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BTEC First Award In BusinessApply Now »
Location: The RoundHouse
Years: 1
Interview: N
Course Summary
BTEC First qualifications were originally designed for use in colleges, schools and the workplace as an introductory course for learners who want to study in the context of a vocational sector.
The knowledge, understanding and skills gained in studying a BTEC First will aid progression to further study and prepare learners to enter the workplace. This qualification gives progression to the BTEC First Certificate in Business, BTEC Extended First Certificate in Business or an apprenticeship.
BTECs are vocationally-related qualifications, where learners develop knowledge and understanding by applying their learning and skills in a work-related context. They are popular and effective because they enable learners to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop skills that are essential for the modern-day workplace.
These skills include: teamworking; problem solving; working from a prescribed brief; working to deadlines; presenting information effectively; and accurately completing administrative tasks and processes. BTEC Firsts motivate learners and open doors to progression to further study and responsibility in the workplace.
Entry requirements
You need:
- GCSE English Language 2/E or above
- Three further GCSEs graded 2/E or above (Maths should be graded at least 2/E)
A vocational qualification would be considered but it should be accompanied by GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths graded at 2/E or above.
Other BTEC Level 2 qualifications are available, based on your qualifications.
Course Content
The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award:
- has mandatory and optional units
- has one unit that is externally assessed: Pearson sets and marks these assessments
- is graded based on Pass, Merit or Distinction
How will I be assessed?
The Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Award in Business includes one externally-assessed unit (Finance). This will help learners as they progress either into higher levels of vocational learning or to related academic qualifications.
The remaining units are internally assessed (assignments). Internal assessment allows learners to develop a wider range of skills and provides evidence towards meeting the unit assessment criteria. Evidence for assessment can be generated through a range of activities, including role play, practical performance and verbal presentations.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
There is an additional cost for the text book and exam revision guide (students are advised to purchase their own copy).
What can I do after this course?
Further Study
The BTEC Level 2 First Award provides the knowledge, skills and understanding for Level 2 learners to progress to:
- other Level 2 vocational qualifications and related competency-based qualifications for the business sector
- competency-based qualifications such as the Pearson BTEC NVQ Level 2 in either Business Administration or Team Leading
- employment within the business industry, for example entry level job roles within the sector.
Careers
These qualifications have a core of underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding, and lead to a range of career options to reflect the breadth of pathways within the business sector. Career progression includes:
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Marketing
- Sales
- Retail
- Recruitment and Selection
- Customer Service
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
Rufaro Hwindingwi
Rufaro’s enrolment day leads to a job and future in business
When teenager Rufaro Hwindingwi left school after her GCSEs, she was unsure which career was right for her. The teenager went to a Derby College enrolment day with an idea that business might be a good path to follow. Now she is studying Level 2 business and has a part-time job with award-winning Derby estate agents Hannells. She also has her sights set on Business at Level 3, before going on to university to a take a Business Management Degree and then a Masters.
But Rufaro, 17, explained that initially she planned to follow her mother into health and social care...but the subject was not her main passion. She liked the style and content of Derby College's module based Level 2 business course saying she prefers coursework to exam-based learning.
Rufaro said she has studied eight units, with areas including the techniques and purpose of branding and the value of brand recognition, as well as how to be professional online, on the phone and face-to-face. She has also learnt about managing cashflow, cashflow forecasts and how to analyse break even graphs and charts. As part of her studies, Rufaro had two weeks' work experience with Hannells Estate Agents through its Academy link with Derby College.
Hannells area sales manager Victoria Downing said: "Derby College's business course is designed to prepare students for the workplace. Rufaro really was outstanding. We were able to have a conversation about her working part-time with us, because we had an unfilled vacancy, and it's great to have her with us."
Derby College's Employer Academy programme aims to boost students' employability skills and job prospects as well as giving employers the opportunity to shape the college curriculum. It also reduces employers' costs for recruiting young people into job and apprenticeship roles after their College course.
I'm going to continue with Hannells and then go onto Level 3 in business at Derby College. That's my next step. Then I'm thinking of a Business Management degree at Birmingham City University or the University of Birmingham. I think Business Management may be a base for another course, maybe a Masters.
