Level 3 BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Business

Course Code: P163634

Key Information

  • Course type:

    Vocational

  • Campus:

    Highbury Campus

  • Next Start Date:

    07 Sept 2026

  • Duration:

    1 year

  • Attendance:

    Full-time

  • Fees:

    Free

Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Business

The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Business is designed for students who are keen to gain a strong foundation in core business concepts while developing real-world knowledge and practical skills that employers and universities value. It forms the first year of the Extended National Diploma, which you can progress onto after successful completion of year one.

This qualification will particularly appeal to learners who enjoy applying theory to realistic workplace scenarios and want to explore areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, management, and enterprise. Whether you aspire to run your own business, progress into a career in business administration, marketing, accountancy, or continue into higher education, this course provides a strong and versatile starting point.

Units include:

  • exploring business
  • developing a marketing campaign
  • personal and business finance
  • managing an event
  • digital marketing
  • employment law.                                                       

The course encourages the development of essential employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving.

This course is equivalent to one and a half A Levels, which increases to the equivalent of three if you complete both year one (foundation) and year two (extended).

You will also complete a work experience placement and could gain experience in accounting, marketing, estate agency or at events, such as the Shaping Portsmouth Conference.

If you're motivated, organised, and eager to understand how businesses succeed and adapt in today’s competitive world, the BTEC National Diploma in Business could be the ideal route for you.

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths and English.

City of Portsmouth College is firmly committed to ensuring all students achieve their qualifications and have an outstanding learning experience during their time at the College. We recognise the importance and value of outstanding attendance and punctuality to students achieving success, including progression to higher levels of study, gaining employment, and gaining promotion in employment. Frequent absences and lateness impact upon student achievement as well as the acquisition of behaviours required at the workplace.

You will be expected to maintain a minimum of 90% attendance. You will also complete a minimum of 30 hours’ work experience in a business-related role. 

You will complete a mix of internally assessed coursework and externally assessed tasks and exams. Assessment could include report writing, presentations, project completion and case studies. 60% is set and graded internally, subject to external verification. 40% is set and graded externally, through examinations and set tasks. You will also have the opportunity to develop a work experience journal and design your own ePortfolio.

School Leavers under the age of 19 do not have to pay fees on any full time courses, though may have to pay for their second year if turning 19 during their studies. If you’re aged 19 or over you might qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. It’s easy to apply for and you won’t have to pay anything back until you’re earning over £25,000. If you are studying a part-time course and you receive one of the following benefits, or you depend financially on someone who does, you may be entitled to have your tuition fees waived: Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support. You will, however, have to pay any awarding body/assessment fees (unless you are on a first full level 2 course). * If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit or receive other allowances, you may be eligible to claim concessionary rates. If you are entitled to a fee concession you will be asked to provide proof of your entitlement. It is essential that you inform us if your entitlement changes at any time during your course.

You can progress to the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Business or another suitable Level 3 course. This one-year programme is the equivalent of one and a half A Levels. 

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