Business Studies Level 3 

Qualifications 

Exam board: OCR Cambridge Technical  

Ctec 

Entry Requirements 

GCSE Grade 4 + in English and Maths

Skills required 

Business Studies is a two-year course with external examinations and internal assignments spread across the two years. To be a successful Business Studies student you will need good communication skills – speaking and listening - and good reading, writing and ICT skills. You need to be a strong independent enquirer and creative thinker to explore topics and solve problems. You also need to be a reflective learner, looking back at your own work and identifying ways to improve, as well as an effective self-manager and participator to manage workload, deadlines and work effectively as part of a team. 

About the course 

Businesses operate in an environment which is dynamic, competitive, uncertain and frequently hostile. They need to constantly adapt to changes in their internal and external environments in order to be successful, anticipating the actions of competitors, reacting to economic or political changes or making use of new technologies. Throughout this course you will develop an understanding of how and why businesses operate in the way they do. You will look at a range of diverse types of business and business structures and explore how the ownership of a business and its objectives are interrelated. You will learn about the importance of different functions within a business and how they work together; understand the legal, financial, ethical and resource constraints under which a business must operate and how these can affect business behaviour; explore ways in which businesses respond to changes in their economic, social and technological environment, and the need for a business to plan; appreciate the influence different stakeholders can have on a business, and learn how to assess business performance. 

Student testimony 

"I really enjoyed the Business Course. It's really practical and independent. I've been able to use what I learnt in starting up my own business now" Ex-student

"The teacher is really helpful. The way the course s set out helps you to stay on track. " Year 13 student

Career paths 

Whether you aspire to be a business professional, manager, charity worker or entrepreneur, understanding the business environment is key to ensuring that the business in which you work reaches its full potential. The business course develops the transferable skills needed for working in a business environment. Careers can be pursued in Sales and Marketing, Finance and Accounting, Research and Development and Human Resources. You will also build up the skills to start your own business and become an entrepreneur.  

Course outline/assessment 

Unit Number 

Unit Title 

GLH 

Assessment 

1 

The Business Environment 

120 

Exam 

2 

Working in Business 

60 

Exam 

4 

Customers and Communication 

60 

Assignment 

5 

Marketing and Market Research 

60 

Assignment 

8 

Introduction to Human Resources 

60 

Assignment