Business, Economics & Marketing
Unlock your future in business, economics & marketing
Step into the world of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial success with our Business, Economics & Marketing courses at City of Portsmouth College. This isn’t just a classroom experience – it’s your launchpad into the real world of business. Imagine meeting and learning from highly successful influencers and top podcasters, gaining exclusive insights into the strategies behind viral marketing, social media success, and brand building, or debating economical policy. Through hands-on projects, real-world case studies, and networking with industry leaders, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to shape the future.
BUSINESS, ECONOMICS & MARKETING
Subject overview
What's on offer
The entrepreneurial spirit lives within all of us – it’s just whether we find the spark to ignite it. At City of Portsmouth College, our business, economics and marketing courses will help you light the flame of success so you can thrive in your chosen area of interest.
Whether it’s forecasting figures and analysing data, plotting your exciting new start-up or conjuring an advertising campaign, we’re here with a relevant and challenging curriculum to equip you with creative freedom alongside tried-and-tested knowledge and insight.
There’s a fantastic business career with your name on it.
Subject highlights
- take part in projects designed by top employers like JP Morgan, PWC and General Electric
- meet impressive guest speakers from organisations like Airbus, Google, Bank of England and IBM
- develop practical skills in working with AI, so you can succeed in tomorrow’s hybrid workplaces
- dive into real-world scenarios and applied case studies, working directly with businesses.

Course: A Level Business
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100022
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Course: A Level Economics
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100085
Course: Level 1 Pathway to Business
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P271884
Course: Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Accounts/Finance Assistant
- Course Type: Apprenticeships
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: One day a week
- Course Code: P271740
Course: Level 2 Technical Certificate in Business Administration and Marketing
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P271883
Course: Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in Assistant Accountant
- Course Type: Apprenticeships
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: One day a week
- Course Code: P237227
Course: Level 3 BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Business
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P163634
Course: Level 3 CTEC Certificate/Extended Certificate in Business
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100024
Course: Level 3 Extended Certificate in Marketing
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100047
Course: Level 3 T Level Management & Administration
- Course Type: T Levels
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P292969
Our facilities
At City of Portsmouth College, we want you to feel fully prepared for a career in business. So we give you access to all the tools and tech you need.
Key facilities include:
- a purpose built floor of Ayrton Tower at Highbury Campus, reflecting a modern and professional business environment
- high-specification IT suites with dual screen computers
- flexible learning areas and breakout spaces
- professional reception area for practicing workplace behaviours and customer-facing skills
- well-equipped teaching spaces with smart boards
Virtual tour
Take a closer look at our learning spaces and stand-out facilities with our interactive 360° virtual tour.
A great way to explore our facilities before booking a visit.
“My lecturer is really good at breaking down concepts to make them easier to understand. I'm learning outside of the class too as he sets us work before lessons so we get the chance to understand it ourselves first.”Dayane Wandji
Studying: A Level Economics
Careers within the business, economics and marketing industries
Business Development Manager
Business Development Managers work with customers and suppliers to help businesses grow.
Main responsibilities:
- Carry out research to find new customers
- Plan proposals and pricing to meet potential customers’ needs
- Sell new services and products to customers
- Write reports and deliver presentations
- Forecast sales and make sure targets are met
Salary range:
£26,000 - £64,000
Business Analyst
Business Analysts interpret all kinds of data, to help businesses make wise decisions.
Main responsibilities:
- Speak to managers and find out what the business needs
- Carry out research to explore possible actions
- Analyse data and suggest what the business should do
- Explain the possible costs, benefits and risks of change
- Work with staff to help them do things differently
Salary range:
£23,000 - £55,000
Financial Adviser
Financial Advisers help individuals and businesses with decisions about their money.
Main responsibilities:
- Discuss clients’ finances and future goals
- Explain investments, savings, pensions, mortgages or insurance products
- Research the latest financial products and laws
- Negotiate with the providers of financial products
- Produce reports and update clients about their finances
Salary range:
£23,000 - £60,000
Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers help businesses engage with customers online by creating content.
Main responsibilities:
- Develop strategies for online communications
- Create and deliver social media campaigns
- Produce content including blogs and video
- Respond to customers on social media channels
- Analyse campaign data and produce reports
Salary range:
£25,000 - £50,000
Advertising Account Executive
Advertising Account Executives look after client relationships and campaigns at ad agencies.
Main responsibilities:
- Meet with clients to discuss their plans
- Explain clients’ needs to the creative team
- Present marketing ideas to clients
- Analyse and report on campaign performance
- Manage budgets and negotiate costs with clients
Salary range:
£19,000 - £36,000
Let’s help you shape your future.
