BTEC First Certificate In Business

BTEC First qualifications are designed for use in colleges, schools and the workplace as introductory courses 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 Diploma, a Level 3 course 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.

You need:

• 4 GCSE’s at grade 3 or above but must include GCSE Maths or GCSE English Langiuage at Grade 4 or above.  The other GCSE’s must be grade 3

A vocational qualification would be considered but should be accompanied by GCSE English Language or GCSE Maths graded at 4 or above.

Other BTEC Level 2 qualifications are available, based on your qualifications.

• Principles of Marketing
• Finance for business
• Enterprise in the Business World
• Recruitment, Selection and Employment
• Principles of Customer Service
• Building Successful Business Teams
• Public Sector Business
• Sustainability in the Business Workplace
• Student can also retake Maths or English but must already have a grade 4 in either Maths or English
• Work placement

This course will be delivered on-site at the Roundhouse campus.

Your learning will involve a variety of assessment methods:

• Assignments – You will complete written assignments, posters, leaflets, case studies and practical tasks. These help you apply what you’ve learned to real business examples.
• Presentations, podcasts – You will practise communicating ideas clearly — a valuable business skill.
• Externally assessed exams – Two of the mandatory units, such as Finance for Business and Principles of Marketing, include externally assessed tests or onscreen exams.  Finance, for example, is assessed via a Pearson‑set examination.
• Work‑related projects – These allow you to explore business scenarios, such as designing a product, planning an enterprise idea, or analysing marketing strategies.

Basic Learning Equipment

• Pen, pencils and highlighters
• Notebook or folder for class notes
• A4 paper for written tasks
• Headphones for research or digital lessons
• A calculator (especially useful for the Finance for Business unit)

Digital Access -Much of the BTEC Business work involves research, assignments and presentations. You will need:

• A laptop or access to a computer
• Microsoft 365 tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams)
• Internet access for research and coursework submission

Professional Attitude & Preparedness

• Because BTEC Business is vocational and work‑related, you should bring:
• Willingness to take part in group work
• Readiness to present ideas
• Ability to meet deadlines
• An organised mindset (BTECs require ongoing coursework)

The Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Business includes two externally-assessed units (Marketing and 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. 

Further Study

The BTEC Level 2 First Certificate provides the knowledge, skills and understanding for Level 2 learners to progress to: 

• Level 3 Business qualifications
• 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, or the Pearson BTEC NVQ Level 3 in either Business Administration or Management, or their corresponding apprenticeships
• 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
• Junior business support roles
• Hospitality or sales roles

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk