National Diploma is a practical, career-focused qualification designed for students who want to develop substantial business knowledge alongside one other A Level or equivalent qualification. Equivalent to two A Levels, it is widely recognised by universities and employers and can lead to degree-level study, higher apprenticeships, or direct employment.
Why study the BTEC National Diploma in Business?
This qualification gives you a broad and applied understanding of how businesses operate in the real world. You will be assessed through a combination of coursework assignments and external examinations, allowing you to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a variety of ways.
You will study topics including business environments, financial planning, marketing, human resources, and business decision making. The Diploma develops your ability to analyse real business situations, work independently, manage deadlines, and present your ideas professionally. Typically studied alongside one A Level, it gives you both breadth and depth across your sixth form programme.
What are the entry requirements?
To study the BTEC National Diploma in Business, students must have achieved:
- Five pass grades at GCSE (grades 9–4), including GCSE English Language or Literature and GCSE Mathematics.
- Students who have studied the BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise must have achieved a minimum of Merit to meet the entry requirements for this course.
Where the course is oversubscribed, places will be allocated using the following criteria, in order:
- BTEC Enterprise with a Distinction*
- BTEC Enterprise with a Distinction
- BTEC Enterprise with a Merit
- GCSE English grade 5 or above
- GCSE Maths grade 5 or above
- Average GCSE points score (used as a tiebreaker)
BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business
The BTEC National Extended Diploma is a practical, career-focused qualification designed for students who want to develop real business skills alongside their studies. Equivalent to three A Levels, it is widely recognised by universities and employers and can open doors to degree-level study, higher apprenticeships, or direct employment.
Why study the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business?
This qualification gives you a broad and applied understanding of how businesses operate in the real world. Rather than traditional exams alone, you will be assessed through a combination of coursework assignments and external examinations, allowing you to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a variety of ways.
You will study topics including business environments, financial planning, marketing, human resources, and business decision making. The qualification develops your ability to analyse real business situations, work independently, manage deadlines, and present your ideas professionally — all skills that are highly valued in higher education and the workplace.
Because the Extended Diploma is a full-time programme equivalent to three A Levels, it will make up your entire sixth form timetable, giving you the opportunity to develop real depth and expertise in business.
What are the entry requirements?
To study the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business, students must have achieved:
- Five pass grades at GCSE (grades 9–4), including GCSE English Language or Literature and GCSE Mathematics.
- Students who have studied the BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise must have achieved a minimum of Merit to meet the entry requirements for this course.
Where the course is oversubscribed, places will be allocated using the following criteria, in order:
- BTEC Enterprise with a Distinction*
- BTEC Enterprise with a Distinction
- BTEC Enterprise with a Merit
- GCSE English grade 5 or above
- GCSE Maths grade 5 or above
- Average GCSE points score (used as a tiebreaker)
