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Level 3 BTEC Business Course in Saint Helens for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyMultiple awarding bodies

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

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About this course

Free Level 3 Business Course in Saint Helens. Classes run at Cowley International College. You'll study entrepreneurship, marketing, financial performance, human resources, and how global forces shape business strategy. The course takes two years full-time, with all assessment through three exams at the end of year two. Entry requires a minimum of five GCSEs graded 4 to 9, including GCSE Mathematics and English Language, plus a college interview. A strong level 3 business qualification that opens doors to university, apprenticeships, or employment across sectors from retail management to digital marketing.

Who this course is for

By learning about business, you might unlock the entrepreneur inside you as you develop your management, analytical and strategic skills. Studying Business can really give you a sense of direction for your future career, broadening your horizons. There are endless opportunities out there for you from retail management to digital marketing and forensic accountancy to project management. You will learn how the business world works as you develop a good understanding of entrepreneurship and leadership, marketing, financial performance, managing human resources, resource management alongside considering the impact of external influences, competition, change and globalisation on decision making and strategy.

Entry requirements

To study at Cowley Sixth Form College, you must have achieved a minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent, graded 9 – 4, across four separate subjects, including GCSE Mathematics and English Language.

In addition, a positive college interview is required.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore entrepreneurship and what it takes to start and grow a business.
  • You'll analyse marketing strategies and how businesses reach their customers.
  • You'll examine financial performance, including how businesses measure and manage money.
  • You'll study human resources and how organisations manage people.
  • You'll investigate the impact of globalisation, competition, and external change on business decisions.
  • You'll develop analytical and strategic thinking skills applied to real business scenarios.
  • You'll consider leadership and management approaches across different types of organisations.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom over two years, covering business topics through lessons, discussion, and analysis. Assessment is entirely exam-based. Three written examinations at the end of year two determine your final grade. There is no coursework component.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cowley International College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Marketing assistant: supports campaigns and brand activity
  • Business administrator: coordinates operations across organisations
  • Retail manager: oversees sales teams and store performance
  • Project coordinator: helps plan and deliver business projects
  • HR assistant: supports recruitment and people management
  • Digital marketing executive: manages online content and advertising
  • Account manager: handles client relationships and business development

What you could study next

  • Degree in Business Management or Business Administration: the natural next step after A-level Business, covering strategy, finance, and operations in depth.
  • Degree in Marketing: builds directly on the marketing units in this course.
  • Degree Apprenticeship in Business or Management: combines university study with paid employment.
  • CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice: for those drawn toward HR and people management.
Apply on cowleysixthform.org.uk →
Apply now →

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