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Business (Vocational) Level 3


If you want a foothold in this community then then a vocational course could well be a first step. Whatever your chosen career path, a business course will help you on your way: directly into employment or to higher level study. We choose topics and assignments based on real organisations or situations which reflect the opportunities that the city has to offer. You will develop the range of skills required in business through the varied ways that portfolio evidence is collected: individual research and report, presentations and simulated and real business activities.

The new suite of BTEC Nationals were designed in association with leading Universities and Employers with academic and career progression in mind. All Business students at Varndean have the opportunity to compete to be accepted onto the prestigious Paths 2 Success mentoring programme which offers work internships and individual Business Mentors to the winning candidates.

Topics Covered

(4 units: 3 mandatory, plus 1 optional)
  • Exploring Business
  • Developing a Marketing Campaign
  • Personal and Business Finance
  • Recruitment and Selection Process

You acquire an understanding about what goes on in the business world and understand in more detail about what's going on around you. The subject is challenging, however it's very interesting.

Laszlo Dancs, ex Varndean School

Course Essentials

Courses Available
Single BTEC Level 3 (equivalent to 1 A Level)
Entry Requirements
How The Course is Assessed
Year 1 - 50% Coursework, 50% exam
Year 2 - 33% coursework, 67% exam
Total - 42% coursework, 33% exam, 25% controlled external assessment
Career Pathways
Jobs in the financial and service industries in the area, retail and tourism management or setting up your own business. Or degree courses in Business, Finance, Accountancy, Economics, Marketing, International Business, Event Management and Human Resource Management.
Transferable Skills
Teamwork, leadership, presentation skills, ability to prioritise and organise workload, financial skills.
Other Information
Brighton & Hove has approximately 9,500 VAT registered business and six major employers with more than 1,000 employees. It also has the highest rate of self-employed workers in the southeast. (Brighton and Hove Economic Strategy 2008 - 2016).
Enquiries To
Simon Waters: sww@varndean.ac.uk