Business - Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Business is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment in the business sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to one and a half A Levels, and it has been designed as a one–year, full-time study programme.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-credit Foundation Diploma. Following successful completion of this qualification, and providing you have GCSE Maths and English at least at Grade 4, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma. Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels.

The learning programme covers the following mandatory content areas:

• business environments

• finance

• marketing

• international business

• management

To join this course, learners must have at least:

5 GCSEs grade 4 and above, including a 4 in Maths and English. You may be able to join if you have Maths Grade 3 and English Grade 4 OR English Grade 3 and Maths Grade 4.

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

Learners are assessed using a variety of styles to develop a broad range of transferable skills.

Learners will be given opportunities to:

write up the findings of your own research

• Use case studies to explore complex or unfamiliar situation
• Carry out employer-led projects
• demonstrate practical and technical skills using appropriate presentations and
• Role plays assignment
• Completion to specific brief
• External examinations

AGED 16 - 18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.

Please see here for the documents you need to show us.

Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

Following the completion of this course, learners may progress onto BTEC Extended Diploma in Business.   Learners may also decide to apply for a foundation degree, or enter employment.