Level 2 Certificate in Business

The BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Business is a qualification which provides learners with a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the diverse elements of the business world. In whatever career direction you choose to follow there will be elements of business whether this be in private, public or not-for-profit sectors. You will learn about the theoretical concepts and professional practice used across industry as a whole. All Level 2 Extended Certificates are work-related qualifications designed to offer you a choice of routes into Level 3 programmes and employment, and you will be graded with either a pass, merit or distinction grade for each unit of study.

You will attend College full-time for one year and your timetable will include independent study time to help you to complete the work set in class. You will also need to work in your own time in order to achieve the higher merit/distinction grades.

You will study GCSE English and Maths if you have not yet achieved these vital qualifications - the skills that are essential to progress in a business environment, either to the next level of study or in employment. This will also help you to complete your assessed coursework.

You will continue to improve your English and/or maths skills in structured lessons alongside your course, and if you plan to progress to a Level 3 course you will need to demonstrate a satisfactory level of improvement in English and/or maths by the end of the year.

Course Outline

In the course you will study 3 Core Units and 8 Specialist Units. The course units offer an Introduction to essential business knowledge namely Marketing, Finance and Enterprise in the Business World. The specialist units are varied and will equip you with a broad and diverse experience.

Units include:

• Enterprise
• Finance for Business
• Promoting a Brand
• Principles of Marketing

Specialist Modules may include:

• Principles of Customer Service
• Financial Planning & Forecasting
• Recruitment, Selection and Employment
• Building Successful Business Teams
• Business Online
• Enhancing the Customer Experience
• Visual Merchandising in Retail Business

This course develops technical and employability skills such as making presentations, working in groups and working individually. You will develop research skills, become a more independent learner and gain knowledge and understanding which will enable you to meet all kinds of challenges in your future career.

You will need 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above to include Maths &/or English or alternatively you may have completed a related Level 1 course to Merit grade plus Maths &/or English at a minimum grade 3. However, if you have a keen interest in the subject and commitment to succeed, your entry requirements will be discussed at interview.

17% external assessment (two exams) and 83% internal assessment by coursework. You are continuously assessed throughout the course. For each unit national standards are laid down, in which you have to show you are competent. Your tutors ensure that you are given opportunities to do this through projects, assignments, case studies and problem-solving situations. Two of the units are externally assessed by an exam in January with a retake opportunity available in June.

The course is about the practical development of business knowledge and skills. You learn, and are assessed, by doing. To help you there is a course team of friendly, approachable tutors committed to your success who will encourage you to use the College's extensive resources including computer facilities, library, private study areas and Careers & Counselling service.

If you wish to find out more you can contact Tracy Thomas, Curriculum Leader in Level 2 Business, by emailing: tracy.thomas@nscg.ac.uk

Upon successful completion of the course you will gain a widely recognised Level 2 qualification, the Level 2 Extended Certificate in Business. A Merit or Distinction grade may allow you to progress onto Level 3 qualifications, an apprenticeship or employment.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18. If you are outside this age group, please contact Charlotte Robertson on 01782 254141 or email charlotte.robertson@nscg.ac.uk.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £26,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance