Course at a glance
Introduction
This Quality Assured, Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies, is aimed at providing those with some experience in business administration and/or introductory qualifications, with a review of the essential skills of business administration and how these skills can be applied and honed to do ‘better business’.
The course will teach the student the many and varied skills that underpin good business. The theoretical perspectives of businesses models, concepts, size, structures and focus is explored. Along with the many and varied tools used in business, how they, grow, finance and as complex entities ultimately survive in a global economic market.
Learning Aims
The learning programme for the student, offers choice and scope in regards to the wider study of the business practices. The core aims of the diploma are to:
- 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. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the connections between different elements of their 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.
AO: 2
Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should relate elements of their course of study to their broader context and to aspects of working experience.
Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
In addition, OLC 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 OLC to complete courses in our portfolio of higher awards.
All students must be aged 16 or over.
Assesment
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 OLC 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. It is also part of the College’s validated level three Diplomas’, recognised internationally, as verified and moderated Centre for Interactive Education (CIE Global). Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Course Length
1 Year.
Awarding Body
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Course Content
The whole level three diploma has TEN (10) specific units of study, which are sub-divided into topic areas these are:
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Unit 1: Starting a Business.
In this unit, students will explore how a business idea grows to being a fully functioning business. The processes involved, the commitment, foresight and hindsight that is, business acumen.
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Unit 2: Financial Planning
This unit explores how businesses are financed, the types of capital sources, how forecasting and control sets boundaries, maintaining financial accounts, budgeting and accountability.
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Unit 3: Finance
The unit continues to build on the themes of unit two. Once a business is established, what are the key aspects of good financial practice, accounting, income and expenditure, manual or computer controlled, responsibilities. The unit also looks at taxation, VAT and rent/mortgage, banking and much more.
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Unit 4: The People in Business
This unit helps the student explore people or personalities in business. It looks at managing human resources, recruitment, accountability, appraisal, training, structures and discipline. Along with other aspects of consideration.
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Unit 5: Operational Management
The ‘day to day’ management of a business is its “operation”. How do you move from a product/service provision to the delivery/sale of the unit of production/service? Measure the success/failure of the product/service being presented to the customer/client? This unit explores the importance of crucial administrative management of this process.
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Unit 6: Marketing and Competitive Marketing
A business’ ultima goal in a growing diverse economy is to sell/provide its products/services. This unit explores the importance of strong marketing strategy, research and product/service placement. You will look at the Unique Selling Point (USP), but essentially the price of that product/service.
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Unit 7: Marketing Strategies and Operational Management
The crucial collaboration between marketing and operational management is the maker or breaker of that business. How ever, large or small a business may be, it is crucial to have clear strategy that brings these two aspects together. This unit explores the importance of this collaborative partnership through good administration.
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Unit 8: Human Strategies, Financial Strategies & Managing Accounts
Whatever the size or shape of a business, through its administration the necessity to ensure continuity between the human and physical resources and the financial strategies is crucial. This unit explores the middle ground of business those areas of, accountability, legal, financial and wellbeing.
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Unit 9: The Business Environment
This unit explores the very nature of business and its environment. Each business setting will have impact, both internally and externally. These can be large or small depending on the business sector/industry. We explore how, legal, environmental, social, technological and ethical settings impact on successfully managing business.
Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma Unit 10: Managing Change
In this final unit we explore how managing change has become a core focus for all businesses. Change happens, but in business the way change is managed is crucial. We explore the changing nature of business, theories and strategies, that are currently ‘in vogue’ and those that have fallen away. In a 21st century business, we explore why managing change is a continuous discipline for business entrepreneurs in all sectors.
Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Business Studies Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4 Diploma or higher.
