Business Level 1

• What will I study and learn?

  This course provides an insight into how businesses operate; examining those involved in running a business, how they are organised and financed and the importance of effective business communication. You will also look at how to set up your own business.

  
  

  The OCR Level 2 qualification is a practical, work-related course where the assessment is based on investigating real life businesses such as the highly competitive mobile phone industry, the innovative 'dot com' companies and the more traditional manufacturing sector. You will have to research different companies using a variety of methods, such as the Internet, or conducting interviews with business owners. You will be investigating a range of business issues such as supermarket price wars or the impact of e-commerce.

• How is the course assessed?

  The units are internally assessed through assignments and project work that are set and marked by your teacher.

• What skills will I need for the course?

  It is important to have a lively and inquiring mind, an interest in business and a willingness to explore new ideas. An ability to communicate your ideas effectively and good numerical skills are also important. You do not need to have studied business before in order to take the OCR Level 2 Diploma in Business course.

• What formal entry requirements will I need?

  Minimum requirements - 4 GCSEs at grade D/3 including English and Maths at grade 3

  
  OR
  
  Level 1 Diploma at Pass with GCSE English and Maths at grade 3 or equivalent Functional Skills.

• What are my progression options?

  If you gain a merit or distinction on this Level 2 course and pass your GCSE retake, you can progress to the Level 3 qualification in Business here at college. If you do well on that course you could progress to university to study a business related degree. Once you have started working you might consider a work related foundation degree where you study part time, using the skills and evidence you have gained at work.

  
  

  Alternatively you could use the qualification to progress within employment to professional qualifications such as those offered by the Association of Accounting Technicians, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants or the Institute of Personnel and Development. These are usually studied part time while you are working.

  
  

  However some students choose to go straight to employment in the business sector. The level 2 qualification course develops skills that employers value highly, such as managing your time, working with others, communications and IT.

• Are there any costs involved?

  No, but there may be additional costs for occasional trips.