The entry qualifications for the Level 3 Business Extended Diploma are five GCSEs at grades 4 or above (Old GCSE grade C or above) including English Language and Maths.

Or Distinction in a relevant Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) together with Functional Skills Level 2 English and Maths (or equivalent).

The course will take you two years to complete. You will study at College for three days a week, plus work experience and independent study.

This Level 3 Business Extended Diploma is free for those who are under 19 on 31 August of the year they start their course.

For those aged 19+, this course will cost: £6602.

Aged 19+?
If you are aged 19 years or over on the 1st day of your course, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with your College fees. If you progress to employment you won't have to pay anything back until you’re earning £27,295per year. Your household income isn't taken into account and there's no credit check. Your eligibility depends on your course, nationality, and age. To find out more contact the College Information Line on 01205 313218.

Fees may vary depending on personal circumstances, please enquire for further information.

Please note that all fees are subject to change.

During the National Extended Diploma in Business, most units will be internally assessed by college tutors using a variety of methods such as assignment work or presentations and will be graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction. There will be two units each year which are assessed in the form of examinations which are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. All units must be achieved to a minimum of a pass standard in order to gain the full qualification. Exams will take place in January and May.

Extended Diplomas are highly valued by employers and can lead to careers in business specialisms such as finance, human resources, management or marketing, as well as other business related careers. You could also progress within employment to professional qualifications as offered by organisations like the Chartered Institute of Marketing, management accountants and personnel development.

The Extended Diploma is also a recognised route onto the HNC/HND business courses available at Boston College. Students also will be supported to apply for university as the business course is widely accepted for most business courses in universities across the country. Students have been accepted on to Business and marketing , international business, Logistics, Business and Human resource management.

Some of our students have progressed from a Level 1 programme all the way to a Level 3 and then onto university which is a fantastic achievement for those involved.

Should you require to resit an exam you will be required to pay a resit fee of approx. £20

There may be an opportunity to complete an Industry Placement alongside your main Level 3 course.

Industry placements give you the chance to put into practice what you have learned and you will have the opportunity to spend an average of 50 days working for an employer, in a role directly relevant to your course.

With an Industry Placement you will gain technical skills, be prepared for the world of work, and gain connections in order to secure a job after your course.

What will I gain?

• Build your confidence, self-reliance and independence in the workplace.
• Enhance the learning from your college course.
• Develop your experience and expand your CV.
• Give yourself a head start in knowing what type of job you may want to go into after finishing your course.
• May lead to further opportunities such as paid employment or an apprenticeship on completion of your course.
• Take a step forward professionally, knowing the behaviours expected in the workplace.

What will I do?

• You will take part in an average of 50 days placement in a role that is directly relevant to your course, in an external organisation.
• You will develop the practical and technical skills required for your profession/trade.
• You will develop employability skills such as communication, teamwork and time management.

An existing part time job may qualify as an Industry Placement if it meets the criteria set by the College.

For more information regarding Industry Placements please contact the Enterprise Zone: enterprise@boston.ac.uk or call 01205 365701 ext: 3226/3227