The Extended Certificate in Business is for learners who are interested in learning about the Business sector with a view to progressing to Higher Education, industry or an apprenticeship.
Equivalent in size to one 'A' Level.
The BTEC Extended Certificate course is designed to be taken over one year, however after completing this programme, learners can move on to the second year of the BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA if they achieve a MERIT overall.
Four units are studied in total over a period of one year. Two units are assessed by external exams and two are internally assessed pieces of coursework. This range of vocational assessments means you will be able to showcase your learning and skills to the best effect when you take your next step, whether that is supporting application to higher education courses or to potential employers.
The Extended Certificate in Business also provides opportunities for learners to gain an understanding of the different job roles in various business sectors and acquire highly relevant transferable skills. Learners also benefit from opportunities for deeper learning where they can make connections among units and select areas of interest for detailed study.
What makes Business at HRC special?
BTEC Business learners:
- have practical experience from real world assignments
- take responsibility for their own learning
- develop interpersonal and practical thinking skills
- have a strong core base of knowledge
- have real experience of effective teamwork
- learn how to work to a brief with set deadlines
- efficiently manage time to complete tasks and processes
What do our learners say about Level 3 BTEC?
"My personal tutor is a great teacher and has helped me out over the years with all my problems. I wouldn't change any of my teachers as they all help me to achieve high grades."
"My tutor is very helpful and assists me every time I need help; she helps me improve my work to the best of my ability."
"This college is very good and I am enjoying my course as I am achieving good grades which is going to benefit me."
"The college as a whole is calm and quiet; people mind their own business and are here to achieve their goals and to set up their future."
Career Destinations
We are proud that our students go on to careers including:
- Marketing Executive
- Retail Manager
- Personal Assistant
- Office Manager
- Estate Agent
- Retail Management
- Project Co-ordinator
- Human Resources Officer
- Company Secretary
What can I do next?
- Progress to Higher Education at HRC to a Foundation Degree in Business or a related subject
- Progress to a Degree course in Business or another subject
- Employment in the Business sector
- Progress to an apprenticeship
What will I be doing?
Over the course of the year you will study four different units. The four mandatory units are:
- Exploring Business
- Developing a Marketing Campaign
- Personal and Business Finance
- Recruitment and Selection Process
Added Extras
- Course related visits and trips
- Guest speakers from the world of business
- Participation in charity and fundraising events within the college
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is continuous throughout the course. You will be assessed on different assignments, tasks and written exams.
Entry requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSE's including a minimum of Grade 3 maths and Grade 4 English (language or literature)
or
Successful completion of a Level 2 Business qualification with an overall grade of Merit or above, plus a minimum of GCSE maths grade 3 and English (language or literature) at Grade 4 or above.
Learners taking this course will have the opportunity to study GCSE maths and resit in November or June.
This qualification does not expect students to have prior business knowledge.
You will be required to come to college with an attitude that reflects your aspiration to develop and maintain a professional approach to your studies and improve your employability skills.
If you would like help understanding our entry requirements, give our Information Team a call on 01992 411411.
What do I need to bring?
You will need a selection of note-taking items including a text book, memory stick, folder, paper and pens
If you think you would benefit from financial support we have bursary options available for those who meet the criteria. Please note, this funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability at the time of application.
If you would like financial support please contact our Information Team on 01992 411411 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Fee Information
Free to Home students under 19 on 31 August 2023.
If you are a Home student aged 19 or over on 31 August 2023, you may be liable to pay approximately £2,500 tuition fee for a Level 2 qualification and approximately £5,000 for a Level 3 qualification (these were the tuition fees for 2022/2023 and could be subject to change for 2023/2024).
If you are aged 19-23 you may also be entitled to free tuition if the course you choose is on a government-approved list and the qualification is your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
If you are aged over 24 and you have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification you may be entitled to free tuition if the qualification is listed on the Government Free courses for jobs list. Similarly, if you already hold a Level 3 qualification (or above) and meet the Adult Education Budgets definition of unemployed or are in receipt of low wage, you may also be entitled to free tuition.
You may also be required to pay an administration fee, exam fees, kit fee and an Awarding Body Registration fee if applicable.
For these costs please contact our Information Centre on 01992 411411 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
These fees are indicative of the 2022-23 costs and may be subject to change
Additional Costs
You may also be required to pay a materials fee of approximately £50.
Further Information
Free to Home students under 19 on 31st August 2023.
If you are a Home student aged 19 or over on the 31st August 2023, you may be liable to pay approximately £2,500 tuition fee for a Level 2 qualification and approximately £5,000 for a Level 3 qualification (these were the tuition fees for 2022/2023 and could be subject to change for 2023/2024).
If you are aged 19-23 you may also be entitled to free tuition if the course you choose is on a government-approved list and the qualification is your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
If you are aged over 24 and you have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification you may be entitled to free tuition if the qualification is listed on the Government Free courses for jobs list. Similarly, if you already hold a Level 3 qualification (or above) and meet the Adult Education Budgets definition of unemployed or are in receipt of low wage, you may also be entitled to free tuition.
You may also be required to pay an administration fee, exam fees, kit fee and an Awarding Body Registration fee if applicable.
