Level 3 Business Course in Newcastle upon Tyne. Classes run at St. Mary's Catholic School, full-time during the day. The course is free for students enrolled in Y12, Y13, or Y14. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply. You'll need a Merit in Business or a Grade 4 in English Language or Literature to join. The course specialises in marketing, covering business fundamentals alongside market research, multi-channel campaigns, and marketing strategy. It takes two years to complete and is equivalent to two A levels.
Who this course is for
Over the 2-year programme students will specialise in Marketing and will secure an A-level equivalent qualification: Diploma in Business and Marketing (Equivalent to 2 A levels)
To develop this pathway, the exam board has drawn upon the expertise of organisations such as Alton Towers and BT to make sure students develop the skills required by those wishing to work in this dynamic area. By integrating both traditional and current marketing techniques and media, this pathway highlights the importance of market research in creating a marketing strategy that can be delivered through co-ordinated, multi-channel marketing campaigns.
The course is made up of 10 units that covers the fundamentals of Business but also a more in-depth and practical investigation of the marketing function. There are a variety of units and approaches to learning that make this course interesting and relevant to life today.
Entry requirements
Merit in Business or Grade 4 in English Language or Literature
What you will learn
You'll study the fundamentals of business across ten units
You'll explore marketing strategy, including how to plan and run multi-channel campaigns
You'll learn how to carry out market research and use the findings to inform decisions
You'll examine both traditional and digital marketing techniques and media
You'll build a portfolio of evidence across six internally assessed units
You'll prepare for four external exams, with up to two resits available per exam
How you will learn
Classes are classroom based and run full-time during the day. You'll be assessed through a mix of coursework and exams. Six of the ten units are assessed through portfolios of evidence, which are internally marked and externally moderated. The remaining four units are assessed through external exams. Grades range from Pass to Distinction*, with each combination carrying an A level equivalent grade.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. St. Mary's Catholic School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Marketing assistant - support campaigns and market research for a business
Business administrator - coordinate operations and communications across a team
Sales executive - manage client relationships and drive revenue for a company
Social media coordinator - plan and publish content across digital channels
Customer service team leader - oversee service delivery and handle escalations
Retail buyer - source products and manage supplier relationships
What you could study next
Degree in Business, Marketing, or Management - this qualification carries UCAS points equivalent to two A levels, making it a strong basis for university entry.
Level 4 or 5 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Business - a work-focused route into higher-level business or marketing roles without a full degree.
CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing - a professional marketing qualification recognised by employers across the sector.
