Course at a glance
Introduction
This course provides insight into how businesses operate, the various types of businesses, and the impact of the external environment on business decisions. It explores the drivers of change and how businesses respond to these factors, offering perspectives on business activities and services.
Students will develop essential, transferable skills, including data analysis, argument presentation, evidence-based decision-making, and problem-solving. A comprehensive selection of business-related topics will be covered, including finance, record-keeping, operations, and resource management.
The following unit descriptors are brief content guides to the course components and should provide a holistic overview of structure and format.
Benefits of the Course:
Students will expect to derive the following benefits from the diploma course:
- Specifically offer students a theoretical academic approach to the study of this area of business studies through a robust programme of learning that will enhance careers in the wider field of administrative roles that the student currently engages within or seeks to aspire towards.
- The Diploma Business Studies encourages students to: develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for, a rigorous study of their subject at a specialist level and explores the core theories and their application in business settings.
Assessment Objectives (AO)
AO: 1
Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures. The grading procedure if Pass or Fail. If you Fail an assessment you have the opportunity to amend where your tutor has highlighted and resubmit.
AO: 2
Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. Students can include evidence in different formats to support their written work such as documentation or images to support their course remembering Confidentiality and Data Protection.
Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
In addition, COLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)
To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Entry Requirement
Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma requires that potential students have gained GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent qualifications and have, good English oral, reading and writing skills.
Advice on enrolment and guidance of prior learning (APL) can be obtained through out contact centre. The course is a rolling programme and can be started at any point in the year. Successful students can go on to Higher Education, including remaining as students at COLC to complete courses in our portfolio of higher awards.
All students must be aged 16 or over.
Assessment
The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.
Study Hours
Approximately: 200 hours of personal study time for the entire course is recommended. All of which is supported by the COLC Course Tutor, who we greatly encourage students to access support from throughout their course.
Quality Assurance
This course has been developed by the College’s professional team of tutors to meet the needs of sector based employers and employees.
Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.
Course Length
1 Year.
Awarding Body
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Course Content
Unit 1 – Starting a Business
This unit introduces students to establishing a new or developing an existing business. Topics include business idea generation, resource transformation, and legal structuring. Students will learn about conducting market research, securing finance, and the essentials of planning and organising business operations, whether in physical locations or online.
Unit 2 – Financial Planning
Financial planning is crucial for business success. Students learn to use tools like break-even analysis and cash flow forecasting to set budgets, assess profitability, and make informed pricing decisions.
Unit 3 – Finance
This unit builds on financial planning, focusing on budget management, cash flow improvement, and profit measurement. Students will gain knowledge of legal financial requirements, such as tax obligations and employee benefits, essential for maintaining financial balance and transparency.
Unit 4 – People in Business
People are a business’s greatest asset. This unit covers organisational structure, staff roles, and responsibilities. Students will learn about human resource tasks, staff development, and legal duties, recognising the importance of effective team dynamics for business success.
Unit 5 – Operations Management
Effective operations management is key to maintaining quality and customer satisfaction. Students will learn how technology aids operational efficiency, inventory management, and customer service, maximising profitability and optimising workflow.
Unit 6 – Marketing and the Competitive Market
Marketing is essential for visibility and competitiveness. This unit focuses on market research, trend analysis, and designing effective marketing strategies. Students will learn about the marketing mix, brand reputation, and the importance of providing quality at a fair price.
Unit 7 – Marketing Strategies and Operations Management
This unit covers strategic marketing and operations management for businesses of all sizes. Students will learn how to develop marketing and operational objectives, set goals, and manage resources. Examples of business models will be discussed to illustrate best practices in customer service and inventory management.
Unit 8 – Human Resource Strategies, Financial Strategies, and Accounts
Legal compliance is essential for any business. This unit covers HR strategies, workforce planning, and financial management. Students will understand how to implement effective employee relations, working conditions, and financial accountability within an organisational structure.
Unit 9 – The Business Environment
Understanding the business environment is crucial to predicting trends and staying competitive. This unit examines economic, political, and legal influences, helping students learn from successful models around the world. The impact of globalisation on local markets is also explored.
Unit 10 – Managing Change
Adaptability is vital in the modern business world. This final unit explores the causes of change, strategies for managing change, and how to adapt to evolving markets. Students will study real-world examples and consider how trends affect established businesses. Resources like business news and shows like The Apprentice are recommended for further learning.
Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4+5 Diploma or higher.
You can view a lit of our Level 4+5 Diplomas here: Accredited level 4+5 Diplomas
