National Foundation Diploma in Business – Level 3
You will gain a broad understanding of different areas of business on this course. It represents your first step towards a nationally recognised qualification at an advanced level, accelerating your career progress and opening doors to higher education opportunities.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
You will gain a broad understanding of different areas of business on this course. It represents your first step towards a nationally recognised qualification at an advanced level, accelerating your career progress and opening doors to higher education opportunities.
Entry Requirements
You will need to have at least five GCSEs, of which one must be English or Maths at a minimum of grade 4 or above. We can also discuss alternative Level 3 qualifications in Business.
Alternatively, a BTEC First Diploma/Extended First Diploma at Merit or Distinction grade will be accepted but this must be accompanied by grade 4 or above in both GCSE English and Maths. You may be required to undertake a full screening at the College to help us identify which level of study is most appropriate for you.
What will you learn?
You will study six units in Year 1 and a further seven units if you progress to Year 2. We can also discuss an alternative Level 3 route within this qualification (please speak to staff).
A range of units is covered that may include:
- Exploring Business
- Developing a Marketing Campaign
- Personal and Business Finance
- Managing an Event
- International Business
- Principles of Management
- Business Decision Making
- Recruitment and Selection
- Investigating Customer Services
- Employment Law
- Training and Development
- Market Research
- Investigating Corporate Social Responsibility
How will you learn?
This course will be taught on-site.
What will you need to bring with you?
Students are strongly advised to purchase a copy of the text book and exam revision books.
You may be required to make a contribution to the enrichment activities undertaken in support of the course delivery, including exciting trips to businesses.
How will you be assessed?
This Business BTEC is assessed through assignments, tasks and written exams. The assessment methods for assignments include presentations, posters, video blogs/presentations, observations and various research projects.
Where next?
The second year of this programme is the BTEC National Extended Diploma and that is the natural progression route, after which you could then advance to a Higher Education Business programme with Derby College Group by studying the Foundation Degree in Business and Management.
You could also consider going to university to gain a degree in Human Resource Management, Marketing, Law, Accountancy/Finance or Business Studies/Business Management, to name but a few subjects. Another option could be a Business, Customer Service or Team Leading apprenticeship. Derby College Group can help you find the right opportunity.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
This course could lead to one of these careers...
Importers and Exporters
£30274
Legal Associate Professionals
£31196
Protective Service Associate Professionals
£37725
Records Clerks and Assistants
£22980
Police Officers (Sergeant and Below)
£46087
Local Government Administrative Occupations
£23997
Leisure and Sports Managers and Proprietors
£32547
£0
Property, Housing and Estate Managers
£36268
Taxation Experts
£33232
£0
Human Resource Managers and Directors
£43975
Functional Managers and Directors
£49733
Production Managers and Directors in Manufacturing
£44450
£0
£0
Project Support Officers
£31583
£0
Other Administrative Occupations
£19423
£0
Marketing, Sales, and Advertising Directors
£80430
£0
Market and Street Traders and Assistants
£23605
Managers and Proprietors in Agriculture and Horticulture
£35757
Sales Administrators
£23972
Telephone Salespersons
£27879
Finance Officers
£25280
Debt, Rent and Other Cash Collectors
£23422
£0
Sales Related Occupations
£23560
£0
£0
Financial and Accounting Technicians
£41511
£0
Archivists, Conservators and Curators
£26979
£0
Applications for 2025 Full-Time School Leaver Courses are now CLOSED FOR PROCESSING*
If you’ve already applied for a full-time vocational or academic course, please check your InTouch account to view your application status and accept any outstanding offers. We may also be trying to contact you by phone, so keep an ear out for calls from the College — to ensure we are progressing your first-choice course area.
Haven’t applied yet?
Your next opportunity will be during our Clearing Enrolment sessions, starting Wednesday 27th August at 12pm. Please note that places will be limited and subject to course availability, entry requirements, and interviews. Find out more about Enrolment and Clearing Enrolment: Enrolment and Clearing Information 2025
Course Information Last Updated On: September 9, 2025 10:55 am
