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Business Diploma

Business A-Level The Bedford Sixth Form

Qualification: Level 3 Diploma

This course consists of a variety of modules which encompass all the different factors needed when studying business. The diversity of the units is something which appeals to our students as it captures their interest, moving at a fast pace to engage and inspire.

This course is equivalent to two A-Levels and so counts as 2 of your potential options. You would need to study this course alongside one A-Level course.

During the course there will be opportunities to attend guest talks from industry experts as well as take part in competitions and help businesses change through educational trips and visits.

Over the two years, 10 individual units must be completed. They are divided into year 1 and 2 and can be either coursework or exam based.

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Year one course content

  • The business environment (exam)
  • Working in business (exam)
  • Business decisions (exam)
  • Customers and communication
  • Marketing and market research

*Course content subject to change

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Year two course content

  • Marketing strategy
  • Marketing campaigns
  • Change management (exam)
  • Project management
  • Delivering a business project

*Course content subject to change

Additional information

What does this course prepare me for?

It will provide you with the opportunity to develop the core specialist knowledge, skills and understanding required in the business sector.

You will gain a number of transferable skills, including communication, presentation, ICT and numerical skills as well as the ability to work as part of a team.

Students who have been successful in their Diploma and their complementary A-Levels have gone on to universities such as Aston, Brunel, Birmingham City, Sheffield Hallam, Nottingham Trent and many more. You can check which universities accept this qualification by looking at their individual websites (you should look for the grades Distinction or Distinction*).

Course support and enrichment

During the course there will be opportunities to attend guest talks from industry experts such as the Chartered Institute of Insurance as well as take part in competitions with global brands like Subway and help businesses change through educational trips and visits.

Assessment

This course is assessed through a combination of external assessments (exams) and internal assessments (coursework) which will be assessed by your tutor and externally moderated.

If you are a hard-working, independent and self-motivated learner who enjoys research and producing pieces of work to a high standard, this course will suit you.

Year one assessment

The business environment – written exam (2 hours) multiple choice questions, short answer questions based on pre-released information and a case study section with varied questions.

Working in business – written exam (1 hour 30 mins) a series of short answer and case study questions with an emphasis on skills and actions.

Business decisions – written exam (1 hour 30 mins) a series of questions based on pre-released information.

The remainder of assessment in Year One (2 units) are internal and will be work set by teachers and moderated by OCR.

Year two assessment

Change management – written exam (1 hour 30 mins) a series of questions based on a resource booklet given in the exam.

The remainder of assessments in Year Two (4 units) are internal and will be work set by teachers and moderated by OCR.

Entry requirements

Some of our subjects are subject to standard entry requirement and some have additional requirements. Please see below:

Subject specific entry requirements

  • 5 in Maths

Standard entry requirements

  • At least five GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language and Maths (one Vocational or Technical qualification at Merit or above may be counted)

AND

  • At least grade 4 (or Merit for Vocational or Technical qualifications) in any subject(s) that you have taken at GCSE and wish to continue studying at Level 3

AND

  • Average GCSE (best 8) of at least 4 (38 on the old points table)

AND

  • Grade 4 (or Merit), at least, in any subject previously studied
  • Students will take either 3 A-Level subjects or 1 Diploma subject with 1 A-Level
September 2025

Apply Now

Applications to join us in September 2025 are now open!

Apply now