A new generation is ready to lead Britain’s future businesses
Almost 60 per cent of young people in the UK either own or want to set up their own business, according to the Generation Entrepreneur Report 2025. So it’s no surprise that the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation’s 2025 Young Entrepreneurs Awards received more than twice as many entries than in 2024. Winner Ayan Mohamed runs Digitech Oasis, which designs robots to assist with manual and logistical business operations, like picking products in warehouses.
Lecturer Spotlight
Marina Marmolejo
Marketing Lecturer
Creative. Fast-paced. Everywhere you look. That’s Marketing.
Marina Marmolejo shares why studying Marketing at City of Portsmouth College is anything but ordinary. You’ll explore the principles behind powerful brands, dive into market research and build real-world campaign and communications plans.
There are brilliant progression routes too, with students moving into top universities like Cardiff University and University of Manchester.
There’s even a trip to Disneyland Paris, exploring real marketing strategy (with time for the rides, of course).
Frequently asked questions
Our business courses are well suited to students who enjoy practical, applied learning rather than relying solely on examinations, and who are motivated by seeing how their studies connect to real workplaces. They are ideal for learners seeking clear progression into employment, apprenticeships or higher education, and for those who are organised, curious or creative, with an interest in how organisations operate and make decisions. These courses also support students who are developing their confidence and professional behaviours alongside gaining recognised qualifications. No previous experience of studying business is required; enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment to learning are far more important.
A Levels are more academic and exam-focused, ideal for those planning to go to university. Vocational courses like the National Extended Diploma offer a more hands-on, coursework-based approach, including work experience.
We offer a range of subjects including Business Studies, Economics, Marketing, Administration, and Travel & Tourism.
We have:
- experienced staff with industry and professional backgrounds
- strong links to employers and real business contexts and learning through real world projects
- clear progression routes from Level 2 through to T Levels and beyond
- focus on employability, professionalism and personal development
- supportive, inclusive environment that helps students thrive.
Yes. We have strong links with industry partners like the Bank of England, Airbus, Google, JP Morgan, and Taylor Wimpey. You’ll take part in workshops, real-world projects, and have access to guest speakers from top organisations.
Yes. Many of our business courses are assignment-based, focusing on coursework, through projects, presentations and real-world tasks. This allows you to demonstrate your understanding in different ways, not just through written exams.
The T Level includes exams, but these are supported through structured teaching, revision strategies and ongoing feedback.
You will develop:
- communication and presentation skills
- teamwork and leadership behaviours
- digital skills (documents, presentations, research and data handling)
- time management and organisation
- problem-solving and decision-making
- professional behaviours expected in the workplace.
These skills are transferable to almost any career.
We are committed to inclusive learning. Support includes:
- structured lessons with clear guidance and modelling
- one-to-one academic and pastoral support
- learning support for students with EHCPs or additional needs
- study skills, time-management and organisation support
- a supportive learning environment where questions are encouraged.
If you need support, we will work with you to put this in place.
You do not need specialist equipment. Access to a laptop or computer is helpful, but:
- College IT facilities are available; our business floor is fully equipped with dual screen monitors and breakout spaces for group work and independent study; there is also a study centre on campus
- financial support is available if access to technology is a barrier
- all required software and learning platforms are provided.
We ensure digital learning does not become a disadvantage.
Depending on your level, progression routes include:
- progression onto the next level of study
- employment in business administration, marketing, customer service or management
- apprenticeships in business, marketing, HR or leadership
- higher education in business, management, marketing, accounting or related subjects
- entrepreneurship or self-employment.
We support students with careers guidance, UCAS applications, apprenticeship pathways and employer engagement.
T Levels are widely recognised as the gold standard of vocational and technical education in England. T Levels are designed in partnership with employers to address real skills needs identified by Skills England. They combine in-depth technical study with a substantial industry placement, meaning you develop the knowledge, behaviours and experience employers are actively seeking. This makes T Levels highly respected but also demanding, as they reflect the pace and expectations of the workplace.
T Levels are rigorous qualifications and are equivalent to three A Levels. They require strong commitment, excellent attendance and a professional approach to learning. You will be expected to manage coursework, exams and a minimum 45-day industry placement, making time management, resilience and independence essential to success.
A T Level is ideal if you are motivated, career-focused and ready to be challenged. They suit students who want a clear route into skilled employment, higher apprenticeships or university, and who are prepared to work to high standards in both academic study and real workplace settings. T Levels are not the easiest option, but they are one of the most rewarding for students ready to step up.
Have a question?
Get in touch and our advice and guidance team will be more
than happy to answer any questions you may have and guide
you in the right direction.
